Aria Quinn, a woman with strong principles, declares her unwillingness to share Duke Ethan as a husband, desiring a love for a lifetime. Despite the Duke's obvious leniency and exceptions made for her, Aria plans to part ways after their marriage, refusing to conform to the expectations of concubines and heirs. The Duke, however, seems to have other plans, ordering her to be taught 'manners' by Gloria, who only trains future duchesses, hinting at a deeper intention.Will Aria's defiance lead to her freedom or deeper entanglement in the Duke's schemes?

Aria finds herself under the strict tutelage of Gloria, who is tasked with teaching her the ways of the Manor of Duke Ethan. Conflict arises when Aria refuses to pay respects to the Duke's ancestors, leading to threats against her maid Ivy.Will Aria's defiance lead to Ivy's punishment?

Aria Quinn, posing as a delicate noblewoman, clashes with an authoritative figure who attempts to control her, revealing her underlying defiance and strategic mind. Despite her outward submission, her words and actions hint at a brewing rebellion.Will Aria's simmering defiance erupt into open rebellion against those who seek to control her?

Aria Quinn navigates the treacherous high society where Liana Selwyn publicly announces her engagement to Duke Ethan, leading to a tense confrontation involving past betrothals and social manipulations.Will Aria's hidden past unravel as the Selwyn family tightens its grip around her?

Aria confronts Chancellor Ingram about his true intentions, revealing her suspicions about his involvement in past events and his hollow kindness, while hinting at her deeper understanding of people's motives.Will Aria's defiance against Chancellor Ingram lead to a dangerous confrontation?

Aria Quinn, disguised as a delicate noblewoman, boldly refuses Duke Ethan's demand to become his concubine, sparking a tense confrontation. The Duke, unaccustomed to defiance, suspects her involvement with Chancellor Dorian Ingram and attempts to assert his dominance, leading to a moment of vulnerability and humiliation for Aria.Will Aria's defiance ignite the Duke's wrath or reveal a deeper game at play?

Aria Quinn faces a personal crisis when she discovers her unstable pregnancy, while simultaneously dealing with Gloria's violent demands, revealing the harsh realities of her constrained life.Will Aria's hidden strength emerge to challenge Gloria's tyranny?

The Duke's ruthless justice is revealed as he confronts Gloria for her failure in managing Aria, resulting in a tragic miscarriage. Despite Gloria's desperate pleas and reminders of her long service, the Duke's wrath is unyielding, only slightly tempered by Aria's unexpected intervention.Will Aria's surprising act of mercy towards Gloria spark unforeseen consequences in the Manor's power dynamics?

Aria Quinn, still recovering, delivers an incomplete repeater crossbow to the Duke, testing the boundaries of their agreement and her own precarious position.Will the Duke honor their agreement despite the crossbow's flaws?

Aria Quinn challenges a silver-tier artificer to a weapon forging wager, betting her prized jade pendant against his pride, as she reveals her unconventional skills in a male-dominated craft.Will Aria's unorthodox weapon impress the silver-tier artificer, or will she lose her head for daring to challenge the status quo?

Aria demonstrates her skill with a crossbow, winning a bet against His Grace. She negotiates for a sum of money instead of everything he owns, hinting at her plans for financial security. The conversation takes a turn when marriage politics are brought up, revealing tensions and unspoken feelings.Will Aria's financial maneuvers and the brewing tension around marriage alliances lead to a major conflict?

Aria Quinn, a skilled weapon forger, negotiates her freedom with a powerful figure, only to reveal she has prepared her own safe haven at Arcane Forge, showcasing her strategic mind and independence.Will Aria's newfound freedom lead to unexpected alliances or dangers at Arcane Forge?

Aria decides to challenge a craftsman from the Arcane Forge as a potential escape from Duke Ethan's control, leading to a duel orchestrated by the Duke himself.Will Aria's duel with the Arcane Forge craftsman be her escape or another trap set by Duke Ethan?

Aria Quinn is challenged to forge a weapon from scratch in a high-stakes contest, where she must prove her ingenuity and skill against her opponent, using her modern knowledge to overcome the limitations of crude materials.Will Aria's unconventional weapon be enough to secure her victory and silence her doubters?

Aria Quinn showcases her exceptional skills by defeating Mr. Cael twice using a rare Aurasteel-crafted Shadowbolt Crossbow, proving her worth and demanding a place in the Arcane Forge. The Duke, acknowledging her talent, hints at the dangers she faces without his protection, while Aria remains determined to earn her freedom.Will Aria succeed in securing her independence from the Duke's grasp?

Aria confronts the reality of her past connection with Duke Ethan and the harsh societal divides that render their relationship impossible. As she strategically plans her next move, including an ostentatious shopping spree to provoke Liana, her rival, the underlying tension and bitterness reveal a deeper game of power and survival in a world where women are mere pawns.Will Aria's bold provocation of Liana lead to her downfall or ignite the spark of rebellion she's secretly planning?

Aria Quinn, disguised as a delicate daughter, orchestrates a violent encounter with Liana to manipulate the Duke into freeing her, using her injuries as a bargaining chip.Will the Duke fall for Aria's carefully staged injuries and grant her freedom?

Aria Quinn, masquerading as a delicate daughter, confronts the brutal reality of her position when she is attacked by Liana, soon to be married into Duke Ethan's Manor. Recognizing the threat Liana poses, Aria cunningly proposes a temporary departure to protect Selwyn's honor and avoid the pain of witnessing the Duke's marriage. She reveals her plan to seek refuge and training at the Arcane Forge, a place the Duke respects, hinting at her deeper intentions and hidden strengths.Will Aria's time at the Arcane Forge unveil her true destructive potential, or will the Duke's impending marriage ignite a war she can't avoid?

Aria Quinn successfully negotiates with Duke Ethan, proving her strategic prowess, and then seeks to become a pupil of Master Vance at the Arcane Forge, where she must duel to prove her worth.Will Aria win the duel and secure her place as Master Vance's pupil?

Aria seeks a new master to guide her, choosing one with unmatched skills but a peculiar temperament, setting the stage for a challenging mentorship.Will Aria's new master accept her, or will his peculiar rules push her away?