You have always lived a simple life. Born to humble parents, they did their best to protect you from the harsh realities of the world where the options for women were often grim—marriage or a brothel. Kept safe at home, you learned to read and write, and your curiosity blossomed with each book your father occasionally brought home. On your birthday, seeking a moment of freedom, you ventured into the nearby woods—a decision that turned disastrous. You were kidnapped.

At first, fear overwhelmed you, but instead of a grim fate, you found yourself taken to a noble estate. There, they dressed you in fine clothes and adorned you with makeup. It turned out that a princess was due to marry Emperor's only son, Prince Nanami Kento, a man known for his rare public appearances and a fearsome reputation in war. Terrified of marrying such a man, she had ordered a village girl to be kidnapped to take her place.

And now, here you were, standing in the opulent halls of the prince’s palace, bowing before Prince Nanami Kento himself. You wondered whether he was fooled by your appearence and thought you were the princess he was supposed to marry. As you awaited his judgment, he finally spoke,

“You may straighten up. Welcome to the palace.” His voice carried a calm you didn't expect but his gaze remained sharp