And yet, despite being reborn into such a wonderful world, Alice found herself trapped as a noble daughter, deprived of freedom and love.
She never acted out or caused trouble to gain her family’s attention.
Once, she had tried shedding tears to express her loneliness, but it had made no difference.
At the age of five, she realized there was no point in trying.
“I want to be loved…”
Whenever she was alone, those words would escape her lips like a mantra.
* * *
When Alice turned six, a marriage proposal came her way—from none other than the prince of the kingdom.
The second prince, Lambert, had reportedly fallen in love with Alice at first sight during a party.
Though intimidated by the title of “prince,” her heart raced at the thought of being admired by someone so revered.
“A prince… It feels like a dream that someone like him could fall in love with me.”
With only one brief meeting between them, Alice began to imagine a happy future with the prince.
The day after their engagement was confirmed, Lambert visited Alice at the Marquis' estate.
Alice welcomed him with her long hair tied into twin tails at ear height and wearing a light blue dress adorned with plenty of frills and ribbons.
Though she had faint memories of her past life as an adult, her current mental age aligned with her physical age. Thus, she chose an outfit she believed made her look her absolute cutest.
“Hello, Alice. I’m so glad you’ve accepted me,” Lambert said warmly.
“The honor is all mine, Your Highness. I look forward to your kind guidance,” Alice replied, performing a perfect curtsey in response to the radiant smile of the prince, who seemed to emit a noble aura.
The two moved to the salon and sat at a table together.
“You’re truly beautiful,” Lambert said.
“Thank you. Your beauty surpasses mine, Your Highness, but your words bring me great joy,” Alice replied.
As she spoke, Lambert, with his sharp black eyes narrowing in satisfaction, ran his hand through his striking red hair.
“A person of my stature should naturally be paired with someone as beautiful as you,” he remarked.
“…? I’m honored,” Alice replied, sensing an air of arrogance in his words.
“Of course, it’s not just about appearances. As my fiancée, you’ll make sure to behave in a way that doesn’t bring shame to me, right?”
“Of course, I will.”
Despite Lambert’s unusually pompous tone, Alice responded with a smile.
That day, Alice realized something about Lambert: he was a boy who loved himself above all else and enjoyed boasting endlessly.
(He’s still just a child… And having self-confidence is a good thing,) she thought.
Though he occasionally displayed some gentlemanly manners and a small degree of kindness, his graceful demeanor was undeniably captivating.
For now, he seemed like a selfish boy, but Alice believed she might grow to love him someday. With that hope in mind, she continued to engage with him.
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