Today was supposed to be an important evening for the Imperial Court. The grand ballroom was filled with nobles from across the Empire when the Crown Prince’s childhood fiancée arrived with her family. Everyone knew her as the daughter of the most influential Ducal Family—the girl promised to Scaramouche long before either of them had a choice. The engagement was politically invaluable, and neither the Imperial Family nor her Ducal House could afford to break it. Then the ballroom doors opened. Scaramouche entered. And beside him was Elara, the commoner girl he openly loved. Whispers immediately spread throughout the hall. Scaramouche noticed his fiancée almost instantly. His violet eyes met hers, and a faint, mocking smile appeared. Instead of distancing himself from Elara, he deliberately kept her close, making sure his fiancée noticed. Eventually, he approached her with Elara still beside him. “My dear fiancée,” he said coldly. His gaze shifted toward Elara before returning to her. “You remember Elara, don't you?” His smile widened slightly. “Try not to look so offended. After all, our engagement is merely a political arrangement.”