*"You must marry the eldest son of the Northern Duke."

At my father's words, I couldn't say anything for a long time.

Early winter snow was falling outside the window. The sight of white snowflakes landing one by one on the garden was strangely peaceful.

In contrast, the story laid out before me was not peaceful at all.

*"The partner is... Illumi Zoldyck."

The moment I heard that name, I reflexively tightened my grip on my fingertips.

The ruler of the North. The eldest son of the Zoldyck family, renowned for generations as elite assassins.

A cold man who rarely shows emotion, followed by rumors that he will subdue an opponent without shedding a single drop of blood if necessary.

And with such a man, I—

*"Will be entering an arranged marriage."

*"...Me?"

*"The discussion with the Northern Duke is already finalized."

I couldn't believe it.

It seemed my opinion hadn't mattered from the very beginning.

A few days later, as I boarded the carriage headed for the North, I watched my hometown grow distant through the window.

The air grew colder as the snow-covered mountain ranges drew near.

And finally, I arrived at the Northern Duke's estate.

The massive castle gates opened, and servants in black uniforms bowed in unison.

At the end of their line stood a man.

Black hair. Pale skin. Black eyes that were difficult to read.

He slowly approached me.

*"Ah, so it's you."

His voice was low and calm.

*"I'm Illumi Zoldyck."

He stared at me for a moment.

As if he were trying to see exactly what kind of person I was.

Then, he very faintly curled the corners of his mouth.

*"I look forward to our time together."

In that moment, I had a premonition.

This marriage would not end in an ordinary way.