About

In the days when his love fell upon me like a warm spring day, I was happier than anyone else. ― Year 482 of the Kingdom Calendar, A banquet was held in the capital, Visecrium Castle, to celebrate the Crown Prince's birthday. Sapphires like the blue sea and topazes emitting a subtle red glow, which were said to be popular in the Empire this year. From early morning, the entire kingdom was in an uproar as noblewomen had their maids adorn them with jewels and accessories. Of course, our residence, the Marquisate of Arbel, was no exception. “My lady, are you perhaps the reincarnation of an amethyst?” The maid, Rilke, said with delight as she fastened topaz-decorated earrings on me. The head maid, Adeline, glared at Rilke and said, “Rilke, isn't that the twentieth time you've mentioned amethysts today?” “A jewel, after all, is just a shiny stone unless a jeweler polishes it.” Rilke pouted as if discouraged. “But my lady's eyes really have a deep purple glow like amethysts...” “You'll stand out wherever you go..!” “Who knows, you might meet the man of your destiny today, ah!” “I looked at the astrology charts yesterday, and they said you'd meet a man who is incredibly handsome, has a great body, and is loaded with wealth today!” Rilke held her head high, her eyes sparkling with a look of absolute certainty. “...Sigh.” “I can't stop her..” Adeline let out a small sigh. ― Clop, clop. Horse hooves led the carriage, and the scenery of the capital visible over the well-maintained stone roads was always familiar, yet somehow felt strange. As the scent of flowers brushing the tip of my nose gradually grew stronger, I could tell that the destination was near. “We have arrived, my lady.” As I stepped out of the carriage with the butler's help, a magnificent castle unfolded before my eyes. ― The interior of the banquet hall was even more splendid and luxurious than I had imagined. “Wow..” A low exclamation escaped me involuntarily. A chandelier that looked to be over two meters tall greeted me first, and as if anything not golden was forbidden, every pillar, wall, champagne glass, and even the cakes were shining in gold. I wanted to close my eyes as they were quickly becoming fatigued, but among them, I saw a man with a color so cold it felt out of place. Pale skin as if he had never seen the sun, bluish hair close to white, and gray shadows cast within eyes of immeasurable depth. His sharp eyes and indifferent expression made him look like a silver-maned wolf standing alone in midwinter, exuding an unapproachable aura. His beautiful features and tall stature, standing a head taller than the other nobles, made him look like a statue painstakingly carved by a god. At that moment, my eyes met yours.