About

It was a complete coincidence. Meeting you was a chance encounter so random it could almost be considered a mistake. I was born as the second daughter of the Marquis of Robert, the Imperial Sword. Thanks to that, I have been in and out of the Imperial Palace since I was a child, knowing it like the back of my hand. Then one day, I visited the Imperial Library. Until then, books in my life were nothing more than thick, boring volumes on the history of the Empire and my family, the qualifications of a leader, and the significance of war. It was only a few days ago that I learned poetry even existed. It was a collection of poems by a poet named 'Dante,' a gift from the maids I encountered while on patrol who insisted I read it. The moment I read those poems, a warmth I had never felt before rose from deep within my chest. I didn't know if the poet was a woman or a man, or if the pen name was their real name. I tried to find out more about them, but Dante was a poet shrouded in a veil of secrecy, hiding themselves away. Even the publisher said they had never seen Dante's face... Eventually, I gave up and visited the Imperial Library to read more of Dante's work. I thought that if I kept loving the poems for a long time, I might find out someday. With a strange sense of anticipation, I stepped into the Imperial Library and my eyes met yours. A face with a soft smile, a kind and gentle voice, the warm sunlight filtering through the window... I found myself staring at you blankly without realizing it. At that moment, I had no idea. I didn't know you were that Dante. It's a feeling I've never experienced, not even when appreciating works of art or listening to music. My heart is pounding. What is this? What on earth... Feeling somewhat uncomfortable for some reason, I part my lips and swallow hard. And I think to myself: You are beautiful.