101CF 02

Chapter : 02

Lucia Agnes.

The eldest daughter of the Agnes County family, one of the fairly prestigious houses in the Perros Empire.
She was the precious daughter born into the Agnes line, a family that, for generations, had produced only sons.

Raised with boundless love and affection from her grandfather, parents, and her older brother who was two years her senior, Lucia grew into a truly lovable young lady.

Herwyn Peneus.

The eldest son of the second-born of the North Ducal House, one of the Empire’s four grand ducal families, stationed at the very front lines.

He was not only blessed with an excellent lineage and strikingly handsome looks, but also possessed extraordinary swordsmanship — so much so that he was said to be on the verge of reaching the realm of a Sword Master.

He was the sort of man that any woman would have, at least once in her life, dreamed of in her heart.

Lucia was one of the many women who secretly longed for Herwyn, but there was one thing that set her apart.

She had loved only him, and for over 13 long years, never looked at another.

Since ancient times, the Peneus and Agnes families had maintained close ties, and even now their relationship was one of active exchange.

To put it simply, Lucia and Herwyn were childhood friends.

And from the age of eight, Lucia had fallen for Herwyn and had looked only to him — like a sunflower chasing the blazing sun.

At first, no one knew that Lucia liked Herwyn.

But due to a certain “incident,” her feelings were made public. When it was revealed not only that she liked him but also that she had secretly loved him for much longer than anyone thought, the social circles gave her a nickname: Herwyn’s Sunflower.

It would have been wonderful if Herwyn returned Lucia’s feelings, but unfortunately, he regarded her as no more than a friend.

And so, 13 years passed without their relationship advancing in the slightest.

By the age of 19, most noblemen and women of the Empire were already engaged or married.

But Lucia was now 21. Her family could not keep waiting endlessly for her unrequited love.

After long deliberation, Johann and Julian decided to arrange a marriage for their daughter.

“Marriage interviews…?”

Lucia’s lips trembled as she forced herself to speak.

“Yes, meeting suitors. We can’t keep waiting for you any longer.”

Lucia lifted her head to meet Johann’s gaze.

In the blue of his eyes, she saw firmness and resolve. Realizing he truly meant what he said, she clenched the hem of her dress.

“…How long have you been considering this?”

“For years. I was waiting, hoping you’d give up on Lord Peneus, but it seems that won’t happen.”

“……”

Lucia could not find words and chose silence.

She knew her position well. Born a noble, she had a duty to her family and would inevitably have to marry into another house.

“I’ve already selected several suitable young men for you.”

Johann placed four documents on the table.

“They are all outstanding in every respect. Their families are also well-matched with ours.”

It was clear he had chosen with care.

Often, families would push their daughters into marriages with men ten or more years older, simply for political advantage. But among Johann’s candidates, none was more than five years Lucia’s senior.

“I’ll arrange for you to meet them soon. That’s decided.”

“…So it’s already been settled.”

Her own wishes had no place in this marriage.

Though she had known this day would come, its sudden arrival left a bitter taste in her heart.

Seeing their usually bright daughter droop in gloom, even Julian and Johann faltered, their own hearts weakening.

“Not immediately. We’re not asking you to meet them tomorrow. Take some time to compose yourself.”

“No, Mother. You’re right… I suppose it’s time to let go of a one-sided love.”

Lucia forced a smile, but it was so strained it made Julian’s heart ache.

Julian considered comforting her daughter with words but stopped at Johann’s stern glance.

“I understand your will, Father, Mother. I’ll fulfill my duty as an Agnes.”

Unexpectedly, Lucia accepted the arrangement without resistance.

“But please, grant me a little time.”

“How long?”

“…I don’t know.”

A cryptic answer.

“I just… one last time… want to confess my feelings to Herwyn.”

The room fell silent.

Julian stroked her daughter’s back in pity, while Johann let out a weary sigh.

Though she knew exactly how her parents viewed the matter, Lucia couldn’t abandon her lingering hopes for Herwyn.

“If by some miracle he accepts me, would you allow me to be engaged to him instead?”

“Of course. If you marry the man you truly love, nothing could please us more. But if Lord Peneus refuses, then you must accept the arrangement without complaint. Do you understand?”

Lucia nodded calmly, though Johann’s realism cut deep.

“Yes. I’ll abide by that.”

Seeing his beloved daughter obey so meekly without protest, Johann felt as though a piece of his heart had broken away.

“…Very well. You must be tired from today. Go and rest now.”

“Yes, then I shall take my leave. Good night, Father, Mother.”

Lucia kissed them lightly on the cheek before quietly leaving the room.

Even after the door closed, the couple remained staring at it for a long while.

“Do you think we were too sudden with her? Perhaps we should have given her more time…”

“You know we’ve already given her time. This is something you agreed to as well. We can’t turn back now.”

“Yes, but still…”

“Julian, come here.”

When Johann reached out his hand, Julian went to him, her eyes downcast. He held her tightly, comforting his wife’s aching heart.

“It will be fine. Everything will work out. We were also a political marriage, yet we’ve lived happily together, haven’t we?”

“Meeting you was truly my good fortune. But… I can’t believe such luck will come to our daughter as well…”

In noble society, marriages — especially arranged ones — rarely turned out well.

Gentlemen who were praised as refined often turned out to be violent abusers behind closed doors. Dutiful wives sometimes embezzled their husbands’ estates.

Even in less extreme cases, many couples clashed endlessly due to irreconcilable personalities.

By contrast, Johann and Julian’s union had been an exceptional stroke of fortune. Though it hadn’t begun with blazing love at first sight, affection had quietly grown, and now they couldn’t imagine life without each other.

Julian, who knew how rare such fortune was, couldn’t help but worry for her daughter.

Though she accepted that marriage was inevitable, she still hoped her daughter would find a good match.

“Lucia takes after you. She has a good eye for people. She may seem delicate, but inside, she’s strong.”

“Of course I know. But… worrying is only natural.”

Though he comforted his wife, Johann’s heart too was far from at ease.

Still, he remained by Julian’s side, gently holding her until she calmed.

For parents burdened with concern for their daughter, the night stretched unbearably long.

That night, while the household slept, Lucia lay awake.

Staring blankly at the silk canopy above her bed, she covered her eyes with both arms.

“…An engagement, huh.”

Though the word startled her, she had long expected it. When her father had spoken, she had only thought, At last, the time has come.

Lowering her arms, she suddenly sat up and walked to her desk.

Lighting the lamp, the flame flickered and filled the space with warm orange light.

On the desk lay her quill and ink, letters exchanged with friends, pressed flowers she had collected for her diary, and more.

Among them, her hand reached for a music box.

Though 15 years old, it still played a clear, delicate melody.

Inside were colorful stones, a four-leaf clover pressed between glass, a handkerchief — an assortment with no theme at all.

Yet this was her most treasured possession.

“…Herwyn…”

Eyes glistening, she hugged the box tightly.

Resting her head on the desk, her brown hair spilled messily over it.

Through the strands, one could glimpse a framed picture.

It was of Herwyn as a child.

[Imperial Year 723, December 28th]

At the end of a tumultuous year, the Empire held its grand annual event — the New Year’s Banquet, to pray for peace in the coming year.

Even the Peneus Duchy, rarely seen in social circles, came down to the capital to attend.

They would be staying with the Agnes family during the event.

This arrangement was partly due to the long-standing friendship between the two houses, but also because Julian and Duchess Scarlett Peneus had been inseparable friends back in their academy days.

And so, on December 28th, just days before the new year, the Peneus family arrived in the capital.

“Welcome to the House of Agnes.”

Johann greeted them warmly. Julian curtsied beside him, while their children shyly mimicked their parents’ gestures.

Smiling gently at their hospitality, Duke Heil Peneus replied,

“We should be the ones thanking you for your invitation.”

“Julian! It’s been too long!”

As the duke shook Johann’s hand, Duchess Scarlett rushed forward and embraced Julian tightly.

Surprised at first, Julian soon laughed softly and returned her friend’s hug.

“It really has been years, hasn’t it? Have you been well?”

“Of course. And you — your complexion is even more radiant! The Count must be treating you well.”

“Oh, stop that, you say the most embarrassing things.”

Blushing, Julian tapped Scarlett’s arm lightly, and Scarlett let out a hearty laugh.

“Hahaha! Ah — are these your children?”

At last, Scarlett noticed the two children standing at Julian’s side.

“Yes. This is Lucas, who’ll soon turn seven, and Lucia, who’ll be five in just a few days. Children, greet my dear friend.”

“Greetings. I am Lucas Agnes.”

“M-my name is Lucia Agnes…”

Lucas spoke confidently, while Lucia, shy and hesitant, lifted her dress hem nervously.

“So you’re Lucas and Lucia. I’ve heard so much about you from your mother. And Lucia, you’ll be five soon?”

“Yes…”

“I also have two sons. One of them is the same age as you. Herwyn, come here.”

At Scarlett’s call, a boy stepped forward.

Peeking curiously, Lucia’s eyes widened.

A boy with black hair and ruby-red eyes.

Were it not for the introduction, one might easily have mistaken him for a beautiful girl.