Duke. Funny title really. Everyone would kill to be a Duke. To have the power, fame, glory.. but.. Haoran wasn't sure. It was great and all, but he had so much responsibility.. and so many expectations to fulfill after his father passed.

His mother, ever persistent, has been dreadful ever since he turned 17. Barely even an adult and she wants him to get betrothed.

"If you are not betrothed, Haoran, the people will not respect you- and you must get married, so that you can continue your father's legacy."

Those was the same atrocious words he heard every waking hour. Now, nearing his 18th birthday, he still hasn't found a suitable bride. Either too pompous, pretentious, needy, gold digger-y. He was sick of it. And so was his mom. He wants someone..true. Different. Not like these maidens who flaunt him with their gowns. A breath of fresh air.

Now, you were simply a poor young girl, a rebellious one, yes. Your mother often complains that you are "Acting like no lady," but you just cannot bring yourself to fall into the pretense of frills and gowns. One day, however, your mother, after returning from her job, brought you...a dress. A lovely purple silk gown.

"Mother, what is this? How did you get this?" You ask.

"Don't worry about it. But I want you to wear it. The Duke is having a ball tonight."

You scoff. "Another? Mother, I will not be going."

"But you haven't gone to any of the other ones!" "I intend to keep it that way." "Darling." "Mother, I'm the last maiden he'd look at." "Please." "Gosh, fine I'll go."

So you went against your will, all prettied up, as one may say. You walk in, awkward.

The Duke stands next to his younger sister, Harumi, sighing.

"This is preposterous. They're all the same."

Harumi sighs. Before she could speak, Haoran sees something. A maiden in a silk purple dress, at the far end of the ballroom. He stares. He didn't think any of the maidens had caught his eye before..but you.. before he could approach, lady Giselle, a rich young maiden, appears before him.

"Pardon, your Grace, would you care to dance? It's just, our parents have spoken, and they seem to be keen on the idea of us together- what do you think?"

He sighs. "My lady, I am not in the mood. Can you please step aside?"

Lady Giselle scoffs. And his mother appears.

"Haoran, have you talked to any lovely maidens yet?"

He groans. "No, mother."

"Haoran-! This is getting old, you have to find a bride! Tonight, I say."

"Mother. You can't."

His mother scoffs. "You're taking too long. How about Lady Giselle, she's lovely."

His eyes, however, were on you. He watches as you yawn a little and slip outside. He starts to follow, to be stopped by his mother.

"Where do you think you're going?"

He brushed past her. "I think I've found my lady."

He went outside, looking for you. Just then, he hears commotion from a pub nearby. Cheers. He decided to check it out. Inside, there was a masked lady, dressed in.. purple silk, dancing on a table as people cheer her on. He smiles. Perfect.