Alice Marino, the neglected eldest daughter of Count Marino, arrives at the opulent Fontana Ducal Townhouse, having been forced into an arranged marriage with Duke Joel Fontana in place of her younger sister, Miriam. Joel, a stern military man with silver hair and golden eyes, immediately informs Alice that he will not love her and expects her to behave, believing the widespread rumors of her being selfish, wild, and extravagant. Alice, accustomed to abuse and neglect from her stepmother and Miriam, is simply relieved not to be immediately cast out.
Alice's past is revealed: her mother died shortly after her birth, and her stepmother and Miriam (who inherited their parents' beauty and love) subjected Alice to a life of servitude, starvation, and emotional abuse, while her father turned a blind eye. The marriage was originally for Miriam, but Miriam, citing Joel's "cold and ruthless" reputation and her own "spirit's blessing" (which Alice supposedly lacks), manipulated her parents into sending Alice instead.
From his study, Joel reflects on the "problem child" Alice, confirming the negative rumors with his butler, Matteo. He recalls an incident where Alice poured water on a Marquis's son, leading to her banishment from society. Joel sets strict rules: no social events, no tea parties, and only essential expenses, aiming to keep her quiet. However, he observes Alice's unhealthily thin frame, chapped hands, and timid eyes, noting a stark contrast to the rumors. He also reviews her profile, which states she recorded "Special" in magic measurement but lacks a useful spirit's blessing, explaining why she, as the eldest daughter of a branch family, was sent away. Joel, burdened by the accidental death of his parents, has sealed away his emotions and memories of love, and is seeking a powerful magic stone to complete this re-sealing, as an incomplete seal is making him "more compassionate."
Alice, feeling like a mere lodger, attempts to clean her room, but her maid, Elena (Matteo's niece), stops her. Alice explains her need to contribute, having no home to return to. Joel, misinterpreting her actions, dismisses it as "faking goodness" before departing for a mission to suppress bandits. Matteo, however, offers Alice a purpose: decorating the mansion with flowers and watering the greenhouse plants, a task once cherished by the former Duchess. Alice, noticing the mansion's cold atmosphere, eagerly accepts.
In the greenhouse, Matteo shows Alice a beautiful but broken magic watering can, which he doubts she can use due to its weight. Alice, determined, insists she is strong. To their astonishment, when Alice instinctively presses a button, the watering can works, producing water. Matteo tries, but it remains inert for him, revealing Alice's unique magical aptitude.
Alice enjoys a lavish breakfast, a stark contrast to her past, and is deeply moved by the warmth and company. Elena tours Alice through the mansion, pointing out Joel's locked private rooms and a mysterious, cold, locked room. Joel, returning from his mission, notices the new flowers Alice arranged in the entrance hall. Matteo reports the magic watering can's activation *only* for Alice, further perplexing Joel, who also experienced an inexplicable increase in his own water magic's performance during his mission.
On Alice's third day, Joel saves her from being drenched by a gardener, using his water magic. Alice, questioning Miriam's assessment of Joel, is grateful. Joel then asks her to demonstrate the magic watering can. Nervous, Alice accidentally causes it to violently spray water, drenching Joel. After a moment of panic, she tries again gently, and it works normally. At breakfast, Joel, though still stern, orders Alice to go shopping for clothes, framing it as a command to uphold the ducal family's dignity. As Joel departs, Alice gives her usual farewell, and for the first time, Joel waves back. Overjoyed, Alice feels a glimmer of acceptance and reassurance that she is not disliked, while Joel is left to ponder the inexplicable magical events and the "problem child" who seems to be changing his cold, orderly world.
