Chapter 1~
“…This can’t be….”
Cecilia felt as though all the blood had drained from her head. Dizzy, she grabbed the edge of the table and steadied her breathing for a moment. The dress tightly cinched around her waist suddenly felt suffocating.
As her shock slowly settled, her gaze dropped to the crumpled invitation in her hand.
‘The engagement of Roséine, eldest daughter of Count Deneuve, and Dmitri, eldest son of the Duke of Geminique.’
Cecilia read the words written on the invitation over and over, letter by letter, as if she couldn’t believe them. But before she could even finish the first sentence, tears welled up in her eyes, blurring the text.
Her thoughts raced.
When did those two become close?
When had talks of marriage even begun between their families?
Questions tangled in her mind—until she reached one that made her heart sink.
Why didn’t Roséine tell me?
Roséine was her closest friend. The only person who knew better than anyone how long Cecilia had loved Dmitri.
[“How am I supposed to wait until the duke’s ball? I already miss Lord Dmitri.”]
Whenever Cecilia would gush about him, Roséine would listen as if it were the most entertaining story in the world.
[“Cecil, I heard Lord Dmitri likes azalea flowers. Why don’t you wear something pink to the ball?”]
She was the one who had always given advice to Cecilia, who had never even been in a relationship.
What had Roséine been thinking back then?
It had been a one-sided love—Dmitri didn’t even know—so Cecilia couldn’t bring herself to resent him. But you’re different, Roséine.
Letting out a deep sigh, Cecilia collapsed onto her bed. Seeing her so dejected—a rare sight—the maid Delaine hurried over with a strawberry cake, trying to cheer her up. But Cecilia didn’t even have the appetite for a single bite.
A month later.
“Delaine! You know my favorite ribbon, right? Prepare that one for me!”
The maids of the Serin Count’s household bustled about, getting Cecilia ready. Cecilia herself skipped over to her vanity and sat down eagerly.
Her golden hair shimmered like sunlight, and even the way she moved—light and fluttering like a sparrow—was charming.
There was no trace of the girl who had buried herself in bed after receiving the invitation a month ago.
Today was the day of Roséine and Dmitri’s engagement ceremony.
After receiving the invitation, Cecilia had tried to contact Roséine—sending letters to the Deneuve estate—but received no reply. Frustrated, she even went there in person, only to be told by the butler that Roséine was absent. And so, a month passed without a single explanation.
At first, Cecilia believed there must be a reason. But as time passed, anger replaced patience, and eventually her emotions boiled over. With nowhere to direct her resentment, she had no choice but to endure it alone. Yet even that phase passed, and to her own surprise, her heart gradually calmed.
‘Let’s forget any man who isn’t meant for me.’
She carefully folded away her longing for Dmitri, as if placing it deep inside a drawer.
His way of speaking, his manners, his light brown hair, his gentle eyes—she had loved everything. But now, she decided to preserve it all as nothing more than a memory.
Now, there was only one thing troubling her heart:
Roséine.
Unlike love, friendship couldn’t be folded away so easily. There must have been a reason she couldn’t help. Cecilia resolved to wait until she heard the explanation directly from Roséine herself.
“The carriage is ready, miss.”
At the butler’s polite knock and announcement, Cecilia dashed out immediately, as if even thinking any longer would be a luxury.
At that same time—
Someone else was hurrying toward the engagement ceremony.
A horse raced wildly through the forest path. Mounted atop it was a strikingly handsome knight, urging the already spirited horse onward.
He was a rare beauty in the empire—his sharp features sculpted as if carved, his dark blue eyes carrying a melancholic air. But the blood splattered across one cheek gave him a chilling appearance.
“At this rate, I’ll be late.”
Unaware of the change awaiting him, he drove his horse forward with only one thought in mind—faster.
The engagement ceremony was held at Stainy Castle, where the Geminique family spent their summers.
Cutting through the cool breeze that eased the summer night’s heat, the Serin family carriage glided through the castle gates.
Stepping down from the carriage, Cecilia lifted her head and gazed at the castle before her.
It was truly worthy of being called the pride of the Geminique family. White stone pillars blended harmoniously with the surrounding forest, and the blue-roofed towers stood beautifully against the dusky violet sky of the summer evening.
To be engaged here, in such a fairytale-like place… with someone as kind as Dmitri—
‘I have one more reason to envy Roséine.’
For a brief moment, Cecilia felt a pang of sadness. But she quickly took a breath, steeling herself.
‘Think happy thoughts! I’ll chat with people, enjoy good food, and just have a good time.’
With renewed determination, she stepped into the brightly lit castle.
With each step, an odd tension made her heart pound, but she forced herself to appear calm.
“Miss Cecilia!”
Young ladies who recognized her began gathering around.
“Are you feeling better now?”
“You missed the reading club for a whole month—we were so worried!”
They were members of the reading club she had attended with Roséine. Cecilia had never missed a session before—but after hearing about the engagement, she had stayed away, using her health as an excuse. She simply didn’t have the energy to smile and socialize.
“Thanks to your concern, I’m much better! I missed you all too.”
Seeing their familiar faces, her tension eased, and a genuine smile appeared. As she immersed herself in lively conversation, the shock from a month ago began to feel distant—like a bad dream.
“But really, why didn’t Roséine say anything while meeting such a wonderful man?”
“Cecilia, you knew, didn’t you? You were especially close to her.”
Even though she had just regained her composure, a careless remark instantly dragged her mood down again. Curious eyes turned toward her, urging her to explain.
“Ah… haha. Oh my, that cake looks delicious!”
Flustered, Cecilia quickly changed the subject and slipped away.
Her chest felt tight, so she grabbed a cocktail from a passing tray and drank it in one gulp.
Instead of the sweet taste she expected, it was strong alcohol. Heat rushed to her face all at once.
“Miss Cecilia, are you alright?”
Turning her head, she saw Miss Asen, her hair neatly curled, approaching with concern.
“Of course, Miss Asen.”
Cecilia tried to smile, but her facial muscles wouldn’t cooperate. Her lips trembled, as if she might burst into tears at any moment.
“Oh dear, you’re quite drunk. It must have been strong. Come, let’s get some air.”
Asen supported her and guided her toward the terrace.
“Haha… thank you, Miss Asen. How embarrassing….”
Leaning on her, Cecilia staggered forward.
The cool breeze from the summer forest soothed her flushed face as they stepped outside. Her chest felt lighter, and the dizziness began to fade.
Resting her arms on the railing, Cecilia admired the carefully maintained garden below—then glanced at Asen.
Asen Odique. Her family was the only mage lineage in the empire. They enhanced weapons with magic and healed knights, strengthening the empire.
Cecilia’s gaze fell on Asen’s scarred hands. Unlike her family, Asen had little talent for magic. Despite her passion, she often injured herself while practicing.
Looking down, Asen hesitated before speaking.
“Um… Miss Cecilia. You’re very upset because of Roséine, aren’t you?”
Cecilia blinked in surprise.
“Actually… everyone at the reading club knows. That you’ve been in love with Lord Dmitri.”
What? She had told no one except Roséine.
“Roséine told us. She said you seemed to care for him deeply, so we should help you.”
“And then?”
“Everyone found it exciting. We shared what we knew about him—his favorite books, food, instruments… thinking it might help you.”
Boom.
It felt like her mind had shattered.
“What… what is this…?”
“It was strange. For Roséine to suddenly announce her engagement to him….”
Something snapped inside Cecilia.
The humiliation of everyone knowing her secret, the betrayal she felt toward Roséine—it all surged at once. Her clenched fists trembled violently.
And then—
Words burst out of her, fueled by anger and grief she couldn’t even comprehend herself.
Startled, Asen stepped back at her sudden outburst.
Cecilia, shocked by her own reaction, tried to calm herself.
“I’m sorry… hic… I got too worked up, didn’t I? Maybe the drink was too strong….”
Hiccuping as she spoke—she looked like a complete drunk.
“Hic… ah… why won’t this stop…?”
Embarrassed, she tried to hide it. But as she felt warm tears streaming down her cheeks, she realized—
It wasn’t hiccups.
She was crying uncontrollably.
Ah… crying like this at someone else’s engagement…
Asen, who had stepped back, gathered her courage and approached Cecilia again.
“Don’t cry. You must have really loved Lord Dmitri.”
That was partly true—but not entirely.
Cecilia had loved Roséine just as much.
“Miss Cecilia… I think I can help you.”
At those words, Cecilia slowly lifted her head. Her tear-filled eyes urged Asen to continue.
“Actually… I’ve recently developed a potion.”
In the darkness of the night, Asen’s green eyes gleamed with a dangerous light.
“It’s a love potion. If you burn a strand of your hair into it… and Lord Dmitri drinks it…”
She smiled faintly.
“He won’t be able to help but fall in love with you.”
