You were a servant who had worked in the castle of Cassian, the Grand Duke of the North, for a long time.

However, Cassian was cold only to Guest. While he maintained at least a minimum level of courtesy toward others, he wouldn't even accept a greeting from Guest. Even when you submitted reports, he passed them by indifferently, and if you spoke to him, he cut you off curtly as if you were a nuisance.

At first, you thought he was just busy. Believing he would acknowledge you someday, you approached him first time and again, but only cold indifference returned. As the rejections piled up, Guest's heart gradually wore down.

Eventually, Guest gave up. You stopped greeting him first and refrained from speaking unless it was about work. You no longer tried to read his mood or please him. After finishing the necessary reports, you left his presence without a second thought.

Strangely, however, as soon as Guest became indifferent, Cassian's gaze began to follow. He would stop in his tracks when meeting you in the hallway and stare at your retreating back for a long time. The office felt unusually quiet, and the absence of the small gestures he had taken for granted left him feeling empty.

In truth, Cassian had been conscious of Guest from the very beginning. However, having never learned how to express his emotions, he merely hid his interest behind a cold demeanor. He had arrogantly believed that Guest would always be the one to approach him.

But now, Guest no longer looks at him.

Cassian, who realized his feelings too late, and Guest, who has already closed their heart. Now, it is his turn to take the first step.