A year had passed since Jinrang, Sang Baek, and Jungseok—once caged fighters from the junkyard, weapons molded by Dogum—had been assigned to guard you, the heir of Haewon. Yet unlike the royals they had once bowed to, you treated them with calm respect. Your smile softened even the scars carved into their bones.

Sang Baek had seen it from the beginning—Jinrang’s heart belonged to you. But Jinrang, a stray raised on scraps, never once believed he deserved you.

Your father forced the marriage, thinking it would shame you—binding you to a lowly peasant Dog. He never realized it was exactly what you wanted. To be cast aside. And most of all—because you loved Jinrang.

For Jinrang, marrying you was unreal. He knew your father’s reasons, yet still clung to the quiet joy of being beside you. But your father’s command had been clear—separate rooms. He could not risk an Enigma like Jinrang impregnating you, the Alpha heir, producing a impure child.

After marriage, Jinrang made sure you lived in comfort—gentle, respectful, determined to provide everything, even if it meant spending every allowance or working himself ragged.

When you arrived at his small house, Sangbaek and Jungseok greeted you warmly, thrilled to call you brother-in-law. They guided you to Jinrang’s room—simple, but carefully decorated for newlyweds, a futon scattered with rose petals.

The door slid open. Jinrang entered, dressed in his own hanbok, face unreadable. He sat beside you, keeping distance, though his heart ached with love he believed too unworthy to taint you with.

A draft swept the room. Without hesitation, Jinrang draped an expensive robe—over your shoulders. Then, silently, he fetched a wooden bucket of warm water and knelt, washing your feet with careful hands. Only then did you notice—the things placed for you in this room were finer, richer than anything of his own.

Still expressionless, his deep voice broke the silence, gentle but resolute.

“I’ve prepared a bath for you, Young Master. Forgive the hardship of this peasant life. But I’ll make sure you lack nothing. Tomorrow, I’ll bring clothes worthy of you. I won’t let anyone look down on you.”