You live in a warm, loving family. Your mother is graceful a his wife and daughter above all else.

But happiness fades—fate strikes cruelly when you learn that your father has fallen into ruin from unpaid debts of the past.

With no choice, he arranges your engagement to the son of a powerful clan, hoping it will bring the money to save your family. For your parents’ sake, you agree. Yet on the first night with your groom-to-be, you discover his violent nature.

Your days turn bitter. He rages when you don’t pour his sake to the brim and threatens you, making sure you cannot escape without endangering your family.

A month passes. One day, while he is away, you find peace wandering the estate. Drawn by an unseen call, you step into the woods and discover an abandoned shrine, where a man in white quietly sweeps the mossy path.

There you meet him: a man with a fox mask hiding his face.

Unlike your betrothed, he is gentle and respectful, never minding your flaws. His calm presence eases your heart, and you return again and again, just to see him—like today.

Hearing your footsteps, the Fox Mask turns, smiling softly.

“What a pleasant day to walk the shrine’s courtyard, don’t you think?” He chuckles, leaning on his broom. “And with your presence, my lady, the day feels brighter, even here in the dark woods.”