Why is it that those who should die live unscathed, while those who shouldn’t die leave this world?

It was clear that the gods hated Ansi. Otherwise, they wouldn’t try to take people away from her like this.

‘Mother too…’

A day from a year ago flashed through Ansi’s mind.

It was not long after her father’s death.

A man saved Sofia, her mother, who had thrown herself into the Benue River that divided the capital. According to witnesses, the man who had pulled his hat low left immediately, so his identity remained unknown.

“I’m sorry, I’ll never do it again, Ansi…”

Ansi, who had quickly sought ways to survive and hadn’t shown emotion even in the face of her father’s death, was unable to speak and only shed tears. Sofia, turning pale, apologized. After that, she never attempted such a thing again.

On the other hand, Ansi, upon seeing her mother try to die as well, thought:

She would definitely kill that bastard who had taken everything from her.

Ansi curled up on the floor.

Kill Kardian, and kill that debt collector too.

After that, she felt she might find some peace. The bleak and dark future before her eyes might brighten a little.

Henet de Maron, sitting on the sofa and smoking a cigar with a bored expression, extinguished it appropriately.

At the Low Club in the capital, where distinguished gentlemen gathered. He had been waiting for his friend Damion de Orfe, who had been frequenting this place recently, but even after several hours, there was no sign of him appearing.

I guess he’s not coming today after all! Right, he mentioned a business trip to the south, so he wouldn’t come here without resting.

Henet stood up, thinking it was rather fortunate. He hadn’t come today to meet his friend, but to bring up a more official matter at his father’s insistence.

“Henet.”

Damion arrived just as Henet was about to leave his seat. Henet sat back down on the sofa, startled.

“Why did you come?”

“Is this a place I shouldn’t come to?”

Damion sat down on the opposite sofa with a smirk. His beautiful red lips, which had just downed a shot of whiskey, formed a graceful curve. His brow was slightly furrowed from the strong alcohol.

What was it that women said? Even the wrinkles on his brow were sexy?

“Ugh.”

Henet shuddered with goosebumps. Damion across from him frowned, looking perplexed. Seeing his neat eyebrows raised, Henet shrugged.

“I heard the daughter of Viscount Ziden has fallen for you.”

“That party was just yesterday, Henet.”

“A day is enough to know how many couples got engaged after meeting eyes at that party. So, how was the south?”

“Quite unpleasant.”

“Why?”

“A woman tried to die right in front of me.”

Damion’s expression as he recalled that moment was indeed not very pleasant. Henet raised his eyebrows with interest.

“What’s so scary about someone dying for the great Major Orfe who has seen so many deaths?”

“I hate it. Suicide right before my eyes.”

Why do they all do that? Damion’s quiet murmur didn’t reach Henet, who was still pondering how to convey today’s business.

However, it was Damion who offered the solution.

“If you have something to say, say it.”

“How did you know I had something to say?”

Damion silently took out a cigar. Watching his friend light it with downcast eyes, Henet also sorted out his hesitation.

Looking at the rising smoke, he spoke as if resigned.

“Father wants you as a son-in-law. As a match for my younger sister, Helsia.”

Damion raised an eyebrow. He didn’t seem particularly surprised.

Well, at twenty-five, it wasn’t strange to expect how many proposals would pour in for this perfect groom candidate.

Damion de Orfe.

War hero of the empire. The incarnation of Regis, the god of war. The beloved second son of the Duke of Orfe family.

And recently, the title of the most handsome man in the Belgader Empire was added.

Damion, who had been cooped up in the military for five years, suddenly retired after being injured a few months ago. And now, the social world was starting to pay attention to him.

Whether at parties, salons, or clubs, whenever he appeared, for a while, talk of him circulated.

Not just his looks, but his family background and abilities too. Plus, his unique composure and wit made him well-regarded among people. He even showed excellent business acumen, with the flower-related business he invested in right after retiring becoming a huge success.

People who didn’t know him yet thought his perfect image was a rumor deliberately spread by the Orfe family.

So those who knew him started to target him quickly before others could snatch him up. Including Henet’s father, the Marquis of Maron.

Of course, Henet thought he was a good friend too. For someone like him who didn’t easily form deep relationships, Damion was quite a special friend.

However, he didn’t think Damion would make a good husband.

“You don’t seem to want me to end up with your sister.”

“Yeah, I don’t…”

“Normally, wouldn’t you say you’re fine with it out of courtesy? I’m quite a good catch, you know. I’d treat Helsia kindly too.”

“How long would that last? If we pair someone as twisted and ambitious as you with our Helsia, she’ll wither away and die.”

“Henet. Even pretending becomes real if you do it for a lifetime.”

“So, are you saying you’d actually agree to the marriage?”

Henet leaned forward. Damion, sitting languidly, observed Henet’s shocked face. Just as Henet was about to open his mouth again, unable to bear it any longer.

“Unfortunately, I can’t marry Helsia.”

“What’s wrong with our Helsia?”

Having told him not to marry, yet feeling offended when he said he wouldn’t, Henet asked. Damion answered nonchalantly.

“Because marriage isn’t a win-win, it’s a zero-sum game. The one who gains the plus must always be me.”

Of course, that means the wife’s side would be minus. Should he call him selfish, or be grateful for the consideration of sparing Helsia harm?

“Besides, there’s a position I’ve been asked to take outside the family.”

From the Orfe Duke’s family? Henet raised his eyebrows subtly without answering. He couldn’t gauge whether it was a good position or not.

“Do you think it’s someone you’ll gain a plus from?”

“Not at all.”

As expected.

“But who knows? I might meet my destiny.”

Yeah, right.

While thinking that, Henet nodded. Wishing his friend blessings in a voice devoid of any emotion.

“Well then. I hope you meet a good match.”

On the outskirts of the capital Pelitz, buildings with a consistent architectural style lined Ronz Street. Ansi, who got off the shared carriage, moved with restrained steps.

She tightened her coat in the weather that was still chilly compared to the south. Fortunately, her destination was soon reached. When Ansi knocked on the door, it swung open as if someone had been waiting.

“You’re here, Rain!”

Madam Roma welcomed Ansi inside with a smile spread across her face. Her attitude was somewhat urgent rather than just welcoming.

“Did you have an urgent task for me?”

That was Ansi’s conclusion.

Madam Roma was a woman who ran several small-scale businesses. Among them was also arranging simple odd jobs.

The requests were truly diverse. From bringing fruits from the south, to writing letters on behalf of others, to summarizing book contents…

Since the servant’s salary alone wasn’t enough to cover living expenses and medicine costs, Ansi regularly took jobs from here.

“There’s always this much work piled up for you. But today, it’s a really urgent and grand task.”

“Before that, could you sell this?”

Ansi took out a fountain pen and held it out. Roma’s eyes widened as she received it and examined it.

“Where did you get this? It’s quite a good item.”

“I received it.”

“There’s a name on it. What should I say your relationship is with the owner when selling it?”

“Please say we’re not related at all.”

“Alright.”

While saying that, Roma thought to herself.

I should say it’s from a hidden lover.

That was the cleanest way when selling items with names on them. It avoided questions about whether it was stolen and kept inquiries about the source to a minimum. There were too many cases of people getting hurt for prying into the private lives of noble gentlemen.

“The commission is 20 percent.”

“Thank you. Please tell me about the task.”

“Rain, you need to dress up as a noble lady.”

Ansi’s lips parted slightly. Wariness reflexively filled her blue eyes.

Ignoring this, Roma brought out several dresses made of high-quality materials from inside. Holding them up to Ansi, Roma spoke quickly.

“No, strictly speaking, not a noble lady? Anyway, an urgent request came in from a young lady a few days ago. It seems there’s a meeting arranged by her family, but this silly girl apparently has someone else she loves.”

“…And?”

“Yes, this dress would be good. Anyway, she needs someone to go in her place and cause a scene.”

“So, you’re saying you want me to play that role?”

“Exactly. Rain, I told you, right? You have a subtle air of nobility about you. You’re perfect for this.”

Ansi’s expression hardened. Impersonating someone? This kind of job was too different from what she had been doing until now.

“I won’t do it.”

Ansi pushed away Roma’s hand. Roma playfully nudged Ansi with her elbow and said jokingly.

“This one job is worth five hundred rus.”

Five hundred rus. Far more than two months’ servant salary. But… the risk was too great. Until she killed Kardian de Orfe, she declined any way of exposing herself prominently.

“I can’t do it, Madam.”

“Don’t be like that. Are you worried because I said ’cause a scene’? Hey, Rain. Just acting as coldly as you normally do would be enough. Don’t feel burdened, okay? Besides, if you knew who the man was…”

“Find someone else suitable.”

“It has to be today. If you don’t do it, it’s over.”

Roma made a crying face. But Ansi stepped back, shaking her head. Seeing her resolute expression, Roma let out a deep sigh.

“Ah, who will meet the young master of the Orfe family then…”

At those words, Ansi paused. A strange light gleamed in her blue eyes as she raised her head.