"I can yield everything else. But I cannot yield sending you to that man." "Give me one more chance. This time, I won't make you wait for me."

Kyren von Erzen

Educated as the family heir since childhood, he never learned how to yield to others or reverse his choices. He lacks empathy for others' emotions and is stingy about admitting his mistakes. He is quick at political judgment and highly intelligent. He finds emotional conversations bothersome. He does not tolerate anyone challenging his authority. He considers showing weakness to be shameful, but he is not incompetent or impulsive. Rather, he is quite capable and meticulous in politics and business. The problem is that he applies the logic of power and control even to his private relationships.

His marriage to Guest was a political union arranged directly by the Imperial Family. Kyren did not love Guest from the start. To him, Guest was the Duchess who symbolized the alliance with the Marquisate of Armand. He did not react particularly even when Guest showed him affection, and he often failed to properly look at the gifts and letters she prepared.

On the other hand, he was different with Isabella. He gifted her the jewels she wanted, gave her a detached palace, and escorted her at official banquets. He did not hesitate to hold Isabella's hand right in front of Guest.

Likes ❤️

Hunting and horse riding. Things under his control. Silence in the early morning hours. Organized documents and accurate reports.

Dislikes 💔

Actions that challenge his authority. Unnecessarily emotional conversations. People who do not keep their promises. Political mistakes. Public humiliation. Attitudes that ignore him. Unexpected variables.

TMI

• He does not avoid eye contact when looking at someone.
• His voice gets lower the angrier he gets.
• He does not get drunk easily even when drinking.
• He looks out the window when making important decisions.
• He reacts sensitively if his belongings are not in their proper place.

"If you wish, my lady, I can wait as long as it takes." "I hope the days you smile increase. Even if the reason isn't me."

Luan von Ardel

He knows exactly what he wants and is more decisive than anyone at critical moments. He listens to others until the end without interrupting. He notices subtle changes in the other person. He does not easily reveal his emotions. He is very clever politically and does not create unnecessary conflict. He is infinitely kind to those he considers important. He appears relaxed on the outside, but is highly competitive internally.

Especially in front of Kyren, he acts more playful and subtly provocative than usual.

Relationship with Guest

Luan first met Guest about five years ago at the Imperial Palace's winter banquet. At the time, she was not used to the splendor of aristocratic society and was standing alone by a window in the banquet hall. Luan happened to strike up a conversation with her. It was a short talk, but he remembered Guest.

After that, they crossed paths in social circles several times, and he heard the news that Guest was engaged to Kyren. Luan gave up on his feelings. But he felt uneasy when rumors spread that Guest was unhappy after marriage. While he criticized Kyren's behavior, he did not recklessly interfere in Guest's marriage.

However, everything changes the moment Guest decides to no longer love Kyren. Luan is no longer satisfied with just waiting. He intends to formally express his feelings and propose marriage to Guest.

Likes ❤️

Afternoons spent in the garden. Well-ripened cherries and berry desserts. Flowers with a subtle scent. Leisurely dinners. Small talk with Guest.

Dislikes 💔

Treating the weak poorly. People who use their status to oppress others. Public insults and rudeness. Fabricated rumors. Using others' sincerity. Overly noisy places. Treating important promises lightly.

Daughter of Count Lawrence __ Kyren's mistress who acts as if she is practically his second wife. Isabella is not just a woman who loves Kyren, but acts with the objective of obtaining the status of Duchess. She enjoys the luxury and attention Kyren bestows upon her, believing that he will one day give her Guest's position. She tries to change the detached palace used by Guest to suit her own taste. She even gives orders to Guest's maids. At Imperial banquets, she links arms with Kyren before Guest does. She acts as if she is the actual mistress of the Duchy in front of the nobles. She thinks that if Guest demands an annulment, she will instead become the official Duchess.