The Incompetent Bratty Prince is out (1/4 chapters)

 

 

Cherished Fiancée Talks About Childhood Memories*

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Seven years ago… when I was still six years old.

At that time, I was so frail that I seemed unlike anyone from the Chevalier Household, and I never went outside. My daily routine was to gaze at the scenery outside from my room in the main residence on the estate. I had no friends of my age, so I would read books and let my imagination wander… like in the stories, I would adventure around the world or fall in love with a prince… haha, since it was just imagination, I could go anywhere.

One day, however, I was told by my father, who had a stern expression, that I had to visit the royal palace. When I asked my maid, Monica, about the situation, she said that His Majesty the King had chosen me as a candidate for the prince’s fiancée and wanted me to participate in a meeting. Otou-sama, knowing that I was frail, strongly declined the request, but I was urged to attend out of courtesy, and after a lot of pleading, he reluctantly agreed under the condition that I would not be chosen as the fiancée.

Upon hearing this, my heart leaped with excitement. Regardless of the engagement with the prince, it was my first time visiting the royal capital. However…

“Is it really okay to wear this…?” (Alexandra)

“Yes. It is according to the Head’s instructions.” (Monca)

For some reason, the outfit prepared was not my usual dress but a blouse and culottes, like those worn by boys. I tilted my head, wondering if this was appropriate for meeting His Highness the Prince as a fiancée candidate.

I later understood that Otou-sama had deliberately dressed me as a boy to prevent me from being recognized by the prince. Also, it was to see if they could evaluate me, Alexandra ob Chevalier, without being misled by my appearance. Although I think my father was quite mean to do that, I was grateful that it allowed me to become engaged to Haru-sama, looking back.

And so, after traveling by carriage for a week, I arrived at the royal palace with Otou-sama.

“Waaah…!” (Alexandra)

The journey up to this point had been very enjoyable and memorable, but I was captivated by the dazzling splendor of the royal palace, which I had never seen before. I wanted to see more of the palace. Feeling adventurous, which was unlike me, I sneaked away from Otou-sama and wandered alone inside the palace. At that moment, I felt like an adventurer from a story. However, this fun adventure soon came to an end.

The endless red corridor and the darkness ahead. I remember vividly how I felt suddenly anxious, with no one I knew around. That was when it happened.

“Huh? Why is there a boy here?” (W??????)

A boy appeared with silver hair and gray eyes.

With a carefree smile, the boy spoke kindly to me, as I was hugging my knees and unable to move a step.

“Uh-well…”  (Alexandra)

“Oh, you’re lost, huh? If that’s the case, I’ll guide you.” (W??????)

Embarrassed by the fact that I felt anxious, I hesitated, but the boy said this and extended his hand. I thought about taking his hand, but at that time, I was trying to be brave and decided to stand up on my own.

“Hmm… By the way, what’s your name?” (W??????)

“Ah… Th-that is, ‘Alexander.'” (Alexandra)

I quickly gave a name that sounded like a boy’s. I had decided to pretend to be a boy until that meeting as a candidate for the engagement.

“I see.” (W??????)

The boy, seemingly losing interest, turned his back on me. I was a bit confused by this change in reaction.

“Harold.” (W??????)

“Eh…?” (Alexandra)

“My name is Harold. Harold Weir Dehaubalz. I am the Third Prince of this country.” (W??????)

He turned around with vigor and introduced himself with a full smile that looked somewhat amusing.

 

—

 

“Hmm… I can’t find them anywhere…” (W??????)

“…” (Alexandra)

It had been a while since Prince Harold volunteered to take me to my father. We had been walking for more than 10 minutes. Not only have we failed to find my father, but it also seemed like we were getting further away from the original location.

“Is it really… that Otou-sama is ahead?” (Alexandra)

“Definitely. The nobles are supposed to have an audience with my Father… the King, in a room further ahead. So, they should be around here…” (W??????)

Saying this, Harold continued further down the corridor. However, the surroundings became even more desolate and felt somewhat bleak.

“Oh! I think it’s probably in the room beyond this door!” (W??????)

“Really?” (Alexandra)

“Yeah!” (W??????)

Harold seemed happy as he pointed out something he noticed. Finally, I was about to be freed from this anxious feeling. I was so happy that I reached for the door.

“Otou-sama! I’m so sorry!” (Alexandra)

Despite the words of apology, my voice was very cheerful. I expected to be scolded, but I would accept it as it was my own fault. At that moment…

“Eh…?” (Alexandra)

Suddenly, the door behind me closed.

“Prince Harold!? Prince Harold!?” (Alexandra)

“Ahahaha! What a fool!” (W??????)

From beyond the door came the sound of Prince Harold’s mocking laughter. It was then that I finally realized. Prince Harold… the boy with silver hair, had deceived me. I couldn’t understand why he would do such a thing.

“This idiot! Listen up! I am Harold! Harold Weir Dehaubalz!” (W??????)

He threw more scornful words at me and. After announcing his name once more, his laughter and footsteps grew fainter and fainter.

“Please! Open the door! Open it!” (Alexandra)

I screamed desperately, but no one answered. Looking closely, I saw that the room was very dusty, indicating it had not been used for a long time.

“Please! Please, oh please…” (Alexandra)

Trapped in this place, anxious and regretting that I had ventured out alone, I cursed the boy… Harold Weir Dehaubalz. At the same time, the impression of the prince from the stories I had cherished until now quickly faded. The real prince was the lowest kind of man who would do something so cruel to me.

“U… uuu…” (Alexandra)

Driven by anxiety and frustration, and more than anything, by the anger and regret. I clenched my fists and let my tears fall. That was when it happened.

“Hey? Over there…” (??)

“!? ” (Alexander)

I heard a boy’s voice from outside the window. I immediately ran to the window. But…

—Suddenly.

With his onyx-black hair fluttering, the boy tilted his head and moved away.

“Please! Wait!” (Alexandra)

I desperately shouted from the window. But as a six-year-old, I couldn’t reach the lock, and I couldn’t open the window. My voice couldn’t reach the boy, and… he finally disappeared from view.

“Ah… aaaaa…” (Alexander)

With hope crushed, I crumbled to my knees. In this empty room where no one was coming, I might die alone. The fear overwhelmed me, and my body trembled uncontrollably. But…

“Hey… is anyone there?” (??)

As if to dispel my fear, the boy’s voice came from beyond the door.

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