The concept of a "Monster Wave" first emerged on Dianna’s fifteenth birthday. It referred to a massive surge of monsters that occurred roughly every year and a half. Unlike the Lodbrog Kingdom, which suffered frequent monster attacks, Panborough rarely witnessed monster appearances. If the nobles participating in Taillach managed the numbers well, there were even years with absolutely no monster sightings. But this time was different. A massive horde of monsters emerged in th

How strange. Akra furrowed his brow and stroked his chin. Ever since Dianna Brienne entered the prayer room, he remained lost in thought. [Akra] "It is strange……" [Priest] "What is strange?" The priest accompanying Akra asked. [Akra] "A faint trace of evil lingers somehow." [Priest] "An evil presence? Could it be the mark of an evil apostle?! We must destroy them immediately!" [Akra] "No, that is not it. It can't be……" Did the scent of blood drift from the young man? The pres

Their eyes met. For a split second, Guiscard indicated anger. Yet upon closer inspection, the boy stared at Dianna with his usual dry, detached expression. [Guiscard] "Forgive me. Your shoulders are exposed, and I worried you might catch a cold." [Dianna] "It's fine." She offered a soft smile. [Guiscard] "The wind is cold, regardless. Why are you outdoors?" [Philip] "Ann!" Before Guiscard could finish his sentence, a voice calling her name cut him off. It was Philip. He gallo

Guiscard stared at Dianna, and she met his gaze. With the passage of time, comfort grew between her and him. Now, she could state with absolute certainty that he would not kill her. She bestowed even more upon Guiscard. She arranged for him to receive a knight's appointment, an honor typically granted to commoners. Barot trained him brutally before departing for his own duties. Consequently, no knight in the Brienne ducal house could match Guiscard’s swordsmanship. Thus, he b

Dianna always believed she would live as a noble and die as a noble. Yet she wanted to forge a new life. She couldn't alter her ultimate fate, but she wanted to shift its path. Just as she had done when she revived Philip. For that reason, she intended to marry someone else once she set Guiscard free. Someone other than Ferdinand. Perhaps a foreign noble rather than a lord of Panborough. At that time, Dianna also thought of Philip. He was the only element that had changed wit

[Philip] "Ann…… I, I……" His voice trembled, and she blinked. His breathing shook. Tears filled his eyes. The hand stroking her hair was gentle. Dianna closed her eyes. The warmth washed over her. Why is he doing this now? She was exhausted from her conversation with Emil. Participating in the Ball of Tali had also drained her mental energy. She had no desire to speak with Philip right now. Has the snow frozen my heart? Even though I am happy, I am just tired of this now. [Phi

[Saruvia] "Duke Brienne brought those priests here in the first place! Lady Brienne knew in advance what they valued! Perhaps the priests even told her beforehand!" [Crowd] "What blasphemy!" [Crowd] "Apologize to the priests at once!" Huh? This is wrong. Saruvia opened her eyes wide. Isn't it obvious? The Duke specifically brought these priests. It is only natural that they judge Dianna favorably. Doesn't anyone else understand this concept? Why are they acting like this? Inc

After greeting the audience, Dianna left the stage without a single shred of regret. Her performance left a deep impression, but Levian’s dance did as well. Everyone discussed the excellence of Levian’s performance. Dianna's dance didn't trigger intense discussion like Levian's did. A few people gathered around Dianna. [Celano] "You will win, My Lady." Lady Celano approached and spoke kindly. Dianna opened her eyes wide. They lacked the close relationship required to exchange

Before stepping out to dance, Dianna looked at Guiscard. He wore a surprised expression upon seeing her attire. It made perfect sense. He stared at her face, which was painted with bright red lipstick. Because she was a modest young lady who had not yet debuted in high society, the outfit kept skin exposure to a minimum, yet Dianna still couldn't adapt to these flowing garments. Guiscard stared at her blankly for a moment. [Guiscard] "My Lady." [Dianna] "Are you feeling alrig

[Lady 1] "I am speaking of Lady Brienne. My goodness, they say she will enter the Ball of Tali." [Lady 2] "What? She hasn't even made her debut in high society yet!" Inside the Duke's castle, young ladies who had already made their debut in high society played a card game. During the snowy winter, when outdoor activities were impossible, the ladies gathered together for small amusements. In one corner of the lounge, some guests drank tea. Lady Levian, sat right next to the ca

A single beam of light barely entered the dusty storeroom through a small window. The slave carried his master into his own space. Dianna lay unconscious. Guiscard checked her breathing; she was alive. The realization that she was merely asleep brought relief. He knew he could return his unconscious master to her own quarters—her magnificent bedroom. He also knew he could seek help from nobles of her status. Yet he didn't do so. As he prepared to lay her down, he noticed the

Dianna let out a sigh at the sight of Guiscard kneeling before her. A large man bowed before a small girl; she closed her eyes. [Dianna] "Right. You had no choice." [Guiscard] "……." [Dianna] "I am your best option." He looked up at her words. It was the truth. Guiscard stared at Dianna with a blank expression. He shook his head as if to deny it and spoke. [Guiscard] "No. I……" [Dianna] "Guiscard. It is fine." She understood because she was an adult now. This was exactly why th