Chapter 1
For five years, I relied on a system to guide me in winning over the chief of the Werewolves, Lukas Greywolf.
After changing his tragic fate, I finally made him care for me.
But on our wedding night, prisoners rebelled and escaped.
As countless arrows rained down, he pushed me aside and shielded his first love instead.
He slashed the enemy's throat and didn't let a single drop of blood stain the woman beside him.
Clutching my bleeding shoulder, I finally understood.
This conquest had still failed.
But it was okay.
I could finally go home.
*****
A cold, mechanical voice echoed in my mind.
"Host, after the failed conquest, you will gradually lose all memories related to the target. In three days, you will forget him completely."
I watched his retreating back as he carried Isabelle Sterling away, my eyelashes fluttering.
Perhaps in his eyes, dying for his true love was the happiest thing in the world.
Suppressing the bitterness in my heart, I clutched my shoulder and walked into the yurt.
In the center lay the white fox he had hunted for me himself.
Back then, Lukas sat tall on his horse, robust and mighty like a grand mountain.
Bathed in dazzling sunlight, he flashed a brilliant smile, his eyes brimming with an unstoppable spirit.
Seeing me startled by the dead fox, he gently ruffled my hair. "Maya, you're delicate. This fox is a gift for you. Make it into a stole.
"You women from The Heartlands are so fragile. Fine, I'll have it prepared before giving it to you.
"When winter comes, you won't feel the cold."
There were two women from The Heartlands he spoke of.
One was me, and the other was his true love, Isabelle.
Lukas had once been a prisoner in Ironhold. During those days of humiliation, Isabelle became the only light in his life.
After he escaped back to his tribe, the unloved Isabelle was married off as a peace offering.
The moment he saw her, Lukas was captivated again, even though she was nominally his father's woman.
After six months of entanglement, Isabelle mentioned wanting to see The Heartlands again.
Lukas abandoned everything to take her back, but she betrayed him halfway, leading to his brutal death on the road.
When I read his fate, my heart ached, and tears fell.
A white light flashed. I was chosen by the system, arrived in this world, and accepted the quest.
Conquer Lukas within five years and ensure he has a happy ending.
I appeared before Isabelle's marriage, posing as an orphan girl, staying by his side.
Day after day, I cared for him attentively, offered gentle comfort, mending the sorrows of his childhood.
Over time, he gradually fell for me.
I thought I had successfully taken Isabelle's place.
But only now did I realize.
He loved me, but he loved her more.
*****
After bandaging my wound, I sat by the fireplace to warm up.
The yurt flap lifted, and a cold wind blew in. I looked up to see Lukas approaching, his face full of guilt.
"Maya, the situation was critical. I couldn't get to you in time," he said.
I gave a faint, wry smile.
He said it was urgent, yet he managed to protect Isabelle perfectly.
I shook my head. "It's fine."
He seemed relieved, smiling as he wrapped his arm around my waist, his intense presence enveloping me instantly.
"Maya, your birthday is in three days. How about I throw you a grand feast?" he said.
Three days.
I looked up into the man's handsome features.
In three days, I would forget everything about him.
"Don't bother, I prefer quiet," I said.
I subtly moved away from him.
A look of surprise instantly crossed his face.
After all, before this, I had almost never refused him.
No matter what he proposed, I accepted it gladly.
But now, I was done trying to please him.
I walked to the yurt entrance, gazing at the endless grassland outside.
Lukas frowned, his tone displeased. "What's wrong? Are you still upset I didn't save you earlier? I told you, it was too late. Izzy was right beside me, so I protected her first."
He called her Izzy.
I raised an eyebrow slightly. That was his special, intimate name for Isabelle.
Even though after I arrived, I'd tried my best to keep them apart.
Their relationship had progressed this far already.
I felt increasingly ridiculous.
Why would I ever think I could actually untangle his cursed fate?
Seeing my silence, Lukas quieted for a moment, finally softening his tone. "Alright, don't be angry anymore."
He took my hand, pulled a gemstone pendant from his pocket, and gently placed it in my palm.
"I know you miss The Heartlands. I had this necklace specially brought from Silvergate," he said softly. "Try it on, see if it fits."
Looking at the dazzling necklace in my hand, I felt no joy at all.
I preferred simple, plain things; I never cared for jewelry.
My eyes drifted towards the colorful yurt not far away, and I let out a bitter laugh.
The one who liked jewelry wasn't me.
A princess, born with a silver spoon, naturally loved such luxuries.
He probably had someone fetch things she loved and picked one out for me as an afterthought.
From beginning to end, I was just her substitute.
The moment she returned, I was meant to be cast aside.
Seeing my smile, Lukas thought I'd gotten over my anger, returning to his usual self. "Maya, let me put this necklace on for you."
He picked up the necklace, reaching around my neck.
His rough palms brushed against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.
Just like before Isabelle Sterling came, when he'd rest his head on my shoulder, breathing softly.