Chapter 3
At first, Diena hadn’t believed him.
But as the days passed, she slowly grew accustomed to the warmth and sincerity that never left Barkhan’s voice.
“Because Barkhan will protect you.”
“Of course I will. I’m going to become the strongest, after all.”
By then, Diena already knew that he only said those things to reassure her.
No matter how much darkness accumulated inside his body, he never once considered using her for his own sake. If circumstances became unavoidable and she offered her help first, he would only smile with genuine gratitude—yet even then, he would insist that she put herself before him.
It was the first time in her life she had ever experienced true happiness.
Only then did Diena finally understand.
Everything before meeting him…
…had been nothing but misery.
So this…
This is what a real family feels like.
But, as always…
Her happiness did not last long.
The people of House Rothwell discovered their hideout.
Barkhan managed to escape with only Diena in his arms. The pain was unbearable, as though her heart had been ripped apart.
The final sight of the Kardian Mercenary Corps remained burned into her memory.
Hasen.
Malakar.
And every other member.
They had all died.
They had barely managed to flee, but Barkhan had suffered a mortal wound.
It was the first time…
…she had ever seen him look so fragile.
“At least you… survive.”
“Be happy…”
Though she knew it was a promise he could never keep, she forced herself to smile.
“I will.”
“I promise.”
Only after hearing her answer did Barkhan finally close his eyes in peace.
But Diena herself had already reached her limit.
And in the end… I died as well.
Yet when she opened her eyes again…
She had returned to her childhood.
And this time, fate had given her the chance to meet Barkhan far earlier than before.
If I try to run and get caught… they might discover my ability and keep me under constant watch.
The only reason she had escaped House Rothwell in her previous life had been pure luck.
No matter how carefully I avoid them… they could still catch me.
She would only get one chance.
Diena clenched both fists until her nails bit into her palms.
No matter what it takes…
I’ll leave this place with Barkhan.
* * *
The Rothwell Ducal Estate was unusually busy from the break of dawn.
Today, the five great ducal families of the Empire would gather under its roof.
Hartmann.
Volkov.
Castleton.
Kardian.
And Rothwell.
For generations, the five houses had held regular social gatherings, and this year’s meeting was being hosted by House Rothwell.
It had been nearly two years since the new Duke of Rothwell inherited his title.
Today would be the first formal occasion where he greeted the other great houses as their equal.
Standing before a full-length mirror, Romie smiled with satisfaction.
She looked radiant.
A luxurious silk gown embroidered with pearls and golden thread shimmered beneath the morning light.
But what drew the eye most was the vivid crimson ribbon tied elegantly across her chest.
“Perfect.”
She was certain she would be the center of attention today.
Even that country bumpkin Bianca isn’t coming after I put her in her place last time.
And the other great houses only have male heirs.
Beside her, the Duchess of Rothwell, Edelin, smiled proudly at her daughter.
“You truly look beautiful today, Romie.”
“It’s my first official meeting with the Five Great Houses. Naturally, I had to prepare properly.”
Romie’s older brother, Cain, let out an indifferent yawn.
“Can we go already? Everyone’s waiting.”
“The star always arrives fashionably late.”
With a cheerful laugh, Romie linked arms with Cain before making her way toward the reception hall.
The guests had already assembled.
The young nobles of each house sat alongside their mothers, while trusted retainers stood respectfully behind them.
Feeling countless eyes settle upon her, Romie’s lips curved into an elegant smile.
The first people she noticed were those from House Volkov and House Hartmann.
Unfortunately, neither family’s heir had been able to attend.
It’s a shame Cassian and Dietrich couldn’t make it…
And the Castleton heir isn’t here either.
Since they were one year younger than Romie and currently in their Academy graduation year, they had been unable to leave.
Ludric Castleton, heir to House Castleton, was also absent due to poor health.
Still… there are plenty of important people here.
Her gaze slowly swept across the room.
Most of the attendees were the ladies of each household.
However, because the Duke of Castleton had no spouse, she had attended personally.
As the only woman to hold a ducal title in the Empire, she was the very image countless noble ladies admired.
If Romie could earn the duchess’s favor…
Becoming the jewel of high society would only be a matter of time.
She had complete confidence.
Besides…
She believed today’s spotlight belonged to her.
Everyone must be hoping to make me part of their family.
Unlike that unfashionable Bianca of House Kardian, surely every noble house would want someone like her as their daughter-in-law.
What Romie failed to notice…
…was the subtle stiffness on the noblewomen’s faces.
Their eyes weren’t fixed on her beauty.
They were staring at the crimson ribbon decorating her dress.
Within high aristocratic society, it was considered deeply improper for an unmarried young lady who had not yet made her official social debut to wear red.
Romie had never participated in upper-class society before.
She had absolutely no idea.
Neither did Edelin.
Having not been born into one of the great noble houses herself—and with the Duke dismissing etiquette and social gatherings as trivial matters for women—she had never been taught such customs.
Neither mother nor daughter understood why the atmosphere had suddenly turned so cold.
Finally, unable to ignore it any longer, the Duchess of Castleton spoke.
“Lady Romie’s attire is… remarkably extravagant.”
Mistaking the remark for praise, Romie’s cheeks flushed.
“Oh? Is it really?”
The Duchess merely turned her head away with obvious displeasure.
Still oblivious, Edelin gently guided Romie forward.
“It’s been quite some time since we’ve all gathered.”
“You’ve never met my daughter before, have you?”
“This is Romie Rothwell.”
Gathering her courage, Romie gracefully lifted the hem of her skirt in a perfect curtsy.
“I am Romie Rothwell.”
“It is an honor to make the acquaintance of such distinguished ladies.”
For a brief moment…
Silence filled the room.
Then Lady Volkov, who happened to be on friendly terms with the current Duke of Rothwell, smiled kindly.
“My husband has spoken of you often.”
“Just as the rumors say—you are both graceful and lovely.”
Lady Hartmann added with a gentle smile,
“Indeed.”
“Among all the young ladies I’ve met, your beauty is especially striking.”
“Quite charming, in fact.”
Romie’s cheeks warmed with delight.
Receiving admiration from the wives of the Empire’s greatest noble families felt intoxicating.
Then—
Her eyes landed on the one man she had been waiting for.
Barkhan Kardian.
Romie had long held a favorable impression of him.
His birth might not have been especially prestigious, but a man blessed with extraordinary abilities and handsome features was a rare treasure anywhere in the Empire.
“Hello, Sir Barkhan.”
“This is our first meeting, isn’t it?”
She greeted him with a bright, inviting smile.
Barkhan merely furrowed his brow.
He gave no reply.
Caught off guard, Romie forced another smile.
“Would it be all right if I visited House Kardian sometime soon?”
“I’m acquainted with Lady Bianca, after all.”
A quiet sigh escaped Barkhan’s lips.
Just as he was about to answer—
His expression suddenly changed.
He slowly turned toward the doorway.
“…Who’s there?”
Following his gaze, every noblewoman instinctively looked in the same direction.
Romie’s eyes widened.
The Duchess of Castleton breathed out in surprise.
“Lady… Diena?”
Standing silently at the entrance…
…was Diena.
She wore a faded, light-brown dress so worn it looked as though even a maid would refuse to wear it.
Frozen in place, she blinked with wide, rabbit-like eyes, uncertain whether she should step forward or run away.
For a brief moment, shock flickered across the faces of every noblewoman in the room.
