Chapter 3

At first, even Diena couldn’t believe it, but day by day she grew accustomed to the warmth and sincerity in his heart.

“Because Barkan will protect me?”

“Of course, of course. I’m going to become the strongest, after all.”

Diena knew, as she always did, that the things he said were merely meant to reassure her. No matter how much darkness accumulated within his body, he never once thought of using Diena for his own benefit.

Whenever she offered help first in an unavoidable situation, he would thank her sincerely. Even then, he would tell her to prioritize herself before him.

It was truly the happiest time she had ever experienced in her life.

Only then did Diena realize it.

That the life she had lived before meeting him had been miserable.

This is what a real family feels like.

But as always, her happiness was far too short-lived.

The people of the Rothwell family found their hideout.

Barkan managed to escape with only Diena by his side.

It felt as though her heart was being torn to pieces.

The final sight of the Cardian Mercenary Corps remained vivid before her eyes.

Hasen.

Malakar.

And the other members as well.

They all died.

Though they barely escaped, Barkan suffered a fatal wound.

It was the first time she had ever seen him look weak.

“Please… at least you survive. Be happy…”

To words he would never be able to keep, she forced herself to smile and answered that she understood, that she would do so.

Only then did Barkan close his eyes as if relieved.

But Diena’s body had also reached its limit.

In the end, that’s how I died.

Yet when she opened her eyes again, she had returned to her childhood.

And this time, the opportunity to meet Barkan came much earlier than before.

If I get caught while trying to run away, they might discover my ability and put me under surveillance.

The only reason she had managed to escape the Rothwell family in the past was pure luck.

No matter how carefully I avoid pursuit, I could still be captured.

She would only get one chance.

Diena clenched both fists tightly.

No matter what it took, she would follow Barkan and escape this place.

The Rothwell Ducal House was bustling from early morning.

Today was the day guests from the Five Great Families would gather at the ducal estate.

Hartmann.

Volkov.

Castleton.

Cardian.

And Rothwell.

These five families regularly held social gatherings, and this time the host was House Rothwell.

It had been about two years since the Duke of Rothwell had changed.

This was the first official occasion for him to properly greet them.

Standing before a mirror, Romie smiled in satisfaction.

Her attire was dazzling.

A silk dress embroidered with pearls and golden thread.

Most noticeable of all was the vivid red ribbon fastened near her chest.

“Perfect.”

She was certain she would stand out more than anyone else at today’s gathering.

That rustic Bianca isn’t coming, probably because I put her in her place last time. And the heirs of the other Great Families are all men anyway.

The Duchess of Rothwell, Edeline, smiled with satisfaction as she looked at Romie.

“You look truly beautiful today, Romie.”

“It’s my first official meeting with the people of the Five Great Families. Preparing this much is only natural.”

Romie’s older brother, Cain, yawned with an indifferent expression.

“Let’s go already. Everyone’s waiting.”

“The main character is supposed to arrive late.”

Taking Cain’s arm, Romie headed toward the reception room where the guests had gathered.

Inside, the young heirs and mistresses of each family were already seated, along with their close attendants.

Seeing the considerable number of people paying attention to her, a faint smile spread across Romie’s lips.

The first people who caught her eye were those from Volkov and Hartmann.

Unfortunately, the heirs of those families had been unable to attend.

It’s a shame Cassian and Dietrich couldn’t make it. And the young Duke of Castleton isn’t here either.

Being a year younger than Romie and currently in their final year at the Academy, they had been unable to attend.

Ludrick, the heir of Castleton, was also absent due to poor health.

Still, it’s not like there are no important figures here.

Romie’s gaze slowly swept across the room.

Most families had only sent their mistresses, but because the Duke of Castleton had no spouse, she had attended personally.

A woman who had become a duke in her own right, she was one of the most admired figures among noble ladies.

If one earned the duke’s favor, becoming the flower of high society would only be a matter of time.

Romie was confident she could do exactly that.

Moreover, she was convinced that she would be the center of attention today.

Everyone must be coveting me.

Unlike Bianca of the Cardian family, who looked so unfashionable, any family would gladly welcome her as a daughter-in-law.

However, Romie failed to notice something.

The expressions of the noblewomen had subtly stiffened.

Their gazes were fixed on the red ribbon attached to Romie’s dress.

Among high-ranking nobles, it was considered improper for a young lady who had not yet officially debuted in society to wear red.

Romie, who had never participated in upper-class social activities, knew nothing of this custom.

Nor did Duchess Edeline.

She was not originally from a high-ranking noble family, and because the Duke dismissed social affairs as women’s business and paid little attention to them, she had never been given the opportunity to learn such etiquette.

As a result, she had no idea why the atmosphere had suddenly become so cold.

At that moment, the Duke of Castleton finally spoke.

“Lady Romie’s attire is quite extravagant.”

Taking it as a compliment, Romie blushed slightly and replied,

“Oh my, is it really?”

The Duke of Castleton turned her head away with a displeased expression.

Failing to grasp the mood, Edeline carefully pushed Romie forward and spoke.

“It has been quite some time, everyone. This is the first time you’ve met my daughter, isn’t it? Her name is Romie Rothwell.”

Encouraged by the introduction, Romie gathered her skirt and greeted them.

“I am Romie Rothwell. It is an honor to meet such distinguished people.”

A brief silence followed.

Then Lady Volkov, who was acquainted with the current Duke of Rothwell, gently eased the atmosphere.

“My husband has told me a great deal about you. Just as the rumors say, you’re very gentle and lovely.”

Lady Hartmann added with a smiling gaze.

“Indeed. Among all the young ladies I’ve met, your beauty stands out remarkably. You’re quite charming as well.”

Romie’s cheeks flushed lightly.

Receiving attention from the wives of some of the Empire’s most prestigious families felt wonderfully sweet.

Then a certain man suddenly caught her eye.

The person she considered most important at today’s gathering.

Barkan Cardian.

Romie personally held favorable feelings toward Barkan.

Though his origins were somewhat lacking in her eyes, it was rare to find someone in the Empire who possessed both exceptional abilities and handsome looks.

“Hello, Sir Barkan. This is our first meeting, isn’t it?”

Romie smiled brightly and approached him.

However, Barkan merely furrowed his brows slightly and showed little reaction.

Caught off guard, Romie forced a smile and spoke again.

“Would it be possible for me to visit the Cardian family sometime soon? Lady Bianca and I are somewhat acquainted.”

Barkan let out a faint sigh.

Just as he was about to say something—

His head slowly turned after sensing an unfamiliar presence.

“…Who is that?”

The noblewomen naturally followed his gaze.

Romie’s eyes widened.

The Duke of Castleton muttered under her breath as if swallowing a gasp.

“Lady Diena?”

Standing at the doorway was Diena.

She wore a faded light-brown dress and stood frozen in place, blinking her large rabbit-like eyes.

Her appearance was so shabby that even a maid would not have worn such clothing.

A look of shock crossed the faces of the noblewomen.