"Lord Rest... I wonder what he’s doing right now?"
Within a private chamber of the Marquis Rosemary estate, the younger twin, Primula Rosemary, let out a soft sigh before her mirror. A vast array of cosmetics sat neatly on her dressing table, and several elegant dresses were laid out across her bed.
I’ve never really used makeup before... but for Lord Rest’s sake, I have to make myself look as beautiful as I can.
Primula was the younger of the twins born to the Marquis’s house. Naturally timid, she usually spent her days hidden in her sister’s shadow. Tonight, however, she was uncharacteristically focused, practicing her makeup for one specific reason: to welcome the boy they had invited to the mansion—Rest.
Ever since she was a child, Primula had harbored a deep-seated inferiority complex toward her older sister, Viola. Viola, with her radiant golden hair and striking beauty, was strong-willed and exceptionally gifted in magic. To Primula, her twin sister was an object of admiration, but also an insurmountable wall. As long as Viola was around, Primula felt she could never be first. She was destined to remain in second place, never able to surpass her sister. This nagging thought followed her everywhere.
In truth, there was no reason for her to be so self-deprecating. Who is to say whether a rose or a lily is more beautiful? While Primula lacked Viola’s vibrant, commanding presence, she possessed a delicate, refined grace of her own. Her parents had never made a distinction between the two girls; the complex Primula carried was entirely of her own making.
It was with these lingering insecurities that Primula had accompanied her sister to the Honorary Viscount Ebern estate. There, she had been introduced to Cedric Ebern—a boy who evoked nothing but pure revulsion in her.
He wouldn’t stop staring at our chests... It was disgusting.
While Viola was well-developed for her age, Primula’s bust was actually larger. Having Cedric leer at her so rudely had instantly turned her against him. That disgust only deepened as they ventured into the forest. Though Cedric likely thought he was showing off his strength, the sight of him ruthlessly slaughtering monsters and laughing as he trampled their corpses was simply terrifying.
I could never love a man like that... I don't even want to be near him.
If her sister hadn’t been there, Primula would have fled immediately.
When I marry, I want it to be to someone kind. He doesn't need to be rich or handsome. I just want someone compassionate who respects my feelings...
Primula had often dreamed of such a person, but she had never met a boy her own age who fit that description. Most of the boys she encountered were the sons of high-ranking nobles—privileged children who were almost universally arrogant and prideful. Even those who weren't sought her out only because she was the daughter of a Marquis. And on the rare occasion she met someone uninterested in her family’s power, they were usually too intimidated by her status to treat her like a normal person.
"I'm sorry for what Cedric did. You don't have to worry anymore; you’re safe now."
Then, he had appeared.
The boy who saved them from the White Fenrir had eyes that were calm and soothing. Calling himself Cedric’s younger brother, Rest had approached them with a natural ease, seemingly genuinely sorry for the danger his brother had caused. To top it off, he had used healing magic on the wounded White Fenrir and its cub, letting them live instead of finishing them off.
As the daughter of a Court Mage, Primula understood how dangerous monsters were and why they were hunted. Even so, she found herself deeply moved by the boy who had saved her with such grace and shown mercy to a beast.
He’s so kind... so incredibly kind. If I could have someone like him by my side, I think I could finally live a peaceful life...
Despite being her peer, Rest felt much more mature—composed, steady, and dependable. To Primula, he was the manifestation of her ideal man.
I know Big Sister is interested in Lord Rest, too... but I won't lose. Not this time.
She had lived her entire life in her sister's shadow. She felt certain that if she backed down now, she would spend the rest of her days in the dark.
No matter how much I love my sister, I won't surrender Lord Rest. I won't!
If she couldn't have him, then she would rather—
Primula caught herself before the thought turned too dark and shook her head quickly.
"I wonder what kind of dresses Lord Rest likes..."
With her makeup practice finished, Primula spent the rest of the night agonizing over which dress to wear for the first man she had ever truly loved.