The Former Prince Who Lost Everything Becomes a Masked Strategist, Dominates from the Shadows, and Vows Revenge - Chapter 3.2

(Tch. Staying here is unbearable—nothing but a gathering of fools.)

“Ladies and gentlemen, noble families of Lambert and esteemed guests from foreign lands! I have an important announcement!”

The king’s booming voice drew my attention to the throne.

Standing beside him was Grace—and a young girl.

Her hair was a striking shade of orange, and her beauty was nothing short of divine.

The moment my eyes landed on her, time seemed to stop. A shiver ran down my spine.

“Wha…?”

I had forced countless village girls into my bed, but none of them—none—could compare to this goddess.

She was like a sculpture, a masterpiece crafted by the gods themselves.

I wanted her.

I needed her.

I didn’t care what I had to sacrifice—I had to make her mine.

But fate, it seemed, was cruel.

“Tonight, I am pleased to announce the engagement of my son, Prince Grace, and Lady Lilliette of House Blanchett! Together, they will guide Lambert into a prosperous future. Please, give them your blessings!”

The banquet erupted into applause.

And then—

“WAIT A MOMENT!”

A single voice cut through the celebration.

A chubby figure stormed forward, pushing through the crowd.

It was me—Gaston.

Ignoring the bewildered stares, I boldly approached Lilliette and dropped to one knee before her.

Taking her hand in mine, I raised my voice.

“The moment I laid eyes upon you, Lady Lilliette, I fell in love! Forget Grace! You belong with me—Gaston Orque Agrante, heir to the House of Agrante! I am your true destiny! I will make you the happiest woman alive!”

The entire hall fell into a stunned silence.

It was unthinkable.

I had just publicly attempted to steal the prince’s fiancée—in front of the king, in front of the nobility, in front of foreign dignitaries.

“Wha—?”

The first to break out of her stupor was Lilliette.

She wrenched her hand away from mine, eyes wide with shock.

And then, she shouted.

“NO WAY! I love Gra— No, I mean, I am engaged to His Highness Grace! I would NEVER become your fiancée!”

A brutal rejection.

For a brief moment, the room was silent.

And then, nobles began snickering.

“Does Gaston not understand where he is? That’s the prince’s fiancée.”

“Between Grace and Gaston, anyone would know which one to choose.”

“The Agrante family is truly hopeless. They can never compete with the royal bloodline.”

The laughter spread like wildfire.

I turned, seething, my gaze burning with fury.

Why? Why were they all laughing at me?!

“W-Why?! Lady Lilliette, why would you reject me?! The moment I saw you, I realized that no other woman in the world could compare to you! You have utterly captivated me! If you become my fiancée, I will change! If my appearance displeases you, I will lose weight! If you desire riches, I will give you anything you want! I have wealth beyond imagination! I swear, I will make you happy! Please—please be my fiancée!”

I pleaded desperately.

And then—

“STOP THIS AT ONCE, GASTON!”

Of all people, it was my father, Duke Agrante, who restrained me.

Locking my arms behind me, he barked furiously.

“That is the prince’s fiancée, you fool! First, you point a sword at him, and now this?! Have you lost your mind?!”

“Father! Let go! I need her! I must have Lilliette!”

“Enough! Know your shame! We are leaving!”

Dragging me away, my father and mother hauled me out of the banquet hall.

The nobles roared with laughter.

As I was forcibly removed, I screamed—

“Damn you all! I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU! LILLIETTE! YOU WILL BE MINE! MARK MY WORDS!”

At that moment, Lilliette tensed.

I saw it—her hand tightening around Grace’s.

I knew what that meant.

She was afraid.

Good.

Because I always got what I wanted.

I would have her, no matter what it took.

“Ahem. That was quite the… unexpected interruption.”

The king cleared his throat, attempting to restore order.

“Let us put that behind us. Please, continue enjoying the banquet. Lady Lilliette, my apologies for my nephew’s behavior. I will have a word with him later.”

“I-it’s fine…”

And thus, my pathetic excuse of an engagement proposal ended in utter failure.

Later That Night – Agrante Manor

Back in my chambers, I was furious.

“DAMN IT! Why does Grace always have what I want?! Why does he always take what should be mine?! GRACE!!!”

I smashed a vase onto the floor.

I ripped books from their shelves.

My rage consumed me.

And then—

A voice spoke from the shadows.

“…Kufufufu. It seems you despise the prince, young master Gaston.”

“…Who’s there?!”

I whipped around, drawing my sword.

The window was open.

A figure stood on the balcony, draped in a dark cloak, a goat’s skull covering their face.

A sorcerer.

The figure laughed, tapping the ground with his staff.

“My name is Hades. I am a man who grants wishes.”

“You filthy rat! How did you get into my estate?! I’ll have you executed!”

“Now, now. No need for hostility.” Hades chuckled. “I came to offer you a solution, Lord Gaston. A way for you to obtain everything you desire.”

“…Everything I desire?”

“Yes. All your life, you have been compared to Grace. You have been denied what was rightfully yours—his talent, his beauty, his claim to the throne. And now, even Lady Lilliette, the woman who captivated you, will belong to him. You despise this, do you not?”

“…I do.”

“Kufufufu. That is why I have come. I shall grant you power—power to take everything from Grace. His throne. His kingdom. His fiancée. Everything. Now, tell me, Lord Gaston… do you wish to hear my plan?”

I narrowed my eyes.

Then, slowly, a wicked grin crept across my lips.

“Very well. Speak, Hades. But if you waste my time… you will not leave this room alive.”

“Kufufufufufu… Excellent. Then, let us begin.”