The Princess Who Saw the Fall of Her Homeland Strives to Change Fate by Becoming the Cold Prince's Bride! - Chapter 2

Maglier is a tiny kingdom nestled at the foot of a vast mountain range.

Most of its land is covered by mountains and forests, and its breathtaking natural beauty is often compared to a jewel.

The royal family of Maglier possesses a rare power and is known as the “Future-Seer Clan.”

For generations, the men of the royal family have been able to foresee good omens, such as abundant harvests and fair weather, while the women can see bad omens, such as storms and droughts.

Thanks to this ability, the people of Maglier have long been able to survive alongside the harsh forces of nature.

Elze is the second princess of Maglier.

She has vibrant sunset-colored hair and large, round walnut-colored eyes.

Though a princess is expected to be graceful, Elze is often told she is a bit too energetic.

Still, she grew up loved by all.

Unfortunately, she was not born with the ability of “Future Sight.”

Not once in her life had she ever seen a glimpse of the future.

Her older sister, Ulrika—the first princess—was a gifted Future-Seer, and many often compared Elze, the ordinary younger sister, to her extraordinary elder sibling.

Yet, despite that, Elze never let it bring her down.

This was largely because those around her cared for her, regardless of her abilities.

“Oh my, Princess! What’s the rush? It’s not snack time yet.”

“Did the head maid catch you playing a prank again?”

As she passed by, the castle servants called out to her cheerfully.

In this small kingdom, everyone was like family.

And as the youngest princess, Elze was adored like a daughter or little sister by all.

“Hey, it’s nothing like that!”

Elze playfully replied to their teasing but felt warmth fill her heart.

The castle wasn’t burning.

The servants who had been lying in pools of bl00d in her dream were alive and well.

It was just a nightmare after all.

Overcome with relief, she ran lightly down the hall, almost dancing—

Until one of the passing servants called out to her.

“Princess, you’ve returned already. His Majesty is asking for you.”

“Huh? Father is?”

“…Did you get into trouble again?”

“N-No, I didn’t! …I think.”

Thanking the servant, Elze hurried ahead.

(Did I do something that would make Father scold me?)

Falling asleep during meditation? No, that couldn’t have reached him yet…

Feeling puzzled, she opened the door to the room she had been directed to.

Inside, not only her father, the king, was waiting but also her mother, the queen, as well as her older brother and sister.

The first to speak was Ulrika.

“Oh, Elze. You got here quicker than I expected. You didn’t cause trouble for the priest, did you?”

“I’m fine, Sister! I did my meditation perfectly today!”

“Oh? Is that so? I’ll ask the priest later—”

“Ahhh! More importantly, why is everyone gathered here? This is rare!”

Panicked, Elze quickly changed the subject.

Her father, looking serious, spoke up.

“Hmm… I thought I should tell you as well. We received a message from Ernstahl.”

“Ernstahl? That great empire?”

“Yes. They are selecting a bride for their second prince and have asked us to send one of our princesses.”

“What!?”

Shocked, Elze hurried over to the table where everyone was gathered.

“Is it mandatory?”

“…If we refuse, it could damage our relationship with Ernstahl. We have no choice but to send someone.”

“Don’t worry, Elze. I will go,” Ulrika said with a smile.

“A small country’s princess would never be chosen as the bride anyway. I’ll just think of it as a study abroad experience.”

(That’s true… My sister is capable and clever. She can leave a good impression while making sure she doesn’t get chosen…)

Thinking this, Elze glanced at the letter in her father’s hand.

And at that moment—

Her heart froze.

“…Huh?”

The letter included a portrait of a young man.

And Elze recognized him.

She snatched the letter from her father’s hands and stared at the image as if trying to burn it into her memory.

Light golden hair.

Cold, ice-blue eyes.

It was the first time she had ever seen him—

Yet flashes of a terrifying memory surged through her mind.

There was no mistake.

The man in this portrait was—

(The one who killed me and everyone else in my dream…!)

This didn’t make sense.

It was just a dream.

So why…

Why was she looking at the face of someone she had never met before?