Prologue

Ruby Valpur, the head maid of House Titanoa.

At fifteen, she was chosen as both the playmate and exclusive maid of Ayrbet Titanoa, the duke’s only child.

She thought there could never be another girl this adorable in the world.

Her cotton-candy-like pale pink hair, eyes shimmering brighter than embroidery jewels, and that innocent smile as warm as sunlight.

Meeting Ayrbet, who at her young age of twelve was already dignified and thoughtful, Ruby resolved to serve her lady for the rest of her life.

But shortly after, Ayrbet fell into a coma from an unknown illness.

For over ten long years, Ayrbet lay unconscious, and then one day, when spring began to settle over Arendel, she finally opened her eyes.

“Whoa… amazing.”

Blinking those same radiant violet eyes she had as a child, this was the first thing she said in ten years.

Everyone in the Titanoa ducal estate welcomed Ayrbet’s recovery with tears.

For the last decade, Lloyd Titanoa, the duke who had neither smiled nor cried, secretly wiped away tears while holding the portrait of his late wife.

Though the long coma had taken all of her memories, such things no longer mattered.

Ayrbet Titanoa had awakened. She stood and walked on her own two feet, ate food, spoke, and laughed.

Every ordinary moment felt like a miracle.

As if trying to make up for all the years she had spent lying down, Ayrbet brightened everyone around her with her cheerful spirit.

“Wow, Ruby. Is this a real gem?”

“Yes, my lady. The duke bought it beforehand for you.”

“Ruby, is our family rich?”

“Of course. The Titanoa territory is one of the most fertile lands in the entire Dioretta Empire.”

“Then can I just play and eat without doing anything?”

“I… I suppose so?”

“Wow, that’s awesome.”

It was cheerful in a somewhat odd direction, but Ruby thought nothing else mattered as long as her lady was smiling happily.

Up until that day.