Chapter 1

"Serafina, I want to dissolve our engagement."

The ginkgo-lined avenue in the royal capital's park was bustling with people enjoying a leisurely stroll. Many happy couples walked arm in arm.

Conrad and I, his fiancée, were also walking arm in arm down the avenue... until he suddenly stopped, shook off my hand, and delivered those words.

For a moment, I didn’t understand what he said.

But as my mind slowly grasped the meaning, a chill ran through my body.

"…W-What do you mean? Did I do something wrong as your fiancée…"

"No, it’s not like that."

"Then, why…"

"…It’s…."

Conrad, who is the son of a viscount, and I, Serafina Archibald, the daughter of another viscount, have been engaged for two years by a family arrangement.

Conrad is a handsome man with golden hair and blue eyes, and he is highly praised for his bravery in the knight's order, which all noble men are required to join.

He almost always returns from the battlefield, where monsters roam, without a scratch, earning him the title of "Miracle Knight."

Fighting and emerging unscathed from battles with agile and fierce monsters is truly a miracle.

Despite being such an excellent knight, he is also very friendly to both men and women, and is highly popular among the noble daughters in the capital.

On the other hand, I was born with golden hair, but it gradually turned into a dull chestnut color around the age of ten. My eyes are a dull light green, and my personality is reserved, making me one of the least noticeable among the noble daughters.

However, Conrad has been kind to me since our first meeting, always bringing me wonderful gifts and making me laugh with enjoyable conversations whenever we met.

Although our meetings were few during the engagement period due to his busy schedule with studies and knight duties, I realized that I had fallen in love with him.

Now, he is nineteen, and I am eighteen.

We were to get married this winter.

This was a bolt from the blue, just before our wedding.

As nobles, this was not just a matter between the two of us; it involved the relationship and responsibilities of both families.

Recalling my duties as the eldest daughter, I held back my tears and asked repeatedly.

"Conrad… Can you tell me the reason?"

"Serafina…"

"Just tell her! It’s not that hard!"

A familiar voice rang out, and a face I knew well appeared.

She stood beside Conrad, linking her arm with his.

My blood ran cold.

"Good afternoon, sister."

The one who smiled triumphantly was my younger sister, Miriam Archibald.

Miriam has golden hair and vivid green eyes, and a well-defined appearance like a stage actress. When she stands beside Conrad, they form a strikingly beautiful couple that turns heads.

Conrad gives her a sweet, wry smile.

"…Miriam, didn’t I tell you to wait over there quietly?"

"But, Conrad, you were taking so long. I got tired of waiting."

"Sorry. I just felt bad for her."

"Conrad is too kind. In matters like this, it’s better to be firm to avoid any lingering resentment."

"Maybe you’re right…"

Conrad turned to me, seemingly convinced by Miriam’s words.

Then, without a hint of remorse, he said,

"That’s why, I hope you understand. You’re such a kind person, Serafina, right?"

"Yes, I’m sure you’ll bless us, sister. Conrad and I are getting married. I have much more magical power, and everyone, including our parents and his, is happy with the match."

"…What?"

Her words shattered my already fragile self-esteem.

Our parents have always been strict with me as the eldest daughter, while pampering Miriam like a princess. So, even the unthinkable act of stealing my fiancé is somewhat understandable.

However, the few times I met Conrad’s parents, they were kind to me, an ordinary girl, and even praised me, saying they were happy to have such a good daughter-in-law.

Of course, they prefer Miriam, who has more magical power and a better appearance.

Most of all, I couldn’t believe that both sets of parents had already agreed to this.

When did these two start meeting behind my back?

But I couldn’t even think of questioning it.

Being discarded was inevitable for someone like me, who has no magical power and no striking appearance.

It just happened now.

Feeling utterly miserable and wanting to leave as quickly as possible, I tried to steady my trembling voice and said,

"…Conrad, I accept the dissolution of our engagement. I will take my leave now."

I bowed and turned to leave, thinking I could finally let the tears fall… but it was only a moment.

"Wait!"

Called by Conrad, I turned back with a faint glimmer of hope and was carelessly thrown something.

I caught it hurriedly.

It was the embroidered scarf I had given Conrad before.

"Two years ago, you gave me this scarf before I went to the battlefield. But it was too plain for me, so I just kept it in my coat pocket and forgot about it. I don’t need it anymore, so I’m returning it to you."

"Hehe. ‘Miss Needlework’ would rather do embroidery alone than try to be with Conrad. If you want a scarf that suits Conrad, I’ll choose one for you."

"Ah, thanks. Then, let’s go to that shop ahead…"

I stared at the crumpled blue scarf, unable to move.

Even as Conrad and Miriam’s conversation faded into the distance, I remained rooted to the spot.

I don’t remember how I got back to the mansion.

Since that day, I have been locked in my room in the mansion.

Thank you for reading.

I plan to post every day at 8 PM starting tomorrow.