A country girl attends a royal ball in the capital to find a husband. A sudden engagement annulment by the princess leaves the Duke's son, Theodore, with no one to help him. Seeing his plight, she bravely steps in. Theodore reveals he's mistreated even within his own family. She invites him to her rural hometown, despite its simplicity. This story also features the perspective of Cynthia's brother (link provided in original text). Note: Chapter 23 contains mature content.