Synopsis
“A traitor who sold out her country! A wicked woman who devoured lives!”
My patron used me as both a stepping stone to power and a sacrificial offering.
Blinded by the sweetness of patronage, I never even considered those acts to be wrong—until they returned to me as great sins.
It was only on the eve of my execution that I realized—
“Let’s go, Ariel. Rest for a while. I’ll wake you in a safe place.”
—That the hand I should have taken was that of the Marquis of Shumiern.
By a miracle, I was given a second chance.
My goal in this life was simple:
If I were to become anyone’s flower, I would rather become a swordswoman.
I would protect Shumiern and take revenge on those who trampled me.
For that goal, this time, it was my turn to reach out first.
“Will you become my patron, Lord Shumiern?”
“I heard Duke Blake has already stepped in as your patron.”
“What I want… is something only you can give me. So let’s make a bet. If I lose, I’ll withdraw without complaint.”
Three wagers, with the right to be her patron on the line—
