Valia, Tribute to Shuden

Bizarre occurrences across the continent filled the mighty Guelle Empire with dread. To appease the heavens, a sacrifice was deemed necessary. It seemed fitting when the royal throne announced a search for a noble-born bride, offering a significant reward. Enter Valia Dean, an orphan who had just survived her second near-death experience. To save Karl, the aging mercenary who raised her after losing her parents, Valia volunteers to marry Marquess Shuden Gartt. His reputation for brutality is only surpassed by the icy coldness of his gaze. Hardened by misfortune, orphanhood, starvation, and betrayal, Valia accepts what seems like certain death. Even in marriage, she vows not to love. No matter how handsome, wealthy, gentle, chivalrous, and caring he might be, or how lovingly he acts as her husband, it wouldn't matter, right?