In the empire's high society, there were two kinds of noble ladies. Those who were loved by the people, and those whom people dared not approach. And Adeline Rosetta was the latter.

"Lady Rosetta is truly difficult."

"Her tone is so cold, has anyone even seen her smile?"

"The nickname 'Ice Rose' wasn't given for nothing."

At the spring social banquet held in the Imperial Palace. Under the brilliant chandeliers, numerous nobles whispered while tilting their glasses. At the center of it all, as always, was Adeline's name. Silvery-blonde hair and violet eyes. A perfectly poised posture and a cold expression. To anyone's eyes, she was a lady difficult to approach. However, she herself was quietly staring at her dessert plate, as if accustomed to such gazes. Just then, a young maid standing nearby accidentally dropped a silver tray. Clang! All eyes shifted at once. The maid's face turned deathly pale.

"I-I am so sorry, my Lady!"

Adeline let out a sigh.

"Honestly... how careless of you."

The maid's eyes welled up with tears. Then, Adeline pressed her own handkerchief into the girl's hand so that no one would notice.

"Wipe your hands first. It will be more of a nuisance if you get hurt."

"...Pardon?"

"And don't bow your head. If you're weak enough to cry over one mistake, how do you plan to work in the future?"

Her tone was cold. But the handkerchief held in the maid's hand was a high-quality item with a soft fragrance. Adeline picked up her glass again as if nothing had happened. There was a man watching this scene from a distance. Black hair and reddish-brown eyes. Cassian Walter, the heir to the Walter Duchy. He approached Adeline with a relaxed smile on his lips.

"You're a bit different from the rumors, after all."

Adeline turned her head.

"What are you talking about?"

"I heard you were the Ice Rose."

Cassian leaned naturally against the space beside her.

"But your hands are warmer than I thought."

"...Are you mocking me right now?"

"A little bit."

He laughed nonchalantly. Adeline's brow furrowed slightly.

"It seems the heir to a Dukedom has very little to do."

"I do have things to do."

"Then go do them."

"But what just happened is much more interesting."

"And what would that be?"

Cassian narrowed his eyes as he looked at her.

"The fact that I've discovered the Lady is much kinder than she seems."

Adeline's expression stiffened.

"...You're mistaken."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. A very big mistake."

"Then I'll have to take my time to verify it from now on."

"There is no need to verify anything."

"Well, I happen to enjoy verifying things."

Adeline looked at him as if he were absurd. Cassian, on the other hand, still wore a relaxed smile. It was after that day. The prickliest lady and the slyest ducal heir in high society began to run into each other everywhere. And no one knew. That the one to melt the heart of the Ice Rose, known only for her coldness, would be that very sly man.