episode_0008

In a world tainted with black and white, she alone shone brilliantly.

Her snow-white hair, touched by the midday sun, sparkled as if it were made of everlasting snow.

One hesitated to touch it, fearing it might melt at their fingertips.

Her blue eyes, seemingly devoid of any emotion, had a captivating power that naturally drew people in.

Noble and cold. Yet, it was alluring.

Beautiful.

No, such words alone couldn’t contain it all.

Finally, she stepped down from the carriage.

Her movement was so flawless and beautiful, it could be called the epitome of nobility.

As her foot touched the ground, a loud clack echoed through the otherwise silent atmosphere, resonating as the only sound in the world.

I couldn’t bear to take my eyes off her.

It felt like she would disappear forever if I did.

Like melting snow turning into water, you too seemed like you would vanish.

At this moment, I realized once again.

You are my everything.

“Albert, come and greet her.”

“Oh, yes.”

I was startled by my mother’s sudden voice.

I had been so focused on Luna that I had forgotten to greet her.

As I belatedly regained my composure and widened my view, I saw the people who had alighted from the carriage.

Second daughter Luna Iris and first daughter Rachel Iris.

And finally, the head of the family, Decaron Iris.

The three of them were all that had descended from the carriage.

“The lady of the manor….”

Unfortunately, she couldn’t come.

She is no longer of this world.

I didn’t know the details, but I heard that Luna passed away when she was young.

Anyway, if I delayed any further in greeting them, I might be seen as impolite.

So, I immediately bowed politely.

“I am Albert David. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“Good to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Decaron was smiling kindly.

That smile made me feel good, as if he liked me.

“It’s an honor to meet you. I’m Rachel Iris.”

Next was the eldest daughter.

She grabbed the edge of her skirt and leaned her upper body from side to side. Her face naturally wore a smile, but for some reason, it felt dry. It seemed as if she had no interest in today’s affairs. However, as I couldn’t reveal such thoughts outwardly, I smiled back at her just like she did. Well, I guess that’s enough since I didn’t come here to share my innermost thoughts with her. I decided to admit that and move on. After all, the truth was, she didn’t matter to me either. Now it was Luna’s turn. She took a step forward. Thud. As the distance closed and our eyes met, my heart fluttered. Familiar yet unfamiliar. The current Luna was different from the one I knew well. It was a bit lonely to realize that there were no emotions in the gaze she directed at me, but I didn’t care much. I know her, but she doesn’t know me. There will be many days ahead to get to know each other. Even the ten years I spent despising you will be different in this lifetime. Calmly closing her eyes, Luna spread the edge of her skirt with both hands and leaned her upper body. Naturally, there were no words spoken. But for some reason, it seemed like there was a small piece of paper in the air. A paper with “Nice to meet you” written on it. After exchanging greetings like that, we followed Father’s guidance into the mansion. Two couples walked side by side, followed by Rachel and Mother. Naturally, Luna and I, who ended up last, also walked side by side. “This is driving me crazy.” I made an effort to look straight ahead. I was afraid Luna might feel burdened if I looked too obvious. But because my heart was already set on her, my gaze kept following her. Glance, then turn away. Glance, then turn away. Despite the nerves, Luna steadfastly looked straight ahead and walked. Her dignified figure was both attractive and heart-wrenching. You must have received more neglect over the past 10 years than this. Not only did you not greet me, but you also sometimes spat out words that shouldn’t have been said.

Whenever that happened, you simply nodded with an indifferent expression, but it must have hurt.

Now you seem like a lifeless doll, but the tears shed for me that day, the despair-stained expression, all of that was yours alone.

That’s why I have to endure.

Just like you did, no matter what moment comes.

If in the end, you can smile, I’ll be satisfied.

Maybe that’s just my selfishness.

I’ve seen her cry, but she has never smiled even once.

Gradually, as the meal began, the formal discussion between the two families started.

There was delicious seafood on the table, but I couldn’t bring myself to eat, too tense to even swallow.

After some polite greetings, the father brought up the main topic.

“I mentioned the engagement in the letter. Have you thought about it?”

“Actually, there’s nothing to think about. If it’s a discussion with Duke David, we should welcome it with open arms, shouldn’t we?”

“If that’s the case, then it’s fortunate. But what about the thoughts of the lady in question…”

At the father’s words, everyone’s gaze turned towards Luna.

It was an unusual statement in noble discussions.

In noble circles, marriage is a contract and a duty, and soon a means of politics.

Therefore, the thoughts of the parties involved were not particularly important.

Only the righteousness for the family remained.

But perhaps because of her commoner father, the thoughts of the parties involved seemed to be considered important.

Of course, my opinion from my past life was ignored, but that was to be expected.

Thanks to that, I could meet Luna, so I was rather grateful.

Nodding-.

Within everyone’s gaze, Luna’s head slowly moved up and down.

Affirmative.

She would accept the engagement.

Seeing her reaction, the father smiled kindly and continued speaking.

“I was worried she might dislike it, but it’s fortunate.”

“How could one dislike someone so excellent as a match?”

Hearing those words, I felt a strange shiver run through me.

Past sins pricked at my heart.

“But I’m curious about the lady’s thoughts.”

“I’m fine as well. If there’s anyone who dislikes such a beautiful person, it must be their eyes that are mistaken, isn’t it?”

I answered without hesitation before everyone’s attention turned to her.

Realizing I had spoken out of turn, my face flushed with embarrassment, but there was no doubt that my response was sincere and free of falsehood.

My answer seemed quite satisfactory as the duchess nodded coolly.

With the engagement now confirmed, discussions about the engagement ceremony and marriage followed.

But none of it registered in my ears.

The rest was entirely up to me.

I was simply watching her.

Perhaps sitting across from her allowed me to gaze more comfortably.

As always, she ate her food with an expression as lifeless as ever.

Was she uncomfortable in her seat?

Or perhaps the food didn’t suit her taste.

Such thoughts led me to speak suddenly, without even realizing it.

“Younghae, would you like to take a walk for a moment?”

Even as the words left my mouth, I felt flustered.

Why did I suggest a walk?

We had only just met today, and I worried that I might have made things awkward for no reason.

Luna’s gaze, which had been directed at her plate, slowly rose and met mine.

Having already spoken, there was no taking it back.

So I decided to press on.

“It’s about the walk. It seems like you might be uncomfortable in your seat for no reason…”

It seemed as though she was seeking an answer from Iris and my sister, but both were too engrossed in conversation with our parents to notice her gaze.

Finally, she returned her gaze to its original position and slowly shook her head from side to side.

Why was that?

It felt as if her expression held a tinge of regret, despite her usual stoic demeanor.

So I resolved to muster a bit more courage.

You used to enjoy walking in the garden.

Whenever stress built up, you’d relieve it by strolling slowly and admiring the flowers.

“Um… I apologize for interrupting, but would it be alright if I took the princess for a short walk?”

Thankfully, the conversation blossomed, and the meal drew to a close.

So leaving now wouldn’t be a major breach of etiquette.

“Is it okay if I don’t attend the meeting for your business?”

“Yes, it’s fine.”

Father made a clicking sound and sent a glance to Duke Iris.

In response, Duke Iris nodded slowly.

“Go and come back.”

“Yes, thank you.”

I bowed to Father and Duke Iris, then approached Luna.

Luna looked at me blankly, then slowly stood up.

As I took a step forward, she followed behind me.

That’s how we headed to the garden in the castle.