🌷 Chapter One –
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A child born by devouring her mother’s soul.
A cursed child with crimson eyes.
These were the whispers that clung like shadows to Evelina Rothsfield.
Not long before Evelina’s birth, it had been foretold that a cursed girl with scarlet eyes would be born within the empire.
And as fate would have it… her eyes were red.
Her father, the Duke, abandoned her in an isolated chamber and never once visited.
He claimed she was cursed—born through the consumption of her mother’s soul.
One day, when they crossed paths by mere accident, the Duke looked down at her with a chilling gaze and said coldly:
“Do not let those eyes appear before me. If I ever see them again, I shall tear them from your face.”
A cruel sentence… uttered to a child.
From that day on, Evelina shrouded her eyes beneath a strip of black cloth.
Yet due to the magical power harbored in her eyes, Evelina could still see what lay before her.
Though she was raised in neglect and harsh solitude, Evelina never once fell ill.
She grew up well—silent, strong, and untouched by even the common cold.
Those who caught a glimpse of her whispered:
“That child is cursed. That must be why she never gets sick.”
Because the Duke showed no interest in raising her properly, Evelina never had her societal debut.
She wasn’t even allowed to leave the palace.
Thus, she spent her life locked within its cold, silent halls.
Years passed. Evelina was now twenty years old.
Were she any other noble daughter, her family would have already spoken of marriage—perhaps she would’ve wed long ago.
But Evelina had never heard the word marriage directed at her, much less seen a suitor.
So the Duke clicked his tongue and declared:
“Even now, as an adult, she’s of no use.”
And thus, Evelina lived her life branded as a sinner.
—
One quiet day, as she sat alone in the attic, a sudden visitor appeared.
They hadn’t even bothered to knock—but Evelina didn’t comment.
She had long since grown used to such treatment.
“My lady, the Duke wishes to see you.”
“…My father?”
“So make haste.”
The maid uttered her words and promptly left.
Startled, Evelina quickly adjusted her dress and hurried toward her father’s office.
In all her twenty years, this was the first time the Duke had summoned her.
She didn’t know the reason—but the mere fact that he wanted to see her made her heart flutter with quiet joy.
Standing before his door, she checked her appearance one last time.
Then, raising a hand, she knocked.
“Father, it’s me.”
“Come in.”
So it was true. The maid hadn’t lied.
He had indeed asked for her.
Evelina stifled her excitement and cautiously opened the door.
Inside, the Duke was signing a document.
When she approached, he finally looked up.
“How old are you?”
“I’m twenty, Father.”
“…Perfect.”
“Pardon?”
Her voice trembled.
But the Duke continued as if her confusion was irrelevant.
“A man has asked for your hand in marriage. He’s offered me a diamond mine in exchange.”
“…What…?”
Evelina stammered, her fingers twisting in anxiety.
“Your suitor is Archduke Rockfield.”
Her body froze.
“Father… the Archduke Rockfield…?”
“Are you saying you won’t obey me?”
“N-No! That’s not what I—”
Archduke Rockfield.
A name whispered like a curse throughout the capital.
A fallen prince who never ascended the throne.
When the current emperor took power, the prince was stripped of his claim, renamed Rockfield, and granted the distant title of Archduke.
He hadn’t set foot in the capital since leaving for the cold northern lands with his mother, the former empress.
The empress relinquished her title upon their departure, and since the late emperor had already passed, her position had become a hollow shell.
Within noble circles, she was now simply Lady Rockfield.
As for the Archduke… rumors followed him like a storm.
Some said he was cursed.
Others claimed he was mad.
There were even whispers that he killed anyone he disliked—without hesitation.
“You should be grateful,” the Duke muttered. “At last, you’re useful.”
“Father… do you even know what kind of man he is?”
For a moment, Evelina thought he might reconsider.
But instead, the Duke scowled.
“And what if I do? You should be thankful he’s willing to take in a cursed girl like you. Do you think you’re in a position to judge anyone?”
“You’ve eaten well, slept well, and lived comfortably in this palace for twenty years without being cast out. Shouldn’t you repay that kindness now?”
Her eyes lifted slowly. His expression held nothing but disdain.
She wanted to say no.
But how could she?
Everything he said… was true.
Her voice trembled.
“I… I understand.”
“Good. He’ll come to fetch you in a month. Prepare yourself.”
“…Yes.”
It was too soon.
She bowed, left the room, and bit her lip so hard it stung.
‘If I’d said no… Father would’ve despised me more.’
The north was cold and distant—it would take a full month by carriage.
A part of her wondered why the Archduke wanted to marry her at all.
Who would willingly take in a cursed bride?
Perhaps it was mere curiosity.
‘But once that curiosity fades…?’
A chill raced down her spine.
She reached for the doorknob, intending to plead with her father to reconsider…
But her hand dropped.
She couldn’t ask. Not when the debt of her existence still weighed so heavily on her.
—
The month passed—slowly, and yet all too quickly.
At last, the eve of her departure arrived.
“Haah…”
Evelina sighed as she packed her things.
There wasn’t much to take—just one small bag containing everything she owned.
No fine gowns. No jewels. Nothing.
She had silently hoped the Archduke would cancel the arrangement.
But he hadn’t.
In some twisted way, she felt lucky.
At least she could finally be of use to her family.
Evelina set the bag aside and sat on the bed, her thoughts racing.
She didn’t know who the Archduke truly was.
Only the rumors…
So much fear. So much mystery.
‘If he’s as violent as they say, I’ll have to live as quietly as possible…’
Sleep wouldn’t come.
Eventually, she dozed off—only to be shaken awake hours later.
“My lady, it’s time.”
“…Already?”
“Get ready. Quickly.”
The maid left without another word.
Evelina rose, splashed water on her face, and began to prepare.
As she dressed and fastened the black cloth over her eyes, the door suddenly swung open.
“My lady, are you not ready yet?”
“Ah, I’m finished. I apologize for the delay.”
The sharpness in the maid’s voice made Evelina flinch.
She grabbed her small bag and followed her out.
Outside, a grand carriage awaited—its polished frame etched with the crest of House Rockfield.
‘It’s… enormous.’
She stared in awe, but snapped back when the Duke cleared his throat.
His expression was stern, disapproving.
“Very well. My daughter is here. You may leave now.”
Slowly, Evelina lifted her gaze toward the man who had come to collect her.
He had light silver hair and eyes of muted violet.
As she glanced up at him, his gaze met hers.
To her surprise… he smiled.
“Any last words for the princess?” he asked, turning to the Duke.
Evelina hoped, foolishly, that her father might at least tell her to stay well.
But such a wish was empty.
“No. Leave.”
“…I see.”
The silver-haired man bowed politely.
Evelina forced a smile.
“Father… I’ll be going now. Please take care.”
The Duke said nothing.
Instead, he turned and disappeared into the palace without even looking back.
A final wound.
One last confirmation that she was never truly loved.
Still… Evelina did not cry.
She understood.
The silver-haired man stepped forward.
“Greetings, Princess. I am Noël, head steward of the Archduchy of Rockfield.”
“Ah… It’s a pleasure, Sir Noël.”
Seeing the tension in her expression, he spoke gently.
“Princess… if the cloth over your eyes troubles you, you may remove it.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to see them anyway. But… thank you for the kindness.”
“Pardon? That’s not what I—”
“May I enter the carriage?”
“…Of course.”
As Evelina approached, a knight stepped forward and opened the carriage door for her, offering his hand.
It was the first time anyone had treated her with such courtesy.
She hesitated, then timidly placed her hand in his.
His hair gleamed gold like molten sunlight, and his eyes… were the most brilliant blue she had ever seen.
Startled by the intensity of his gaze, Evelina turned away.
But he never once looked away from her.
Only when the door closed did she finally escape his stare.
Just then—tap tap tap—a knock on the window.
It was Noël.
“Is something wrong?”
“Princess, where is your luggage? Shall we retrieve it from your chambers?”
“Ah… It’s with me.”
“…Pardon?”
She pointed beside her.
“This small bag… is all I have.”
Noël blinked, then quickly composed himself.
“Very well. Once we arrive, we shall see to all your needs. For now… let us depart.”
“Yes.”
Evelina gently closed the window, only to find the golden-haired knight still watching her.
Flushed, she yanked the curtain closed.
Moments later, the carriage began to move.
She peeked through the curtain one last time, watching the palace vanish from view.
No one there had ever loved her.
But it had still been her home… for twenty years.
She vowed to return someday—if fate ever allowed it.
But the place she was headed…
was somewhere far beyond her imagination.
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