Cassian Pendragon was a rare beauty with a warm impression.

Gentle eyes. Long, well-placed eyelashes. A sharp, prominent nose. Firm lips. Pale golden hair close to silver, and deep blue eyes. He was so exquisitely handsome, like a masterpiece painted by someone, that it was impossible for any human not to be attracted to him.

While Blumir was a duchy and thus not a small territory, rumors about the handsome man who came down from the capital spread quickly and widely.

People would secretly steal glances at Cassian Pendragon, who was staying at the ducal palace. Among them was Valentine, the owner of the ducal palace herself.

“……”

It was a garden elegantly shaded by cherry blossoms. Cassian was sitting at a tea table, enjoying his tea.

Everything about Cassian Pendragon was extraordinary. The sophisticated manners and outstanding education from the capital. Elegant attitude and perfect eloquence.

Compared to the somewhat frivolous and rough country folk, Cassian was beautiful and dignified. Moreover, he was kind. It was as if a perfect prince from a fairy tale had jumped out into reality.

It was only natural for Valentine, who had only seen ordinary men in the countryside, to be attracted to Cassian.

“Valentine.”

At the sound of that voice, Valentine, hidden in the bushes, took a sharp breath. A pink petal fluttered and fell near Cassian.

“It is Valentine, isn’t it?”

The gentle voice continued. Thoroughly embarrassed, Valentine finally gathered the courage to step out in front of Cassian.

“How… did you know?”

“Don’t you always make your way to the garden at this time?”

It was because Cassian enjoyed his teatime in the garden at this hour. Feeling like a thief caught red-handed, Valentine whispered in a small voice.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. I didn’t mean to spy…”

“It’s alright. This is the most enjoyable time of my day.”

A beautiful smile appeared on Cassian’s firm lips. The young lady reflected in his blue eyes was simply shy. She was the embodiment of purity, untainted by the world.

“You’ve always been observing me like that. Your gaze makes me nervous, causing me to maintain proper posture all day.”

“……”

Feeling as if her secret had been discovered, an endless embarrassment bloomed in the young girl’s tender heart.

Cassian rose gracefully from his seat and approached Valentine. Cherry blossoms fluttered innocently. His firm hand grasped her delicate one.

“Valentine.”

“…Yes, Your Highness.”

“I must return to the capital soon.”

Cassian whispered in a low voice. A fleeting look of regret passed through Valentine’s violet eyes.

“Won’t you come with me to Gabrienne?”

Surprised by this unexpected proposal, Valentine suddenly lifted her head.

“Pardon?”

“I’m proposing to you.”

The words that followed were even more shocking.

“I understood the meaning of love at first sight when I saw you.”

To the naive country girl, a skilled man was like a deadly poison.

The man, who had drawn close to Valentine, whispered in an irresistibly charming tone.

“Valentine, let’s spend the rest of our days together. I wish to honor each other’s names, speak of love and devotion, share even the smallest moments of daily life, and give you my unreserved trust.”

Looking back later, there was no knee bent to the ground, not even a small ring present. It was a proposal in words only.

However, Valentine, her face bright red, could neither refuse nor accept.

* * *

The rumor that the Grand Duke had proposed to the Duchess of Blumir spread far and wide.

Liam, Valentine’s adoptive brother who had been looking after the Blumir territory in her stead, immediately summoned Valentine.

“You called for me, brother?”

“Valentine.”

“Yes.”

“Do you like His Highness the Grand Duke?”

At this direct question, Valentine lowered her head. Soon, her delicate eyes brimmed with tears.

Valentine couldn’t give any answer and merely moved her lips. In that brief moment, the girl’s inexperienced first love blossomed into a poignant love.

Liam was not unaware of this change. He couldn’t be.

Liam didn’t press her. He waited patiently for Valentine’s answer. After quite some time, Valentine finally managed to murmur.

“Yes, I like him…”

The girl who had realized love had suddenly grown up. She, who had matured so much in just a few days, was no longer a little girl.

“I like him… I like him so much I can’t bear it…”

As she acknowledged her feelings, something washed over her like a tidal wave. The cherry blossoms fluttering in the garden, the white teacup Cassian had been holding… Everything familiar that she had always seen now sparkled specially, falling like starlight.

“His voice, his fingertips, the way he looks at me… it’s too…”

Valentine’s hand, clutching Liam’s clothes, trembled. Moisture glistened in her wavering violet eyes.

“Brother. He is… he is special.”

Liam had to agree. Compared to the rough nobles of the countryside, he was far too perfect and picturesque. He had a charm that bewitched people.

Moreover, someone of Valentine’s status was not inferior even when compared to a grand duke. Grand Dukes and Dukes were titles mostly held by those who ruled countries.

The same was true for Blumir. Blumir, originally a principality, had become one with the Sehera Empire through a marriage alliance. Thus, tracing back, Valentine too was of Seheran lineage.

Liam muttered without realizing it.

“…Someone like him should have ascended to the throne.”

“Pardon?”

“No, it’s nothing, dear Tina.”

Liam whispered with a bitter smile.

“If you like him, accept the proposal. I won’t oppose it.”

Valentine, lost in love’s sweet dream, gladly took Cassian’s hand.

And so they went to the capital together. As Cassian’s lover, she found comfort in his embrace, learned about the man, and discovered happiness and joy.

But that happiness, built on ashes, did not last long.

* * *

Perhaps it was due to her noble bloodline. After moving to the capital Gabrienne, Valentine quickly grew into a young lady whom anyone would desire.

Her delicate voice was clear and resonant, her white fingertips created elegant afterimages. Her fair skin and gracefully extended figure were breathtakingly beautiful. Though she had a striking appearance with golden hair and violet eyes, her contrasting pure smile was captivating.

Surely no one could help but love this small angel before their eyes. Indeed, those who frequented Grand Duke Pendragon’s residence couldn’t help but admire Valentine.

Time passed slowly yet quickly. It was approaching the day of the Imperial hunting competition, which was held regularly.

“At that gathering, I plan to receive permission for our marriage.”

Cassian, always a caring lover, whispered in a warm voice. Even though Astaire was Cassian’s nephew, an emperor was still an emperor. As long as imperial blood flowed through Cassian’s veins, Astaire’s permission was needed for marriage.

Valentine, filled with excitement, shyly nodded.

But do humans have predetermined fates?

At that hunting ground she had stepped into, Valentine witnessed someone attempting to assassinate Astaire. At that moment, Valentine made the greatest misjudgment of her life.

“Your Majesty!”

Valentine instinctively blocked the arrow flying toward Astaire. With a sharp whistle, the arrow grazed her waist.

Terrible pain pierced her mind. Unable to even scream, Valentine trembled while taking deep breaths. Astaire unconsciously caught Valentine as she collapsed.

The golden afterimage faded. The woman in his arms was incredibly fragile.

“……”

“Protect His Majesty!”

The guards nearby rushed to surround them. The hunting ground became chaos due to the assassination attempt on Astaire.

Cassian, who arrived late after hearing the news, let out a brief cry.

“Belle!”

Cassian carefully gathered up Valentine, who was trembling in pain. Deep concern filled his blue eyes.

Astaire observed Cassian’s actions with meaningful eyes. Finally, he called out to Cassian in a gentle voice.

“Uncle.”

“Your Majesty, I apologize for the confusion.”

As if just realizing, Cassian turned to Astaire and bowed his head. In Cassian’s arms was the trembling Valentine. Her hands, gripping Cassian’s formal attire, quivered as she endured the pain.

Given the situation, they couldn’t bring up the marriage. As Cassian once again carefully embraced Valentine, Astaire muttered.

“Belle.”

“Pardon?”

“Beautiful… A name that suits her well.”

His tone was filled with interest. Even to Astaire’s eyes, she was beautiful, even the lingering image of her golden hair scattering in this moment.

After gazing at Astaire for a moment, Cassian asked for permission.

“Belle’s condition doesn’t look good. May we return first today?”

“Of course. There will be plenty of time for us to talk leisurely, Uncle.”

With a smirk, Astaire sent the two away without further words at that moment.

Valentine, suddenly struck by the arrow, fell quite ill.

Fever rose throughout the night. Cassian stayed by her side, firmly holding her white hand. This continued for days.

Finally, the fever broke. A sorrowful scar remained on her skin that had been purely white without a single blemish.