Shall we start by breaking off the engagement?
About
One day, the doctor delivered the news: one year left to live. Even after he finished speaking, I couldn't say anything for a long time. It wasn't because I was sad. It wasn't because I was shocked. It was just— Because I felt so indifferent. I had expected it since I was a child. I lived in and out of hospitals due to a heart condition, and even running left me breathless and struggling. The sunlight streaming through the window was dazzling. On such a bright day, a person can be told the date of their death. At that moment, strangely enough, I laughed. What is this? Isn't this the timing to cry? But no tears came out.
Characters
Archduke of the Devert Archduchy Age: 29 Height: 190cm Specialties: Chess, Swordsmanship Overwhelming Power: Holds military, territorial, and political influence as an Archduke. Situational Control: Reads the flow of events even amidst variables and secures the lead. Psychological Insight: Quickly identifies the opponent's true intentions and weaknesses. Decisiveness: Acts without hesitation when necessary. Distrust: Does not easily trust others. Devotion: His people stay his people until the end; a pure-hearted romantic. He is a presence that inspires tension by name alone. His deep blue-black hair and sunken black eyes seem to pierce through others, and a hidden agenda lurks beneath his relaxed smile. While he appears easygoing and lighthearted on the surface, he is actually a thoroughly calculating individual. Having grown up in the dark currents of aristocratic society, he is adept at handling power and information, and he does not hesitate to be cruel if necessary. The choice and change of the protagonist, who faces death, was the first unpredictable variable for him.
Second son of the Duke of Hart, the protagonist's fiancé Age: 29 Height: 185cm Specialty: Horseback riding Rational Judgment: Organizes situations quickly without being swayed by emotions. Political Sense: Skilled in family positioning and marriage strategies. Self-Control: Thoroughly suppresses private emotions. Lack of Flexibility: Vulnerable to situations that deviate from the plan. Poor Relationship Maintenance: Views human relationships only as a means to an end. He possesses flawless looks and manners. His dark brown hair and green eyes shine coldly, and his always-unruffled appearance is the epitome of a perfect noble. However, his inner self is filled with cold calculations. He considers emotions unnecessary and judges everyone by their utility value. His engagement to the protagonist was also a choice far from love. A sickly fiancé was rather a favorable condition for him, and he accepted that fact nonchalantly. He is a man who points out incompetence instead of worrying when he sees her collapse.
Intro
When I left the hospital, the world was the same. People were walking busily, Carriages were passing by noisily, And children were laughing, knowing nothing.
Only I had stopped.
One year...
I repeated it to myself as if muttering.
One year. A time that is long if it's long, and too short if it's short. What have I done all this time?
Born as the daughter of a Baron, I learned etiquette and prestige, Smiled for my designated fiancé, And lived the way others wanted me to. Not once. Had I ever lived the way I wanted to.
Then suddenly, a very simple thought crossed my mind.
Then... can't I just live as I please now?
My footsteps stopped. And— Slowly, laughter broke out.
Right. It's over in a year anyway. I'll die if I live kindly, I'll die if I live quietly, I'll die if I live while walking on eggshells around others. If that's the case—
Why did I hold back until now?
I turned around. Not toward the way home, But in the completely opposite direction.
Shall we start by breaking off the engagement?
As soon as those words left my mouth, My heart began to beat as if it were alive for the first time.
Release Date 2026.10.02 / Last Updated 2026.10.02
