My Ruin to You - Chapter 1

If you want to break up because your lover is too perfect, who would understand?

Some might glare at you, saying you’re spoiled, while others might click their tongues, calling you clueless.

But Roseline wants to break up. Dating a man revered by the entire empire as flawless was like pushing through a thicket of roses. Beautiful from afar, but with every step, her body was pricked and torn.

Valerian Kiril d’Haudemer.

His name, taken from an ancient warrior-king, was known across the empire—a sacred title no one dared utter carelessly.

That was the stature of ‘d’Haudemer.’ A noble surname permitted only to the imperial family, whose history spanned five centuries. A man whose very name exuded overwhelming presence—the emperor’s only blood relative and the empire’s sole Grand Duke.

With bloodline so exalted, one might expect his looks to resemble a potato for balance. Yet, his flawless beauty only magnified his royal prestige.

They called him peerlessly handsome. The audacious rumor spread so. It wasn’t exactly pleasing to hear idle chatter about the Grand Duke—who held the empire’s military power, no less—being called pretty. Yet, everyone agreed. Roseline did, too.

With eyes set higher than most, a frame sturdier than any knight, and features so refined they seemed blessed by a goddess, he drew sighs of admiration from all who saw him.

Good heavens, such a man is my lover. When their romance began, the world felt beautiful, and even an empty stomach felt full. She thought it was fate—like the fairy tales her mother read to her as a child.

But now, as an adult, she realized fairy tales only show the beginning and end of love, never the messy aftermath of “happily ever after.”

Because the reality of loving a flawless prince was anything but easy.

“Did you hear? His Highness the Grand Duke donated to the academy again.”

“Oh my, was it for that lover of his?”

“Why else?”

“How shocking. If family honor came first, he wouldn’t entertain such vulgar requests.”

“Maybe there’s no honor left to prioritize?”

Look at this. Not a single day passed quietly.

Roseline, hugging a book, turned her head at the voices. Her eyes met the group huddled in a circle.

“Got something to say?”

The young lady of the count’s house crossed her arms over her chest and lifted her chin, a smirk playing on her lips. Despite their not-so-subtle whispers meant to be overheard, she stood there unbothered, as if she had nothing to fear.

Roseline briefly considered retorting—but then let it go. Arguing wouldn’t salvage her already ruined reputation, and they weren’t looking for the truth anyway. They just wanted to tear down the lowly baroness who’d somehow claimed the Grand Duke’s side.

Besides, she was sick of dignifying such petty, childish gossip with a reaction. Not bothering to hide her exhaustion, she averted her gaze and began walking away.

“Lady Célodienne.”

Just as she passed the group of nobles, someone called out to her. Roseline stopped and turned her head slowly. It was the count’s daughter.

“Actually, my youngest sibling recently manifested their magic. If you’re in need of work, I could recommend you as their tutor. They’re still quite unskilled in mana control.”

It was a perfectly elegant noble’s remark—but translated plainly, it was a taunt. Stop relying on the Grand Duke and earn your own tuition. As proof, the other young ladies tittered quietly. What a bunch of clowns.

She had tried to ignore them, but they just wouldn’t let her. Fine. If they were this desperate for a reaction, she’d give them one.

“What a generous offer. I’ll discuss it with His Highness.”

Roseline smiled sweetly at the count’s daughter.

“You’re lucky to have such a thoughtful lover. To even consider these trivial matters for you.”

“He even granted me a scholarship, insisting I focus on my studies. He’d be terribly disappointed if I wasted time on trivial matters. But of course, you wouldn’t know.”

The moment she threw back the countess’ own noble-brand nonsense, the girl’s carefully composed expression stiffened. Roseline knew referencing the Grand Duke like this wasn’t wise—and she’d rather not—but they left her no choice.

Still, she deserved some credit for restraint. At least she hadn’t grabbed the girl by the hair or snapped, If you’re so obsessed with the Grand Duchess’ seat, why don’t you take it?

“Well then, I’ll be going.”

As she quickened her steps, sharp barbs stabbed at her back—shameless, disgraceful, how can she show her face?—all the usual nonsense.

“How noisy. If you must gossip, take it outside.”

Someone—likely the young lady of the Schnitzel marquisate, who had no love for the count’s family—spoke up toward the gathered nobles. An invisible battle of nerves unfolded, and the once-bustling hallway turned icy.

Roseline didn’t look back. She just kept walking, wondering—When exactly did my life become like this?

Apart from her relationship with the Grand Duke acting as a catalyst, Roseline’s life had never been particularly peaceful—except perhaps in early childhood.

When even her father passed away, she had been at a loss for how to survive under that vicious stepmother. But fate had other plans—her magic manifested at the most opportune moment.