Chapter 1: Prologue
Year 562 of the Lystea Empire.
Rosena Osburn surveyed the banquet hall of Duke Hays with eyes full of emotion.
The sparkling lights of the grand chandelier seemed to bless her future.
Today was the day her husband, Evan, would be formally recognized as a member of the Hays Ducal House.
It had only been a few days since it was revealed that Evan, who had lived his life as an orphan without ever knowing his parents, was actually the hidden son of the late Duke Hays.
Reiner Hays, the younger brother of the late duke and the current duke, had found Evan and adopted him, completely turning his life upside down.
Evan was no longer Evan March, the common businessman. He was now Evan Hays, heir to the ducal family.
“It feels like a dream.”
Rosena savored this dazzling moment as she watched Evan, naturally mingling with the high-ranking nobles.
Just a few months ago, the people here had pointed fingers at her and Evan.
“A dirty man who committed adultery with his fiancée’s friend.”
“A wicked woman who coveted her friend’s fiancé.”
People whispered these words about them.
“Cecilia… That wretched girl caused all this chaos…”
Remembering past insults, Rosena bit her lip without realizing it.
Cecilia had publicly exposed Rosena and Evan’s affair, irreparably damaging the relationship between the two women who had grown up like sisters.
And at that time, Rosena was already carrying Evan’s child, leaving her powerless to act.
Because of that incident, she had hidden away at home during her pregnancy, avoiding everyone’s gaze, and had to settle for a simple church vow instead of a proper wedding ceremony.
Even the son she gave birth to, Jeremy, had once felt like a seed of misfortune rather than a blessing.
“But now, everything’s different.”
Rosena raised her chin proudly.
Evan had become the heir of the Hays Ducal House, a branch of the royal family, and she herself had risen to the center of Lystea’s social scene.
Jeremy would now be recognized as legitimate ducal blood.
No one could look down on them anymore.
“Madam.”
A group of ladies surrounded Rosena, who was smiling proudly.
“You will soon be the Duchess of Hays. Congratulations!”
“Oh my, a duchess? It’s far too soon for that. The current duke is still very young.”
“I heard you gave birth recently? Congratulations! And yet, you look so beautiful—it’s enviable. Hohoho.”
“You flatter me. I’m even more grateful for your kind words.”
Rosena covered her mouth with her fan, smiling shyly at the ladies’ flattery.
Only a few days ago, these same people had pointed fingers at her scandal, but she chose not to dwell on it.
Her mind was already preoccupied with other thoughts.
“The current Duke of Hays promised to pass the title to Evan.”
Strictly speaking, Evan was the true heir of the Hays family. His father, the late duke, had been the family’s eldest son.
Before Evan was found, the late duke had tragically passed away, and his brother Reiner had temporarily inherited the title.
It was only natural that the position would eventually pass to Evan.
“The Duchess of Hays… there’s no one who would suit the title better than me.”
Rosena firmly believed that reaching that dreamlike position was only a matter of time.
In fact, Cecilia’s abandonment of Evan had become an opportunity for her.
“Should I even thank her the next time we meet?”
Cecilia had disappeared without a trace for months.
She was likely hiding somewhere out of shame for losing her fiancé.
“Once I enter the ducal household, I should try to track her down. There will be competent servants there.”
Thinking of the humiliation Cecilia had caused, Rosena even wished she could see her dead—it would be satisfying.
“Rosie.”
At that moment, Evan approached her.
Bowing his head, he kissed Rosena’s cheek, eliciting envious gasps from those around them.
Rosena smiled coyly, looking up at her man.
“Congratulations on becoming the Marquis, Evan Hays.”
“It’s nothing—it’s just the beginning. Together, Rosena Hays.”
Rosena Hays…
What a magnificent name!
She smiled in satisfaction and clinked her celebratory glass with Evan.
Their future seemed to hold nothing but glory and happiness.
“The Duke of Hays will now enter.”
At the steward’s loud announcement, the banquet hall fell silent.
As if by signal, everyone’s gaze turned toward the entrance.
A tall, well-built man in flawless formal attire entered the hall.
He was the only duke of the Lystea Empire: Reiner Hays.
Beneath his jet-black hair, his face exuded a cold elegance.
“My, so the rumors of Lystea’s most handsome man were not exaggerated.”
People collectively held their breath, watching Reiner.
He approached Evan and Rosena with graceful, unwavering steps.
“Congratulations, Evan.”
“Yes, Duke… no, Father.”
Evan grabbed Reiner’s hand and nodded repeatedly.
A subtle smile tugged at the corner of Reiner’s lips.
It was closer to a smirk than a congratulatory expression.
Evan, busy bowing, did not notice.
“You call me Father over a mere four-year age difference?”
Reiner adjusted Evan’s collar with his hand.
Indeed, it seemed more like they were brothers than father and son.
“Adoption was simply the easiest procedure among many options. Don’t overthink it.”
He lightly patted Evan’s shoulder.
His gaze slowly swept over Evan and Rosena in turn.
A father only four years older than his son, and the son’s wife.
An unknown tension lingered between them.
“Duke, may we finally meet the duchess today?”
Rosena spoke to break the awkwardness.
News of the Hays Duke marrying in secret had recently stirred the social scene.
But nothing was known about the duchess, leaving everyone curious and speculative.
“A secret marriage… somehow, we feel a kinship. Even our fate resembles each other, father and son.”
Rosena smiled, flattering Reiner to win his favor.
“Well, Miss Rosena…”
But Reiner’s reaction was cold.
Rosena paused.
She did not expect her father-in-law, only four years older, to treat her with such distance.
And to be addressed simply as “Miss Rosena”?
She had at least made a marriage vow with Evan!
“I think your situation is entirely different from mine. At least I received people’s congratulations.”
Reiner’s sarcasm made Rosena’s face burn.
His words clearly mocked the past scandal.
Even though Evan was now a marquis, she still had to endure this insult.
“Ah… yes, that’s right. We were immature in the past.”
Sensing the cold atmosphere, Evan quickly stepped between them.
Though he did not particularly like Reiner’s words, Reiner was the one who had brought him into the ducal family.
Moreover, having earned merit in the war and being acquainted with the crown prince, it would be unwise to start off on the wrong foot.
“Anyway, we’re very curious about the duchess as well. After all, she will be my mother, won’t she?”
“Mother…”
Reiner repeated Evan’s words with interest.
“An impressive choice of words. Make sure to show proper respect to your ‘mother.’”
“Yes, of course.”
Evan nodded repeatedly in a flattering manner.
Reiner tapped Evan’s shoulder in satisfaction.
“As Miss Rosena said, you’ll meet her today.”
“Today?”
“Of course. My wife has been looking forward to this day.”
Evan gave Rosena a subtle nod—a silent signal to make a good impression when meeting the duchess for the first time.
“….”
But Rosena’s face remained grim at Reiner’s continued condescension.
The insult was not easily forgotten.
“Rosie!”
“All right! I got it!”
Only when Evan nudged her waist with his finger did she reluctantly nod.
Once again, the steward’s loud voice echoed:
“The Duchess of Hays will now enter.”
The murmuring crowd fell silent, all eyes fixed on the doorway.
Everyone held their breath, eager to see the duchess.
Creak.
The heavy doors opened, and a woman appeared.
Dressed in pure white, she walked in gracefully.
Evan and Rosena felt as if they had been struck on the head.
“Uh…?”
The woman approached them, smiling brilliantly.
“Se… Cecilia? Cecilia Fanning?”
“This… this can’t be. How…?”
Evan and Rosena stared dumbfounded as Reiner naturally took Cecilia’s hand.
“You’re late. Every minute waiting felt like a year.”
“Sorry, I was too nervous.”
Cecilia’s gaze turned toward the two of them.
“Hello. We’re already acquainted, aren’t we?”
Cecilia stood calmly before the stunned pair.
She turned to her former fiancé as if nothing had happened.
“Please take care of me, young master. And…”
Her gaze slowly shifted to Rosena.
A soft smile curved her lips.
“My daughter-in-law, Miss Rosena.”
