Chapter 2

Why did I end up in an engagement with the superhuman prince?

The reason dates back to when I was twelve years old.

My family in this life was a bit complicated.

My mother and father had a political marriage, so they didn't get along. As proof, not long after my mother died of illness, my father remarried a mistress.

To make matters worse, the mistress had a child. A younger sister the same age as me, just half a year younger, and apparently half-siblings. The thought of my father's despicable behavior in this life made me involuntarily let out a dry laugh.

Unlike in my previous life, in this world, monogamy is the norm due to religious reasons. Therefore, it's common for nobles to have mistresses regardless of gender, but it's still bad form for a husband to be caught sleeping with another woman while his wife is pregnant. My father, who didn't even try to hide this, might be even more incompetent than I was in my previous life.

By the time I had already regained my memories from my previous life, I had already given up on my father and decided to live in a detached house that was no longer in use, rather than in the main house with my stepmother and stepsister.

Because I had my memories, my mental age was higher, so I didn't retaliate against the stepmother and stepsister's harassment. I knew it was better to avoid those who showed clear hostility and stay out of their way.

My father, perhaps concerned about the eyes of my maternal grandparents, didn't let me lack for food, clothing, or shelter. I was also able to receive a basic education. Fortunately, the servants were sympathetic to me, so I had no complaints about my daily life.

Then, I thought,

Hmm? Compared to my previous life in the harem, this is quite peaceful, isn't it?

I wasn't being poisoned in my drinks or having blades sewn into my dresses. I wasn't being thrown into a pond in the middle of winter under the guise of playing in the water, nor was I being invited to tea parties to be verbally abused. My maids weren't spies, and my butler wasn't a hired assassin by a political rival. I wasn't being attacked in my sleep or betrayed.

Hmm? It really is peaceful.

Just because I don't get along with my stepmother and stepsister, my life itself is peaceful.

The reign of the Kingdom of Kaboru is stable. In this world, there is apparently a threat called the Demon King, but geographically, the kingdom is far from the demon world, so the damage from monsters isn't a serious problem. Thanks to the common enemy, wars between countries are currently on hold.

It's peaceful.

Compared to the world of my previous life, where there was always a war, it's truly peaceful.

I raised my hands in a silent cheer for the peace of this life.

Considering my original status, it might be unfortunate, but since I'll be getting married and leaving this house in five years anyway, I can endure it. This level of treatment is nothing, and in fact, quite lenient. If they want to make me suffer, they should make me the queen, like in my previous life! Of course, His Majesty the King is already married, so that's impossible!

My peaceful enjoyment was short-lived, as an order came from my father.

He said I was to attend the prince's selection of a fiancée.

It was around the time of my twelfth spring.

***

I remember that day clearly.

I was called to the main house after a long time, and before I knew it, I was being dressed up by about ten maids and stuffed into a carriage.

In the luxurious carriage, my father and stepmother faced me, and the awkward atmosphere was lightened by my stepsister, Elise, who sat next to me.

"Oh, my, my, sister. After not seeing Father and Mother for so long, you don't even make small talk! I'm sure the conversation would have been lively."

Elise laughed softly, but her eyes reminded me of the people I disliked in my previous life.

Eyes that loved to mock and look down on others.

I ignored her and looked out the window. The capital, where the court is located, is prosperous. Just looking at the streets is enough to be enjoyable. I thought it would be more meaningful to pass the time than to converse with Elise and my stepmother.

Perhaps my attitude annoyed her, as my stepmother, Iris, was indignant.

"What a cheeky child! A plain and uncharming girl like you has no chance of being chosen by the prince. Right, you? It's just embarrassing to have you attend. It's not too late to leave you behind at the mansion."

My father shook his head at my stepmother's words.

"I've told you many times. The king has ordered that all eligible young ladies attend this tea party. I can't refuse on my own."

When my father glared, my stepmother fell silent. Elise laughed as if amused by the scene. I couldn't understand what she found so funny. Elise, who I couldn't read since we first met, gave me the creeps.

Still, I understood why my stepmother didn't expect much from me.

It was very simple. I wasn't unattractive in this life, but I wasn't as stunningly beautiful as in my previous life. In contrast, Elise was incredibly beautiful. If she continued to grow, even I, who was only beautiful in my previous life, wouldn't be able to compete with her. It was that significant.

The difference in appearance was obvious. It was only natural that people would be drawn to Elise. While beauty alone doesn't determine the future queen, being beautiful is still an advantage. My father and stepmother understood this. The quality of the dresses and the elaborate accessories and hairstyles were clearly different between Elise and me.

I noticed Elise's intense preparation when I secretly looked at her reflection in the glass. She noticed and came over to me, placing her hand on my shoulder and whispering in my ear.

"Don't be sad, sister. There's no one cuter than me, so it's inevitable. The competition is already decided."

Elise laughed softly. Her constant smile was a bit scary. I wanted to shake off her hand immediately but suppressed the urge and endured. Then, the carriage stopped with a jolt, and the driver announced we had arrived at the court.

I felt relieved and quickly got out of the uncomfortable carriage.

As we were led to the courtyard with my father in the lead, Elise said to me in a voice only I could hear.

"Sister, there's no way a girl with no redeeming qualities like you will be chosen by the prince. Please rest assured."

Elise's smile was creepy, but I agreed with her words.

In my previous life, my only redeeming quality was my beauty.

In this life, I don't even have that.

I couldn't imagine that I, with no redeeming qualities, would become the prince's fiancée, let alone the future queen.

So, I thought the selection of a fiancée would end without incident.

At least, I convinced myself that I wasn't a part of it.

"Here we are."

Perhaps because I felt it was someone else's business, I didn't notice the servant who led us looked very tired.

At the door leading to the courtyard, he bowed deeply.

"Please be careful—good luck."

His attitude was like sending off a soldier to war, and everyone, including me, tilted their heads in confusion.

Before we could ask, the servant opened the door. Blinding light leaked through the gap. We squinted but were drawn into the light as if being sucked in.

Then, after taking a step forward, I understood the servant's words.

We didn't step into a courtyard—

"Ha ha ha ha! What's the matter, everyone! Come here! Let's play together!"

—It was a jungle where Prince Lotus was flying around using vines.

—