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Chapter 01………Prologue
“Tell me, Evelyn. Why did you abandon me?”
The Duke’s sorrowful voice echoed through the hall.
His exaggerated tone—loud enough for everyone to hear—was almost theatrical.
Everyone seated nearby gasped.
This was Duke Ashford, a man known to have no interest in romance—no, not even in humanity itself.
Yet now, he looked exactly like a man devastated by heartbreak.
Evelyn was mortified.
Why on earth did he come here?!
As if struck by sudden realization, the Duke’s eyes widened.
“Don’t tell me… from the beginning, you were only after my body—!”
This is bad! He’s even crazier than I thought!
Having been hiding from him, Evelyn hurriedly stepped out from behind a bookshelf.
If this continued, the rumors would only grow worse.
All her efforts to distance herself from him would turn to nothing.
As she rushed toward him, the Duke’s expression softened, his eyes curving gently.
The playful glint disappeared instantly, leaving behind only a wronged, pitiful man.
Evelyn urgently whispered as she tried to cover his mouth:
“What are you doing?! You even came all the way here—!”
“It’s fine. It’s common for a man to cling to the woman he loves.”
“Even if that’s true, you should at least consider the location!”
That’s right.
This was the Imperial Royal Historical Research Institute—Evelyn’s very first workplace.
Her superiors were glancing over with fear and curiosity at the sudden appearance of Duke Ashford.
The Duke replied with a deeply wounded expression.
“So I should just sit still? You’ve been avoiding me for two whole weeks.”
“Th-That’s…”
“I truly… that night, I gave you everything…”
He placed a hand dramatically over his chest.
Anyone listening would completely misunderstand.
The researchers pretended to focus on their work while shamelessly straining to hear every word.
Whispers and exchanged glances filled the room.
In an institute that was usually silent, this was explosive gossip.
In an instant, Evelyn had become the heartless woman who used a man and ran away.
She looked around desperately.
“Let’s talk outside. Please!”
“Now you’re being reasonable.”
The Duke smiled brightly and took her hand.
For someone who had just thrown her into chaos, his touch was surprisingly gentle.
Humming cheerfully, he remarked how it had been a while since they had time alone.
The only one suffering was Evelyn.
What am I supposed to tell my seniors later…?
That kiss, carried away by the atmosphere, had been incredibly sweet.
But a mistake was still a mistake.
The difference in their social status was one issue—but more than that, she didn’t want to get entangled in the rumors surrounding him.
She had assumed he would feel the same.
She thought they would never see each other again.
But from that day on, the Duke persistently sought her out.
What am I going to do…?
Meanwhile, inside the institute, silence lingered long after the two disappeared.
It was broken by the senior researcher, Catherine.
“That was… Duke Ashford, right?”
“Yes. That lunatic…”
The situation was unbelievable.
“But why our new recruit…?”
“Why is he acting like that toward Evelyn? Did she really try to seduce the Duke?”
“Oh, come on. She’s not that kind of person.”
No matter how they tried to reason it out, nothing made sense.
What could have possibly happened between a country girl newly hired as a researcher and the continent’s greatest magic swordsman?
* * *
Evelyn’s life had once been peaceful and quiet.
She was born in the Adrian Territory, far from the capital, and graduated from the local academy.
Calling it an academy was generous—it was about the size of a small monastery.
There were no dormitories; students commuted from home, and professors taught freely.
Evelyn’s father was a baron without even his own domain. The surroundings were nothing but mountains and fields.
Rather than etiquette for high society, she had grown up close to nature, running around with friends, her pink hair flowing behind her.
After becoming an adult, she spent her days helping oversee her parents’ ranch while studying her major—ancient languages.
One day, a professor who recognized her talent made her an offer:
“If you become an imperial researcher, you can study ancient languages to your heart’s content!”
Former teaching assistants with hollow eyes had once warned her:
“Always be wary of a professor’s sweet talk.”
But tempted by the opportunity, Evelyn took the exam—and became a researcher at the Imperial Historical Institute.
Before leaving for the capital, her mother spoke gravely.
“I’m very worried about you.”
“I’ll be fine. I’ll do well there.”
“That’s not what I mean… I’m worried you’ll meet some handsome scoundrel and fall head over heels.”
Her mother sighed while glancing at her husband.
“Why, dear?”
Her father blinked innocently.
Evelyn laughed.
“I’m not like you, Mother. I won’t fall for a man’s face and immediately get married.”
Even Evelyn’s meticulous mother hadn’t been able to resist love.
She had fallen at first sight for Evelyn’s father and married him right away.
Fortunately, he was kind—but there were no guarantees for Evelyn.
“I’m worried you might take after me.”
“Don’t worry. Nothing’s happened so far, has it?”
That’s because there hasn’t been anyone more handsome than your father…
Her mother swallowed those words and forced a smile as she saw her daughter off.
Evelyn joined the Ancient Language Interpretation Division under the Imperial Historical Research Institute.
Contrary to her parents’ fears, the capital wasn’t dangerous.
Everyone treated her well.
Ancient languages weren’t popular, and it had been years since they’d had a new recruit.
Her seniors cherished her.
And, to her mother’s relief, there were no men who caught her eye.
The people of the capital were certainly refined—but that was all.
Maybe I really don’t take after Mother!
She was grateful she could focus on work.
Peaceful days continued—until about a month later.
Her first field assignment approached.
Senior researcher Catherine patted her shoulder kindly.
“Don’t overdo it. You’re coming along for experience.”
“Yes! I’ll do my best!”
Everyone laughed at the rookie enthusiasm.
“If a monster appears, run immediately. You won’t have to get close, but still.”
Their task was simple:
Lift the temporary seals placed on monsters in the northern region.
The researchers would decipher the ancient text on the stone monuments to release the seals. Once the monsters emerged, the Imperial Knights would handle them.
Because of the powerful magic from Monster Mountain, the sealed creatures grew stronger over time.
If left too long, the strengthened monsters could break free.
So every spring, a subjugation campaign was carried out.
The team consisted of Evelyn, Catherine, and Oliver.
They packed lightly and headed to the gate in the basement of the Ministry of Magic.
“I’ve never used a gate before!”
Evelyn’s blue eyes sparkled.
Catherine smiled warmly.
Ah, the freshness of a new recruit…
She’ll end up like Oliver eventually…
Oliver’s eyes were empty—focused only on going home after work.
Catherine assumed this would be another routine trip.
Then—
“Chief! This is serious!”
A researcher from the same department rushed in.
“What happened?”
“The energy surrounding Monster Mountain is unusual this time! So instead of the Imperial Knights, we’ve requested outside assistance…”
“Outside? You don’t mean like last time…”
Catherine’s face turned pale.
Even Oliver’s empty eyes filled with fear.
Behind a confused Evelyn came the heavy sound of armored footsteps.
About five or six knights entered.
But what truly stood out was the man leading them.
He was tall—so tall she had to tilt her head back to look at him.
Broad-shouldered, imposing by nature.
Smooth black hair framed sharp, cold eyes that contrasted with elegant lips.
His violet eyes added an air of mystery.
“……”
For the first time in her life, Evelyn understood what it meant to be completely captivated.
She had never even had a “type” before.
Now she did.
Mother…!
This is bad! You were right!
It was a strange, unfamiliar feeling.
Simply looking at him filled her with satisfaction.
And he wasn’t avoiding her gaze.
He was looking directly at her.
“A new face.”
He spoke to Evelyn, who stood in his path.
“Hello.”
His eyes curved gently.
At his radiant smile, Evelyn froze completely in place.
