The Villainous Young Lady Would Even Risk Her Life for Her Beloved ～ Her Fiancé, the Prince? By All Means, Please Be Happy with the Heroine! - Chapter 00

“Lydiana Flores! As of this moment, I annul our engagement!”

At the height of the graduation party, in the grand hall of the royal academy, First Prince Leonhart of this kingdom shouted. Beside him, a charming girl with soft, fluffy pink-brown hair anxiously watched the scene unfold.

“Oh my, Your Highness, do you truly believe such a thing will be allowed to pass?”

Duchess Lydiana Flores smiled seductively. With her beautifully arranged black hair, translucent skin, and striking red lips—not to mention her large, confident black eyes—she captivated the attention of all who looked upon her. Known as the greatest magician in history, she showed not the slightest hint of distress.

“This engagement was strongly desired by both Your Highness’s mother, Lady Lione, and His Majesty. Please take it up with them first.”

“Once they learn of your countless misdeeds, they will gladly approve the annulment.”

Leonhart retorted confidently. It seemed he had gathered enough substantial evidence to justify the engagement’s dissolution.

“For a lady of the Flores family to abuse her power, commit such atrocities, and oppress countless people… Have you no shame for the dishonor you bring upon your late mother and the aunt who dedicated herself to this kingdom?”

Even under such fierce reprimands, Lydiana’s expression remained unchanged. She continued to smile elegantly.

“Fufu, for the prince of the very kingdom that murdered my mother to say such things… I suggest you educate yourself a bit more on the royal family’s affairs.”

“What did you say?!”

“Well, there won’t be any problems once I become queen. So please, don’t concern yourself with such matters.”

“You insolent woman!”

It was Jeffrey Ortiz, Leonhart’s aide. As the third son of a viscount’s family, he had been recognized for his talents and chosen to serve the prince. Known for his diligence and loyalty, he was highly regarded by those around him. Now, he glared at Lydiana with the same anger and contempt as Leonhart.

“Lady Lydiana, I agree that the truth behind that incident must be uncovered. I can only imagine how painful and tragic it must have been for you. But that is a separate matter from what we are addressing today.”

The one who spoke was Finley Rias, the heir of a frontier marquis and Leonhart’s close friend. Though he usually came across as frivolous, his demeanor now exuded nothing but solemnity. His words were neither emotional nor aggressive—just firm and resolute.

“You have gone too far.”

His gaze held sorrow, yet he met Lydiana’s eyes unwaveringly.

“There is no need for concern. The truth was uncovered long ago.”

Lydiana returned his gaze, unflinching.

“Please, stop this, Lydi!”

A boy with delicate features and flowing silver hair pleaded desperately. His name was Luca Flores—Lydiana’s twin brother.

“Ah, I see now… That little fly of a woman has even managed to seduce my foolish younger brother! How terribly busy she must be, flitting about from one man to the next. I do apologize for troubling you with my brother’s affections.”

“No! I…!”

Iris stepped forward, but Leonhart held her back. Their eyes met.

Lydiana feigned exaggerated surprise, but of course, she had known all along. She cast a fleeting glance at her brother before turning her gaze to Iris.

“No, it was all my fault…!”

“Now do you understand? You have no chance of winning. We have both evidence and witnesses. Accept the annulment quietly. …Either way, you are sentenced to death for the murder of the Second Prince and the attempted murder of the Third Prince.”

The grand hall, which had been silent, erupted into chaos. Yet, amidst the commotion, Lydiana remained completely unfazed.

“Fufu, there was no need to concoct such grand accusations. You could have simply admitted that you dug up dirt on your fiancée because you wished to be with that pathetic woman.”

She chuckled, as if genuinely amused.

“Yes! I love Iris!”

Iris covered her mouth, her face flushing red as she gazed at Leonhart. He, in turn, looked at her with adoration—an expression vastly different from the one he directed at Lydiana.

“I know exactly what you desire—to become this kingdom’s queen.”

Leonhart turned to Lydiana with a contemptuous smirk and made his declaration.

“I, Leonhart Austin, renounce my right to the throne as of this moment!”

For the first time that day, the villainess’s mask cracked. Not just hers—the entire hall was thrown into even greater turmoil.

“Such a declaration… It holds no validity here!”

“If you insist, I will announce it before His Majesty—before my father!”

“A prince with no claim to the throne… Do you think you hold any value to me? Lady Lione must be devastated.”

In this kingdom, being the First Prince did not automatically guarantee the right to inherit the throne. The king decided his successor based on various factors, including ability, magical power, popularity, and maternal lineage.

Leonhart’s mother, Lady Lione, was born to a wealthy merchant family. Though she had lived far better than many nobles, she was still a commoner by birth. Even as the king’s consort, she had led a constrained life within the palace. Her greatest hope had been for her son, the First Prince, to ascend the throne, making her the king’s mother.

“This is my life! My mother has nothing to do with it!”

Leonhart refuted with firm resolve. This was undoubtedly a decision he had reached after much inner turmoil.

“Oh my, has some monster whispered nonsense into your ear? Those born into royalty have a duty to live for the kingdom. The citizens pay their taxes, are conscripted, and shed bl00d to protect this nation. A king exists to create a better country under better circumstances!”

“That’s not true! Whether it’s Leo, Fin, Jeff, or Luca… everyone should be able to live for themselves!”

Iris, desperate, spoke up in Leonhart’s defense.

“How noisy. The little fly just won’t stop buzzing.”

“No matter what you say to hurt her, her worth will never change!”

This exchange was nothing new. Those present had long grown accustomed to Lydiana’s sharp tongue.

“And no matter how much you scheme, I will never be king.”

Leonhart held Iris close, glaring fiercely at Lydiana.

“You will regret this.”

Lydiana met his gaze with equal intensity, ensuring her sincerity was unmistakable.

“Arrest her! She is a traitor guilty of regicide!”

At Leonhart’s command, guards burst through the doors, surrounding Lydiana with weapons drawn.

“Oh my, how dreadful…”

“No, Lydiana. The one who will regret this… is you.”

Leonhart spoke coldly.

“How disappointing. I never expected Your Highness’s estimation of me to be this low.”

Raising her ornate, jewel-encrusted fan, a violent gust of wind swirled around her. The students screamed as they fled in panic. The wind sharpened into invisible blades, cutting down those closest to her.

“A prince who will never be king holds no worth to me. I would demand compensation for my wasted time… with interest.”

The hall was soon drenched in bl00d, filled with wounded soldiers and students too slow to escape.

Only Leonhart, Jeffrey, Finley, Luca, and Iris—protected by her powerful defensive magic—remained standing.

Lydiana, unfazed, walked toward the exit.

“Well then, Your Highness, thank you for this utterly pointless waste of time. Farewell.”

With a graceful bow, Lydiana Flores vanished from sight.