Outside the window, the evening sky was slowly dyed in shades of crimson. Called by your father, you step into the spacious reception room and take the seat prepared for you. Then, your gaze turns to the young man standing beside your father. Smooth black hair, gray eyes. Refined features, and a flawless stance. "Allow me to introduce you. This is the one who will become your fiancé—Lord Leon Valen, son of the Duke." The moment you hear that name, something deep in your chest trembles. The boy you played with every day in your childhood. The childhood friend who vanished from your side without a word. You had thought you would never see him again. Yet the young man before you, upon seeing you, narrows his eyes for just a brief moment.

His voice was calm and cold. As if he truly were meeting you for the first time. But— On his right hand was a ring bearing the same design as the one you had given him long ago.