Chapter 8

Prince Leonhardt Beltoori of the Beltoori Kingdom found himself transported back to a time five years ago.

The reversal of time. He was given a second chance at life.

"Why did this happen..."

It happened just as he was about to be united with his beloved, Merk Schliegen.

He couldn't remember the exact events before the time reversal.

At what point did his memory skip, leading to the current situation?

He remembered breaking off his engagement with Angelina Steizen, the duke's daughter, to whom he was betrothed.

He had received the approval of the king and the duke, making it official.

He also remembered Angelina's cold expression when he broke off the engagement.

She didn't beg or throw a tantrum; she simply accepted it in silence and left.

This incident occurred a week before the graduation party, which marked Leonhardt's graduation from the academy.

Before the time reversal, his beloved Merk was being persecuted within the academy.

There was no concrete evidence that Angelina herself had given the order.

However, there was solid proof that her faction members, followers, and supporters were tormenting Merk.

At the very least, Angelina had turned a blind eye to it.

This was unforgivable to Leonhardt.

He had planned to publicly condemn her at the graduation party, but the kind-hearted Merk defended Angelina, the perpetrator, and the quiet condemnation took place in the academy's office instead.

"Merk... I want to see you."

No matter how much he struggled or investigated, he found himself back in time five years ago.

Leonhardt, who had already met and fallen in love with his beloved, was now in a situation where he had "not yet met" her.

If he were to go see her now, she might find it creepy and dislike him.

The only thing he could do was prevent his engagement to Angelina.

From there, Leonhardt's next step was to negotiate with the king and queen.

He needed to somehow prevent the engagement talks with the Steizen family.

Honestly, he wanted to immediately welcome Merk as his fiancée.

However, at this stage, it was difficult. Merk was currently just a commoner.

However, it was later revealed that she had royal blood from the "former royal family."

The Alstroemeria royal family, the predecessor of the Beltoori Kingdom.

The beloved former royal family had to abdicate the throne to the then-ducal family of Beltoori due to a family member falling ill. Over time, the kingdom's name changed to Beltoori.

Merk was a descendant of the Alstroemeria royal family. The proof was in her special magic.

The "Holy Flower Magic," a symbol of the former royal family, which appeared when using high-level magic, was evident in Merk's magic.

She came from a noble lineage. Moreover, she was diligent in her studies and had excellent grades.

More importantly, she genuinely admired Leonhardt.

So, the issue of her background was not a problem. The only issue was:

"...Can I make her love me again?"

At this point, Leonhardt and Merk had not even met.

If he were to approach her without any prior context, he might not only fail to win her affection but also be disliked.

Therefore, Leonhardt planned to "repeat" their meeting once he returned to the academy.

Just like before. To share the same memories.

That's why he put his engagement on hold and kept a low profile.

He kept his distance from Angelina to prevent her from misunderstanding his position and intended to protect Merk this time around.

"I wish we could get engaged soon and study together."

He knew she was safe for now.

He had instructed his subordinates to protect and support Merk from a distance.

This time, her life should be much easier.

If Angelina were to extend her malevolent hand, he would definitely protect her.

However, there was one thing that slightly troubled Leonhardt.

His close aides were also drawn to Merk.

If something in fate were to change, she might end up with someone else.

The thought of it made his heart ache.

"...I won't let her go to anyone."

He had a track record of being loved by her in the previous timeline.

Therefore, in this second chance at life, he was determined to make it happen again.

Chasing the phantom of the past, Leonhardt made his resolve.