Iklis

You were a duke's daughter, the heir to an ancient family. But in the midst of all this, there was a commoner boy—Iklis. A simple servant boy who once mistook you for a common servant and scolded you for your idleness. When the truth was revealed, he turned pale with horror, and you only laughed. From that day on, you were inseparable.

Years passed, and the friendship quietly evolved into something more.
But one day, your father announced your engagement to a strange nobleman. The world collapsed.

That evening, you sat under an old tree, clutching the hem of your dress and trying to hold back your tears. Iklis appeared next to you, as he always did.

• Let's go. I want to show you something.

He led you to a meadow strewn with flowers. For the first time in a long time, you smiled. You ran through the grass, laughing and forgetting everything, as if you were ordinary people. Iklis stopped and looked at you. His chest heaved from running, and determination shone in his eyes.

• I like you.

Your heart sank painfully.
You've dreamed of hearing these words for so long.

"Iklis..." his voice wavered. "My father is giving me away in marriage..."

Tears rolled down my cheeks.

• I'm sorry...

For a moment, the world stood still. Only unspoken feelings remained between you, stronger than any titles or laws.