The story begins with the protagonist, Aljerita, a young woman from the Clarence family, tending to a wounded griffin at the "Griffin's Nest," a sanctuary for aging and injured griffins. Aljerita, possessing only weak healing magic, was sent to the Nest two years prior as punishment for her perceived uselessness, tasked with caring for the griffins until their natural deaths. Despite the harsh conditions and the difficulty of her work, she has found a sense of purpose and belonging, her limited healing abilities having slightly improved through necessity. Her peaceful routine is disrupted when Largo, a griffin traumatized by war and still longing for his former master, attempts to escape. Aljerita intervenes, gently reprimanding Largo and reminding him of the dangers of escape.
Her work is interrupted by the facility director, who delivers a letter from her family. The urgent summons forces Aljerita to return home, leaving the griffins behind. Upon her arrival, she is met not with warmth but with her father's harsh scolding for her perceived slowness in returning. Her father reveals that the Browning Duke's family desires her hand in marriage. Confused and shocked, Aljerita learns that she is to marry the elderly General Roland Browning, a renowned but aged war hero. Her family, particularly her father, sees this as an advantageous alliance, despite Aljerita's existing engagement to William Ashbell and her own bewilderment at being chosen over her more talented sister, Liliana. The marriage contract states the transfer of all rights to Aljerita, hinting at a complex arrangement beyond a simple marriage.
Aljerita is quickly whisked away to a secluded villa belonging to the Browning family. Upon arrival, she is met by Margus von Browning, the young and handsome grandson of General Roland Browning, who is to inherit the ducal title. Margus reveals that his grandfather passed away two weeks prior, and the news was kept secret by his will. He explains that he summoned Aljerita because he needs a wife who is healthy and shares his vision, and that he himself is the one who called for her. He proposes marriage, not out of romantic affection, but because he needs a wife to manage his household and, more importantly, to care for his beloved griffin, Polka, who is difficult to manage. Aljerita, finding herself without a home and with a desire to work, accepts the proposal, seeing it as a labor contract rather than a marriage.
The following days see Aljerita settling into her new role. She begins caring for Polka, a beautiful but temperamental griffin, and discovers her own healing abilities are more useful than she believed, helping Polka with a minor injury. She also forms a tentative working relationship with Margus and his loyal servants, Lactis and Myuti. Margus, though initially distant, shows a surprising concern for Aljerita's well-being and her integration into the household. A significant turning point occurs when a messenger from the Third Princess Serene arrives with a letter for Margus. Margus, however, refuses to accept it, declaring Aljerita as his wife and dismissing the messenger. This act, along with Margus's cryptic statements about his intentions and his past experiences, suggests a complex and potentially dangerous situation unfolding within the ducal family and the kingdom. Aljerita, despite her initial confusion and apprehension, begins to adapt to her new life, finding a sense of purpose in caring for Polka and navigating the intricate dynamics of the Browning household.
