Prologue

Near Future.

Thunk!

A dagger slammed into the bookshelf beside her shoulder.

Before she realized it, he had already closed the distance between them. As though embracing Elizia, he wrapped one arm around her and pulled the dagger free from the shelf. Then, in a low voice, he whispered into her ear,

“Elly… If you wanted to run away from me, you should have hidden until the very end.”

Elly.

The nickname he had always called her by returned, as sweet as ever.

Elizia slowly raised her head to look at the man who held her in his arms.

How had everything ended up like this?

He was the one who had once confessed his feelings to her in a garden blooming with wildflowers. The man who used to bury his face against the back of her neck and smile with lazy contentment.

But now…

He had become a madman of war.

The man who had once been so familiar now stood before her as a complete stranger, wearing a cold, chilling smile.

Chapter 1  The First Meeting

Two Years Earlier, Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Ortigia

Princess Elizia of the Kingdom of Ortigia stood quietly, studying someone’s portrait.

On the table beside a vase filled with pale pink orchids lay an admission letter to the Royal Academy of the Neutral Nation of Swena.

In two weeks, she would begin her studies there.

Her glossy hair cascaded gently over her shoulders like flowing waves.

With her delicate jawline, graceful neck, and neatly manicured hands, she was the picture of elegance—beautiful enough to make anyone turn for a second glance.

Yet the firmness of her tightly closed lips and the stubborn determination in her eyes revealed that beneath her refined appearance lay an unyielding spirit.

Her nanny pointed at the figure in the portrait.

“Your Highness, make sure you remember this face well. This man is the Crown Prince of our enemy nation. If you happen to meet him at the Royal Academy, you absolutely mustn’t start a fight.”

“Why would I fight him? We probably won’t even cross paths.”

“W-Well… considering Your Highness’s personality…”

The nanny hesitated, unable to finish her sentence.

Elizia could easily guess the rest.

Because you’re so strong-willed… so fierce…

But instead of being offended, she simply smiled.

“Don’t worry. I’ll conduct myself with all the grace expected of Ortigia’s princess.”

The man in the portrait was the First Prince of the Kastra Empire—

Nobila Herve Karund, heir to the empire that had once waged a bloody war against the Kingdom of Ortigia.

Although nearly twenty years had passed since the armistice, the Empire and the Kingdom remained bitter enemies with virtually no diplomatic contact.

That was why the only knowledge Elizia had of the enemy prince came from a portrait painted by a royal artist of Ortigia.

She glanced back at the painting.

There, staring back at her, was a hideously ugly man with slicked-back blond hair, a huge bulbous nose, crooked teeth, and a twisted grin.

* * *

Exactly two days after enrolling at the Royal Academy…

Elizia stood inside the headmaster’s office, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Beside her stood a student who looked as though he was caught somewhere between a boy and a man. His posture was perfectly straight, and an air of effortless elegance surrounded him.

The headmaster gestured for them to stand closer together.

Both moved only half a step.

Stroking his white mustache, the old man smiled before getting straight to the point.

“Rakan. Elizia.”

“The reason I’ve called you both here… is to inform you that you’ve been assigned as direct senior and junior.”

“Yes!”

“…Yes.”

Elizia nodded politely with a faint smile.

So this incredibly handsome man is my assigned senior?

The thought alone brightened her mood.

Rakan, however, answered much more slowly.

His expression was noticeably gloomy.

At the Royal Academy of the Neutral Nation of Swena, every new student was paired with a direct senior.

For the first few months, that senior was responsible for helping the junior adapt to academy life.

They attended several classes together and occasionally met during free time over tea.

Stealing a sideways glance, Elizia looked at the young man called Rakan.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, standing confidently with his hands behind his back.

She had no idea which kingdom he came from, but his bearing alone suggested unwavering confidence.

One thing bothered her, though.

His brows were slightly furrowed.

What’s with that reaction…?

Her own smile gradually faded.

Just moments ago, she’d secretly been pleased to have such an attractive senior.

Now…

His obvious displeasure completely ruined the mood.

Is he really that unhappy about being assigned to me?

…Wait. Could he be from the Empire?

That explanation actually made sense.

Judging from his reaction, he probably was.

And from the way he carried himself, he was likely a high-ranking noble.

If he had been paired with a princess from an enemy nation, it wasn’t hard to understand why he’d dislike it.

Seeing both students wearing equally awkward expressions, the headmaster chuckled.

“I assigned you together for a reason. I hope the two of you get along.”

“That will be all.”

“You may leave.”

“Yes.”

“Yes.”

Elizia gave the headmaster a respectful bow before leaving.

She couldn’t wait to escape this uncomfortable atmosphere.

Once outside the office, silence stretched between them.

There was only one path leading away from the building, forcing them to walk in the same direction.

Watching Rakan’s back, a thought suddenly crossed Elizia’s mind.

Wasn’t the senior-junior assignment usually announced by letter?

She quickly dismissed the question.

It’s probably because I’m royalty.

The moment they stepped outside, warm sunlight flooded her vision.

Elizia stopped before the entrance, blinking.

Golden rays filtered through her eyelashes, and the gentle spring breeze brushed against her face.

She closed her eyes, quietly savoring the scent of spring.

Then—

A deep, pleasant voice sounded above her.

“You weren’t the one pulling strings behind the scenes to make this happen… were you?”

It was Rakan.

…What nonsense is this imperial idiot talking about?

Turning around, she found him leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed.

Thanks to the height difference, he looked down at her from above.

She immediately disliked that.

“What exactly do you mean by ‘pulling strings’?”

“I mean… you arranged this because you wanted to create a connection with me.”

One corner of Rakan’s lips curled upward.

His expression remained infuriatingly relaxed.

A connection?

Elizia examined him more closely.

Spring sunlight poured over his golden hair.

Unlike ordinary ash-blond hair, his shimmered like molten gold.

Beneath it, emerald-green eyes sparkled with breathtaking beauty.

He was so strikingly handsome that the word beautiful almost suited him.

Yet his sharp nose, firm jawline, and slightly cold gaze left no doubt that he was every bit a man.

Combined with the leisurely confidence unique to nobility, he possessed a presence that naturally drew attention.

For a brief moment…

She almost understood where his ridiculous self-confidence came from.

Looking him directly in the eyes, she asked,

“You’re from the Empire, aren’t you?”

Rakan nodded without hesitation.

“That’s right.”

“And you’re Princess Elizia of Ortigia.”

“Exactly.”

“Considering where you’re from, I can understand your attitude toward me.”

“But a connection? Trying to get close to you?”

“Hah.”

“I only met you today.”

“And you’re not my type.”

“Hmm.”

“I don’t think my appearance is something people simply have preferences about.”

“And whether you like it or not…”

“I’m your senior.”

“So speak respectfully, Princess.”

“…”

What kind of narcissistic lunatic is this?

And he wants me—a princess—to use honorifics toward an imperial noble?

Her silence spoke volumes.

Completely unfazed, Rakan continued.

“And let me make one thing clear.”

“I have no intention of dating any woman.”

“So don’t get your hopes up.”

“For the next two months, we’ll be nothing more than senior and junior.”

“…”

Elizia desperately wanted to argue.

But she feared the first thing to leave her mouth would be anything but elegant.

Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself.

Honestly…

She didn’t even know where to begin.

Everything he had said sounded absurd.

“Where exactly does that ridiculous confidence come from, Rakan?”

“…Or should I say…”

“Senior?“

“From my wealth.”

“My power.”

“My status.”

“And my appearance.”

“…Ha.”

An incredulous laugh escaped her lips.

The best way to deal with crazy people is simply to avoid them.

Let’s get away from this beautiful lunatic as quickly as possible.

She nodded to herself.

Meeting an imperial noble for the first time…

And he turned out to be this insufferable.

“Whether you fall in love with teacups or pigeons is absolutely none of my concern.”

“So stop saying such ridiculous things.”

“And you should stop taking an interest in me as well.”

“I’m leaving.”

“Until next time.”

Despite speaking coldly, she still offered a proper farewell.

Whether she liked it or not…

He was still her assigned senior.

Swallowing her pride and speaking politely to an enemy noble was humiliating.

But she’d enrolled at the academy knowing full well that everyone, regardless of rank, would be treated equally here.

If she truly couldn’t accept that…

She could kick him in the shin and leave the academy this instant.

She had no intention of doing so.

Even from this very first meeting…

She knew one thing for certain.

Among all the people of the Empire—

This man was undoubtedly the most unbearable one she’d ever meet.

Muttering curses under her breath, Elizia turned sharply away.

She wanted nothing more than to put as much distance between them as possible.

Just then—

As she hurried off, her foot caught on a protruding stone.

“Ah!”

She stumbled.

Her dress snagged beneath her feet.

Flailing her arms wildly, she somehow managed to keep herself from falling.

But—

Riiip!

The hem of her dress tore apart with a harsh ripping sound.

Perhaps because the fabric was so fine, it split as easily as seaweed beneath the waves.

Why does nothing ever go my way today?!

Fuming, Elizia brushed angrily at the ruined dress.

Then…

A voice full of amusement drifted from behind her.

“I thought you said not to take an interest in you.”

“But from where I’m standing…”

“That looked exactly like someone saying, ‘Please look at me.’“

She didn’t even have to turn around.

She could practically picture the smug smile on his face.

That man…!

Grinding her teeth, Elizia let go of her dress.

Then she stormed away without another word.

Rakan watched her retreat with an indifferent gaze before quietly turning in the opposite direction himself.

Thus, less than an hour after their very first meeting…

The princess of the Kingdom and the prince of the Empire walked away from each other.

Much like the relationship between their two nations.

On her way back to the dormitory, Elizia kicked a pebble down the path and grumbled angrily.

“Trying to get close to him? Dating him?”

“Hah!”

“What kind of crazy woman would ever fall in love with such an arrogant narcissist?”

Even that wasn’t enough to calm her down.

She continued muttering to herself.

“What’s the point of being handsome if that’s what you’re like?”

“I don’t know who’ll end up marrying him…”

“But I truly pity her!”

“Future Lady Rakan!”

“I sincerely hope you have the patience to endure him…”

“And somehow find happiness!”

It was an unusually passionate message of sympathy directed toward a woman she’d never met.

Then something suddenly occurred to her.

“…Why do my toes hurt so much?”

Only then did she realize…

She’d been kicking that poor little stone the entire way back.