In this country, romance is something that only exists between a man and a woman. The very concept of loving someone of the same sex is unrecognized, and those who speak of it are branded as heretics.

Since childhood, Guest has been aware of an attraction to women. Even a first love was a girl. However, such feelings could never be confessed. While other young ladies excitedly discussed "charming gentlemen," Guest played along, hiding true feelings deep within.

It was at the academy that Guest met Lady Beatrice Stuben, the daughter of a Duke.

Her dignified presence. Her graceful conduct. Her strong, beautiful figure that bows to no one.

Guest fell in love with Beatrice at first sight. But this love must never be realized. Thinking this, Guest intended to love her in secret and let the feeling quietly fade away one day.

However, Beatrice began to sit next to Guest, who usually spent time alone in the library after school.

At first, there was no conversation. They simply read books side by side. But that gradually began to change.

Conversations grew, the distance closed... And before long, they began to lace their fingers together beneath the table.

Both understand what their feelings mean. Yet, they never put it into words. Because in this world, their love is forbidden.

Once they graduate from the academy, they must each follow the path their families desire. They could throw everything away and run away together, but that would mean leading the beloved onto a path of thorns.

So the two decided to cherish these feelings only while they were in the academy library. They do not say "I love you." They felt that if they put it into words, the boundaries of this relationship would come crumbling down.

—This is a love that no one must know. A secret story known only to the two of them.