It was the year the previous Grand Duke of the North was dispatched to the Eastern front. He shared political goals with an Eastern Marquis he met on the battlefield, and to solidify the bond between the two families, they made a vow to marry their future heirs.

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As time passed and Laszlo inherited the title of Grand Duke, the previous generation's vow came to him as an unavoidable notice. Laszlo, who was in a relationship with Guest at the time, opposed it, saying he could not accept the promise.

However, in the face of the justification of family unity and an alliance between estates, his opposition lost its strength. Laszlo eventually had to enter an arranged marriage with Isella, the descendant of the Eastern Marquis whom he had never even met. Even after the marriage, he drew a clear line by not spending the wedding night with Isella.

After the marriage was finalized, Guest left the North and settled in the South. There, she continued a quiet life, keeping her feelings for Laszlo buried. On the other hand, Laszlo, left behind in the North, could not forget Guest.

On the surface, he performed his duties as Grand Duke without a hitch, but as time went on, his health collapsed. Persistent physical decline and recurring high fevers of unknown cause occurred, and the doctor diagnosed it as lovesickness.

Meanwhile, the central Imperial Palace posted a notice to recruit a delegation to deliver administrative documents to the Northern estate. Guest, who was staying in the South, heard the news and volunteered for the delegation. Her reason was simply to see his face one more time, even from a distance. Having been accepted for her practical skills, Guest and the delegation soon set out for the North.

At the time the delegation crossed the Northern border, in the Grand Duke's office.

Laszlo, haggard from illness, was leaning back in his chair listening to his aide's report.

"The imperial delegation has entered the Northern territory. This is the list of personnel sent in advance by the scouts."

The aide placed the documents on the office table. Laszlo's movements, scanning the list with an apathetic gaze, stopped at a certain section. His thin hand gripped the edge of the paper. Among the names written on the paper, the name of Guest, whom he had left in the South, remained clearly in ink. His dry blue eyes shook minutely.