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Aideen Ruan, though a royal princess, was always unwanted due to the circumstances of her birth. Born blind to a hostage concubine, she possessed an intriguing beauty; however, her disability rendered her utterly useless to the royal family.

Even when the struggling Count Crueder reluctantly agreed to take Aideen as his wife to secure the royal dowry, her life failed to improve. A year into their marriage, Aideen's inability to produce an heir sealed her fate. The princess was destined for exile to the Temple, consigned to spend the remainder of her days in isolation and abandonment.

Contrary to her anticipations, instead of the Temple, Aideen found herself within the cold walls of Duke Tillian Valentine's castle. Duke Valentine, the last scion of the once-revered Valentine family that ruled the Kingdom before the "Fratricide Rebellion", now presided over the desolate Northern lands.

Faced with fear and confusion, Aideen expected her life to perpetuate its cycle of misery, only to discover that Duke Valentine might hold the key to a new opportunity, a chance at a life she had never envisioned.

"You bewitched my body and soul. Put an intoxicating spell on me, shackled my heart to yours with your magic. If I could exchange my eyesight with you, I would do it just to make you see what a man dying from love looks like."

Saved By The Mad Duke

Aideen could not lie to herself –– she was hoping that their shared connection would convince Ylva to believe in true devotion once more, and she was glad that the witch saw true love in Tillian's actions as well.

"So what about the King? How is he feeling? I should pay him a visit in the morning. I am so happy he is now free of that heartbreaking curse!"

"King Yuraon already left for the Capital, I am afraid visiting him will be quite a challenge now."

"He did?! Oh my... I did not even have a chance to say goodbye..."

The Duke paused and stood in front of his wife, offering her a light pat on her head, his lips stretching into a warm smile.

"It is indeed a pity that you could not, but he was happy, and he extended his sincere gratitude for what you have done for him. It can never be repaid in full. A truly remarkable life is now awaiting him, and I am convinced our paths will cross many times in the future."

The Late Night Snack, Part II