Though Diena had been skeptical at first, she gradually grew accustomed to his warm sincerity day by day.
"Because Varkan will protect you."
"Of course, of course. After all, I'm destined to become the strongest of them all."
Out of habit, Diena knew that his words were merely meant to reassure her. No matter how much darkness accumulated within his own body, he never once entertained the thought of exploiting her. Whenever she offered a helping hand first in unavoidable circumstances, he would thank her from the bottom of his heart, yet still insist that she prioritize herself above all else.
It was truly the first time in her life experiencing such blissful moments. Only then did Diena come to realize how miserable her life had been before meeting him.
'This is what a real family feels like.'
But as was always the case, her happiness was far too fleeting. The people of the Rothwell family eventually tracked down their hiding place.
Varkan managed to escape, taking only Diena with him. Her heart felt as though it were being torn into ragged pieces. The final moments of the Kardian Mercenary Corps were still vividly burned into her mind. Hassen, Malakar, and all the other members—everyone had died. Though they managed to flee, Varkan had suffered a fatal wound. It was the very first time she had ever seen Varkan look so weak.
"You should live on, at least. Be happy……."
Forcing a smile at the promise he couldn't keep, she had replied that she would, that she would do exactly that. Only then did Varkan close his eyes, looking relieved.
However, Diena's body had also reached its absolute limit.
'In the end, that was how we died.'
Yet, when she opened her eyes again, she had returned to her childhood. Furthermore, the chance to meet Varkan had come much earlier than before.
'If I get caught while running away, they might discover my ability and place me under constant surveillance.'
In the past, escaping the Rothwell family had been a stroke of pure, unadulterated luck.
'No matter how well I evade their pursuit, there's always a chance I'll get captured.'
She only had one shot at this.
Diena clenched her fists tightly. No matter what it took, she would follow Varkan and get out of this place.
The Rothwell estate was bustling from the early morning. Today was the day guests from the Five Great Families were gathering at the ducal mansion. Hartmann, Volkov, Castleton, Kardian, and Rothwell.
These five families had regularly held exchange meetings, and the host for this particular gathering was the Rothwell family. It had been about two years since the Duke of Rothwell had changed. This was the first official setting to formally introduce themselves to the others.
Standing before the mirror, Romie let out a satisfied smile. Her attire was dazzling—a silk dress embroidered with pearls and gold thread. Most notably, a vibrant red ribbon pinned near her chest drew the eye.
"Perfect."
She was utterly convinced that she would be the undisputed star of today's gathering.
'That tacky Bianca said she wasn't coming, probably because I crushed her spirits last time anyway. And since the heirs of the other Great Families are all guys...'
Edelyn, the Duchess of Rothwell, smiled warmly as she looked at Romie.
"You look truly beautiful today, Romie."
"It's our very first official meeting with the Five Great Families. This level of preparation is only natural."
Romie's older brother, Cain, let out a yawn with a bored, indifferent expression.
"Let's just go already. Everyone is waiting."
"The main character is always supposed to arrive last."
Romie took Cain's hand and headed toward the drawing room where the guests were gathered.
Inside the drawing room, the children and matriarchs of each family were already seated, surrounded by their close retainers. Seeing the substantial crowd fixing their attention on her, a subtle smile spread across Romie's lips.
The first people to catch her eye were those from Volkov and Hartmann. Unfortunately, the heirs of those respective families were unable to attend.
'It's a shame Cassian and Dietrich couldn't make it. The young master of Castleton isn't here either.'
They were unable to attend because they were a year younger than Romie and currently in their final year at the Academy. Ludric, the heir of Castleton, had also been unable to join due to poor health.
'Still, it's not like there are no big shots here at all.'
Romie’s gaze slowly shifted.
While mostly matriarchs were in attendance, the Duchess of Castleton—who had no spouse—had attended in person. Having become a duke despite being a woman, she was the figure noble young ladies admired most. If one could catch the Duchess's eye, becoming the flower of social circles was only a matter of time. Romie was confident she could pull it off.
Not only that, she was certain that she would be the center of attention in this room.
'Everyone must be dying to have me.'
Unlike the tacky Bianca of the Kardian family, any house would surely be eager to welcome her as their daughter-in-law.
However, Romie was entirely unaware of one thing—the subtle, rigid stiffness on the noble ladies' faces.
Their gazes were fixed directly on the red ribbon attached to Romie's dress.
In high society, it was considered incredibly boorish and rude for a young lady who had not yet made her official debut to wear the color red. Romie, having never participated in high-class social activities, was completely ignorant of this fact.
The Duchess of Rothwell was also not from a high-ranking noble background, and because the Duke dismissed high society as mere "women's business" and remained indifferent, she had never had the chance to learn the proper etiquette either. Consequently, she had absolutely no idea why the atmosphere had suddenly turned so ice-cold.
It was then that the Duchess of Castleton, unable to hold back, spoke up.
"Lady Romie’s dress is remarkably... extravagant."
Taking the remark as a compliment, Romie blushed and replied, "Oh my, is it really?"
The Duchess of Castleton turned her head away with a look of deep disapproval. Edelyn, failing to read the room entirely, cautiously pushed Romie forward and spoke up.
"It has been a while, everyone. It is your first time seeing my daughter, isn't it? This is Romie Rothwell."
Emboldened by the introduction, Romie grabbed the skirt of her dress and offered a greeting.
"I am Romie Rothwell. It is an honor to meet such distinguished guests."
When a brief silence fell over the room, Madam Volkov, who was on good terms with the current Duke of Rothwell, smoothly broke the tension.
"I've heard a lot about you from my husband. You look just as gentle and elegant as the rumors say."
Madam Hartmann smiled warmly and chimed in.
"Indeed. Her beauty stands out exceptionally among all the young ladies I've seen. She is quite lovely."
Romie's face flushed a delicate pink. This moment of receiving attention from the matrons of the empire's most prestigious families felt incredibly sweet.
Then, a certain man suddenly caught her eye. He was the person she considered the most important in attendance today.
'Varkan Kardian.'
Romie harbored a personal fondness for Varkan. Although his family's standing didn't quite satisfy her standards, a person who possessed both outstanding abilities and remarkably handsome looks was hard to find anywhere in the empire.
"Hello, Lord Varkan. This is our first time meeting, isn't it?"
Romie smiled brightly, actively striking up a conversation with him. However, Varkan merely knitted his brows slightly and offered no real response.
Flustered by the unexpected reaction, Romie forced a smile and tried again.
"Would it be alright if I visit the Kardian estate sometime soon? Lady Bianca and I are somewhat acquainted."
Varkan let out a faint sigh.
Just as he was about to speak—
Sensing an unfamiliar presence, Varkan’s head turned slowly.
"……Who is that?"
The noble ladies naturally turned their heads toward the direction of his gaze. Romie’s eyes widened. The Duchess of Castleton murmured, almost catching her breath.
"Lady Diena?"
Standing at the doorway was Diena.
Dressed in a faded, tattered brown dress, she stood frozen, blinking her large, rabbit-like eyes. A look of sheer bewilderment flashed across the matrons' faces at her shabby appearance—an outfit that even a common housemaid would refuse to wear.
