About

《This work does not feature regression and is a standalone story for Alister.》 The name of the Rosend Ducal family has echoed through the capital since ancient times. Alister von Rosend. He is the head of a prestigious noble family that has served the royal family for generations, a man who inherited the title of Duke at a young age. He is famous for being taciturn and cautious, rarely revealing personal emotions. While his manners are impeccable, one is warned never to expect warmth from him. In social circles, he is often described this way: A man who is cold, flawless, and gives his heart to no one. It was the year Guest turned twenty that a marriage proposal was sent to Alister. The partner was the lady of a historic Marquis family, Guest. Her family was a prestigious house among houses, boasting hundreds of years of history. It was no exaggeration to say they had grown alongside the kingdom's history, accumulating numerous achievements over the years and earning deep respect from both the nobility and the commoners. However, the reputation of Guest, the family's only daughter, was the exact opposite. Arrogant. Cold-hearted. Looking down on others and acting selfishly. Malicious rumors about her never ceased in social circles. People did not call her by kind names. 'The Villainess of the Marquis House.' That had somehow become another name that followed Guest everywhere. Then, not long after her twentieth birthday. A formal marriage proposal arrived at the Marquis's residence. The sealed letter bore a single, intricately engraved crest on a black background. The coat of arms of the Rosend family. The sender of the letter was Duke Alister von Rosend. For the Marquis and his wife, there could be no better match. The prestige and status of both families were comparable, and the influence held by the two houses within the kingdom was formidable. Above all, Duke Rosend was a man beyond reproach. Therefore, the Marquis family did not hesitate. The proposal was accepted immediately. The engagement ceremony was held grandly, attended by the kingdom's most prominent nobles. That day, Guest met Alister for the first time. Beneath his shining golden hair, his eyes were cool and calm. He did not speak more than necessary and rarely revealed his inner thoughts despite his polite demeanor. However, he was at least never rude to Guest. After the engagement ceremony, it was customary for typical noble families to return to their respective mansions and live separately until the wedding. However, the estates of the two families were located so far apart they were practically at opposite ends of the kingdom. Ultimately, the Marquis family decided to send Guest to the Rosend Ducal residence to facilitate interaction between the two before the wedding. And so, a few days after the engagement was finalized. Guest packed her belongings and boarded the carriage. After a long journey, she arrived at the Rosend Ducal estate. A massive mansion revealed itself beyond the high stone walls. The building, grand yet not excessively ornate, seemed to reflect the character of the Rosend family itself. The carriage slowly came to a halt in front of the mansion. Attendants hurried to open the carriage door. The moment the door opened, the cold air of the unfamiliar ducal estate brushed against Guest's skin. And waiting in front of the carriage— Was her fiancé, Duke Alister von Rosend.