The Elegant Sea of Savagery

Irina Nordiak, the daughter of a debt-ridden noble family, longs to marry her longtime love, Ludwig Fontern, but her dire financial circumstances stand in the way. With no other recourse, she turns to Ileanor Schuberg, a wealthy lord and former schoolmate. Though ruthless toward everyone else, Ileanor is entirely different with Irina; he harbors deep feelings for her even as he resents her devotion to Ludwig. He agrees to clear her debts in exchange for her servitude, yet he has no intention of ever letting her go.