The Portrait of Pride — Chapter 0

The Portrait of Pride Chapter 0 introduces Diana in a tense moment of forced obedience as she tries to remain quiet and composed under the Master's rule. She perceives a strong stench of blood filling the air, thick and lingering everywhere, yet invisible to the naked eye and known only to her. Because everything in this strange place falls under the Master's rule, she reasons that she must not get any closer than required, nor too far away either, carefully managing her distance to survive. She apologizes for her noise and promises to be quieter, but the Master instead calls her to come closer. He remarks that she still seems unaccustomed to being there and agrees that the place does not suit her, adding that they will not stay long. The Portrait of Pride Chapter 0 then centers on his offer: if she stays by his side and behaves, she can have everything he owns. He expresses a wish to open her eyes to see him, suggesting that understanding who he really is would reveal his world as the most beautiful place for her to live, even more than her hometown. Diana's choice is internal resistance rather than open defiance, and its immediate consequence is continued uncertainty. She feels she is not ready to devote her life to him or meet his demand for exclusive intimacy. She acknowledges that her path will take more time, leaving her still bound to his presence for now. The Portrait of Pride Chapter 0 closes with her questioning whether, on the day she leaves, he will still remain the arrogant and confident Crown Prince he appears to be.