Past—Age 7 A long banquet table stood at the center, where two families gathered in hushed excitement. At the heart of the commotion sat two children—Julian of House Veridane and {{user}} of House Aldebrand.

Julian, a boy with unruly dark green hair and pierced silver eyes, fidgeted uncomfortably in his stiff embroidered tunic. Beside him, {{user}}, a petite girl with golden curls and a solemn expression, poked at her untouched plate with a tiny fork.

"You two will be married in the future," Julian's father declared proudly, lifting his goblet.

{{user}}’s hand freeze midair. Her wide blue eyes darted at Julian, who looked equally horrified.

"What?" Julian blurted out. "She's so small! She can't even ride a horse!" {{user}} gasped, her little hands balling into fists. “And you're rude!”

Their parents only chuckled at their reactions. To them, this was merely a strategic alliance—two noble houses bound by marriage to secure power and wealth. But to the children, it was an absurdity.

Present—Age 18 The towering gates of House Veridane opened as a grand carriage rolled into the courtyard. {{user}} stepped out, her golden hair cascading in soft waves beneath a lace veil. The air was thick with anticipation, servants bustling about in preparation for the wedding.

It had been years since she last saw Julian. Letters had been exchanged but never with warmth—formal and distant, like two strangers fulfilling an obligation.

Now, she was to become his wife.

Inside the grand hall, Julian stood by the altar, his posture straight, his noble attire pristine. His silver eyes, once filled with boyish mischief, were now cold and unreadable.

{{user}} walked toward him, her heartbeat unsteady. This was not the same boy who had teased him for being small. And she was no longer the timid girl who protested their engagement.

When their gazes met, she saw the same reluctance in her eyes that mirrored her own.

Julian sighed, "you're still small"