Chapter 1

There is no morality in this world.

This was the lesson her father, and by extension the world, had taught her. The concepts of ethics and morality cannot stand above capital and power. How ugly were the true faces of the so-called wise rulers in history? She knew the dark side of history and was noble enough to survive despite knowing it.

Therefore, at this vulgar and crude party, ‘Rose Clematis’ was the most noble presence.

Just as a magnificent rose doesn’t lose its luster even when thrown onto a pile of garbage. Even with a mask on her face and hiding behind a fan, her mature beauty and elegance emanating from her jewelry-adorned attire could not be concealed.

The world was like a massive pyramid, and she, as one of the chosen, was clearly the apex predator. A predator positioned at the peak. And this place was a space where prey and predators coexisted.

CRASH!

“Oh my, how pitiful.”

Someone spoke up. Though the voice was full of sympathy, there was a faint laugh underlying it. It was mockery directed at the man who had just fallen.

“How many times has it been now? The sixth? Seventh?”

“Wasn’t it the eighth?”

“My, how strange that it hasn’t reached ten yet.”

Lady Salematia was a woman with short hair and an innocent impression, but she had one bad habit. That was never having just one lover. She always had two or more in her romantic affairs.

Therefore, it had become a familiar sight to see her lovers clash and fight at such parties. The young ladies who secretly laughed or giggled at this were of the same ilk. After all, birds of a feather flock together.

“Hmm, the handsome one fights well?”

“If only they’d strip more.”

“Isn’t stripping more your taste?”

While it was a masquerade ball that guaranteed anonymity, the masks were essentially meaningless. It was a place where those who knew each other gathered, and where lower-class people, like ants drawn to sugar water, came rushing in to get a taste. Everyone knew each other well enough without masks.

The masks were merely insurance and a thin veil. For anyone, especially towards those of lower rank, it was subtle pressure to pretend not to know even when they did.

However, while the young ladies were giggling at the fight on the first floor, they were all busy stealing glances at someone. They were watching the highest-ranking and most superior person here, Rose Clematis.

Rose wore a bored expression. She actually yawned several times and even dozed off briefly from boredom. Usually, she would sparkle her eyes at such fights, or enjoy making approaching men uncomfortable until they fled with their tails between their legs. For her acquaintances and friends who knew this side of Rose well, this was strange behavior.

“Lady Clematis, is something wrong?”

“No, nothing really.”

Her elegant voice lacked its usual strength. She even seemed indifferent.

“Could it be because of Count Gotfried? You know, your last lover…”

“Oh? It’s been over two years since you broke up, hasn’t it? He even got married in the meantime.”

“Oh my, didn’t you know? Count Gotfried just returned to the country for business at the trading port!”

Could she really be troubled because of her last lover before marriage?

The young ladies whispered among themselves, making sure Rose couldn’t hear, then shrugged at each other after exchanging glances. If it had been Lady Salematia, Rose’s rival and frenemy, she would have prodded Rose to find out the reason, but she was busy watching the lovers’ fight. No one else had the courage to probe Rose’s mood.

Rose didn’t go down to the first floor, instead absently watching from the private second floor space. Suddenly, she focused on one spot. Her fine eyebrows curved.

‘What’s that?’

The man was noticeably golden even from afar. Blonde hair is common. However, such pure golden hair is not. Rose thought for a while about where she had seen that color before, then soon realized.

‘Oh my.’

A small exclamation followed.

“What’s the guard dog doing here?”

“Pardon, lady? What did you say?”

“……”

Rose didn’t answer and focused on the first floor. Though she wasn’t aware of it herself, at that moment, a small spark of interest lit up in her previously lifeless eyes. And for good reason, as that man wearing the lion mask with his neat appearance.

Was her husband.

He was also someone who absolutely didn’t belong in this vulgar and low-class space.

Rose brought the tip of her fan to her lips, having found her lost interest.

Married for two years. She had felt the tedium of life since marriage. She hadn’t noticed at first. It was like water dropping steadily. Only after the cup was somewhat full did she realize she was immersed in the rippling tedium. Now, after two years, nothing was fun anymore. Even the parties that used to be interesting, and the love quarrels happening on the first floor held no interest to her.

‘To think I’d lose interest in men.’

Surprisingly, she who had played to her heart’s content found herself having no interest in men.

She had lived her life freely according to the principle that the world is wide and there are many men. Her greatest fortune was being born and raised under a father who, despite being disgusted with her behavior, doted on and tried to understand his only daughter.

And another was that this father had brought in a suitable son-in-law who would allow her to continue playing freely in the future.

‘From now on, I won’t care whether you take lovers or mistresses. Just enjoy yourself and have fun.’

‘……’

Such conversation took place on their wedding night. Somehow, Rose had no desire to do anything with the man who remained stiff and kept coldly glaring at her in front of the bed. Moreover, his ascetic appearance, fully dressed even on their wedding night, was not to her taste.

‘Does that apply to you as well, wife?’

This is how Maverick Phlox had asked. What did she answer then? Somehow, the memory was hazy. Perhaps because of the alcohol she had just consumed.

‘Did he come looking for me?’

They were a distant couple. It would be fair to say they had no interest in each other. They had never shared a bed, and neither side wanted to. There was talk of having children after three years, but that seemed far-fetched. They were the perfect show-window couple.

‘Or does he have a woman he’s meeting.’

Though she only thought this, why did Rose feel something vague clouding her vision? Chasing its identity, she found herself feeling slight displeasure. Why… Because she knew the level of men and women rolling around here?

Because someone as lofty and stiff as him, who might not even know women, would only end up being thoroughly mocked if they came here?

The moment Maverick, who had been walking neatly, disappeared into a dark corridor, Rose suddenly stood up from her seat. She staggered from the remaining effects of alcohol.

“Oh my, my lady, where are you going…?!”

“To catch a cheating bastard.”

That corridor would surely lead to a space full of rooms. Fortunately, Rose knew the geography of this place well. Since Maverick seemed to be struggling with the crowd and losing his way, if she hurried, she could catch his tail.