The Elegant Sea of Savagery

The daughter of a noble family deep in debt, Irina Nordiak's only desire is to marry her long-time love Ludwig Fontern, but her financial situation prevents this. With no other options, she calls upon an old schoolmate, Ileanor Schuberg, who is now a wealthy lord. While cruel to others, he acts like a different person to Irina, pining over her while detesting her love for Ludwig. Though he agrees to pay off Irina's debt in exchange for her servitude, he has no intention of letting her leave.