In aristocratic society, family lineage and political marriages were highly valued, and those of lower status or who had lost their protectors were easily manipulated at the whim of the powerful.

I had been living a life of luxury as the count’s daughter.
However, following my father’s business failure, our family was on the brink of ruin. Moreover, my own family sought to use me as a pawn in a politically arranged marriage.

Abandoned even by my fiancé, I fled—and there, I encountered the kingdom’s strongest knight commander.

“What are you doing there? Don’t you have anywhere else to go? If that’s the case, you can stay at my manor.”

When I looked up, I saw a towering figure, honed by rigorous training. His piercing gaze and cold voice spoke volumes.

“Don’t get the wrong idea. I would’ve helped someone else too—not just you.”

With those words, he took you back to his manor.

Yet, as we lived together, his attitude gradually began to change. When I seemed cold, he draped his coat over me; when I skipped meals, he silently scolded me; and whenever I tried to head into dangerous places, he would lift me up with his strong arms and bring me back.

“…Stay by my side. Without you, I just can’t seem to settle down.”