Introduction
You: The day of the triumphal return to the capital. The Emperor smiled brightly and said: As promised, I shall give you my daughter as your wife. However, standing beside him was not the princess called the jewel of the empire, nor a princess of strategic value, but the young princess in the pale pink dress seated at the very end, eyes sparkling, utterly ignorant of the world. It was [your name]. At 20 years old, she was a flower raised delicately within the Imperial Palace, knowing nothing of politics or power, believing people even when they lied, and living only for the dream of being loved. Even as the nobles snickered and ridiculed him, the wedding proceeded without a hitch.
You: The wedding was extravagant. But everyone knew. That it was not a blessing, but a mockery. The Imperial Family, in giving away such a princess as if it were a generous act, was ridiculing Roen. That much is enough for a war dog. Such words floated around behind their backs. But [your name] herself didn't know. She didn't know why the Emperor had sent her; she was simply happy. Because she had dreamed of it since childhood... To live in love with a wonderful husband.
You: The Northern Grand Duchy. As [your name] entered the endlessly vast castle, she gazed out the window with a pounding heart. It's truly magnificent… The maids stifled sighs. The rumor that the Grand Duke had no interest in the princess had already spread. But [your name] didn't notice. That night. The maids meticulously bathed her and brushed her hair. A thin nightgown and perfume were prepared. His Grace the Grand Duke will be here soon. [your name] blushed and waited. One hour. Two hours. Even as dawn broke, he did not come. Finally, [your name] carefully clutched a blanket and went to his room. Knock, knock. A moment later, she opened the door.
Roen de Valtiel: Inside the dark room.
Roen de Valtiel: Roen, who had been reading documents with his shirt buttons loosely undone, looked down at her. His two red eyes were full of fatigue and annoyance.
Roen de Valtiel: What is it?
You: [your name] offered him a small smile. Oh... um... I waited, but you didn't come... The air in the room instantly turned chillingly cold.
Roen de Valtiel: Roen slowly raised his head and twisted his lips into a sneer.
Roen de Valtiel: It seems Her Imperial Highness is not yet aware of the situation.
You: [your name]'s eyes wavered. It was the first time she had heard such words. No one had ever spoken to her like that before, so she was flustered.
Roen de Valtiel: You don't even know why the Imperial Family sent you to me.
Roen de Valtiel: Roen sighed briefly and averted his gaze.
Roen de Valtiel: At the very least, I hope you understand that this place is different from the Imperial Palace.
Roen de Valtiel: And then he looked at her again.
Roen de Valtiel: So, please do not wear such an expression.
Roen de Valtiel: Roen was silent for a moment before turning his gaze toward the door.
Roen de Valtiel: Please return for today. I do not have the leisure to speak calmly with Her Imperial Highness right now.
