Chapter 1
I. Request to Annul the Engagement
The refined beige-toned parlor was spacious and pleasant.
It was a space that hinted at the owner’s lofty taste and discernment. The bookshelves made of high-quality wood displayed oil paintings by renowned artists and beautiful tapestries in all their glory.
A large fireplace installed on one wall crackled warmly. Although the comfortably heated air created a relaxed atmosphere, Rozenne couldn’t shake off her tension as she sat on the plush sofa in front of the long table.
Iscarion, who was standing with his back to her in front of the large mahogany cabinet, was choosing a wine from the display inside. When he bent slightly, the sturdy outline of his broad back was clearly revealed through his finely tailored jacket. His straight, well-proportioned shoulders and long legs seemed particularly striking today.
‘…When should I say it?’
Rozenne glanced outside at the window where darkness had already fallen. The longest hand of the large wall clock had long since moved. Inside the crinoline dress, the corset she wore suddenly felt like it was tightening around her chest… The characteristic anxiety of someone with something important to say today made her legs twist beneath the voluminous tulle skirt.
Judging by the beautiful melodies and boisterous laughter echoing from afar, the banquet in the main hall of the grand duchy seemed to be ongoing. In fact, Rozenne had been organizing her thoughts on what to say to Iscarion after the party. She was so focused on not delaying any further that she couldn’t remember how her eighteenth birthday party was or what color the ribbon decoration on the cake was.
“What are you thinking about?”
A vase with white flowers was placed on the table in front of the sofa where she was seated. Lost in her thoughts as she gazed at the small, white petals that seemed somewhat out of place in the grand parlor, she looked up at the sudden question from above.
Iscarion had moved his long legs and was now standing right in front of her. The elegant and dignified man in a cream-colored tailcoat looked down at Rozenne with a faint smile.
“Rozenne.”
Ah…
“I didn’t expect you to take the initiative to ask me to drink together with you.”
His platinum blonde hair glittered like drowsy sunlight, and his long eyes, sharp nose, and finely sculpted jawline… Even though the outside was already covered in a dark curtain, Rozenne blinked momentarily at his radiant appearance, as if all the light in the world was drawn to him.
“I just… wanted to drink a little…”
“Yes, on a day like this, alcohol is better, isn’t it? Rather than tea.”
BOOM!
Fireworks marking the finale of the banquet began to go off, and the sound of fireworks could be heard from afar.
Gazing out the window where various colorful fireworks were decorating the dark night sky, Iscarion naturally put his hand in and out of his jacket pocket. His deep blue eyes turned back to her with a subtle smile.
“…Rozenne, you’re all grown up now.”
He seemed to be in quite a good mood when he said that.
He brought two types of alcohol. One was something he had carefully chosen for Rozenne, who couldn’t handle strong liquor. The other bottle, with a similar appearance, had a label of the port wine he usually enjoyed. Placing the bottles and crystal glasses on the table with the flower vase, he leaned in close to Rozenne before sitting down on the sofa opposite her.
“Rozy, just a moment.”
“…!”
The refreshing scent reminiscent of a winter forest. As the familiar fragrance drew closer, Rozenne’s heart fluttered with a strange anticipation. But Iscarion, who simply brushed away the hair that had fallen over her soft cheek and gently patted her small head a few times, did not come any closer.
Smooch. Before moving away, he placed a peck on her fair forehead. Ah… Rozenne was momentarily captivated by the blissful feeling, but he merely gave her cheek another light kiss before returning to his spot with a dignified motion.
Even with the brief contact, her cheeks felt like they were on fire, but her previously swelling heart deflated like a burst bubble. Feeling embarrassed, Rozenne opened her eyes, which she had closed, and saw his ascetic face moving away without hesitation, just like always.
“What is it?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
Seeing her clear, rose-quartz pink eyes widen as they met his, he casually asked while slowly leaning back on the sofa. Rozenne felt a bit of self-pity at his usual relaxed demeanor.
“So, why did you want to have a drink with me today?”
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