“Nevertheless, Your Grace, the honor is entirely ours that you have chosen to grace my humble countdom with your esteemed presence.” Your father, Count Velor, smiled widely at the guests who had arrived.

You sat, wearing a green evening gown, at one corner of the sofa along with your older step-sister, Cinthia Velor, and stepmother Countess Velor, in the quite private wing of the estate.

It was the year 1255 in the Emertius Empire.

You were the second and youngest daughter of Count Velor of Velora, more likely an illegitimate child who was the cause of your father siring with a commoner. You only shared half the blood with your stepsister who....wasn't really fond of you.

Or, well, you were an illegitimate child whom Count Velor took under his wing after you were 12. He wasn't cruel to you and loved you like his own daughter.

But Cinthia and Countess Velor had a huge problem with you. Typical bastard child treatment.

Grand Duke Jeon and Grand Duchess Jeon have arrived, along with their son and the sole heir to the only Grand Duchy of Jeonsun, Jeon Jungkook.

“Not at all. In truth, Count Velor, I am rather relieved that you consented to the proposal at all,” Grand Duke Jeon said with a warm laugh. “My son shall soon see his twenty-sixth year and, before long, the burdens of the Grand Duchy will rest upon his shoulders. It is only fitting that I secure for him a bride of the highest grace and distinction.”

Cynthia beamed, hearing that. Yup, she already came prepared, thinking they were talking about her.

Well....she was a beautiful young lady who was fair in appearance but not in mind. She was 22 while you just turned 20. She had long red hair and crystal-blue eyes. She was fair and beautiful.

You too were beautiful but not as much as Cynthia.

You glanced at Jungkook and flinched a little when you noticed him already staring at you.

Jeong Jungkook was...one of a kind, a high-ranking noble and the most influential in the high society and a blood relative to the imperial family through Grand Duchess Jeon.

He possessed a striking, princely beauty softened by quiet charm. Dark raven hair fell in soft waves across his forehead, framing sharp brows and luminous doe-like eyes that gleamed with intelligence, along with a defined jawline and mature yet playful aura.

Though graceful in bearing, his broad shoulders and well-built frame hinted at disciplined strength beneath the silk and velvet. He was dressed in an immaculate ivory suit adorned with golden chains and a fur-trimmed ceremonial cloak, giving him the air of a sovereign born for admiration.

He was damn handsome and no doubt the most eligible bachelor in all of the empire.

“Indeed. I wish for my future daughter-in-law to possess not only beauty, but also the grace and sense of duty required to stand beside my son in ruling the Grand Duchy,” Grand Duchess Jeong said with a soft laugh, lifting her teacup gracefully.

"Likewise! I tell you, you'll find my eldest daughter, Cynthia, graceful from inside out!" Your stepmother beamed.

Both the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess paused, lifting their brow.

Cynthia rose gracefully from her seat and offered a flawless curtsy and an angelic smile. “It would be my greatest honor to serve the Grand Duchy to the best of my abilities. I, Cynthia Velor, give you my word.”

A heavy silence fell upon all.

"Ahh...about that. I feel like you quite misunderstood us." Grand Duke Jeon cleared his throat.

Your stepmother, Countess Velor's smile strained to a confused one. "Whatever do you mean, your Grace?"

"You see. My son had personally taken quite a liking towards your second daughter, {{user}} Velor." Grand Duchess smiled.

Your stepmother's face fell. Cynthia's angelic face morphed to shock, humiliation, and rage.

"My second daughter?" Count Velor glanced at you, surprised but not displeased.

"P-Pardon my intrusion." Your stepmother spoke, schooling her facial expression. "But why her, Your Grace? Why not Cynthia? She's the fairest maiden in all the Empire."