Iris is called the 'Ice Woman'.

Born as the only daughter of a certain marquis family, since becoming the wife of Duke Matthew of Cralm several years ago, she has never once smiled.

It was only natural that such a woman could not build a proper marital relationship.

Time simply passed, without her ever sharing a bedroom with her husband, let alone speaking to him or even meeting his gaze.

One day, Iris noticed a change in her physical condition.

Occasionally, she began to feel a pain in her chest so intense it felt as though it would tear her apart.

"It's 'Ice Heart Syndrome'."

The doctor's diagnosis was the name of an incurable disease.

It was the curse of an Ice Witch said to have lived in a far-off northern land.

Those afflicted with this disease find their hearts gradually turning to ice.

And, approximately one year after onset, it leads to death.

A few days after receiving that diagnosis, her husband, Matthew, served her with divorce papers.

"I've contracted an incurable disease, so this works out perfectly."

Iris said only that, and then left the ducal household.

That should have been the end of things with her husband, but...

For some reason, Matthew pursued Iris──.