The Incompetent Bratty Prince is out (1/3 chapters)

 

 

False Rumors, The Real You

 

*Alexandra ob Chevalier’s Perspective*

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“Alexandra. If you found him distasteful upon meeting him, do not hesitate to say so. Although I fulfilled my duty for His Majesty the King, the engagement can be broken off at any time.” (Duke)

On the way back to the mansion after meeting with Prince Harold, Father repeats the same words multiple times. I have known from the beginning that Father is not enthusiastic about my engagement to him. It’s understandable. In the Dehaubalz Kingdom, everyone knows the reputation of him as the ‘incompetent bratty prince,’ and Father, being lenient with me, cannot bear the thought of such a person as my fiancé. However…

“Father, have you forgotten? I am the one who desired this engagement with His Excellency Harold. I wish to accept it.” (Alexandra)

“W-what!? I see… if that is what you wish, then so be it…” (Duke)

Father looked as if trying to say something, leaned forward with a troubled expression. He, then, sat back down while desperately trying to maintain his composure. For someone who rarely shows emotion, it was unusual to see Father reveal his feelings so openly.

But… with this, my wish will finally come true. Since that day, I have longed to be with Prince Harold.

“However, now that Prince Harold is going to become your husband, I cannot allow him to continue behaving as he has until now. I will make sure to emphasize this to His Majesty the King.” (Duke)

“Yes.” (Alexandra)

In other words, if he continues to behave as he has, Father intends to secure a promise from His Majesty to annul the engagement. But that wish will not be granted, will it? Because… he promised me.

“Three years… give me three years! During that time, I will become a man worthy of you!” (Harold)

In the palace courtyard, Prince Harold humbled himself, kneeling and earnestly pleading before me. It was a sight unbecoming of a prince of this kingdom, but it was genuine.

Hehe… That really is typical of that down-to-earth person.  That is why I did not understand. Why had Prince Harold been behaving so arrogantly all this time? Even using the information network of the Chevalier ducal house, I could not find the reason.

All I learned was that three years ago, he suddenly began acting in the manner described by the rumors. However, there must have been a reason why he felt compelled to play a false role… I am determined to find out why. That’s because I know that the real Prince Harold is the kindest, most earnest, and wonderful person in the world.

“Alexandra?” (Duke)

“Oh… no, it’s nothing.” (Alexandra)

This is bad. Father is looking at me suspiciously because I was thinking about him.

“Ahem… In any case, never forget that you are the cherished daughter of the House of Duke Chevalier… my precious daughter. Depending on how things unfold, there will be appropriate consequences.” (Duke)

“Yes, I understand.” (Alexandra)

Father seems ready to wage war against the kingdom. But there is nothing to worry about with the real Prince Harold, unlike the rumored one.

“Sigh… Perhaps I should have proceeded with the engagements to the wise ‘Prince Cardis’ or ‘Prince Raphael’ back then, instead of being stubborn…” (Duke)

“Father. You may sigh if you like, but please do not mention those two princes when speaking of my fiancé, His Excellency Harold.” (Alexandra)

“Ugh… s-sorry…”

First Prince, Cardis and Second Prince Raphael, are elder brothers of Prince Harold. Prince Cardis is said to have achieved excellent grades at the Royal Academy and is highly active as the student council president. Likewise, Prince Raphael, who is also enrolled, has not only achieved equally outstanding grades but is also capable of using three different types of magic, a rare feat considering most can only handle one. This is an extraordinary case. It is said that a fierce succession battle for the throne is already unfolding beneath the surface, with speculation about which prince will become the next king.

“… However, Father, you haven’t said anything about ‘Prince Wilfred,’ have you?”

“Naturally. If His Majesty the King had desired to make Alexandra his fiancée, I would have stopped it at all costs. Even if it meant rebellion.” (Duke)

—The fourth prince, “Wilfred Weir Dehaubalz.”

In the history of the Dehaubalz Kingdom, the most ignoble, the most miserable ‘tainted prince.’ Considering his origin, the House of Duke Chevalier, the kingdom’s greatest nobility, could never recognize his existence. …Even if that were not the case, he would refuse to associate with such a despicable person, even if it tore my body apart.

“Rest assured, Father. There is no one I would wish to have as my fiancé other than Prince Harold, not even if the world were to end.” (Alexandra)

“…That’s not exactly comforting either.” (Duke)

Father turned away, displeased. Thanks to that, I could think of my beloved until we reached the mansion, leaving me content. I gazed out the carriage window at the gradually receding palace, my heart racing with the joy of my wish being granted and the anticipation of Prince Harold’s future efforts.

—Gently clutching the handkerchief with dragon embroidery that he had once given me.

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