Chapter 36

Here, the story shifts a bit to the prince's perspective.

Things have probably gone terribly wrong. The prince has become obsessed with love. Well, he does wake up from it.

The VIP prison—true to its name, it is a prison where people of particularly noble status, even among the aristocracy, are detained.

However, no matter how well it is maintained, it is still a prison.

In front of the room, a soldier stands, serving as both a guard and a watchman.

Among them, there is a young man.

Compared to the room he usually stays in, this one is incredibly small. For him, who was accustomed to lavish furnishings, being in the VIP prison is a severe blow to his pride, even though it would be considered luxurious by common standards.

The young man's name is Lucas Or Sandis.

He is the first prince of the prestigious Sandis Kingdom and the son of the queen. He was the one closest to the throne.

Or rather, he *was*.

Why he is in such a place, and why things have come to this, he does not understand. He knows, but his mind refuses to accept it.

He questions himself—where did it all go wrong, where did it start? The image that comes to mind is that of a girl with a lovely smile. She was bright, innocent, and had a somewhat mischievous side.

Lucas, raised to be the next king and a cog in the wheel of the country, had always been surrounded by the king's expectations and the queen's fanatical desires. Surrounded by countless praises, envy, jealousy, and intrigues, the young noble girl was the first thing he chose for himself.

Everything he wore, learned, ate, his fiancée, and his classmates were all decided for him.

To Lucas, the girl—Lennaria—was the first woman who saw him as Lucas, not just a prince. At first, he was put off by her familiarity, but as they spent more time together, he found himself drawn to her. Lennaria, who filled the gaps in his heart with the words he wanted to hear, became irreplaceable. Although he had a fiancée, she was a perfect lady with no flaws, aiming to be a queen, and he could not develop any deeper affection for her. After he started to have feelings for Lennaria, it became even more so.

Lennaria, who taught him about a world he did not know.

Her expressions, which changed cutely, and her occasional surprising and insightful remarks made her a dear girl.

He knew there was a difference in status and that they should keep their distance. Even when he gently pushed her away, she easily overcame the barrier.

She was delighted with a small necklace with a hard-to-identify gem. It was not worth much. If he gave it to his fiancée, Vivian, she would probably think, "What a poor thing."

She brought homemade pastries as a thank-you. Though simple, she said shyly that they were homemade. Lucas's food was always cold and checked for poison. The simple pastries smelled like flowers and had a slightly sleepy sweetness. Compared to the food in the palace, they were naturally less tasty, but the thought that she made them herself made him happy.

When he smiled and said they were delicious, Lennaria beamed with joy, which made Lucas even happier. After that, Lennaria started bringing pastries even when there was no particular reason, bringing recommended teas, and occasionally having secret tea parties.

She was not very smart and was clumsy with etiquette, but her earnest efforts left a strong impression.

Vivian, who often appeared around Lucas, treated Lennaria as a country girl with no manners. Though Lucas thought it was inappropriate, he felt protective of Lennaria, who held back tears in her blue eyes and endured it.

Vivian, who always maintained a composed face and performed beautiful courtesies, was indeed a fine lady, but he started to think he could not love her as a woman from that time.

However, while Lucas's heart sought Lennaria, the eyes of those around him were harsh.

Lennaria was, after all, a baron's daughter, a commoner at best. No matter how lovely and kind-hearted she was, everyone said she could not become a queen with her status.

Some even doubted if she could be a concubine. For Lucas, who knew her hardworking and endearing nature, such words were insulting. While her bloodline was something she could not change, Lennaria was completely different from the noblewomen who only cared about their status and appearance.

—Lucas had made one mistake here.

Yes, Lennaria could not become a queen with her current status. However, if the right groundwork was done and she became an adopted daughter, at least a countess or higher, and ideally from a more prestigious family, the possibility would increase significantly.

Lennaria's charm not only captivated Lucas but also his half-brother Leord, his friends like the prime minister's son Graham, and the knight Joshua. This was a source of worry for Lucas, but Lennaria said she loved him. He did not doubt the words she said with a blush.

However, it was unexpected that she had become close to other teachers and classmates. Considering her charm, it might have been inevitable. Moreover, as a queen, she would need to have charisma, even if not as much as a king. If Lennaria had the potential, it was not a bad thing.

However, Lennaria's charm annoyed those like Vivian and Leord's fiancée, as well as other young ladies who complained about her advances. They probably envied Lennaria's popularity, always talking about fashion and pastries, and failing to capture their fiancés' hearts.

Those who tried to scare or belittle Lennaria kept appearing. It was exhausting to warn and sometimes punish them. They kept coming, including figures from his father, King Lausus, such as scholars, future high officials, and influential nobles' children. However, they only said unpleasant things. He ignored them and punished those who were too outspoken. Gradually, they disappeared and it became quiet.

Every time he told Lennaria at the tea parties, "I'm glad" and "Thank you," Lucas felt satisfied. Life with her was so happy. The days he spent as the crown prince, striving hard, seemed so empty.

He was intoxicated by the new feeling of love.

His mother, Queen Mezalin, did not seem to like Lennaria, but Mezalin was not of particularly high status as a queen. She was from a count's family, which did not have much power until the current king ascended the throne. Originally of low status, he thought something might grow between them, but she seemed to dislike Lennaria even more.

As always, there were few who recognized Lennaria, both at the academy and in the palace. There were some, but not many influential ones. It was a serious matter. They only said such things because they did not know her true worth.

One day, Lennaria had a troubled look on her face.

"Kistaria and Michaelis won't come to the tea party."

Lennaria often invited Lucas and his close friends to tea parties.

Among them were Graham and Joshua, Leord, and also the teacher Findor and the special student Cain. Because of their close relationship with Lucas, the female students envied them, and few of the same sex attended Lennaria's tea parties.

Kistaria was the son of the Latizche family, one of the four great dukes and the most powerful noble. He was originally an adopted son from a branch family but was known to be very talented. He was famous for his sweet appearance and immense magical power. He had ash-brown, slightly wavy hair and a pale, well-defined face. His light blue eyes, like shining gems, were particularly memorable. When he met him, Lucas noticed that Lennaria's gaze often fixed on him, which he did not like. However, as a future crown prince, he could not ignore the Latizche family. His father had strictly warned him not to interfere with that family.

Kistaria's adoptive father, the Duke of Latizche, was very talented but was considered untouchable due to his genius. Lucas had seen him a few times in social settings as a child. He was a man of extraordinary beauty, and his enigmatic smile always left an impression. When his aqua-blue eyes looked at him, it felt as if he could see through everything, making him always uncomfortable.

Michaelis was a young count. He was a handsome man with striking red hair and eyes, and he was well-liked. At a young age, he had significantly developed the Dimitrius territory and was known for his skills as a knight. His development was partly due to various business partnerships with the Latizche family. Another reason was his relationship with the notoriously difficult Duke of Latizche.

He was calm and composed but not withdrawn. He rarely spoke much, but he often smiled in front of Kistaria and his sister, Jibril.

His elegant reputation earned him the titles of "Rose Knight" and "Red Count."

They were famous young nobles at the academy. Lennaria cared about them, but they did not seem interested in her. For Lucas, fewer rivals were better, but if Lennaria wanted them to come, he should make an effort.

When Lucas sent invitations, they finally came.

Their polite greetings and cheerful, elegant smiles made him think they simply had conflicting schedules before. Lennaria was captivated by the two handsome men, which was a concern.

At the tea party, Lucas was left out, and Lennaria kept moving between Kistaria and Michaelis.

"Your Highness... shouldn't you scold Lady Lennaria a bit more?

While you are a prince, this is not appropriate..."

"Shut up! She's just excited because those who rarely come finally showed up."

"I apologize. I was out of line."

When he shouted at one of the knights who scolded him, the knight immediately bowed and stepped back.

He was a knight who served the royal family, but he was stiff and often complained about Lennaria, Walrig Carreras. Though annoying, he was trusted by the king and queen, so Lucas could not fire him. If he did, a more forceful and talkative caretaker or knight might be assigned.

This time, they only approached out of curiosity. Lucas convinced himself and managed to control his anger.

One day, Lennaria had a bad expression.

Usually cheerful, Lennaria had someone she disliked.

Jibril von Dimitrius, Michaelis's sister.

She was a slender, beautiful girl with the same vivid red hair and eyes. Among the many young ladies at the academy, she was known as the flower of society. Her refined manners, delicate and charming presence, and always being at the forefront of fashion made her a model of a young lady. In the Sandis Kingdom, fashion meant the Rose brand. The Rose Guild's stores and products, collectively known as the Rose brand, offered everything from the latest dresses and jewelry to the most expensive items. The latest gourmet offerings were also thanks to the Rose Guild. Jibril always wore the latest trends. Lennaria envied her, so Lucas tried to get them, but they were so popular that even as a royal, it was difficult.

The Rose Guild was said to have originated from the Latizche family, known for its many secrets. Despite their relationship, it was a mystery how Jibril could regularly acquire new items. Did she have some leverage or an important position?

Regardless, Lucas could not stand to see his beloved Lennaria depressed.

Lennaria was to be the future crown princess. No matter what others said, if Lucas became the crown prince, he would make her his queen.

If Jibril was causing Lennaria's heart to darken, she should be punished. It would be even better if he could remove Michaelis as well.

"Wait, Your Highness. Jibril is necessary for Michaelis."

Lennaria's half-truncated words, that Jibril was indispensable for Michaelis, were not understood by Lucas. He only read her words as a show of respect for sibling love, thinking how merciful Lennaria was.

If he had been more careful, he would have noticed her suspicious behavior.

However, blinded by love, Lucas could not see it.

He did not even notice the slow, steady collapse of what he had built.

After a while, Kistaria and Michaelis stopped coming to the tea parties.

They still came to official events hosted by the royal family, but not to private events at the academy.

Moreover, despite Lucas's attempts to invite them, they always found excuses to decline.

It was refreshing, but Lennaria was not happy. She did not understand why they did not appreciate Lennaria and why they disturbed her heart.

Lennaria was a wonderful woman. Just being with her made him happy. She was someone he could be infatuated with, someone who could make him forget his troubles.

Without her, Lucas could not imagine a future.

After that, things were relatively peaceful for a while.

The annoying "advice" from those around him continued.

He brushed them off, but they kept coming.

One day, Lennaria clung to him with tears in her big blue eyes.

Thank you for reading (*- -)(*_ _) *bows*

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The next part will also focus on the prince. I will send a digest until the love magic ( ) wears off (=_=)