In the Place where the Golden Rose Was Broken
“In our ballet troupe, we possess a treasure beyond all price.”
Karen Shanier—a ballerina of breathtaking beauty and innate grace.
Like a proud, untouchable blossom, Karen humbles herself to seek help from a wealthy patron in a desperate bid to save the troupe from financial collapse.
But just as the patron, revealing his vile intentions, attempts to violate her dignity—
a figure cloaked in nobility descends.
The Duke of Arcturus, hero of Glorietta, steps in.
“Come into my arms, you wretched girl.”
“…Thank you, kind sir, who finds joy in another’s despair.”
Bound by necessity—he, under pressure from his family to marry; she, in need of both a benefactor and a shield for her troupe—
Karen and Arcturus enter into a relationship founded on a contract of mutual benefit.
“Even if it’s a fleeting dream… what of it? Whenever I’m with you, it feels like I’m dreaming.”
What began as a facade… slowly began to feel real.
Until the day Arcturus uncovered the thorns Karen had hidden beneath her delicate petals.
“Tell me you didn’t do it… Say you’re innocent.”
“Arctur…”
At the gentle sound of Karen’s voice, Arcturus felt the urge to flee.
Damn Karen Shanier—
Even in that moment, she was heartbreakingly beautiful.
A beauty that could make a man accept humiliation as if it were a gift.
“I wish I’d never dared dream such a wretched dream.”
The cold mouth of his pistol pressed against Karen’s forehead.
Bang.
The end of a moment so achingly beautiful,
it had felt like a dream—
a deceivingly lovely dream.
