For the Dreadfully Terrifying Grand Duke Valenstein

Grand Duke Valenstein suffers from a dreadful curse.

The curse causes everyone who looks upon him to see a terrifying monster instead of his true appearance.

After growing up scarred by fear, rejection, and ridicule, the Grand Duke becomes increasingly ruthless, devoting himself to hunting monsters on the battlefield.

Just as his fearsome reputation spreads across the continent, the Emperor decides to keep him in check through an arranged political marriage.

The chosen spouse is Mirane Laster, the son of the Emperor’s loyal servant, Count Laster, and the Commander of the Empire’s Third Knight Order.

Abandoned by his own father, Mirane sets off in despair for the Grand Duke’s northern domain.

Yet somehow…

The two people who seem least suited for one another turn out to be surprisingly compatible.

Excerpt

“I gave you a choice, and you said you would remain by my side…”

“You chose to marry me, Mirane.”

“There’s no turning back now.”

“Look at me.”

“Am I horrifying?”

Their breaths mingled in the narrow space between them.

As their eyes met—

“Tell me the truth, Mirane.”

Moonlight rippled across the Grand Duke’s flawless silver hair.

The scent of the river drifted through the air as a gentle breeze brushed against their skin.

Blinking through his blurred vision, Mirane Laster looked straight into the Grand Duke’s eyes.

“Before I snap that beautiful white neck of yours…”

While one hand still cupped Mirane’s cheek, the other gently wrapped around his slender neck.

The fingers slowly tightened.

Then, in a voice barely above a whisper—

“Please…”

Mirane gazed quietly at the fear flickering across the man’s face.

Then, without warning, he raised his hand.

It came to rest upon the Grand Duke’s cheek.

“…!”

“You are beautiful.”

At that moment…

The Grand Duke froze.