Prologue

It was Count Schmidt’s funeral. His wife’s face was a bit pale but composed, and his stepsons maintained solemn expressions. While the funeral was conducted quietly, the atmosphere wasn’t necessarily gloomy.

After losing his first wife, Count Schmidt had lived in seclusion for 20 long years. During that time, it was his second wife and cousin, Countess Nina Schmidt, who managed his estate. There was no one who would truly mourn or miss his death.

No, there was exactly one person who genuinely grieved his death.

Among the people who were putting on artificial expressions of concern, a sobbing woman stood out. Her peculiarly white skin and red eyes already drew people’s attention. When Alexander, Nina’s eldest son who had just become Count Schmidt, gave a slight gesture, a maid approached the crying woman.

“Miss.”

“…”

Yvonne bit her lip firmly. Even attending this funeral was more than she deserved.

“…That’s Yvonne Schmidt…”

“…red eyes…”

“…couldn’t marry because of her defect…”

The whispers of a few thoughtless people reached her ears. Yvonne kept her head down and quickly got into the carriage with the maid.

* * *

Yvonne is only allowed to remove her wig when the sun sets, right before going to bed during bath time. She handed the golden-haired wig to her maid Nora. Only after carefully storing it away did Nora help Yvonne with her bath.

White hair floated on the water’s surface.To Yvonne, it felt as though a white-haired witch were loosening her long hair behind her. Even in the hot water, she felt chills. Shuddering, she quickly tucked the hair that disgusted even herself behind her ears. Nora gathered and groomed it.

This was too luxurious a treatment for someone whose very existence was a shame to the family. Yvonne muttered in a small voice.

“It would be better to just cut it all off…”

“Miss, please don’t say that.”

“…”

What’s the point when I have to wear the wig even inside my room anyway? Such thoughts occupied her mind until bath time ended.

After putting on a thin nightgown and climbing into bed, Nora brought a small bottle of medicine. Yvonne habitually grasped it, but hesitated just before taking it and finally put it down.

“I think I can sleep without the sleeping medicine today. I’m tired from the rare outing anyway.”

Nora quickly shook her head at those words.

“No, Miss. You must have had a difficult day…”

Even though they only met once every few years, he was her only blood relative. There’s no way she could be fine after her father’s death. Nora held out the medicine bottle to Yvonne.

Yvonne stared at the clear l*quid swirling in the glass bottle. Except for being slightly sweet, it looked like ordinary water. But when she drinks this…

“Miss.”

Nora urged again, noticing Yvonne’s hesitation. Finally, Yvonne gulped it down in one swallow.

Only then did Nora smile with relief and quietly bid goodnight to the somewhat anxious-looking Yvonne.

“Sleep well, Miss.”

But Nora, I… I… every time I take this medicine…

The medicine worked quickly. Soon she felt warmth spreading inside her head. Her rapidly beating heart gradually calmed down. Nora, who had been watching over Yvonne, took a candle and moved toward the door.

“Good night, Nora…”

“Sweet dreams…”

Hearing those words, Yvonne slightly shook her head.

Nora, I don’t think that’s possible… You see… the dream I have every night…

Yvonne was soon pulled into a deep sleep.

* * *

“…vonne…”

A mumbling voice was heard. Yvonne suddenly woke up.

“…?”

Wait… did I really wake up?

Yvonne found herself kneeling on the floor. She could feel the cold stone floor beneath her. She 

was completely n*ked.

“Yvonne.”

“…!”

There was a man right in front of her. She noticed his well-polished black shoes. Startled, Yvonne quickly curled up her body.

“Yvonne.”

It was the third time her name had been called. Suddenly, it felt terribly ominous. Yvonne quickly lifted her head.

“B-Brother…”

Unlike her unsightly self, he was a handsome man with black hair and pitch-black eyes. Alexander, perfectly dressed in a suit, sat leaning against a chair with his chin resting on his hand. Faced with this surreal scene, Yvonne could only stare at him with a blank expression.

“So, what did you come to say in that state?”

“Ah…”

Yvonne frantically looked around. Though unfamiliar, she knew where this was – Count Schmidt’s study. A place she shouldn’t dare enter in such a state. Her hair stood on end. What in the world…! She had definitely been sleeping quietly in bed just moments ago!

The man’s eyes before her were cold enough to freeze her. Her hands desperately covering her chest trembled.

“Yvonne Schmidt.”

Her mouth slowly opened. For a moment, absurdly, it felt like it wasn’t of her own will. Without knowing what she should do, words automatically spilled from her mouth.

“P-Please… make me your dog, brother…”

No… No! That’s not what I meant to say!

Yvonne screamed, but the sound never left her mouth. She could see Alexander’s neat face distort with disgust. It felt like her breath would stop. Was this a continuation of that dream? Was she dreaming now? Ah… Please, God. This must be a dream.

Alexander reached out and roughly grabbed the necklace around Yvonne’s neck, pulling it.

“Ugh…!”

The small, thin woman was easily pulled forward by that single gesture. Yvonne grabbed Alexander’s thigh to keep from falling. Her heart was beating fast. It was her first time being this close to a man. First time showing her n*ked body to a man.

…Except for in those dreams.

“You certainly suit a dog collar better than jewels.”

Alexander’s contemptuous voice pierced her ears. Though she squeezed her eyes shut, she could feel his sharp gaze scanning her n*ked body. Only then did Yvonne become certain that this horrifying situation was not a dream.