The story begins at Prince Atlas's birthday party, where he publicly declares his intention to break his engagement with Teiresia, a Duke's daughter. He claims their union, based on political convenience, lacks true love, and he has found his "true love" in Princess Eolia of a neighboring kingdom. Teiresia, though aware of the calculated nature of this public spectacle and Atlas's past mockery of her writing, accepts the annulment with a composed demeanor, understanding the political advantages Eolia offers their nation.
Just as Atlas is about to propose to Eolia, a boisterous young man, Victor Eldred, a first-year student and a commoner, interrupts the proceedings. He boldly declares his intention to propose to Teiresia, much to the shock and amusement of the attendees. Teiresia, caught off guard by his audaciousness and striking appearance, can only ask who he is, leading to widespread laughter.
Two days later, in her role as student council president of the "Ladies' Department," Teiresia discusses the recent events with her vice president, Cassandra. The incident has become front-page news, with Victor's proposal overshadowing the prince's annulment. Teiresia expresses her distaste for the sensationalism but acknowledges the temporary reprieve from Atlas's harassment. Victor, a first-year student with striking reddish-orange hair, arrives to speak with Teiresia. He is revealed to be Victor Eldred, a commoner who, despite his age, possesses a noble bearing and a past involving a heroic escape from conflict, leading to a future knighthood.
Teiresia attempts to lecture Victor on his inappropriate behavior, but he remains unrepentant, presenting her with a red rose and reiterating his proposal. He reveals he learned about her through his family, who are fans of her novels. Teiresia is further stunned when Victor produces a copy of her old novel, "The Heroic Tale of the Steel Maiden," a work she considers her "black history" and had tried to keep hidden from Atlas due to his past ridicule. This discovery prompts Teiresia to invite Victor to her estate.
At her estate, Teiresia explains the political machinations behind her annulment and Atlas's staged "true love" narrative, which aimed to counter public sentiment against loveless political marriages. She reveals that Atlas's actions were a clumsy attempt to create a dramatic spectacle, failing to properly inform her or consider the consequences. Victor, however, focuses on Teiresia's distress, offering his support and questioning why she would accept a loveless marriage. He expresses his desire to support her in pursuing her own happiness, even if it means defying societal norms and potentially facing scandal. Teiresia, inspired by Victor's genuine care and her own suppressed desires, decides to pursue her own path, even if it leads to public disapproval.
Meanwhile, Prince Atlas continues his courtship of Princess Eolia, showering her with gifts and orchestrating romantic encounters. He is frustrated by Victor's disruption and the public attention it has garnered, which he feels detracts from his own carefully planned narrative. He observes Teiresia and Victor interacting in the academy courtyard, where Victor is styling Teiresia's hair and presenting her with an extravagant hair ornament. Atlas is struck by Teiresia's beauty and Victor's ostentatious display, feeling a pang of resentment and a sense of being outmaneuvered.
Later, Teiresia visits Victor's family estate, the headquarters of the Eldred Trading Company, founded by his ancestor Harmonia Eldred. She is impressed by the family's business acumen and their warm reception. She also experiences the luxury of trying on numerous dresses and accessories, a stark contrast to her previous life. Victor's mother reveals that Victor has been paying for these items, as he has amassed wealth through his business ventures.
Teiresia and Victor continue to spend time together, with Victor showering her with gifts, including the emerald hair ornament. Teiresia feels indebted and unsure of how to reciprocate. Victor expresses his desire for her to choose a gift for him, emphasizing that the act of her thoughtful consideration is what he truly desires. This leads to an intimate moment where Victor embraces Teiresia, leaving her flustered and overwhelmed.
The narrative concludes with Teiresia reflecting on her newfound happiness and the contrast between her past life of suppression and her current freedom. She acknowledges the potential for scandal but finds solace and joy in Victor's unwavering support and affection. The focus shifts back to Atlas, who continues his pursuit of Eolia, but his attention is increasingly drawn to Teiresia and Victor's burgeoning relationship, hinting at future conflicts.
