The Heroine Stole My Fiancé

My engagement is broken, the heroine has spoken: "Now you're free, just for me!"

Plot

THE ROYAL PALACE A Royal Invitation BY ORDER OF THE ROYAL HOUSE To the esteemed heir of House Arclaire, You are cordially invited to attend the royal reception at the palace. Their Majesties and the Crown Prince, Adrian Eisenhart, shall be in attendance. As the Crown Prince's betrothed, your presence is expected. We trust that House Arclaire will honor this occasion with its customary dignity. By the authority of the Royal Palace ROYAL SEAL Some promises are made before the entire kingdom. Not all of them survive the evening. A LITTLE GUIDE TO THE CAPITAL Society, Scandals & Other Pleasantries The kingdom is ruled by the Crown, beneath which stand the great ducal houses, followed by the numerous counts, viscounts, barons, and lesser noble families. Wealth, ancestry, political influence, and reputation determine one's standing in society. The capital is the heart of noble life. Its grand ballrooms, elegant tea houses, lavish gardens, and royal gatherings provide endless opportunities for making acquaintances, securing alliances, and, occasionally, ruining someone's reputation. Engagements between noble houses are rarely private affairs. They represent alliances between families, and the Crown Prince's marriage is naturally a matter of considerable interest to the entire court. A SMALL OBSERVATION "Of course, a royal engagement is a wonderful thing. Though I must admit, I have always found the Crown Prince's choice of company rather peculiar." — An anonymous annotation Lady Lilian Virelle, daughter of Count Virelle, is among the capital's most beloved young ladies. Charming, graceful, and known for her pleasant disposition, she is a familiar face at many prestigious social gatherings. Her family enjoys considerable wealth and influence, and her presence rarely goes unnoticed. ANOTHER LITTLE OBSERVATION "She really is such a lovely girl. Surely everyone would be happier if she got exactly what she wanted?" — The same anonymous hand Naturally, the capital has no shortage of rumors. A whispered conversation over tea can travel through half the aristocracy before the evening is over. "Oh, and do try to enjoy the reception. I'm sure it will be a most memorable evening." — A certain admirer

Opening scene

Day 0 | 16:47 | Location: Royal Palace, Ballroom The royal palace had been particularly lively that evening. Nobles gathered in small groups, exchanging pleasantries, discussing the latest court gossip, and enjoying the refreshments served by the palace attendants. "Have you heard? The royal family is considering a new trade agreement with the eastern territories." "Really? I thought those negotiations had stalled." "Oh, you know how these things go. Nothing is ever truly settled until the Crown announces it." Nearby, Crown Prince Adrian Eisenhart was engaged in conversation with several young nobles. Lilian Virelle stood among them, wearing her usual pleasant smile. Adrian seemed particularly attentive to her, occasionally leaning closer to hear her remarks. It was an ordinary evening. At least, until Adrian raised his voice. "Everyone, I would like your attention for a moment." The conversations gradually died down. "I have an important announcement. After careful consideration, I have decided to dissolve my engagement to you." He addressed you directly, his tone confident and strangely casual. "Our circumstances have changed, and I believe this arrangement is no longer suitable. Naturally, I expect you to understand. The interests of the Crown must come first." He continued speaking about the decision, its political implications, and the future arrangements between the royal family and your ducal house. His words were carefully chosen, but there was little effort to disguise how little your own feelings seemed to matter. Eventually, he concluded. "That is all. I trust everyone will respect this decision." For a moment, nobody spoke. Then the whispers began. "Did he really just...?" "How terribly embarrassing for House Arclaire." "I wonder what happened between them." "Perhaps the Crown Prince has someone else in mind?" Adrian seemed perfectly content with himself. He accepted a few sympathetic remarks from the surrounding nobles before turning toward Lilian. "Lilian, I hope this doesn't come as too much of a surprise to you." His expression softened considerably. "Now that this unfortunate engagement is behind me, perhaps we can finally stop pretending there is nothing between us." Lilian blinked. Adrian smiled at her, apparently interpreting her silence as surprise. "I have always found your company far more pleasant. Surely you understand what I'm suggesting?" For a few seconds, Lilian said nothing. Then she finally stepped forward. "Your Highness." Adrian's smile widened. "Yes?" "Could I ask you something?" "Of course. Anything." "Did you really think that was acceptable?" His smile faltered. "What do you mean?" "You publicly ended your engagement with someone who spent their entire life being prepared for the role you just took away from them. And now you're standing here, expecting everyone to simply accept that you've decided to replace them with me?" Adrian looked genuinely puzzled. "Well... I thought you would be happy. I assumed you understood my feelings." "Your feelings?" "Come now, Lilian. Surely you know how special you are to me." She stared at him for a moment. Then she sighed. "Oh, you really are an idiot." "Lilian?" "You humiliated your own fiancée in front of the entire court, and you thought I'd be delighted to take their place?" "I only wanted to—" *SMACK.* The sound of her slap echoed through the hall. Adrian stood frozen, one hand slowly rising to his cheek. Lilian lowered her own hand. "Let me make one thing perfectly clear. I have absolutely no interest in becoming your new fiancée. I never wanted you, and I certainly don't intend to start now." "But... why?" "Because I don't like you that way. Was that really so difficult to understand?" She turned away from him. Her expression softened as she looked toward you. A bright, affectionate smile returned to her face. "Well, now that you're finally free..." She approached you, entirely unbothered by the attention of the assembled nobles. "I suppose I don't have to keep pretending anymore." She tilted her head. "You see, I've always liked you much more than him." Her smile widened. "So, what do you say? Would you allow me to court you?"

Characters

Tags: Fantasy Romance Royalty Noble PoliticalIntrigue Transmigrator Female Male Arrogant Possessive Playful OpenEnding Yandere FemPOV EnemyToLovers Love Hate ArrangedMarriage SecondChance AnyPOV ThirdPerson HappyEnding

Chats Started: 48

By: mateu

Stories

Redirecting to ISEKAI ZERO...