The story begins with the protagonist, Rubel Saint, a Saint of the Sun, attending a victory celebration for the war against the neighboring country of Hajul. Rubel, who was previously engaged to Prince Emilian of Lumiest, watches as he announces his engagement to Raffine, a Saint of Healing and a noblewoman. Rubel, a commoner, feels bitter about the stark contrast in how their engagements were received, with her own being met with criticism while Raffine's is celebrated.
During the award ceremony, Rubel is called forward. Despite her plain appearance and simple attire compared to the other nobles, she approaches the King. She is granted the title of Viscount and the territory of Carbuncle, a dangerous land known for its Death Magic Forest and powerful magical beasts. Emilian, however, reveals this is a veiled punishment. To further humiliate her, he announces Rubel's arranged marriage to Theodoric de Rostock, the "Barbarian Count," a gruff and solitary man known for his wealth and disinterest in women. Emilian cruelly declares that Rubel, the "Blood Saint," and the "Barbarian Count" are a fitting match and that she would be unable to find another husband. Enraged by Emilian's malice, Rubel punches him, knocking him unconscious, and declares she is done cleaning up his messes.
Half a month later, Rubel is traveling by carriage to marry Theodoric. Despite her assault on the Prince, she was only placed under house arrest due to the support of soldiers and officers. Her dowry was withheld, and she was sent off with minimal provisions. The carriage driver turned out to be a thief, and after repelling an attack, the carriage was rendered unusable, forcing Rubel to travel alone with only her belongings and her staff. Rubel, who has always been pragmatic and optimistic, decides to make the best of her situation. She sees this marriage as an opportunity for a new life, a place to call her own, and a chance to live freely, believing that a marriage of convenience with Theodoric will allow them both to pursue their own interests.
During her journey, Rubel's carriage is attacked by a pack of Wind Wolves. Using her innate magical abilities and her staff, she easily defeats the wolves, impressing the other passengers and the hired mercenaries. She learns that magic is difficult to use in the Rostock territory because the land itself seems to reject it, and that the Wind Wolves' aggression is due to a dragon that has recently settled in the area.
Upon arriving in the capital city of Livie, Rubel makes her way to Neve Castle, the residence of the Lord of Rostock. The castle is imposing and practical, designed for defense. Rubel introduces herself as Rubel Saint-Carbuncle, the new Viscount and ruler of Carbuncle, and requests an audience with Theodoric de Rostock. The guards are initially skeptical, as they are unaware of her new title and believe Carbuncle is still under Theodoric's jurisdiction. However, upon seeing the royal seal on her letter of introduction, they realize she is a legitimate envoy.
Rubel is led to a waiting room where she meets the steward, Seru Charleston. He informs her that Theodoric is currently out hunting. Seru is surprised by Rubel's solitary arrival and lack of entourage, as a royal envoy had recently departed. Rubel explains her orphan status and lack of knowledge of noble customs. She also mentions her carriage was attacked by Wind Wolves, highlighting the dangerous nature of the region.
Theodoric returns, carrying the carcass of a Mad Bear. Rubel, unfazed by his imposing appearance and the gruesome sight, introduces herself as his intended bride. Theodoric, a young and strikingly handsome man with a fierce aura, is surprised by her arrival and her lack of fear. He acknowledges the marriage as a royal decree and expresses his intention to marry her in the spring. Rubel, however, wants to expedite the marriage, suggesting a simple ceremony at the temple. She uses a white tablecloth from the waiting room as a veil, much to the astonishment of Theodoric and his staff.
The next morning, Rubel is awakened by a loud roar. She discovers two dragons fighting in the sky. Remembering Theodoric's mention of dragons causing trouble in the area, and annoyed by the disturbance, Rubel decides to deal with them herself. She uses her magic to summon spirits and flies out on her staff to confront the dragons.
Theodoric and Seru are searching for Rubel, believing she may have fled due to fear. They are astonished when a servant reports Rubel's return, carrying the head of a Wyvern. Rubel explains she defeated the dragons because they were disturbing her sleep. Theodoric is impressed by her strength and resourcefulness, realizing she is not like the other noblewomen who fled from him. He also learns that Rubel, despite her heroic deeds, was treated poorly by the royal court and sent to Rostock with minimal support.
Rubel is then introduced to the castle's operations, including the processing of monster carcasses for their valuable materials. She learns that monster meat is a staple food in Rostock and expresses her regret for having previously incinerated such resources. She eagerly learns about the process of preparing monster meat from a butcher named Mike Butcher. Meanwhile, Seru expresses his doubts about Rubel's ability to adapt to Rostock's culture, but Theodoric sees potential in her strength and pragmatism. He is also aware that the marriage is a political arrangement to grant Rostock indirect control over Carbuncle. Theodoric is intrigued by Rubel's unconventional approach and begins to feel a glimmer of hope that this marriage might work.
