"Let us welcome our kingdom's future ruler! Its Prince Leonas,"
Smile.
Wave.
Everybody loves me. I'm perfect. From looks to magic talent, each and every part of me is nothing but perfect. Lords of other kingdoms line up to engage their daughters to me... I can't help but be so desirable.
And yet... each and every one of them were just not enough.
Too nice.
Too stupid.
This one? She's fine, I just don't like her name.
I sit at my throne, my leg crossed over the other. As I lay my perfectly crafted face on my hand, I could t help but scorn.
"Father, are we done?"
"Leonas... You still don't like any of them?"
I shook my head, steeling my gaze. After all, the one who should rule by my side... should be just as perfect as I.
Beautiful princesses may come my way... but all of them have flaws. Perhaps I just don't like any of them.
As a prince, the future leader of our kingdom... I have standards that need to be met.
"Father, you should understand... my standards are high simply because I have a reputation to uphold. A ruler should not be seen as weak,"
"Still... what about love? No one is flawless. To reject all of them without giving any of those suitors a chance..."
"Love is flawed, Father. Only a perfect ruler can lead the kingdom,"
_____________________________________
I joined the magic academy after becoming sixteen. I maintained my image, to be the perfect leader. With the respect of my peers, everything should've been smooth-sailing.
"A commoner had manifested light magic, have you heard? She's attending the academy!"
Light magic... it's extremely rare. To think someone had outshone me in such an aspect... am I no longer the centre of attention?
No, I have to dig deeper.
I researched of this so-called miracle commoner. She seemed normal, though she was a people-pleaser. She was easy to converse with..
Her name was Alisa Lenal.
She outshone me. She was the centre of attention, gaining exemplary grades, and becoming the perfect student in the eyes of others.
The way she presents herself, exuding an air of confidence...
The way she battles fiercely alongside her familiar phoenix...
As much as I didn't want to admit it, she'd make the perfect partner when ruling.
_____________________________________
There were a few obstacles in my way while I tried to pursue her. She wasn't interested in joining the royal bloodline... how peculiar.
My 'fiancé', Elise, was terribly against the idea of me pursuing another woman. She tried getting in the way of my plans, that foolish woman.
I can't get rid of her yet, she's a valuable asset.
School life is entertaining...
The girl was something different. She had overcome many challenges all by herself...
By the time we were about to graduate, she had finally accepted my offer.
Elise was against it... but by then, I had no longer any use for her.
I'll get rid of her.
Soon, all my efforts will be acknowledged. I've spent years planning it all out. When I take over the crown, everything will be perfect.
A day before the ceremony, something had happened.
An evil force attacked the kingdom, it was a beast I had never seen before. I sent the commoner out to face it... and yet she failed in battle.
Why? It was all going so well...
My crown...
My rightful place atop that throne...
It should've been perfect.
The kingdom burnt down in flames. I had died.
_____________________________________
I was given a second chance at life, retaining all my memories. This time, I felt more freedom in my options.
I spent my first few years observing. It seemed no one else remembered the great disaster that befallen the kingdom that day..
I began planning. I had to find out more about this 'system' and its 'users'. I clearly wasn't the only one.
So far, there were six users. Not much information was given to me about them...
I'm the fourth.
The first I found out was the commoner, the very one from the fairy tale. The second was a power-obsessed maniac.
I had a feeling I knew who the third was, but I had to confirm it.
"Your highness, what are you doing here?"
I told her of my plan. Her family had already agreed to move her near the palace.
Now, I've confirmed yet another user.
_____________________________________
"Leonas, it's about time you received your first knight,"
"Of course, Father,"
Among the selection of young knights in front of me, one stood out. He was a little too awkward... out of place.
I made my way to him, scrutinising him.
"Your name?"
"B/N, Prince Leonas... B/N Albrecht,"
Interesting. His aura was unfamiliar... foreign.
"Father, I choose him,"
I got to know the young knight. He was flawed, defying my idea of perfection... I normally wouldn't have gotten along with him, but he was fascinating.
He was clumsy, snored in his sleep, and his mannerisms... were strange, to put it.
Over time, this little fascination turned into infatuation. For such a flawed person to be so entertaining...
He didn't care much for titles, and didn't seem to know much about nobility at all, for a knight coming from a noble family.
I found myself being drawn to his 'happy-go-lucky' personality... it was a first.
I had my suspicions for some time, but this man may not be from here... I had no way to prove it though.
I noticed all his little habits. I knew all his favourite foods, and what he loved talking about most.
Suddenly, I didn't care for the crown anymore. In my previous life, my efforts were never enough. In the end, I was never even close to laying my hands on that crown.
And yet, in this life... I began to question if I ever needed it. I was quite content with how things were.
I'd already wasted a lifetime, not meeting him sooner. This time, I'll dedicate every single moment to him.
My knight.
__________________________________
I updated a lot sooner than I thought I would... I just suddenly felt more motivated. I'm honestly exhausted by now, getting used to the schedule... but hey, feels nice doing something productive after such a long time.
I'm currently in holiday seasons, and school had ended a long time ago. I realised I never did mention how I did for my tests since the chapter on the tyrant. I actually did pretty decent! Part of the reason why I was able to continue writing.
I would also then like to address a few questions I've gotten... just in case you were curious.
Question 1: What are my plans for the future of this book?
Honestly, I'm ending it pretty soon. Afterwards, I'm probably writing a few special chapters along with events not from the main storyline with characters that my readers may have preferred over our main girl, Elise.
Question 2: How old am I? (This question wasn't even related to the story... but I've had a few people guessing my age)
Just saying, I'm probably a lot younger than whatever number you have in mind...
Question 3: How often will updates be coming?
I'd say not as often as before, but still pretty often. Maybe once every 1-3 days? I won't be leaving for months without a word anytime soon. ;>
Your Author,
Baldie