Marquis Batl’s dedication to this wedding was evident just from the pre-wedding banquet. The guests attending to celebrate the marriage of Marquis Batl and Lavian, Count Elder’s daughter, were astonished by the lavish banquet hall that rivaled those of the imperial palace.

“What kind of pre-wedding party is this……”

“It’s only natural when a sixty-nine-year-old marquis takes a twenty-year-old bride, and the empire’s greatest beauty at that.”

“I suppose that’s true?”

The well-dressed gentlemen laughed lewdly.

“Count Elder has been so protective that I didn’t dare approach, but if I’d known he would give her away like this, I would have tried first.”

“And you have the means to pay off the Elder family’s debts?”

The man with the crimson cravat snickered smugly.

They weren’t alone—many others made little effort to hide their subtle mockery.

Marquis Batl was aware of this situation but dismissed it as mere jealousy. Rather, he was pleased to have obtained a fantastical wife who aroused envy and jealousy in so many. His lips remained perpetually upturned.

Only Lavian Adelaide von Elder, with her high pride and noble dignity as the legitimate daughter of the historically prestigious Elder family, couldn’t smile even once. Though she curved her eyes gently, they remained empty, and her lips beneath the veil stayed firmly closed.

“Congratulations on your marriage. I didn’t expect Miss Lavian to be here.”

A baroness who had traveled from a distant province looked curiously at Lavian, whose face was partially concealed by a veil.

Traditionally, a bride shouldn’t show her face to anyone except her mother and sisters on the eve of her wedding. Even with a veil, this went against proper etiquette.

“What do customs and traditions matter in this day and age? We’re practically husband and wife already. Isn’t that right?”

Marquis Batl’s behavior was perfectly suited to causing misunderstandings.

The baroness strained to maintain an awkward smile while tightening her facial muscles.

‘It seems they’ve been intimate before their marriage vows. What a thoughtless man, taking a wife young enough to be his granddaughter.’

The marquis had been busily spreading this story—which invited others to think him inconsiderate—ever since the marriage was arranged. This had subjected Lavian to all sorts of rumors, but he didn’t care.

‘One can’t be at ease until the marriage vows. This way, I can at least keep away those who covet her.’

The marquis pulled Lavian’s waist closer and kneaded it slowly, deliberately fueling misunderstandings while fully aware of the meaning behind the baroness’s awkward smile.

Even amid this, Lavian remained unresponsive.

Lavian Adelaide von Elder was known for her proper conduct, elegant demeanor, and dignity—she was considered the model of propriety among noble ladies. For someone like her, this moment was humiliating and disgraceful. Yet Lavian had already resigned herself to everything.

‘I wish this would end quickly.’

She lacked both the enthusiasm and will to avoid his hands, and with emotionless, empty eyes, she merely nodded slightly in response to questions. Whether this indicated agreement or disagreement was unclear, but Marquis Batl continued chattering carelessly.

“See? Even my wife acknowledges it.”

“Y-yes, indeed.”

The baroness stepped back, signaling her desire to end the conversation.

Taking advantage of the moment, the marquis’s butler approached.

“My lord, a letter has arrived from His Majesty.”

“I see. Please excuse me. Lavian, enjoy yourself to the fullest.”

Marquis Batl smacked his lips as if reluctant to leave and placed a glass of rather strong wine in Lavian’s hand.

He had been diligently plying her with alcohol since the beginning of the banquet, not wanting her to return to the count’s residence tonight. The marquis had only one intention: to take Lavian while she was unconscious.

Since their marriage was arranged, the marquis had been desperate to possess Lavian. Though he had managed to restrain himself until now, it seemed he couldn’t wait even one more day. His body burned with impatience.

Lavian clearly saw through his intentions and bit the inside of her cheek, trying to maintain her senses and fight off the rising intoxication.

“Congratulations on your marriage, Miss Lavian. The marquis adores you so much. Well, with such a fresh and beautiful bride, I too would be unable to restrain myself.”

As the marquis withdrew, ladies who had always regarded Lavian as a thorn in their side flocked to her.

‘Hmph. She barely shows up at parties, just stands there blankly, yet steals all the attention—and now look at her.’

‘After rejecting every advance and acting so haughty, she gets what she deserves. Let’s thoroughly mock her.’

‘Pretending to be uninterested in men, acting so noble, yet selling herself for money while still putting on airs.’

Having caught their perfect prey, they were determined to tear Lavian apart.

Under the guise of congratulations, they began with sarcasm: ‘After acting so high and mighty, are you happy marrying a sixty-nine-year-old man? You must have a strong stomach.’ Their eyes gleamed, anticipating Lavian’s reaction.

But Lavian, overcome with lethargy, accepted this moment with indifference. The ladies, however, interpreted her silence as dismissal, which infuriated them.

“Marquis Batl is quite robust for his age, isn’t he?”

“How fortunate you are, Miss Lavian. Such a fine groom who cherishes you so much. How much did all this cost? Count Elder certainly chose well.”

Now they mocked the Elder family’s circumstances. Lavian recognized the ridicule but again showed no reaction.

It was true that despite being called a marriage, Lavian was essentially being sold to pay off debts.

The Elder family was losing its former glory.

This was due to the current Count Elder, Lavian’s father Chelino—the only black sheep in the 250-year-old noble Elder family.

Chelino had lived a life of debauchery and pleasure in rebellion against his father, resulting in enormous debt.

Facing homelessness, Chelino decided to hand Lavian over to Marquis Batl, “a wealthy old man without an heir.” Lavian’s wishes were never considered.

Count Elder was quite satisfied with this marriage, aiming not only to settle his debts but also to claim the marquis’s inheritance. He was so pleased that the marquis had paid off half the debt today that he sent Lavian here alone.

“Of course I should spend this much. No matter how desperate the situation, the daughter of Count Elder can’t just take anything.”

“That’s right. Oh, didn’t the late Count Elder adore Miss Lavian? If he could see this wedding… what a shame.”

With Lavian still unresponsive, they became more sarcastic. They implied, ‘How vulgar to be sold to such an old man despite your family’s troubles, trampling on your ancestors’ glory. Your grandfather would be furious if he saw this.’

“That’s right, Miss Alita. One shouldn’t take just anything. You might get sick if you’re not careful.”

“Y-yes, that’s true.”

Lavian’s previously resigned gaze suddenly changed. Though she had been taught only obedience and submission to her parents, she wasn’t raised to behave that way toward others.

Still, she didn’t fight back. She lacked the strength and had nothing to counter with. What they said was true, so she had no right to deny it.

But when they brought up her grandfather, everything changed.

‘Who do you think you’re talking about? How dare you mention him.’

This was a matter of pride that Lavian had to defend. Regardless of her circumstances, she was the only legitimate daughter of the illustrious Elder family. She couldn’t endure such humiliation if it meant protecting her grandfather’s reputation and honor.

Even without a retort, she had to create one. Even having resigned herself to everything, she had to summon strength from somewhere.

“Miss Alita.”

“What is it?”

The ladies tensed at Lavian’s sudden change in demeanor.

Lavian raised the corners of her lips charmingly. She didn’t forget to soften her gaze to hide her feelings of shame and misery.

“Be careful not to get sick. You should moderate your dalliances with male pr*stitutes. Unless you want to be excommunicated. And don’t forget—it’s thanks to my grandfather that you became a baron’s daughter.”

“……”

Her proud posture and piercing downward gaze were intimidating.

Despite everything, Lavian held the highest status here.

Being gentle and quiet didn’t mean she could be looked down upon.

Though she wore a smile, Lavian’s intense gaze frightened everyone into retreating.

Yet there’s always someone who can’t read the atmosphere.

“You must be feeling unsettled, but be careful not to succumb to alcohol. There are many handsome young men here.”

One of the departing ladies offered this supposed advice. However, it was inappropriate coming from someone known for taking anyone to bed regardless of status.

Lavian responded with another gentle smile.

“Unlike some, I can discern properly, so don’t worry. But thank you for the advice.”

The advice-giver flushed red to her nape and quickly fled.

Watching them leave, Lavian turned gracefully. In that moment, she wiped away all expression and became numb again.

‘I’m sorry I could only do this much, Grandfather.’

Seeking atonement, Lavian stepped away to get some fresh air. The world had been spinning for a while now, yet her gait remained exemplary of nobility without the slightest unsteadiness.

Raised to never show weakness in public, she sought a place with little foot traffic.

Lavian eventually reached a pavilion in the rear garden. With all the mansion’s staff engaged in the banquet, this area was completely quiet. Still, she carefully surveyed her surroundings.

“Haah.”

Only after confirming no one was around did Lavian release her held breath and slightly relax her posture. She staggered momentarily from dizziness but steadied herself by clutching her dress.

After several deep breaths in that state, fresh air filled her lungs deeply, clearing her head. Finally, she could breathe properly.

The early March night air was quite chilly, but at this moment it felt just right. Yet the moment she realized this, Lavian became disgusted with herself.

‘Even in this state, I’m still breathing, trying to live.’

She was already cruelly mocking and condemning herself without others doing it. With self-deprecation, Lavian straightened her collapsed posture and turned to look toward the brightly lit banquet hall.

“I don’t want to go.”

Her true feelings suddenly emerged.

But Lavian was someone who was nothing without formality and propriety, and she had been taught throughout her life that she must fulfill her parents’ duties to the best of her ability, even against her own wishes.

No matter how much her heart struggled and screamed in protest, her body would inevitably move toward that place.

Lavian couldn’t even think of escaping and decided when to return.

“I should go.”

Though she wanted more time to herself, it seemed impossible.

‘If the marquis notices my absence and sends people looking, I’ll be troubling innocent staff. I must return.’

Not wanting to inconvenience others, Lavian suppressed her small desire and turned to go back to the banquet hall.

That’s when it happened.

“Ugh!”

Lavian frowned and let out a muffled groan as she was pushed against the wall by a strong force. Along with fear, something flashed through her mind.

‘Opportunity…’

Instead of screaming, Lavian calmly steadied her startled heart and moved only her eyes. She stared at the person in an unusually composed manner.

Soon, Lavian’s sky-blue eyes met the deep blue eyes of someone wearing a mask. He smelled faintly of coffee.

As his sharp gaze mixed strangely with a dry look, and his eyes took on an odd light, Lavian’s attention shifted away from him due to the gleaming blade in the light. She was remarkably calm despite discovering the sharp metal.

‘A knife.’

Despite seeing the blade, Lavian maintained a doll-like expression without fear. With a beautiful curve on her lips hidden beneath the veil, she said:

“K*ll me quickly.”