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Chapter 2
Lucia Agnes.
The eldest daughter of Count Agnes of the Peros Empire—a family of some renown. She was the only daughter born in generations to a lineage that had otherwise produced only sons.
Cherished endlessly by her grandfather, parents, and her older brother two years her senior, Lucia grew up showered in love and affection, becoming a truly lovable young lady.
Herwin Peneus.
The eldest son among the two sons of the northern ducal house of Peneus—one of the Empire’s four great ducal families, and the one stationed at the frontlines.
He possessed not only an outstanding family background and tall, handsome looks, but also remarkable swordsmanship—so exceptional that he was on the verge of attaining the rank of Sword Master.
He was the kind of man every woman would dream of, at least once in her life.
Lucia was one of the countless women who harbored feelings for Herwin. But there was one thing that set her apart.
She had been in love with him, and only him, for over thirteen years.
For generations, the Peneus and Agnes families had maintained close ties, continuing their bond through frequent exchanges.
In short, Lucia and Herwin could be called childhood friends.
And from the age of eight, Lucia had been smitten with him—fixing her gaze on Herwin alone, like a sunflower chasing the blazing sun.
At first, people didn’t realize that Lucia had feelings for Herwin.
But due to a certain “incident,” her affection became widely known. When it was revealed just how long she had been pining for him, society even gave her a nickname: Herwin’s Sunflower.
It would have been wonderful if Herwin had returned her feelings, but unfortunately, he saw her as nothing more than a friend.
And so, thirteen years passed without any change in their relationship.
By the age of nineteen, most nobles would already be engaged or married.
But Lucia was now twenty-one. It was no longer possible to simply wait and cheer for her one-sided love.
After much deliberation, Johan and Julian decided it was time to arrange an engagement for their daughter.
“An introduction meeting…”
Lucia managed to steady her trembling lips enough to speak.
“Yes, a meeting with potential suitors. We can’t keep waiting any longer.”
Lucia lifted her bowed head and looked across the table at Johan. In his clear blue eyes, she saw a firm resolve. Realizing that he meant every word, she clutched the hem of her skirt.
“…Since when have you been thinking about this?”
“For years. I had hoped you would give up on young Lord Peneus, but it seems that will never happen.”
“…”
Unable to find the right words, Lucia fell silent.
She knew her situation all too well. Born into nobility, it was her duty to marry into another house for the sake of her family.
“I’ve selected some promising young men from good families.”
Having already prepared everything, Johan placed four documents on the table.
“They are all outstanding men in every respect, from families well-matched with ours.”
It was clear he had put a lot of thought into this.
Often, noble daughters were pressured into marriages with men ten years their senior for the sake of alliances. But none of the candidates Johan had prepared were more than five years older than her.
“I will arrange respectable meetings with these men. You should understand.”
“…So the decision has already been made.”
Her opinion held no weight in this engagement.
She had expected this day would come eventually, but facing it sooner than she thought left her bitter nonetheless.
As their once-bright daughter seemed to wither, Julian—who had been holding her hand—looked to her anxiously, even Johan glanced at her with some hesitation.
They could not help but weaken, for she was their precious only daughter.
“It doesn’t have to be tomorrow. You can meet them once you’ve settled your heart.”
“…No, Mother. I suppose it’s time I stop clinging to my one-sided love.”
Lucia forced a smile, but it looked so painful that it made Julian’s heart ache.
She almost spoke words of comfort, but one look at Johan’s unwavering expression kept her silent.
“I understand Father’s and Mother’s wishes. I’ll do my duty as a member of the Agnes family.”
Surprisingly, Lucia accepted the idea of arranged meetings without protest.
“But… please, just give me a little more time.”
“How much time do you need?”
“Well… I’m not sure.”
Her words were enigmatic. She asked for time, but sounded as though she didn’t know how much herself.
“Just until I confess my feelings to Herwin—one last time, for real this time.”
The atmosphere instantly grew solemn.
Julian, pitying her daughter, rubbed her back while Johan let out a weary sigh.
Even knowing how her parents felt, Lucia simply could not let go of her feelings for Herwin.
“If by some miracle Herwin accepts me, may I be engaged to him instead?”
“Of course. If you wed the man you love, nothing could make us happier. But if young Lord Peneus refuses, you must proceed with the meetings without complaint. Understood?”
Unlike Lucia, who still held onto hope, Johan remained painfully realistic.
One would expect her to feel crushed at his assumption she’d be rejected. Yet, Lucia only nodded calmly.
“Yes, I will.”
Seeing his beloved daughter obey so meekly, Johan felt as if a piece of his heart had been torn away.
“…Very well. You must be tired after your trip. Go and rest now.”
“Yes. Then I’ll excuse myself. Good night, Father, Mother.”
Lucia gave them each a light kiss on the cheek before leaving quietly.
Even after the door closed, Johan and Julian stared at it for a long while before finally turning to each other.
“Do you think we told her too suddenly? Maybe we should have given her more time…”
“You know we’ve already given her years. And you agreed this was necessary. We can’t turn back now.”
“I know, but still…”
“…Julian, come here.”
Reaching out his hand, Johan pulled his wife into a firm embrace.
“It’ll be alright. Everything will work out. We were an arranged marriage too, weren’t we? And look how well we turned out.”
“Meeting you was my greatest fortune. But to think our daughter might find the same luck…”
In noble society, marriages—especially arranged ones—rarely ended happily.
Many stories told of “gentlemen” who turned out to be violent abusers, or “virtuous wives” who embezzled family wealth. Affairs were rampant, too.
Even setting such extremes aside, countless couples fought simply due to incompatibility.
In that sense, Johan and Julian were exceptionally fortunate. Their arranged marriage had blossomed into a genuine partnership.
Though not a blazing love at first sight, over time affection had grown into a bond so strong they couldn’t imagine a world without each other.
Julian knew she had been blessed with a rare stroke of luck, and it made her worry even more for her daughter.
Even if marriage was inevitable, she wished dearly that Lucia might find a worthy match.
“Don’t worry so much. Lucia takes after you—she has a keen eye for people. She may look soft, but inside, she’s stronger than anyone.”
“Of course I know that. But I can’t help worrying.”
Even as he comforted her, Johan’s heart was heavy too.
Still, he stayed by Julian’s side, holding her close until her trembling subsided.
For parents fretting over their daughter’s future, the night dragged endlessly long.
That night, while everyone else slept peacefully, Lucia lay wide awake.
Staring blankly at the silk canopy above, she covered her eyes with both arms.
“…An engagement.”
The word startled her, but it wasn’t unexpected. She had known it would come sooner or later.
When her father had spoken of it, she had simply thought, So the time has finally come.
Lowering her arms, she sat up suddenly, then walked to her desk.
Lighting the lamp, she watched as the flame crackled to life, bathing the desk in warm orange light.
There lay her usual quill and ink, letters exchanged with friends, pressed flowers she had collected for decorating her diary.
Among these, her hand reached for a music box.
Though fifteen years had passed since it was made, it still played a clear, melodious tune.
Inside the box were pretty pebbles, a pressed four-leaf clover, a handkerchief, and other trinkets—seemingly random, yet to Lucia, it was her most treasured possession.
“…Herwin.”
Tears welling in her eyes, she hugged the box tightly to her chest.
Resting her head on the desk, her chestnut-brown hair spilled down in a disheveled curtain.
Beside it stood a framed picture—Herwin as a child.
[Imperial Calendar Year 723, December 28th]
After a year of hardships, the Empire celebrated the grand annual New Year’s Banquet, a tradition to usher in a safe and prosperous new year.
This time, the ducal family of Peneus—who rarely appeared in society—had descended to the capital to attend.
They would be staying with Count Agnes’ household during the banquet.
The arrangement reflected not only the long-standing friendship between the two families, but also the close bond between Julian and the Duchess of Peneus, Scarlet, who had been inseparable friends during their academy days.
Thus, on December 28th, just a few days before the new year, the Peneus family arrived in the capital.
“Welcome to the House of Agnes.”
Following Johan’s greeting, Julian lifted her skirts in courtesy, and their children clumsily bowed alongside their parents.
Duke Heil Peneus smiled warmly at the heartfelt welcome.
“We should be the ones thanking you for inviting us.”
“Julian! It’s been so long!”
Duchess Scarlet stepped forward eagerly, embracing Julian tightly, while Heil shook Johan’s hand.
Startled at first, Julian quickly smiled, hugging her old friend whom she hadn’t seen in years.
“You’re right, it’s been far too long. How have you been?”
“Very well, thank you. And you look radiant as ever! The Count must be treating you right.”
“Oh, stop. You always know just what to say.”
Julian blushed, lightly tapping Scarlet’s arm, which only made her laugh heartily.
“Hahaha! And are these your children?”
Noticing the siblings belatedly, Scarlet’s eyes widened.
“Yes, that’s right. This is Lucas, who will turn seven in a few days, and Lucia, who’s about to turn five. Children, say hello—she’s my dearest friend.”
“Pleased to meet you. My name is Lucas Agnes.”
“M-my name is Lucia Agnes…”
Lucas bowed with confidence, while Lucia shyly curtsied, fidgeting nervously.
“So you’re Lucas and Lucia! I’ve heard so much about you from your mother. And Lucia—you’re turning five this year, aren’t you?”
“Yes…”
“I have two sons myself, and one of them is your age. Herwin, come here.”
Scarlet called to her son.
Lucia, curious at the mention of a boy her age, peeked out from behind her mother.
And then he appeared.
A boy with black hair and ruby-like red eyes.
Had he not been introduced as a boy, one might easily have mistaken him for a girl, for his beauty was striking.
