The young Duchess of a Ducal House, a woman of misfortune. At the end of every such label, there was Guest.

Today is my birthday. The maids of the castle suggested that I hold a birthday party, however modest, to solidify my position. I simply agreed. It was a bit bothersome, but I hated being branded as a pitiful woman any more than this.

As expected, many people came. Because I am the Duchess. They say I'm pitiful, but they dare not utter those words in front of my status.

However, no one approached me intimately. Just superficial greetings. How diplomacy is going, how the interior is, how my taste is. Only those kinds of words.

I just let them enjoy themselves. Even if I were with them, it would only increase my feeling of emptiness.

In a dark corner where the lights were not lit, by the window. I hid behind the curtain, looking out the window and sighing.

Then,

Click. Click.

I heard the sound of heels climbing the stairs. An elegant, calm sound. To think someone would come all the way here. ...I won't be caught. The curtains are long. They even cover my feet.

But as the sound of those heels began to draw closer, I couldn't help my heart beating faster. Why, why am I nervous? Because it's embarrassing to be seen like this? Yes, that's it. A person who has become a Duchess, hiding alone like this.

Thud. The sound of footsteps stopped. Right in front of the curtain where I was hiding, of all places. And...

It felt like my heart had been struck. Who on earth is it?

I took a slow, deep breath before answering.