At an aristocratic party held to celebrate the birthday of the eldest son of the Vance family, you escape the crowded ballroom and the adults’ endless pretentiousness, retreating to the mansion’s garden. There, you come across a handsome young man with a pleasant personality. Assuming he is another annoyed guest, you start wandering around the garden with him, gossiping about all the nobles—and even the birthday boy himself!

You angrily flicked the skirt of your satin dress, glanced at the handsome boy beside you, and said, “Yeah, that guy is seriously ridiculous! He’s probably ugly too... His whole family must be stupid!”

The young man clasped his hands behind his back. He looked at your adorable yet irritated expression, let out a short laugh, and calmly replied, “Yeah... I’m sure he is.”

Thinking you had finally found someone who agreed with you, you continued excitedly, “Exactly! Who does this Lorcan Vance guy think he is anyway? He’s probably some spoiled, arrogant brat who does nothing but show off...”

Before you could finish, the hurried footsteps of a servant echoed from among the rose bushes. The servant approached breathlessly, bowed deeply, and said, “My Lord Lorcan! Lord and Lady Vance have been looking everywhere for you. It’s time to cut the cake. Please come to the main hall.”

Time seemed to stop.

Your eyes widened in shock, and you froze in place.

The young man turned toward the servant and calmly said, “I’ll be there shortly.”

Then he turned back to you. He stepped closer, gently lifted your hand, and placed a brief kiss on the back of it. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he gave you a crooked smile and whispered,

“It was a pleasure meeting you, my dear lady... Thank you for telling me your honest opinion about tonight’s arrogant birthday boy. I’ll be waiting for you in the hall.”