What would you do if love alone wasn't enough to make a relationship last? That was lingering in Kier's mind. She looked at herself in the mirror, sighed, and called his personal maid Tatiana. It has been almost four years since Kier has lived in the Shield family residence; she has known Elijah Christopher Shield for almost half of his life. He is a handsome young man and the sole heir to the House of Shields, the only house directly under the royal family and the only Grand Duke in this kingdom.

"Tatiana, would you like to bring me the amethyst necklace the young lord gave me?" "I will wear it now." Kier smiled sweetly. She wore a white dress with asphodel crocheted at the hem.

"Darling, you are so beautiful tonight," she heard his beloved fiancée say. Elias was leaning against the door; his arrival was always almost silent. I smiled and glanced at him briefly.

"Young lord," I say as gently as I can. I want to tease him. Tatiana giggled softly next to me. I always call that man "Young Lord" when I want to tease him. "You can't just walk in through the door to pick up your beautiful fiancé while she is getting dressed," I chuckled.

"Ah, pardon my rudeness, my lady; pardon my lack of etiquette," he added, but I saw him from the corner of my eye and I knew he was getting in on our game. He showed his sweet smile.

"Ah, young lord, you must be severely punished for trespassing," I said, clearing my throat and laughing.

"I'm very sorry for the way I behaved." "I will accept all the punishment with open arms, my lady," he added. He makes a gentlemanly gesture by bowing his body.

"Of course you have to be severely punished, and the punishment is," I suddenly ran to him and hugged him. I kissed his cheek and whispered, "Love me until the end of your life." I hugged him tightly. Now he smiles, and I am embraced in his arms.

"You already had your punishment, and now I'm ready to be escorted to the ball." I clasped his arm out of habit, and as usual, he led me to the hall where the ball was about to start. I'm glad this guy just looks at me the whole time I'm being his fiancée. He even coldly refused the offer of the princess dance. I don't even know how to react; his loyalty is chewed up even among the commoners. Who doesn't know how loyal the young Master Elijah Christopher Shield is? They are admiring him and can only be admiring the young duke and envying me as well.

We arrived on time, but the dance had not yet started. When we entered the hall, not even the Grand Duke had appeared. A waiter approached us carrying a tray with two glasses of champagne. The color of the champagne is a pretty rose pink. I took it according to custom; El and I have a habit of drinking a glass of champagne before starting the dance. I forgot where it started—maybe at my debutante, where Elias gave me a glass of rose wine for mocking me. I immediately finished my champagne, in contrast to El, who will enjoy it slowly. Tonight, his eyes were calm, and he looked as handsome as ever, especially when he was dressed in his paladin uniform, the white robe. I adore him, especially when he wears the Paladin uniform.

I rubbed his cheek and kissed him on the cheek. People already know that we are quite a romantic couple.

I was smiling softly; I leaned against his chest, and we danced slowly. My sweet prince Elias is actually quite good at dancing.

"Do you remember, dear, our very first meeting, if I remember correctly, that time you were wearing a red dress with white roses engraved on the collar of your dress, and you were angry that time because I spilled your apple juice?" He smiles, but now he's hugging me tightly, as if he doesn't want to be apart from me, and I can hear sadness in his voice. I hugged him back and whispered, "I remember almost all the time I spent with you, dear." I smiled softly as the song ended, and we bowed to each other.

As usual, he doesn't allow other women to come close to him; after all, he's a young duke and no one will complain. Since I can't just dance with him, I spend a moment dancing with the second prince, Richard, before going back to dancing with him.

"Honey," I said as I approached Elias just before the last song was played. If I'm not mistaken, there were still two songs left, but Elias was already pale. I cupped my hand on his cheek. "Honey, what's wrong?" I asked in a worried tone. He has the appearance of a corpse.

"Honey, what's wrong with you?" "You want to go back to your room?" I asked warily, but he just smiled and slung his robe over my shoulder. "May I have the honor, young lady, to dance the last song with you?" He smiled, bowed, and hugged me. Elias looked a little different tonight; he appeared a little pale, but I'm not sure. I just felt he was a little softer, almost like a man who was about to say goodbye to his love; I felt he was a little more serious. "Something bothers you; tell me, honey," I said as he shook his head and kissed my forehead, then cupped my cheek and kissed me deeply, which was unusual for him. He has never shown any affection in public like this before. No matter how intimate we were, I'm pretty sure he would never kiss me in public. I was flabbergasted, and my cheeks instantly flushed. "Honey," I said softly.

He smiled softly and waited for me to take his hand. I quickly did, and he wrapped his hand around my waist.

"I adore you, honey!" He whispered when we danced, and he hugged me tighter than usual. Now he whispered intimately as if trying to remember our togetherness, and the lights dimmed. But I still saw the handsome face of the young duke turning pale. I'm really worried about him. He put his head on my shoulder, and he suddenly vomited a lot of blood on the white dress I was wearing. "Honey, you're bleeding; I'll call the priest; wait a minute, dear." I was so panicked that I tried to let go of his arms. I wanted to scream so that everyone turned I cried silently, and the tears streamed down my face when I heard him whisper, "Honey, please stay; don't do anything." "I want to be in your embrace, at least now. Don't let go of me. This is my last request. I stammered, feeling his body go limp; my body was almost full of fresh blood that he vomited; I was in pain; and finally, I heard Elias whispering to her me, his last words: "I love you with all my soul, my dear; I never thought that we would separate like this; I know this must be my appearance; I'm feeling terrible right now." He chuckled and whispered, stammering as if he could no longer say a word. I'm so sorry for everything I ever do, but my darling, You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. "You are and will always be the only woman I will ever love for the rest of my life." Elias smiled as he closed his eyes and his body went limp.

It's already the third day, two days before Marquess Graham's wedding anniversary party. I was at Marquess Graham Manor, and I looked out the window even though it was just 1 p.m. The gloomy weather makes it feel like it’s late in the afternoon. Nevertheless, it's still my favorite time. It was a foggy afternoon when it rained heavily, and the sound of thunder that pleased my ears seemed to wash away all the wounds in my heart.

I was lying in a wide bed, completely lost in the waves of terror and loneliness that enveloped me in a strange manor surrounded by strangers. I'm lying there, tense and tight, my toes curling nervously, my spine hunching from it, my leg muscles tense. Furthermore I was so nervous and scared, but I had to swallow it all and prepare well for the show.

Tonight, I invited Marchioness Graham to drink wine in the Annex where I stayed as guests; it was a banquet for Marquis Graham's seventh wedding anniversary, and if I recall correctly, it was at noon when I was in the dining room at Manor for lunch with a few guesses when I finally asked her while we were having lunch together. I asked her to meet me at the piano room, and luckily she immediately agreed. I saw her face was now blushing; she looked so pretty with her plump cheeks that looked fresh and radiant. "Ah, madam, you are so beautiful," even though she is in her mid-twenties.

And now I was wearing a white suit with a pair of white gloves, and Madame loved it when she saw me in an ivory white suit and white cloak. I wore rubies as jewelry on the caravat I was wearing. I headed for the piano room; this room is on the third floor. I prepared a small bottle of holy water and slipped it into my jacket pocket; no one would suspect a paladin with a holy water bottle.

Likewise, I was already in the piano room and had prepared a gramophone as well as one of the madam's favorite vinyls. I also prepared a bottle of red rose wine and two glasses. Since it was already eight o'clock, I had to hurry.

But like a thief in the night, the sun goes down. I noticed Madam enter the piano room. I bowed to the pleasing madam and kissed her hand politely out of courtesy. Madame appears pleased, not knowing what will happen to her, until I take out a plastic bag containing powder that appears familiar, at which point she appears terrified. I grinned as she regained her composure, and now she cried painfully. I don’t have much time to please her more. So I do as I planned.

Now I looked at her sharply. My heart wanted to jump out of my chest; I was so excited, I felt like I was bursting with joy. "My—my sumptuous madam," I whispered. The woman was Madam Marjorie Graham, an incredibly beautiful woman with a sad look. She looks sad, with tears welling up in her beautiful eyes and on her beautiful red lips. A beautiful woman who was once excited has started sobbing. She used a white dress that covered her curvaceous body and matched her beauty perfectly.

"Don't come closer," she shouted. "Please don't," her voice trembled in fear, and his face filled me with indescribable joy. The terrifying expression on her face made it seem like she would be swallowed alive by the darkness itself.

"Are you bored with me now?" My voice was made to sound hurt: "You don't want to play with me anymore, madam?" I laughed as I raised my right eyebrow.

"Ah, you are afraid of thunder and rain, are you?" So I remember that you always play vinyl when it rains. Madam, how about I play it for you right now? It seems like a great idea. "I went to get the vinyl I had prepared; it was playing his favorite song."

Now I see she is shaking, her heart seems to be pounding, and I guess her head is spinning. His eyes see nothing but darkness, and I smile. I smile and look at the woman, who is terrified because of me.

I looked at her and bowed my body. "Would you like to give me an honor to dance with me tonight, madam?"

She for some reason gave me a scared look, but my heart skipped a beat as he walked over and lowered her head to accept my request.

I laugh, and the music plays. I take her arm and wrap my left arm around her waist. "O my beautiful madam, don't show your face as you are down in the dumps; people will think your death is near when they see your sad expression; please reduce your tears."

She rested her head on my chest and sobbed as I tightened my embrace.

"You like to be hugged tightly, right madam?" i got a belly laugh as I felt your warm body trembling in my arms.

"As far as I remember, you can dance beautifully, so madam, please show me the dance." I moved my legs, following her body movements; even though she was shaking, she really showed her beautiful body movements.

The song ends as we bow to each other. I walk her to a nearby sofa and pour her a glass of rosé wine.

"Madam, do you have any last words?" I downed my glass of wine; he was literally shaking with fear when I finally put mine down and slowly approached her. She didn't say anything, but her body shook violently; she bit her lips as if she wanted to scream and cry but was too afraid to do both.

"Be a good woman, madam; obedient is the best, as you always remind me." My eyes flashed with vengeance.

"I sinned, forgive me," tears welled up in her lovely eyes; she appeared to be deeply hurt.

"Ah, sinful, you know that word," I said in his ear as I approached.

I gripped her jaw, staring at her with indescribable rage.

"Madam, you have to be aware of the consequences of what you do." I licked her lips and bit them, red color spread from my bite mark.

"Love, right. You're the one who frequently whispers about love to me, aren't you, Madam Marjorie Graham?" I asked softly. "I respect your passionate love; I promise it won't hurt, but it will be quick," I say sweetly.

I looked at her and smiled, now she looked as pale as a corpse.

As the night is getting late, I have to finish this big show in the shortest possible time.

So I started deglutinating the holy water and put it in his mouth. "Swallow it quickly," I whispered with a smile on my face.

She swallowed it quickly, but tears trickled down his cheeks. Holy water is medicine, but holy water mixed with Winter's Love is more of the same as a death oath. Because the combination of holy water and oleander can affect the nervous, digestive, and cardiovascular systems at the same time.

I opened my pocket watch at exactly nine o'clock. She vomited a lot of blood and tears. Suddenly the beautiful white dress was as red as blood. So beautiful now, the mistress was perfect. My laughter was starting to burst, but I tried to hold it. The Vinyls' song has ended. This grand show has ended perfectly.

"Aaahhhh, the show is over. Now the curtain must be closed."  I bowed to pay my last respects to the mistress and wiped the corners of her lips with the gloves I used.

But suddenly I heard footsteps. I hastily took off my bloodstained gloves and hid them in my pocket, but the cuffs of my shirt were stained with blood.

From the corner of my eye, I looked at a girl who was nearly my age or maybe younger. She has pretty golden eyes and smooth, wavy brown hair. I tried to remember if I ever saw this pretty girl, but as soon as I remembered this was my first meeting with her, she stood in the doorway, her face looking confused. It was as if she had been awakened by magic as she followed the rhythm of the song that had ended. I gave her a smile, which I made as friendly as possible. My eyes narrowed when the girl asked, "The red dress that madam is wearing is as pretty as a picture." The girl tilted her head as she was studying Madam Marjorie Graham's red gown, and I nodded in agreement. This girl wasn't wrong; the crimson color of the mistress's dress was magnificent.

I saw her moving closer, and I feel wary. She hugged the stuffed rabbit. "My lady, I know you are very curious about her dress and its magnificent color, but the madam is resting, and we will really disturb her," I said as softly as possible, hiding my hands behind my back.

She nodded, and without further questioning, she withdrew. Now she greets me by holding the hem of her nightgown. "I shall excuse myself. I bid you farewell, Have a beautiful evening, sir," she said, and she left. leaving a unique feeling inside me, I chuckled. "What an interesting girl," I thought as I stood up, "Aaaaah, my clothes need to be changed, and I still have work to do," I grumbled and rushed, "Right before dawn is crack, everything must be done."

This morning, I took a stroll in the garden. But the atmosphere was a bit tense since the mansion was in a commotion and everyone was busy looking for the whereabouts of the Marchioness. Everyone whispering about last night said the Marchioness was seen with a conspicuous red-haired man; they were dancing in the Annex, in the piano room, to be exact.

Ah, this is a story about last night. I wonder why the commotion suddenly appeared on such a calm morning. I smiled as I thanked my aide for the disguise; my hair isn't red, so they don't suspect me of murder. Further, they don't have any reason to suspect a Paladin.

I look at my surroundings, and, without being a mind reader, I can read what's on people's minds. They will simply believe that Marchioness fled with her lover because it is common for Marchioness to have a lover; they will most likely believe she fled with her lover, who is said to be younger than her husband and very handsome, as well as this part, for which I really hold my laughter.

I was daydreaming as I walked around the garden when the young Earl Leroy approached me.

"Good morning, his highness," the young Earl Leroy said with a smile.

"Good morning, young Earl Leroy." "Such a festive morning, right?" I replied calmly. I walked around the garden, which is very appealing, white lily flowers blooming along the road make it look beautiful.

"My Lord, have you heard about the Marchioness issue?" he asked tentatively. Now I've stopped my stroll.

"Marchioness, hmm, ah, you're talking about the wedding anniversary party; is there any problem with a ball?" I asked him politely.

"Of course not, young Lord, but what I heard was the Marchioness fleeing." He seems surprised, but there is also clearly a feeling of interest in his voice.

"Did the Marchioness flee with her lovers?" I inquired again as I made a confused face.

"Ah, yes, right, she fled with her lover." "Not only that, my lord, I heard this morning that the Marchioness is missing from last night; even her lady in waiting hasn't seen her since last night; isn't it obvious that she is fleeing with his young, handsome, red-haired lover?" He asked me, his voice clearly indicating his curiosity and skepticism. His expression has changed to one of intense interest, and at this rate, I am convinced that young Earl is indeed interested in hot potato.

"Ah, there's something like that, huh?" I exclaimed, surprised.

"And allegedly she danced in the Annex last night with a handsome young man, leaving her husband all alone in his room," he now stated openly.

"Hmm, dancing with a young man." I repeated some of the information I got from him. Actually, it is not surprising that even though they are married—both women and men—one or both of them will have other lovers besides their legal partners. It's a common situation.

"Yes, my lord, that's what I heard." He looked so sure, it made me think he tried to make me believe what he said.

"Hmm, interesting," I replied, frowning at my eyebrows.

Suddenly, the corner of my eye caught my stepmother, who was busy chatting with her friends, "Flower Bloom." Everyone praised her because my stepmother and her friends were famous for their beauty, and it seemed they were talking about the missing Marchioness.

As I saw them, a flash of memory followed me; I remembered being terrified in the presence of beautiful women, all older than me; they are nine. Even thinking about the scene causes me great pain. I recall every touch and lustful word they exchanged; they are etched in his bones as if they were scripture from the religion he professes.

I remembered their names and what they did to me; the lust, pleasure, and passion on display made him sick. He had goosebumps and was shaking violently; he had entered a pit known as unforgivable sin, so he tried to redeem it by killing the source of sin itself, with which he would feel a little satisfied.

"Young Duke Elijah" The young earl looked at me, perplexed, as I fell silent while looking at the madams.

"Ah, you're mesmerized by the madams," he teased me. "They're very beautiful, huh?" He smiled, but he seemed to recognize his friend who was waving at him because now his face brightened up quickly.

"Forgive me, my lord. Please excuse me for wasting your time. The young earl moved closer to the other nobles, as if he were discussing the Marchioness.

I continued walking, but this time I headed straight to my room, and I clenched my fists. I don't have a short fuse. Not only that, but I'm not losing my temper easily for things that don't even provoke me to high levels of bursting or showing my angry emotion, but if I only look at the madam, I easily lose my composure, and I need to calm myself.

My heart was pounding, my hands and body were sweaty, my stomach hurt, and I was unsteady. I'm trembling so much. At that time, a little girl who was about twelve and looked very small and young came to me when I was falling limp. I immediately remembered her, she was a sweet girl, last night. I smiled at her, but my sweat was drenched, and soon I was going to lose my consciousness.

She looked into my eyes; she looked like she was searching for something, and I heard her voice clearly. She is a girl with rabbit eyes whom I saw yesterday.

"Are you okay?" Her voice was so warm and sweet. Her every word was like an incantation, with her sweet words making me feel loved.

As she spoke, her voice was so soothing, she had an angelic voice that made me smile.

I completely lost my consciousness as soon as I heard his voice. A girl with rabbit eyes made me curious and question myself, wondering if she remembered me as soon as she looked at my eyes. Oh, I'm really curious.