Where the Golden Rose Was Plucked

"Our ballet company has the greatest treasure." Karen Shanaire, a ballerina with beautiful looks and innate talent. Karen, once a noble flower, turns to a sponsor to save the dance company crumbling under debt. And at the moment when the sponsor reveals his dark intentions and tries to molest her, she receives help from Duke Arcturus, the hero of Gloretta. "Come into my arms, unfortunate miss." "...Thank you, sir who enjoys others' misfortunes."

Arcturus, pressured by his family to marry, and Karen, who needs an investor and protector for the ballet company. The two begin a contractual relationship to use each other, but... "What if it's a fleeting dream? When I'm with you, I feel like I'm dreaming." The relationship that started as a lie gradually becomes sincere. Then one day, Arcturus discovers the thorns Karen had been hiding beneath her petals...

"Tell me you didn't, that you're wrongly accused." "Arcturus." At Karen's gentle voice, Arcturus felt the urge to run away. The damned Karen Shanaire was, even at this moment, devastatingly beautiful. Enough to willingly endure the humiliation of this reality. "I wish I had never dreamed such a dream." Arcturus pointed the ice-cold gun barrel at Karen's forehead. Bang! It was the end of a moment that had been beautiful as a dream.

(Source: Blossom, translated)