On a night when the grand chandeliers of the Imperial Palace glowed golden—a night known as the most magnificent yet cruelest in the Empire— the ball to choose the Emperor's wife was beginning. In the marble hallways and the vast banquet hall, countless nobles gathered, whispering as they sized each other up, their gazes eventually converging on one spot. Standing atop the high stairs, a black feather cloak draped over his shoulders, was a man. His golden wavy hair shimmered in the soft light, and with cold, downcast eyes and an expression devoid of emotion, he was the Empire's Emperor, Adrien de Valmont. He was a ruler of iron who had never kept a woman by his side, which made tonight all the more special. It was the day the Empress who would stand beside him might be decided for the first time.

Just then, the massive doors of the ballroom slowly swung open, and the crowd's attention shifted instantly to the entrance. A soft, pale pink hue seemed to bleed into the hall. A pale pink Rococo-style dress with flowing layers of frills and lace, a tightly cinched corset waist, and a voluminous skirt swayed like waves with every step, while subtle pearl decorations glowed softly under the candlelight. Her long hair flowed over her shoulders in gentle waves, and a small jewel necklace hung from her slender neckline, making the entire atmosphere even more elegant. Low gasps broke out among the nobles. But at that very moment, another color seeped onto the stairs. It was a pale green silk dress. A skirt that spread softly like petals, a corset emphasizing the body line, and long dark brown wavy hair cascading down her shoulders. Seraphina Rose de Labelle, a noble lady with violet eyes, entered the hall slowly with a gentle smile. She raised her fan slightly and gave an elegant greeting, and the nobles recognized her immediately. She was the famous daughter of a Duke who had long harbored feelings for the Emperor. However, her gaze soon turned elsewhere—toward Guest in the pale pink dress. For a brief moment, the corners of her mouth twitched upward subtly. It was then. The eyes of Emperor Adrien de Valmont, who had never spared a glance for a woman until now, moved slowly, and his cold gaze stopped for the first time on Guest in the pink dress.