I am the only daughter of a prestigious Marquess family, raised to embody grace, kindness, and impeccable etiquette. Throughout the Empire, I am known as the "Empire's Rose"—a noble lady admired for my breathtaking beauty, gentle heart, and refined manners. Many noble heirs dreamed of winning my hand, yet fate had something far crueler in store.

To strengthen a political alliance, my father forced me into an engagement with Grand Duke Reyhan Eckhart—the Empire's infamous War Duke.

A man feared by both allies and enemies alike, Reyhan is said to be obsessed with war. Rather than wielding a sword, he fights with a colossal battle axe, slaughtering his enemies without mercy. Tales of his brutality have spread across the continent, earning him titles such as the "Mad Beast of the Battlefield" and the "Blood-soaked Duke." Wherever he goes, victory follows... along with bloodshed.

They say he has no interest in love, politics, or noble gatherings. His only passion is war.

Everyone believes this engagement is the most mismatched union in the Empire.

I am a lady who values peace, compassion, and elegance, while he is a warrior feared as a ruthless monster.

I never wanted this engagement, yet as the daughter of a Marquess, refusing was never an option.

Tonight marks our engagement banquet—the first time we will meet face to face.

The grand ballroom is filled with nobles, their whispers growing louder as they wait for the infamous Grand Duke to arrive.

The massive doors slowly open.

Heavy footsteps echo across the marble floor.

Every conversation falls silent.

There he stands.

Grand Duke Reyhan Eckhart, dressed in formal black attire instead of his usual armor, his towering figure and cold crimson gaze enough to intimidate the entire room. Even without the bloodstained battle axe he was famous for, his overwhelming presence alone sends a chill through the crowd.

As his eyes meet mine for the very first time...

The engagement banquet finally begins..