ANGSD 01

Chapter 01

“You’re the first woman who isn’t afraid of me.”

“……”

“That’s why I like you.”

“……”

“Won’t you come with me to the North?”

Aileen Edgar.

She was the beloved youngest daughter of a highly respected marquess family.

There was one thing unusual about her—she remembered her past life with perfect clarity.

Maybe that’s why, even from a young age, she had an extraordinary knack for navigating social situations, along with knowledge no noble lady should have possessed.

To her, this second life had been easy and fun.

Until she met him—at the banquet celebrating her coming of age at eighteen.

Helyas Perschtein.

Grand Duke of the North in the Delphium Empire.

The moment her eyes met his chilling silver gaze beneath his silvery hair, Aileen remembered.

‘I’m screwed. This isn’t reincarnation—it’s possession.’

It hit her: she wasn’t a lucky reincarnator with a bright future, but the possessed heroine of a slow-burn tragedy who didn’t know what was coming.

<Captured by the Obsessed Grand Duke of the North>

The very title of the original novel screamed danger.

The male lead who made even birds fall silent—and even toppled the emperor’s authority—was the strongest Grand Duke of the North in history, Helyas Perschtein.

Just like in the original, the moment she married him, her fate would be sealed in a tragic death.

The once tender hand that had stroked her lovingly would now wrap tightly around her slender neck.

“Why… did you have to change like this?”

As cold breath escaped her lips, Aileen Edgar died in the grasp of the man she had once loved most.

‘In my past life, I was killed by a clingy psycho ex-boyfriend. Now I’m dealing with an obsessive male lead?’

In her past life, Aileen had been a glamorous influencer.

But where there’s light, there’s shadow. As someone adored by many, her obsessive ex-boyfriend had become her shadow—and ultimately killed her.

She was done with obsessive men.

No sane woman would accept this man’s proposal.

“I’ll give you everything in this empire.”

The man smiled arrogantly and kissed the back of her hand.

The upward glance he gave her shimmered with interest—and a terrifying possessiveness that said he’d never let go of what was in his grasp.

That dark, damp look filled with desire.

Aileen barely resisted the urge to slap his face and instead withdrew her hand from his.

“I… can’t stand handsome men.”

At those words, the handsome Grand Duke’s face crumpled dramatically.

‘Sorry, I wasn’t finished talking.’

Aileen curled her lips into a smirk and mocked him coldly.

“Because they always act like their looks entitle them to everything. I prefer someone who’s modest, kind, warm, and… average-looking.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“It means I absolutely refuse a handsome, obsessive Grand Duke from the North.”

“……”

“I like modest men.”

She was the only woman who wasn’t afraid of him?

If she’d known it would come to this, she’d have faked a faint at the sight of his face.

She had simply acted contrary to his taste for submissive women—and accidentally pressed his conquest button.

* * *

Early morning. The sun was slowly rising over the horizon when a maid quietly entered the lady’s room.

She intended to open the window and air out the room—but then spotted something writhing on the floor.

A body twisted grotesquely, glowing green eyes flashing underneath.

“My lady, you’re awake?”

The maid greeted her with a bright smile.

The figure was lying arched like a bridge—facing the ceiling, with arms and legs on the ground—before slowly raising her body.

“Good morning, Nina!”

The maid no longer screamed at Aileen’s early morning yoga.

Around age ten, the maid had nearly fainted every day because of her mistress’s bizarre stretching, but after ten years of this and daily baths and face masks, she had grown used to Aileen’s eccentricities.

“Oh, my lady. The Grand Duke of the North has sent another formal marriage proposal!”

“Ugh, I told him no already, and he still won’t give up—!”

Aileen opened the proposal letter with sheer annoyance.

At the previous banquet, after nothing more than a single dance, the Grand Duke had proposed to her.

As expected of the Northern Duke, even his reasoning was perfectly “Northern.”

Apparently, he was drawn to her because she had dared to meet his eyes without fear, and it had ignited his desire to conquer.

He’s insane.

She had rejected him then, but he was still sending proposals.

“A-and… the news is already in the society papers…”

The maid nervously handed her a folded gazette.

“What? Already? That lunatic—!”

Who is the only woman who melted the cold heart of the Northern Duke?

Grand Duke Helyas Perschtein, the most handsome man in the empire and second only to the emperor in power, reportedly fell in love at first sight with one young lady at last night’s banquet.

That woman is none other than Lady Aileen Edgar!

… (omitted for brevity) …

Will Lady Edgar accept his proposal?

‘Now he’s manipulating public opinion too?’

Aileen gritted her teeth.

At this rate, her father the Marquess might end up marrying her off to the Grand Duke just to save face.

There was only one way left.

Beat him to marriage first!

An eye for an eye, a smear for a smear—if he was rallying public opinion, so would she!

And nothing rallies public opinion like a grand ball.

The ball being held today by a renowned noble lady would be her last chance to grab hold of salvation.

As her thoughts settled, Aileen’s eyes gleamed and she sprang into action.

“That’s it. I need to marry before that man can trap me! Nina, we’re going all out for today’s ball. I want every eligible bachelor in the capital to propose to me tonight. Got it?”

“Yes, yes!”

The maid clenched her fists with renewed determination.

* * *

Maybe it was the extra attention she’d paid to her appearance that morning.

Groups of people stood around, busy whispering about how dazzling Aileen looked today.

“Don’t you think Lady Edgar’s aura has changed recently? She’s glowing today.”

“She seems bolder now, doesn’t she? She’s sweeping through society with those wickedly enchanting eyes!”

‘Mmhmm~ The reaction’s great.’

Aileen fanned herself with grace, clearly enjoying the attention.

“There! She just fanned herself—and did you see her wink?!”

“Oh my, how scandalous!”

People watched Aileen surrounded by a flock of men from afar.

With a confident smile, she handled it all like a seasoned pro.

“Lady Aileen, you look stunning today.”

“Of course. I’m beautiful 365 days a year. Frankly, the word ‘beautiful’ is getting old. Hohoho!”

Men and women alike were captivated.

“Your skin is glowing—what’s your secret?”

“I have a unique skincare routine. I can share it if you’d like.”

Young or old, it didn’t matter.

“Lady Edgar, you’ve been attending more parties lately. Thank you for coming to this old lady’s birthday bash. It warms my aging heart to see such youthful energy!”

“Where there are flowers, butterflies gather. You, my lady, still shine so brightly that even butterflies can’t help but gather around you.”

“Oh my, what a lovely thing to say.”

“May I call you sister~?”

“Oh dear! Hohoho! I didn’t know Lady Edgar was such a charmer!”

Everyone agreed—Aileen Edgar was no longer the same girl they used to know.

Her transformation was shocking enough to draw envy and admiration alike.

One thing was certain: the “new” Aileen had taken the social scene by storm.

From her accessories to her clothes, food, and even shoes—if Aileen Edgar did it, it became a trend.

Under countless gazes, Aileen gracefully waved her fan.

After all, everything was going exactly as she had planned.

‘Do they think getting a million followers was easy?’