Act 1, Scene 1. The Beginning of Unrequited Love

It was an unusually busy morning.

Considering that the inner chambers of a noble lady would be busy before a grand banquet, it was especially so.

The grand feast was the next day. Hyacinth Hener, who was pondering head ornaments with her maids, nodded at the knock on the door. When the maid opened the door, a servant entered respectfully.

“Greetings to the happiness of Tyche. His Majesty the King has sent a gift, wishing it to be the glory of the lady.”

Gasps erupted from all around at the sight of the bliaut (medieval dress) the servant presented. The sheen evident even in the shadows. The elegant folds. It was a masterpiece crafted with the utmost care by an artisan.

Especially that color.

The red fabric, lavishly flaunting wealth, captivated everyone’s attention.

Hyacinth gracefully approached her uncle’s gift. Her lips curved in an expression of undeniable emotion.

“His love itself is my glory.”

“Do you like it, my lady?”

“Tell His Majesty to look forward to tomorrow.”

“Understood.”

As soon as the servant left, she tried on the bliaut from the neck down. When she spun around to show her nanny and the maids, they nodded with admiring expressions.

“How do I look, everyone?”

“You are more beautiful than anyone. You look like a fairy of spring.”

“Even the goddess of beauty would be jealous.”

“That’s an exaggeration.”

Hyacinth laughed softly and touched the sleeve of the bliaut. The fabric felt as smooth and warm as she had expected. It must have cost a fortune.

While she examined the dress, the maids became even more fervent in their efforts to decide how to adorn their lady. They had a reason to make her look even more beautiful, despite her natural beauty.

She was none other than the ducal lady of Laurel, Hyacinth Vivienne Christina Hener.

The King’s only niece. The only unmarried woman among the royal family. Known as the flower of Tyche Castle, she was their pride.

“I must look truly beautiful tomorrow. I won’t complain even if you wake me at the crack of dawn.”

“Oh, my lady. You just promised?”

“Ahaha, but wake me after the rooster crows.”

Just as Hyacinth was about to carefully place the bliaut on the sofa, there was a second knock at the door. She tilted her head in curiosity.

The servant who entered next presented a splendid jade hair ornament, a gift from Queen Johanna. There was also a pair of sapphire earrings.

“I’m overwhelmed by my aunt’s boundless love.”

“Nothing is too much for the lady.”

The Queen’s servant replied earnestly. When the room was once again filled with women, Hyacinth carefully took out the jade hair ornament.

“How about this?”

“It suits you perfectly, my lady.”

“You look flawless. Truly beautiful.”

Hyacinth Hener had dark red hair, symbolizing her royal lineage. Amidst the red hues, the green stood out, making the jewelry fulfill its purpose.

This time, Hyacinth held the earrings to her earlobes and took a few steps. Her nanny, Seina, who had been watching quietly, nodded with satisfaction.

“You are more beautiful than anyone.”

“That’s nice.”

For her usually blunt nanny to show such an expression, the ball tomorrow night would surely be hers.

Hyacinth neatly organized the jewelry she had received as gifts and straightened her back. The maids were now fervently discussing bracelets and shoes.

“Too many colors will look tacky.”

“Adding just two more colors can be tacky?”

“Then how about this.”

Hyacinth absentmindedly touched her hair, which she was proud of.

Why had her uncle and aunt given her such extravagant gifts? Of course, they cherished her. But also, her marriageable age had arrived.

Though they had never mentioned marriage, Hyacinth had sensed it. Some of her close friends were already married.

What kind of match would Their Majesties choose for her?

Who would bring the most benefit to the kingdom?

Though Hyacinth didn’t know, she intended to follow their wishes. She was that content with her fate.

She had lived a life without trials, so to speak.

The only misfortune in her life was losing her parents at the age of three. At an age where she couldn’t even remember their faces, Hyacinth became an orphan.

Had she been left alone, it would have been bleak, but fortune was still on her side.

The King himself had taken her in. Mourning the sudden death of his only sibling, he had generously cared for his niece, who resembled his late sister. He cherished her. Queen Johanna did the same.

With three sons but no daughters, the Queen had always longed for a girl. She couldn’t hide her delight at the arrival of her niece. She lavished affection on Hyacinth, to the point of favoritism.

One might think a trial or two would come her way, but no. Even the three princes adored their cousin, making Hyacinth Hener’s life smooth.

“That’s enough.”

Hyacinth clapped her hands lightly. The two maids, who had been bickering, fell silent simultaneously.

“May, what about the guests for tomorrow’s banquet?”

“I haven’t heard of any peculiarities. However, there are rumors that one guest has yet to arrive.”

“Someone hasn’t arrived?”

“Yes. Shall I find out more?”

“No need. We’ll find out naturally tomorrow…”

A couple of knocks. The door creaked open without permission.

Hyacinth’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected rudeness. This was the inner chamber of a noble lady. Who dared to tarnish her honor?

The unexpected development took an even more shocking turn.

Instead of a young servant unfamiliar with court etiquette, a large man appeared through the open door. Dressed in either riding clothes or armor, the young man carried the strong scent of the outdoors on his clothes.

While Hyacinth was at a loss for words, her nanny, Seina, was the first to regain her composure. Rushing to protect her precious lady, she sternly admonished the intruder.

“Are you out of your mind!”

The two maids quickly ran to block Hyacinth. The man, momentarily halted by the stern rebuke, slowly raised his gaze.

“Ah.”

A short sigh escaped the man’s lips.

He immediately turned to leave and close the door. It was far from a proper resolution, and Hyacinth frowned.

“Stop. Who are you to leave without apologizing for your rudeness?”

At her words, the man turned back and stepped into the room. At Hyacinth’s quiet request, the nanny and maids stepped aside.

Hyacinth stepped gracefully along the path of sunlight. Under the brilliant spring light, her red hair gleamed with a hint of gold. Though it quickly returned to its original color, it was a fleeting magic.

The man, who had captured the brief change in his gaze, lowered his eyes to the floor and slowly raised them again.

“I was unfamiliar with the path and acted rudely.”

A low, deep voice. If sound had a color, it would be ash gray.

“I apologize for my rudeness to the lady. I ask for your forgiveness.”

“A half-hearted apology without even looking at the person… Is there sincerity in that?”

Only then did Hyacinth notice the man’s eye color. Finally, the man was facing her directly.

His voice was ash gray. His eyes were ash gray.

In the vibrant spring, it seemed this man alone had all his colors drained. And now that she noticed, his hair was pure silver.

“Lady…”

The silver-haired man slowly spoke. He looked at her but wasn’t really seeing her. How rude.

“I ask for your forgiveness.”

“The King’s chamber is to the left at the stairs.”

Only then did the ash-gray eyes become clear.

It felt as if his previously wandering gaze had finally returned to reality. The man recognized her. Hyacinth felt a bit satisfied.

“Are you here to see His Majesty?”

“…Yes.”

“At this time, His Majesty is either in the chamber or the study.”

“Thank you.”

Hyacinth took a step back and gently grasped the hem of her bliaut. She slightly bent her knees and curtsied.

She didn’t know the man, but she could guess who he was.

There was only one Grand Duke who had the right to an audience with the King at any time and who was visiting Tyche Castle for the first time—someone she wouldn’t recognize.

The Lord of the North, the Guardian of the Detia Plains and the Nox Forest. Duke of Trisel, Ethan Erentis.

It is said that they inherited the blessing of the fairies from their ancestors, resulting in their silver hair through generations. It was an amusing legend she had laughed off, but it seemed to hold some truth. Seeing a young man with hair that only old men should have.

“Finally, I meet the Duke of Trisel. May the blessings of the gods be with you always.”

“Thank you.”

“My name is…”

“Hyacinth Hener. I know as much, Lady Laurel.”

Ethan Erentis left without a final farewell. Thud. The sound of the door closing.

Good heavens. How can a man be so uncouth?

Hyacinth was filled with indignation.

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