Inside a small, dimly lit kitchen, the warm aroma of freshly baked sweet buns fills the air. Lumi, a delicate boy with shimmering silver hair and soft blue eyes, stands proudly with a tray in his hands. His apron is too big for him, but he wears it with joy, his cheeks dusted with flour.

Lumi: giggles "Mama, look! I've made sweet buns!"

His mother, a frail woman with weary eyes, looks up from her sewing. A tired but gentle smile graces her lips as she watches her son’s enthusiasm.

Mother: softly "Oh, Lumi… they look perfect. Just like you."

His father, a thin man with graying hair, sits at the small dining table, his hands gripping a crumpled letter—another notice from debt collectors. His eyes are clouded with worry.

Father: sighs "Lumi, you should be playing with other kids, not working so hard."

Lumi: cheerfully "It’s okay, Papa! I like helping. And when I finish my studies, I’ll get a good job and take care of everything!"

His mother’s smile falters as she exchanges a glance with her husband. They both know Lumi’s dreams are nearly impossible. Their debt is a mountain too high to climb, and the world is cruel to those who are poor.

A loud knock on the door startles them. Lumi flinches but quickly recovers, placing the buns on the table before walking over to open it. A tall man stands outside—a debt collector. His eyes scan Lumi shamelessly before stepping inside without invitation.

Debt Collector: smirks "Ah, Lumi. You’re growing up beautifully, aren’t you?"

Lumi’s mother grips his wrist, pulling him behind her protectively. His father stands up, tense and wary.

Father: firmly "We don’t have money right now."

Debt Collector: chuckles "Oh, I know. Your debts keep piling up. But there’s a way to pay it all off much faster, don’t you think?"

His eyes flicker toward Lumi, and the implication is clear. Lumi’s face remains polite, but his hands tremble slightly behind his back. His mother’s grip tightens.

Mother: shaking "Get out."

Debt Collector: mocking "Now, now, don’t be so hasty. Your son could make more in one night than you could in years. Imagine how quickly your troubles would disappear."

Lumi steps forward, his smile unwavering, though his voice is softer now.

Lumi: gently "Please leave, sir. I will find a way to pay… but not like that."

Debt Collector: laughs "Oh? Such a proper little thing. But let’s see how long that pride lasts when the hunger gets worse."

With a final smirk, he turns and leaves, the door slamming shut behind him. A heavy silence fills the room. Lumi’s mother buries her face in her hands, silent sobs shaking her shoulders. His father clenches his fists, looking away in shame.

Lumi kneels beside his mother, hugging her tightly, his own tears threatening to spill but refusing to let them fall.

Lumi: whispers "Mama, Papa… I’ll find a way. I promise."

Two days later

It was late in the evening, and the tiny house flickered with the soft glow of candlelight. Lumi was preparing a simple dinner when a sharp knock on the door echoed through the small space. His father, wary of debt collectors, tensed but got up to answer it.

Outside stood a well-dressed man, his expensive suit out of place in their humble neighborhood. His dark eyes scanned the room with cold precision before settling on Lumi.

Stranger: calmly "Good evening. I’m here to make an offer."

Father: cautiously "Who are you?"

Stranger: smirks "Call me Edward. I work for a man of high status. He has taken an interest in your son."

Lumi, who had been quietly watching, felt a shiver run down his spine. He wasn't sure why, but something about this man’s gaze made him uneasy.

Mother: worriedly "What… what kind of interest?"

Edward: slowly "Marriage."

A stunned silence filled the room. Lumi’s hands trembled as he clutched his apron. His parents looked at each other, then back at the man in disbelief.

Father: in disbelief "Marriage? To whom?"

Edward: smiling slightly "My employer. A very wealthy and powerful man. He believes Lumi would be a… suitable match."

Mother: panicked "But Lumi is just a boy—"

Edward: raising a hand "He is of age, is he not? And consider this: your debts… gone. A life of luxury for your son. No more hunger, no more struggles."

Lumi swallowed hard. The idea of leaving his family, of marrying a man he had never met, terrified him. But his parents' exhausted faces, their endless suffering, weighed heavily on his heart. Was this truly his only way out?

Lumi: quietly "What… what kind of man is he?"

Edward: chuckles "You’ll meet him soon enough. He’s not unkind. Strict, yes. Powerful, yes. But with you by his side, perhaps he’ll soften."

Father: firmly "We need time to think."

Edward: glancing at Lumi "You have three days. After that, the offer is off the table."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving an air of uncertainty behind. Lumi sat down, his heart pounding. His mother grasped his hand tightly, her eyes pleading.

Mother: softly "Lumi… you don’t have to do this."

Father: gritted teeth "We’ll find another way."

Lumi forced a smile, but deep inside, he wondered—was there truly another way?

That night, Lumi lay awake, staring at the cracked ceiling of their small home. He could hear his mother’s quiet sobs, his father’s restless movements. The weight of their suffering pressed on his chest like a stone.

He thought about the debt collectors, the way they looked at him, spoke about him. If he refused this offer, the harassment would only get worse. He knew what they wanted—if not now, then soon. Rather than be forced into the hands of many, he would rather belong to one.

By morning, his mind was made up.

Lumi: softly "Mama, Papa… I’ll do it."

His parents looked up in shock, his mother nearly dropping the cup in her hands.

Mother: shaking her head "No, Lumi, no. You don’t have to—"

Lumi: gently "I don’t want to see you suffer anymore. If marrying him means you can live without fear… then I’ll do it."

His father clenched his fists, his jaw tight. He hated this. Hated that their son had to make such a choice. But he also knew Lumi wasn’t a child anymore. He was making this decision not just for them, but for himself.

Father: sighs "At least meet the man first."

Lumi: nods "I was going to ask for that. I want to see what kind of person he is before I agree."

His mother looked like she wanted to protest again, but she could see the resolve in Lumi’s eyes. Her heart ached, but she knew she couldn’t stop him.

Mother: whispers "You deserve happiness, my son."

Lumi: smiling faintly "Maybe… this is the only way I’ll get it."

Later that afternoon, they sent word to Edward. Lumi would agree—but only after meeting the man who would become his husband.

The next evening, Edward returned, standing at their doorstep with his usual unreadable expression. Lumi sat across from him, his hands resting on his lap, his heart steady despite the uncertainty in the air.

Edward: raising an eyebrow "I assume you’ve made a decision."

Lumi: nods "I’ll do it. But I want to meet him first."

Edward’s lips curled into a slight smirk, as if he had expected this.

Edward: "Fair enough. I’ll arrange a meeting. But I suppose you’d like to know his name before that?"

Lumi swallowed, nodding again. Edward leaned forward slightly, his voice smooth and deliberate.

Edward: "His name is Haru."

Lumi’s breath caught in his throat. The name wasn’t unfamiliar. Everyone in the kingdom knew it—Duke Haru, a man of immense power, influence, and rumored to be as cold as ice. A military commander, a noble, and a man feared by many.

His mother gasped softly, her hands clutching her chest. His father’s expression darkened.

Father: gritted teeth "Haru? The Duke?"

Edward: smirking "The very one."

Lumi tried to keep his hands from trembling. He had heard stories of Duke Haru—an untouchable man, ruthless in battle, sharp in business, and completely unreadable when it came to emotions. Some said he was incapable of love. Others claimed he had no interest in companionship at all.

And now, this was the man Lumi was to marry?

He took a deep breath and steadied himself. Fear wouldn’t help him now. He had made his decision.

Lumi: calmly "When can I meet him?"

Edward: grinning slightly "Tomorrow. The Duke doesn’t like to waste time."

Lumi’s heart pounded, but he forced a small smile.

Lumi: softly "Neither do I."

The next morning, Lumi stood in front of a mirror, smoothing out the only presentable clothes he owned—a simple but clean white shirt and neatly pressed trousers. His mother had done her best to mend any loose threads, and his father had shined his worn-out shoes until they looked new. It wasn’t much, but Lumi held his head high. He would not shame his family, no matter who he was meeting.

When Edward arrived, Lumi bid his parents farewell with a reassuring smile, though his mother’s teary eyes made it hard to walk away. He climbed into the carriage, his heart pounding as the wheels rolled forward, taking him toward his future.

---

The meeting place was a grand estate—far larger than anything Lumi had ever seen. Tall gates, well-manicured gardens, and guards standing at attention. As the carriage stopped, Edward gestured for Lumi to step out, leading him through marble halls until they reached a quiet room with large windows overlooking the city.

"Wait here," Edward said before stepping out, leaving Lumi alone in the silent space. He took a deep breath, pressing his hands together to keep them from shaking. Then—

The door opened.

A man stepped inside, his presence alone enough to make the air feel heavier. He was tall, dressed in black, with piercing green eyes that seemed to look right through Lumi. His dark green hair framed his sharp, unreadable face, and his posture was that of a man who commanded absolute authority.

Duke Haru.

For a long moment, he simply looked at Lumi, his gaze calculating, assessing.

Haru: coolly "So, you’re the one."

Lumi swallowed but held his ground. He lowered his head slightly in greeting before meeting Haru’s eyes again.

Lumi: softly but firmly "Yes. I’m Lumi."

A pause. Then—

Haru: raising an eyebrow "You’re smaller than I expected."

Lumi blinked at the odd comment but kept his polite smile.

Lumi: tilting his head "I wasn’t aware there was an expectation."

For a second, something flickered in Haru’s gaze—amusement? But it was gone just as quickly.

Haru: crossing his arms "You agreed to this marriage knowing nothing about me. Why?"

Lumi hesitated before answering, choosing his words carefully.

Lumi: softly "Because I don’t want my family to suffer anymore. And if I must belong to someone… I’d rather it be one person than many."

Haru’s expression remained unreadable, but his eyes studied Lumi more intently now, as if seeing something he hadn’t noticed before.

Haru: quietly "You understand this isn’t a fairy tale. If you marry me, you’ll be bound to me completely. My world is not kind."

Lumi: meeting his gaze without hesitation "Neither is mine."

A heavy silence settled between them. Then, unexpectedly, Haru let out a small breath—a hint of something that could almost be called a chuckle.

Haru: low voice "Interesting."

He turned toward Edward, who had been standing quietly near the door.

Haru: "Prepare the contract. The wedding will proceed."

Lumi's heart pounded, but he kept his face steady. This was it. His fate was sealed.

Lumi took a deep breath, gathering his courage as Haru turned to finalize the decision. He knew this might be his only chance to secure something for his parents.

Lumi: softly but firmly "Can I make a request? Just one."

Haru paused, his sharp green eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at Lumi.

Haru: coolly "You’re already making requests?"

Lumi clenched his hands but held his ground.

Lumi: "I just… I want to stay in contact with my parents. And… I want to earn money to pay off their debt myself."

A silence followed. Edward raised an eyebrow, but Haru didn’t react immediately. He simply stared at Lumi, unreadable as ever, before finally speaking.

Haru: low voice "You think I won’t provide for them?"

Lumi: quickly "That’s not it. I know you could clear their debt in a second, but… that’s something I want to do myself. I don’t want them to feel like they owe you. I want to help them with my own hands."

Haru watched him carefully, as if measuring his sincerity. Then, to Lumi’s surprise, he let out a small exhale—something that wasn’t quite a sigh, but close.

Haru: "Fine. You can keep in contact with them. As for earning money… we’ll see."

Lumi blinked. That wasn’t a refusal, but it wasn’t a yes either.

Lumi: tilting his head "What do you mean?"

Haru: smirks faintly "You’re about to be my spouse. I won’t have you taking jobs like some common servant. If you want to earn money, you’ll do it on my terms."

Lumi: hesitant "…Which are?"

Haru: "You’ll find out soon enough."

Lumi didn’t know if that should make him nervous or relieved, but he had gotten what he wanted—for now. He lowered his head slightly in gratitude.

Lumi: softly "Thank you."

Haru said nothing, only watching him with that same unreadable gaze. Lumi wasn’t sure if he had just made things better for himself… or much, much more complicated.

Haru: arms crossed, watching Lumi sip tea "You’re not what I expected."

Lumi: blinking "What did you expect?"

Haru: tilts head slightly "Someone desperate. Someone willing to flatter and please just to secure a better life."

Lumi: smiling softly "Would that have made you say yes faster?"

Haru: smirks "No. It would’ve made me say no."

Lumi: laughs lightly "Then I’m glad I disappointed you."

Haru: studying him "You’re careful with your words, but you don’t lie. That’s rare."

Lumi: shrugs "Lies don’t last. I don’t have the luxury of pretending to be someone I’m not."

Haru: narrowing his eyes "You’re adaptable. You listen before you speak. Do you always shape yourself to match others?"

Lumi: pausing "I don’t think of it that way. I just… understand when to talk and when to stay quiet."

Haru: leaning back "That’s not a skill common in people who grew up poor. Most are either too submissive or too desperate to prove themselves."

Lumi: softly "I’ve seen what happens when people speak without thinking. It costs more than money."

Haru: quiet for a moment, then smirks again "You’re a fast learner. That’s useful."

Lumi: tilts head "Useful?"

Haru: chuckles lightly "You don’t realize it, do you? You can be anything. Whoever raises you right determines what you become."

Lumi: blinking "And do you plan to raise me?"

Haru: smirking "I plan to mold you."

Lumi: laughing softly "Then I hope you have steady hands."

Haru: watching him closely "I do."

After that Lumi left

As lumi left Edward approached Haru

Edward: adjusting his gloves, glancing at Haru "Sir, are you interested in that boy?"

Haru: leaning back in his chair, eyes cold "He's useful."

Edward: raising an eyebrow "For what exactly?"

Haru: smirking faintly "The curse."

Edward: pauses "You mean—"

Haru: interrupting, voice calm "He’ll be the sacrifice."

Edward: studying Haru's expression "Does he need to be willing?"

Haru: shrugging "Not necessarily. But it would make things easier."

Edward: chuckles "Then I assume you’ll make sure he’s willing?"

Haru: cold smile "Of course."

on the other side lumi went home

Mother: worriedly "Lumi, dear, how did it go?"

Lumi: smiling brightly "It went well, Mama! The Duke isn’t as scary as people say."

Father: frowning "You were with a man like him all day, and you’re smiling?"

Lumi: giggling "He’s not bad. He asks a lot of questions, though."

Mother: softly "Did he treat you well?"

Lumi: nods "Yes! He even agreed to let me stay in touch with you and… he’s thinking about letting me earn money myself."

Father: scoffing "Thinking? That’s not a yes."

Lumi: tilts head "But it’s not a no either."

Mother: sighs in relief "As long as you’re safe…"

Lumi: holding her hands "I am, Mama. I think… maybe this won’t be so bad after all."

His parents exchanged glances, still hesitant, but Lumi’s happy expression made it difficult to say anything more. He truly looked pleased.

To marry lumi Haru gave his parents a big amount saying it as tradition

Haru: coldly, handing over a heavy bag of gold "This is the bride price. A tradition."

Lumi’s Father: eyes widening, voice shaking "T-This much…?"

Haru: flatly "Consider it compensation. He belongs to me now."

Lumi’s Mother: clutching the bag, glancing at Lumi with teary eyes "Lumi, dear, are you sure…?"

Lumi: smiling softly "Mama, this will help us. It’s okay."

Lumi’s Father: hesitant "You really want to go through with this?"

Lumi: nodding "Yes. It’s my choice."

Haru: coolly "Then it’s settled. The wedding will be in three days. Prepare yourselves."

Lumi’s Mother: holding back tears "Take care of my son."

Haru: smirking slightly "Of course."

Lumi saw the relief on his parents’ faces as they held the money, their debt now nothing more than a bad memory. He convinced himself—this was the right choice.

In first two days lumi paid of the debt and bought a new house for his parents the money was just enough to buy a dress suited for haru's style

Mother: tearing up as she looks at the new house "Lumi… this is too much."

Lumi: smiling gently "It’s just enough. No more debt collectors, no more sleepless nights. You and Papa can finally rest."

Father: running his hands over the doorframe "A house… our own house." His voice is thick with emotion.

Mother: hugging Lumi tightly "My precious boy… you’ve done so much for us."

Lumi: softly "You did so much for me first."

—

On the last night before the wedding, Lumi stood in front of a mirror, adjusting the elegant outfit he had bought.

Lumi: murmuring to himself "This should be good enough for him…"

The fabric was refined, the cut sharp—something Haru would approve of. Lumi traced the delicate embroidery, feeling the weight of what was to come.

Lumi: soft sigh "Tomorrow… everything changes."

Lumi married Haru next day it was just a show off for many people

Priest: formally "Do you, Duke Haru, take Lumi as your lawfully wedded spouse?"

Haru: without hesitation, voice firm "I do."

Priest: turning to Lumi "And do you, Lumi, take Duke Haru as your lawfully wedded spouse?"

Lumi: glancing at the crowd, then at Haru, before softly smiling "I do."

The crowd erupted in polite applause. Nobles whispered among themselves, some envious, some mocking, others intrigued by the Duke’s unexpected choice.

Edward: leaning toward Haru, whispering "They all think you married him for amusement."

Haru: smirking, eyes on Lumi "Let them think what they want."

Lumi, standing beside him, felt the weight of all the stares but kept his posture straight. He was now Lumi, the Duchess—at least in name. The grand ceremony was nothing more than a performance, a dazzling show of wealth and power.

Lumi: softly, looking up at Haru "Is this what you wanted?"

Haru: glancing down at him, smirking "What I want comes after this."

Lumi didn’t know if he should be relieved or afraid.

That night lumi was expecting Haru to take his virginity as the first night of marriage

Lumi: blushing, heart pounding as Haru undressed him "I… I understand. It’s our first night…"

Haru: silent, his cold fingers unfastening Lumi’s bridal robes with practiced ease

Lumi closed his eyes, waiting for what came next—but instead of fully undressing him, Haru left the lower half untouched.

Lumi: confused, whispering "Haru…?"

Haru: holding up a small, ornate glass filled with a deep red liquid "Drink this."

Lumi: hesitant, looking at the liquid "What is it?"

Haru: firmly "Drink."

Lumi swallowed nervously but obeyed, the thick, strangely sweet liquid sliding down his throat. The moment it settled in his stomach, his body felt warm—too warm. His vision blurred slightly.

Lumi: breathing unevenly "I feel… strange…"

Before he could say more, Haru suddenly gripped his waist, tilting his head to expose his neck. Then—

Lumi: gasping in pain "H-Haru…!"

A sharp, searing sensation burned into his skin as Haru’s teeth sank deep into his neck. Lumi trembled, gripping Haru’s arms as he felt the unmistakable pull—Haru was drinking his blood.

Lumi: panting "W-Why…?"

Haru: muffled, voice dark "Be still."

Lumi’s body felt weak, heat pooling in his limbs, his mind clouded. Haru drank deeply, his grip unyielding, his presence overwhelming. And then—just as suddenly as it started—Haru pulled away, licking the wound as Lumi shuddered in his hold.

Lumi: voice weak "What… are you?"

Haru: smirking against his skin, voice dangerously low "You’ll find out soon enough."