The Princess Who Saw the Fall of Her Homeland Strives to Change Fate by Becoming the Cold Prince's Bride! - Chapter 13

The day before the bride selection officially began, all the candidates were gathered in the hall for the first time.

“Starting tomorrow, Prince Richard’s bride selection will begin. All of you gathered here must be prepared to carry the future of Ernstahl—”

As the lady-in-waiting gave a long-winded speech, Elze let her gaze wander around the room.

There were a little over twenty candidates.

Most of them were girls around Elze’s age.

(Amazing… There are so many princesses and noble ladies my age…)

She had friends of the same age in her homeland, but their positions were different.

It was difficult for them to truly understand the unique struggles of being a princess.

(But everyone here is a princess or noble lady like me. Maybe I can make some friends…!)

Excited, Elze looked around and soon noticed that the candidates were divided into two groups.

There were those who were confident in themselves and those who weren’t.

The noble ladies wearing extravagant dresses, likely following the latest fashion in Ernstahl, carried themselves as if they ruled the world.

Surrounding them were their followers, who cast sharp glares at others as if to keep them in check.

Meanwhile, those who lowered their heads in fear under the pressure were girls dressed in traditional gowns, much like Elze—likely princesses from small kingdoms. Others wore dresses in the Ernstahl style but with duller colors, simpler designs, and cheaper fabric—probably daughters of lower-ranking nobles.

(I see, even among those in similar positions, there’s a clear social divide.)

The princesses of powerful nations and high-ranking noble ladies from Ernstahl radiated an aura of confidence, as if declaring themselves the strongest candidates.

In contrast, princesses from small countries and daughters of lower-ranking nobles shrank under their overwhelming presence.

Elze seemed to be the only one standing apart from this division.

A noble lady’s follower nearby shot her a sharp look, as if to say, “How dare you stand so tall? Know your place!”

But Elze didn’t cower. Wearing her traditional Maglier dress, she stood proudly.

(Sorry, but I’m here to seriously compete to become Prince Richard’s bride. I won’t back down!)

Many participants had already noticed the silent battle unfolding in the hall.

As more eyes turned toward her, Elze flashed a bright smile.

“…Now then, ladies, tomorrow’s garden party will mark the official start of the bride selection. We promise a fair and just evaluation, so please rest assured.”

Given the differences in treatment since arriving here, there was little reason to feel reassured.

Yet, Elze felt excited.

(It’s finally, finally starting…!)

Since her encounter with Richard, Elze had tried sneaking around the palace to find him again.

But she hadn’t seen him since.

Thinking about how she would finally meet him again made her heart race.

The ladies-in-waiting left, and the candidates remained in the hall.

They were expected to rest and prepare for tomorrow, but—

“Excuse me, may I have a moment?”

Just as Elze considered going for a walk, someone called out to her.

Turning to look, she saw that it was one of the noble ladies’ followers who had been glaring at her earlier.

“What is it?”

“Who are you? State your name.”

The way she spoke was extremely rude, especially considering she was addressing a princess.

Still, Elze decided to respond cheerfully.

“Nice to meet you. I am Elze, the second princess of the Kingdom of Maglier.”

She gave a bow that was perhaps a bit too energetic to be called elegant.

The noble lady’s follower blinked in surprise.

“Maglier…?”

“Oh? You don’t know it? It’s past the eastern mountain range—”

“Ahaha! Did you hear that? Maglier! I can’t believe people actually live in a place full of mountains!”

She suddenly burst into loud laughter, making sure everyone in the hall could hear.

(I see. Since I refuse to back down, she’s trying to put me in my place.)

She wanted to crush Elze’s confidence before the bride selection even began.

But Elze wasn’t the type to bow her head and apologize, saying, “I’m so sorry for being a country girl!”

This was the perfect opportunity.

Since everyone was already watching, she might as well make a bold declaration.

Taking a deep breath, Elze put on a dazzling smile and spoke loudly.