Chapter 1.
Prologue.
The bright blue eyes were beautiful. Clear and vivid like a lake whose depth could not be measured, the color held a mysterious charm that captured the gaze in an instant.
Even Aisha, who had been walking, was caught under the spell of that blue. The moment she faced those endlessly deep eyes, she unknowingly came to a halt.
“Ah…”
The soft gasp that escaped her red lips was low, as if it reflected her personality. But it wasn’t so quiet that it escaped the man walking beside her, who was escorting her.
“Aisha?”
Despite his concerned voice, Aisha didn’t respond and kept her eyes fixed. Her pale blue eyes were focused on the wall above the entrance they were about to enter. There, a mural of an angel was painted. Following her gaze, the man let out a sarcastic chuckle.
“It’s Gastio, the Angel of Judgment. They painted that above the entrance of a party hall? Looks like they’re still clinging to outdated ideals.”
With dazzling blonde hair, striking blue eyes, and a pair of wings, the young man in the mural—painted over three hundred years ago—embodied the cultural peak of beauty worship from that era.
“…They say Gastio was the most beautiful of all the angels.”
Aisha responded slowly, still staring at the mural. It seemed as if she were captivated by the angel’s stunning blue eyes. But at the same time, her body had stiffened as if from nervousness.
“You haven’t gone out in ages, and now you’re falling for a two-dimensional painting?”
Seeing her expression, the man shrugged and poked her cheek playfully. Only then did Aisha turn her head to look at him. Her light blue eyes, tinged with gray, were calm but shimmering.
“It’s not that. Just…”
“Just?”
“…It’s kind of scary.”
“What?”
His voice rose slightly, asking for clarity. Aisha gave a short laugh as if embarrassed, shook her head, and turned away.
“It’s nothing. Let’s go in. Brother.”
“Hey, you…”
“We’re late. Let’s hurry, okay?”
“Every time someone says you’re cute, you start saying weird things… Are you turning into Edward?”
“Edward doesn’t say weird things. Maybe you’re the one who’s lacking something?”
“You little—!”
“Okay, okay! I’m sorry! Let’s just go in, alright?”
“If it weren’t for Father and Mother, I’d…”
Aisha jokingly clung to her brother’s arm, glancing up again. The angel hadn’t changed. Still beautiful… and still frightening.
Gastio, the Angel of Judgment, aimed his arrow downward with eyes that gleamed like precious jewels. Just for a moment, Aisha imagined that cold silver arrow flying toward her heart.
‘On such a happy day… what a silly thought.’
Even she found her imagination laughable and straightened her back with a small smile. Taking it as a signal, her brother handed their invitation to the servant at the door and whispered softly.
“You must be thrilled. You’ll finally see the one you’ve been pining for.”
“Daniel!”
As soon as his name came out of her mouth, a small hand slapped his side, and Daniel raised his head with a cough. The servant, who had been watching the sibling banter, smiled to himself and opened the door.
As the door opened with a click, the two composed themselves. Though they entered quietly, eyes from all directions quickly turned toward them.
“Yeah. It’s clear now. We’re not welcome here.”
Most of the stares were curious, but some held subtle hostility. Sensing it, Daniel murmured as he guided Aisha further into the hall. A faint crease formed between his brows, showing his discomfort.
Unlike Daniel, Aisha didn’t mind the stares. In fact, she didn’t have the luxury to care. Her pale blue eyes were already searching the hall for someone. Seeing this, Daniel whispered:
“…Aisha, you’re being too obvious.”
“But it’s been six months… Where is he?”
“God. No wonder there are rumors. Do you know what they’re saying about you? That the youngest of the pretentious Pardenger family is using her childhood connection with the Marquis of Lloyd as an excuse to—”
“Ah!”
Daniel didn’t get to finish. Aisha stopped in her tracks, exclaiming in delight.
The man who stopped her was extraordinarily handsome. His golden hair was like molten gold, his clear blue eyes like pieces of the sky. His face and physique were so flawless, he could have been the real-life version of Gastio.
Joy and delight were clear on Aisha’s softly smiling face. But it didn’t last long.
The moment the man turned his head and met her gaze, a cold, piercing look—like a silver arrow—shot straight at her. Thump. Her heart dropped as she instinctively clasped her hands over her chest.
His beautiful face had hardened. His brow was slightly furrowed, and his icy blue eyes held not a trace of warmth.
Aisha’s eyes trembled as she stared at him, confused by his cold response. The moment their eyes met, he turned away. It happened slowly enough for Aisha to notice that his gaze had remained indifferent until the very end.
“…That bastard.”
Daniel’s teeth ground beside her. Knowing her brother’s quick temper, Aisha quickly grabbed his arm and forced a smile.
“I’m fine. Really, I am. So…”
“Are you kidding me? Did you not see how he just treated you? And who the hell is that woman with him? He ignored your letter and showed up with someone else—!”
“Stop.”
“….”
“Stop it, Daniel.”
Aisha glanced toward the man. Only now did she notice the woman beside him. With bright red hair and a vivid green dress, she was stunningly dressed and unmistakably beautiful.
Aisha’s gaze dropped slightly. The woman’s gloved hand was naturally resting on the man’s arm. Seeing the crease in the man’s sleeve, Aisha bit down on her inner cheek without realizing it.
[Ian. I heard you’ve returned. You must be tired from your long journey, but I couldn’t hide my excitement upon hearing the lights were on at the Lloyd estate. If it’s not too much… would you accompany me to the charity ball? I’ll be waiting for your reply.]
The time she spent waiting for his response now tasted bitter. Aisha swallowed it and murmured:
“…There’s no rule saying he has to write back. And whoever Ian comes with—it’s his choice. It’s not something I should interfere with.”
“You! You and that jerk have been—!”
Daniel couldn’t hold back his anger, but the moment he saw her face, he fell silent. Aisha’s downcast profile was filled with unhidden bitterness.
“Brother. I want to rest. The carriage ride gave me a headache.”
“Ugh… Fine, let’s go to the lounge.”
Daniel guided her toward a quiet corner. Unbeknownst to them, a pair of sharp blue eyes followed Aisha’s every step.
* * *
“I said I’m fine, so please stop, okay?”
“I held it in earlier, but Aisha! You being so soft is exactly why he keeps treating you like you’re nothing. And it’s not just you! That bastard has been looking down on our entire Pardenger family. Ungrateful punk! After everything we’ve done for him—he forgets the past just like that!”
As soon as the curtain of the makeshift lounge dropped, Daniel exploded in anger. The veins on his hand bulged as he ran it through his neatly combed black hair. Sitting calmly on the couch, Aisha tried to soothe her agitated brother.
“You said it yourself earlier. We’re not welcome here. With the people around Ian… he probably couldn’t approach me first.”
“So it’s okay for him to ignore you and show up with another woman just to keep up appearances with the Duke of Levantus and his crew? Aisha, you and Ian are engaged!”
The word “engaged” darkened Aisha’s expression. Clenching the handkerchief in her hand, she murmured:
“…But we’re not, not yet.”
“What?”
“It’s true. There have been many discussions about an engagement between me and Ian… but nothing’s official. So please, Daniel, don’t blame Ian so harshly.”
“You… really?”
Daniel stopped pacing. But as always, he stopped there. Ever since they were children, Aisha had been completely enamored with Ian. She couldn’t bear to hear a word spoken against him.
“Ugh… If I keep talking to you, my head’s going to explode. I’ll go find Arthur. Stay here and rest for a bit.”
Arthur was Aisha’s twin brother, scheduled to arrive at the ball a bit later. When Aisha nodded silently, Daniel gave her a sideways glance.
Her lips were firmly shut in a show of stubbornness. Feeling stifled, Daniel loosened his cravat and yanked open the curtain with a rough hand. The curtain flapped violently behind him.
