The story begins by introducing Elma, a young woman living a life of hardship and abuse under her father, Zeden, and her spoiled younger sister, Caroline. Caroline is a demanding and capricious child, prone to tantrums, especially when she doesn't get her way. Elma's father, Zeden, dotes on Caroline, who possesses a talent for wind magic and a beautiful, angelic appearance. Elma, on the other hand, is considered plain, lacking any magical talent, and is blamed for the family's misfortunes, including their mother's early death and their current financial struggles. Elma is treated as a servant, forced to apologize constantly and endure punishments for any perceived transgression.
One evening, Caroline throws a tantrum because Elma couldn't procure the rare and expensive fruit, "Latty," which is out of season. Zeden, enraged by Caroline's tears and Elma's perceived incompetence, banishes Elma from the house until she finds the fruit, despite the late hour and her lack of funds. Forced out into the dark, Elma seeks shelter in the overgrown garden of their new, albeit old, mansion. She overhears a heated argument between two men: a knight and a masked individual. The knight accuses the masked man of seducing his beloved, Millia, and draws his sword. However, the masked man easily disarms and subdues the knight. As the masked man removes his mask, revealing himself to be an exceptionally handsome silver-haired individual, Elma accidentally makes a noise, revealing her presence.
The silver-haired man, who is revealed to be the same person as the masked individual, is intrigued by Elma's lack of reaction to his striking appearance, which usually captivates others. He questions her about her feelings, and Elma, in her usual humble manner, states he is beautiful but not someone she desires for herself. He then asks if she sees him as human, and Elma confirms he does. He explains he was looking for the "mask" he wore, which was torn during the scuffle. Elma, noticing the torn fabric, offers to mend it, proposing a deal: if she repairs it perfectly, he will forget their encounter. The man, amused by her unusual request and skill, agrees.
Elma expertly repairs the magically woven fabric, impressing the man. He then reveals his intention to "accidentally" drop something valuable so he has an excuse to return and see her again, fulfilling his promise to meet her. He leaves behind a ring and five "Latty" fruits, which Elma recognizes as the very fruit Caroline demanded. The next morning, Elma, still disbelieving, finds the items remain. She tastes the Latty, finding it delicious and safe, and decides to present it to her family, hoping to appease them. She hides the ring by making a simple necklace.
At breakfast, Elma presents the Latty, which momentarily placates her father and sister. However, Zeden accuses Elma of obtaining the fruit through immoral means. Later, while Elma is out shopping for more Latty as ordered by her father, the masked man reappears. He finds Elma experiencing a dizzy spell from hunger and insists on taking her to a restaurant to rest and eat. Despite Elma's protests and her fear of doctors due to past trauma, he carries her to a restaurant. He orders food and drink for her, which she hesitantly accepts.
During their conversation, Elma inquires why he is there, and he claims to be looking for his lost "dropped item" (the ring). He also reveals that his appearance is so captivating it often causes people to lose their senses, but Elma seems unaffected. He expresses a desire to get to know her better. Elma, bound by her family's strict rules and her own subservient nature, feels conflicted. To avoid further entanglement, she proposes a deal: if he can procure a basket full of Latty for her family by the end of the day, she will consider them friends. He readily agrees, leaving her with the ring again as a token. Elma returns home, facing her father's anger for her lack of success in finding more Latty, but the earlier Latty she brought home earns her a reprieve from immediate punishment. The chapter ends with Elma contemplating the mysterious man and the unusual turn of events, wondering if he will truly fulfill his promise.
