Chapter 5
Unable to refute his words, Violette lifted her teacup again. No matter how she thought about it, the situation was absurd.
Even if she claimed to have no interest in most things and aimed to live life flowing like water, how could an engagement and marriage proceed without her knowledge?
After a brief pause to think, she asked in a puzzled voice,
“Wait a second… the contract says the wedding is 50 days after the engagement, right? That means there’s less than three weeks left?”
“That’s right.”
“No matter how strategic the marriage is, how can we prepare for a wedding in just three weeks?! I’m the youngest daughter of the Raskal family; I don’t want a haphazard wedding like this!”
“Oh, don’t worry about that. Father is putting a lot of effort into the wedding preparations to make sure the ducal house isn’t intimidated. Didn’t the boutique staff come by recently to measure you for clothes?”
“That’s right.”
“That’s for your wedding dress. They’re making a luxurious custom gown. And the accessories you picked with Hurain? Those will be your wedding gifts. Sihna’s been bringing new desserts lately—they’ll be served at the wedding…”
Listening blankly, Violette sighed deeply again.
“So basically, everyone except me has been putting effort into my wedding preparations.”
“Exactly! I even ordered the most expensive carriage in the empire as your wedding gift. How’s that for a dependable older brother?”
“Ah, please just shut your mouth. I’m already nervous about being invited to the ducal dinner tomorrow…”
“It’s a chance to make a good impression on the Duke and Duchess. While you’re there, you can see your fiancé’s face. I’m curious about him too, you know.”
“Hmm… actually, I am a bit curious too.”
Narsia Kegrainner, the young Duke of the Kegrainner Ducal House, was almost completely unknown in social circles.
Despite his title, he rarely appeared outside his mansion, which had led to odd rumors about him—being weak, ugly, or even fearful of people. In the original story, there were no descriptions of his appearance, making him all the more mysterious.
Curious by nature, Violette briefly imagined his face and frowned. No matter what, she had to prevent this marriage.
The gates of the Kegrainner Ducal House opened, and the black, gleaming Raskal carriage entered.
Veronia Raskal, the eldest daughter of the Raskal family and Violette’s oldest sister, gazed out the window with an inquisitive look. Veronia and Violette were complete opposites in both appearance and personality.
“The garden is quite different from what’s fashionable in the empire. They say the Duke is interested in foreign culture… looks like it’s true.”
Unlike Violette, who closely resembled their father Argon, Veronia inherited their mother’s looks and father’s ambitious nature.
Still, she was the sibling who cherished Violette the most. Having raised her little sister from a young age, Veronia even assumed a motherly role after their own mother passed away.
“This place is huge! Haha, our Violette is going to be the Duchess of such an amazing family! I’m so proud!”
“It’s not that you’re happy to leave home, is it?”
Argon, also visiting the ducal house for the first time, couldn’t stop exclaiming with hearty laughter. Unlike the excited siblings, Violette leaned against the window, pouting.
“Well… it is indeed spacious.”
As one of the most powerful noble families in the empire, the Raskal mansion’s scale was vast—but it couldn’t compare to the Kegrainner Ducal House in terms of estate size.
The Duke’s lands were famous for natural beauty: wide rivers flowed across the outskirts, backed by tall, majestic mountains.
Violette furrowed her brow, recalling the plan she had thought through overnight. The only way to break this engagement was to have the Kegrainner House request a cancellation first. If the house that accepted the marriage proposed a break, Argon could do little in response.
‘Anyway, the young Duke is also being forced into this marriage by his parents. If I can persuade him, it’ll work.’
While scribbling details from the original story overnight, she recalled an important fact: Narsia was unmarried.
Even in his late twenties, after Tereso became emperor, Narsia had no marriage obligations. That meant he probably wouldn’t care much about this engagement, giving Violette a slim hope of escaping it.
Even if she passed up this marriage, Argon would eventually find another match—but at least she would gain one more chance. She could abstain from gambling for a while, act like the obedient youngest daughter, and cling to the family again.
“Thank you for having us. I am Melne, the steward of the Kegrainner Ducal House.”
Soon after, the carriage stopped in front of the mansion. Servants, already waiting, greeted them with bright smiles.
Melne, the young male steward, appeared neat and capable. Considering his young age and position, he must be highly competent.
Violette caught his gaze for a brief moment, sensing a clear intent. Melne’s look was wary, as if assessing her carefully.
Though annoyed by being scrutinized right from the start, she restrained her anger. Normally, she would have pushed him aside without hesitation.
“This way, please.”
With polite, calm words, he led the three of them to the dining room. Antique tableware was arranged along the wide white table.
At the head sat the Duke and Duchess of the Kegrainner House, and Violette’s fiancé, Narsia. She tried to see his face but the distance made it difficult.
“Duke, how have you been?”
“Ah, you’re here!”
The Kegrainners, noticing the guests, stood to greet them warmly. Argon, familiar with the Duke, smiled gently.
Opia Kegrainner, head of the noble house, was known for his warm, gentle personality. Alongside Argon, he was one of the few maintaining neutrality between nobles and the imperial family.
‘Tereso became Crown Prince thanks in part to Narsia Kegrainner siding with him…’
After exchanging light greetings, they sat down and smiled. Soon, dozens of colorful dishes were laid out on the table.
“Marquis Raskal, I never imagined we’d meet under such auspicious circumstances.”
“The honor is mine. I worry that my daughter still has much to learn.”
“Haha, same goes for my son!”
Thanks to the friendly relationship between Argon and Opia, the atmosphere was warm. As they complimented each other’s families, Violette cautiously glanced at the person seated across from her.
It was her first time seeing Narsia.
‘Wow… might be prettier than me…?’
His silver hair flowed smoothly over his shoulders, and his downcast eyes shone like amethysts.
His skin was flawless, clear, and radiant, and his facial features were exquisitely sculpted.
‘How could someone like this have a rumor about being ugly? Never trust gossip.’
Though Violette had met many handsome men in high society, none had ever left her so speechless.
‘Wait… I feel like I’ve thought this before… he looks familiar somehow.’
She stared at him unconsciously, but when their eyes met, she quickly lowered her head in embarrassment. Flustered at being caught, she pretended to focus on her meal, cutting a piece of meat and pushing it into her mouth.
