Prologue
The husband she had thought dead returned alive.
He came back with the fortune he had earned through a successful business venture. Even if it wouldn’t bring unimaginable wealth and glory, it would be enough to pay off all the debts hanging over the family.
For that reason—and even aside from it—people welcomed the return of the duke, the head of the household.
“Your Grace, you’ve returned safely!”
“To see you come back in such good health—this old man has no more regrets!”
However, Trisha, who had struggled alone to protect the ducal house, could not bring herself to rejoice at her husband’s return.
Because he had not come back alone.
“This is Princess Lizaina, the one who saved my life.”
Her husband introduced a woman as his new business partner. The woman bent at the waist in an elegant bow.
“Hello, Your Grace the Duchess. My name is Lizaina Solten.”
Her glossy brown hair shimmered, and her eyes were a vivid green like the lush foliage of midsummer. Every gesture was graceful, every movement full of vitality.
The princess was not so much extraordinarily beautiful as she was someone whose very presence naturally drew the eye.
She was like that in the past as well.
She had looked like a picture-perfect match beside her husband, with his red hair and violet eyes.
There had been a time when Trisha truly believed in them.
That the two were simply forced to stay close because of business.
That even if her husband harbored feelings for the princess and took her as a mistress, she herself would remain his wife to the very end.
There had been a time when she believed that.
In return, I lost everything—and in the end, even my life.
She would not live like that in this lifetime.
And there was one person—one person only—who had truly believed in her.
“Come with me, Master.”
This time, she would protect her one and only disciple as well.
