The Princess Who Saw the Fall of Her Homeland Strives to Change Fate by Becoming the Cold Prince's Bride! - Chapter 3

As Elze stared frozen at the portrait, her older brother—First Prince Ortwin—chuckled.

“Come on, Elze. I know Prince Richard is unusually handsome, but don’t stare too hard.”

“Prince Richard…?”

“Yes, the second prince of Ernstahl. He does look incredibly handsome, but… I’m sure the portrait has been enhanced quite a bit.”

“A great empire like Ernstahl must have plenty of talented court painters to make him look even better.”

While her brother and sister casually chatted, Elze couldn’t tear her eyes away from the portrait of Prince Richard.

There was no doubt about it.

He was the man from her nightmare.

Now that she thought about it, the clothes he wore in the dream were indeed fitting for a prince.

Which meant—

(That wasn’t just a dream?)

If it wasn’t a simple nightmare, but a vision of the future seen through her Future Sight…

Then, in the near future, this kingdom would—

“That can’t happen!”

Elze’s sudden outburst made everyone in the room widen their eyes in surprise.

“What’s wrong, Elze? Are you against Ulrika going to Ernstahl? Don’t tell me you’ve fallen in love with Prince Richard just from his portrait and want to be his bride instead…?”

Her mother’s words made Elze freeze.

“His… bride?”

If Richard was truly destined to destroy her kingdom…

Then maybe—if she became his bride—she could stop him.

On this continent, including Ernstahl and Maglier, marriage was considered a sacred contract where both partners vowed to respect and cherish one another.

For nobles and royals, marriage was also a political alliance, binding their houses together.

Once married, both families had an obligation to protect each other’s lands.

If Elze became Richard’s wife, an invasion of Maglier would be impossible.

In other words, as long as she married Prince Richard, she could prevent that tragic future!

(I can’t believe such an opportunity has come to me!)

With newfound determination, Elze nodded vigorously.

“Yes, Mother! I’ve never seen such a wonderful man before! I want to be his bride!”

Her family stared at her, utterly shocked.

But after a few seconds…

They all let out awkward chuckles.

“Oh, Elze… You shouldn’t get your hopes up. It’s just a portrait. You’ll probably be disappointed when you see him in person.”

(No, Sister! The real Richard looks exactly like this!)

“Besides, Elze, do you really think you stand a chance? Ernstahl is a mighty empire filled with intelligent and beautiful women.”

(That’s not the point, Mother…! No matter what, I have to become Richard’s wife…!)

“Hmm… Sorry, Elze, but I can’t send you to Ernstahl. Ulrika is one thing, but you… you’d probably offend someone there without realizing it.”

(Ugh, I can’t argue with Father… If only I had been more responsible before now…!)

Elze considered telling them about her nightmare.

But when she saw her family’s warm, happy smiles, she just couldn’t bring herself to do it.

How could she tell them that their beloved kingdom was doomed to a hellish future?

(I don’t want to take away their happiness… I don’t want to destroy this peace…)

She bit her lip, struggling to find the words.

Noticing her distress, Ortwin decided to help.

“Now, now, Father, Mother. Shouldn’t we trust Elze a little more? If you refuse her here, she might spend her whole life longing for Prince Richard. Instead of making our dear Elze suffer with unfulfilled love, wouldn’t it be better to let her go and have her heart broken quickly?”

“Brother…!”

Elze felt moved by his support—though the part about heartbreak stung a little.

Ortwin met her gaze and gave a charming smile.

“Indeed… If she gets completely rejected, she’ll be able to move on.”

“It’s better to be turned down outright than to hold onto false hope.”

Her previously firm parents hesitated. Even they couldn’t ignore the sound reasoning of their wise son.

“Well then, if Elze is that eager, I’ll gladly give up my place. Have fun!”

“Sister, thank you!”

Overcome with emotion, Elze threw herself into Ulrika’s arms.

Their mother, however, gave a sharp cough.

“Hold on, Elze! I haven’t agreed to send you yet. Listen carefully! If I’m not convinced that you’re ready by the time of your departure, you’re staying here. I’ll personally train you to become the ideal princess, so be prepared!”

“Mother…!”

It came with conditions, but her mother had agreed.

Beside her, her father nodded as well.

The path was open.

Now, it was up to Elze.

(It’s okay. I will definitely stop that future from happening!)

As Elze clenched her fists in determination, her family only misunderstood further—

Thinking she had truly fallen head over heels for Prince Richard.