The narrative begins with the Ancia Baronet family, a minor noble house whose sole income comes from their roles as civil officials at the royal palace, receiving a divine oracle. The oracle declares that the next Saintess will be Renata, the youngest daughter of the family. This pronouncement throws the family into disarray, particularly Renata, a shy and timid fourteen-year-old who is overwhelmed by the prospect of living in the royal palace. Her elder sister, Floria, and brother, Lawrence, attempt to comfort her.
Renata, initially fearful, soon becomes excited by the status and privileges of a Saintess, which include a guaranteed comfortable life and the potential to marry into royalty or high nobility. She insists that Floria accompany her to the palace, claiming she is too afraid to go alone. Despite Floria's reservations about leaving her quiet life and her concerns about Renata's lack of etiquette and discipline, their father and Lawrence persuade her to go, believing her presence will be a comfort to Renata. Floria reluctantly agrees, experiencing a premonition of unease.
Upon arriving at the palace, Renata and Floria are given luxurious accommodations. However, Renata's demeanor drastically changes. She reveals a deep-seated resentment towards her family, particularly Floria, whom she accuses of looking down on her as the child of a concubine. Renata expresses her hatred for their impoverished life and her ambition to rise above her family through marriage to a high-ranking noble. Her newfound arrogance and disdain for her past life shock Floria.
Renata immediately uses her position as Saintess to indulge in lavish dresses, further alienating Floria. She begins to act imperiously, dismissing the need for etiquette lessons and treating Floria like a servant. Renata also starts actively seeking a noble husband, approaching young noblemen with awkward attempts at flirtation, though most politely rebuff her. Her behavior, including her mistreatment of Floria and her aggressive pursuit of suitors, begins to generate rumors within the palace.
Floria, exhausted by Renata's constant harassment and the growing scandal, feels helpless. Her brother, Lawrence, visits her and expresses concern about Renata's behavior. Floria confides in him, and Lawrence decides to intervene. He arranges for Floria to leave the palace and work as a servant in the household of Duke Dougal, a powerful figure whose influence would protect her from Renata.
Floria begins her new life as a servant in the opulent Dougal estate. She finds the work less stressful than Renata's constant torment, but notices peculiar behavior among the other female staff, who seem infatuated with the Duke. The head butler, Joseph, and the housekeeper, Martha, hint that meeting the Duke himself is the cause, and that it might be best if Floria doesn't meet him.
One night, while searching for a lost pendant, Floria ventures into the estate's garden and encounters Duke Desire. He is strikingly beautiful, with silver hair and red eyes, and possesses an aura that captivates everyone. To his surprise, Floria remains unfazed by his beauty and his attempts to charm her. He reveals that he has a peculiar ability to charm women, which causes him trouble, and that Floria is the first woman who hasn't fallen for him. He offers her a position as his personal attendant, with the condition that she does not fall in love with him. Floria accepts, finding his company enjoyable and his presence a welcome change from her previous anxieties.
Meanwhile, back at the palace, Renata is furious that Floria has escaped her grasp. She continues to act out, breaking a vase and taking her frustration out on her new attendant. She writes a detailed letter to her uncle, recounting her experiences since becoming Saintess and her desire for revenge against the Ancia family. Prince Marc, the second prince, visits Renata and proposes marriage, which she readily accepts, seeing it as a step towards her goals.
Later, a formal invitation arrives for Floria from the royal palace, announcing the engagement of Prince Marc and Saintess Renata and inviting Floria to a ball. Duke Desire recognizes this as another of Renata's schemes to humiliate Floria, knowing Floria lacks the means to attend. He offers his assistance, and Floria, despite her initial reluctance, accepts his help, feeling a growing sense of trust and camaraderie with him.
