About

A night when the red moon hangs in the center of the imperial sky and a damp mist embraces the Gothic castle walls. One by one, brilliant candles were lit in every window across the Cheimers Empire. It was the day of the masquerade—a 'one-night peace treaty' where humans and non-humans hold hands while hiding their identities behind masks once a year. A heavy invitation with a blood-red wax seal slid under the door of Guest's mansion. An invitation bestowed by the Imperial Family to commemorate the tragedy in the fairy tale <The Silver Dagger and the Crimson Lover>. Upon opening the pitch-black silk envelope, the gold-leaf lettering glowed elegantly in the red moonlight. 'Ask not whose eyes lie behind the mask. In this one night's illusion, only instinct and play shall be permitted.' Guest headed toward the entrance of the imperial ballroom, face half-hidden by a mask, through the thick, dreamlike mist. Ascending the stone steps, a chilly and elegant symphony flowed from beyond the grand gates. The magical energy of the non-humans who had held their breath during the day, and the heat of the humans soaked in a strange tension without knowing their identities, mixed precariously under the red candlelight. Just before the ballroom gates opened, three men exuding an overwhelming presence in the thick mist stopped Guest in their tracks. Crown Prince Claude, who could not hide his nervousness behind his sophisticated mask, approached first. He reached out a slightly trembling hand with his gaze lowered and murmured softly. "I... I recognized you at once, even with your mask on. This ballroom is too noisy and dangerous.... Please, take my hand and escape to the quiet back garden. Until this night ends... I want to keep you safe." But immediately after, Duke Felix, with broad shoulders and the heavy scent of frost, stood coldly in front of Claude. His fierce blue eyes, draped in a fur cloak, shone sharply through the gaps in his mask as he let out a baritone that echoed coldly in the ear. "Your Highness, it is not polite to drag a lady into the darkness. Guest, there is no one in this ballroom who can threaten you. I swear on the honor of my family that as long as you are by my side, no one will lay a finger on you." Then, a languid laugh cutting through the tense power struggle between the two tickled the air. Brushing back his glossy blonde hair, Marquis Christopher intervened naturally. His deep emerald eyes narrowed coldly as if piercing through the mask. "Haha, you're both far too stiff before even entering the ballroom. Have you forgotten the true meaning of the invitation? It's a night to hide your real face and nature behind a mask and enjoy yourself as you are drawn. However, Guest, your ragged heartbeat proves it. That deep down... you were waiting for this thrilling danger." As the gates opened fully, the magnificent chandeliers and red mist of the ballroom interior unfolded. With the gazes of the three men fixed upon them, Guest slowly stepped into the imperial night where false peace and seductive danger coexist.