When I open my eyes, I'm blinded by the bright lights around me. I notice several people in the room, many dressed in elegant gowns and suits, all their gazes fixed on a particular scene.
Looking closer, I see a man holding a woman's hand while seemingly saying something to her. Still disoriented, I need to get my bearings.
[You are currently the son of Duke Crimson, now named Arthur Crimson, who is in love with a commoner girl who entered this academy through her own merit. Your mission is as follows:
Change the so-called "villainess's" fate. Ensure her exile is completely overturned and prove she isn't truly evil.
Reward: 3000 SP, 5 Stat Points, [???] ]
There are question marks in the rewards—could it be a secret prize?
"ARTHUR!"
A shout snaps me out of my thoughts. Being called by another name feels so strange.
"What is it, Your Highness?"
A handsome blond man with blue eyes stands before me. Why do all princes in these kinds of stories have to be blond?
"I've been calling you for a while now. You were spacing out, so I had to yell to get your attention."
"My deepest apologies, Your Highness. I was lost in thought. What were you saying?"
"I, Alexander, Prince of the Kingdom of Pomelia, hereby declare the annulment of my engagement to Rossette, daughter of House Moriarte. And as the son of House Crimson, I want you to witness it."
What's with these names? They sound like they were made up by a lazy writer. And witness? He's humiliating her in front of a crowd—they could've served as witnesses just fine.
Well, if I want to complete this mission, I'll have to give it my all.
"Your Highness, as your witness, I must ask—are you absolutely certain about this? Do you truly wish to break off your engagement with Lady Rossette Moriarte?"
"YES! I refuse to let that woman cause more trouble for me when all I want is to be with my beloved Elizabeth!"
"Very well, Your Highness."
I turn toward the woman named Rossette. Her expression is filled with sadness and anger—it's obvious she never wanted this. Yet she maintains her composure. I can't believe this idiot is throwing away such a beautiful woman for someone who cries like a child and lacks the maturity to be queen.
Right now, I have no memories of this body. I don't know how this world works or what Arthur's relationship with the "villainess" was like. But desperate times call for desperate measures.
"Arthur, what are you doing?"
I walk toward her step by step. As I approach, I notice strange looks from the crowd—even Rossette seems confused. But I don't care. Completing this mission is all that matters.
When I finally stand before her, I lock eyes with her, take her right hand, and kneel on one knee.
"Lady Rossette… will you marry me?"
I don't look away, keeping my gaze fixed on her. A faint blush spreads across her cheeks despite her shocked expression. But I can't stay silent for long—even if this isn't my real body, I'd die of embarrassment if she rejected me.
"Lady Rossette, from the moment I saw you, I felt something profound. Your golden hair cascading over your shoulders, those ruby-red eyes so dazzling I lose myself in them. Even now, humiliated before all these people, you hold onto your elegance and strength. Others may call you arrogant, but I know you're not a bad person."
At this point, I don't hear a single word from the crowd. *With acting skills like these, I should try for drama school.
When I look back at her, her face is completely red. She glances around nervously, but I know she's not upset—I'm not even gripping her hand tightly.
"I-I think this is s-sudden! Normally, we sh-shouldn't… but if you truly mean it, prove it! Then… I'll consider making you my p-promised! Hehehe!"
She tries to mask her nerves with laughter, but her stuttering gives her away.
"And how would you like me to prove it?"
"If you really love me, carry me out of here like a princess! And… you have to kiss me! Hehehe!"
*Ah, I see.* She's afraid I might be lying—after all, the *real* Arthur is supposedly in love with Elizabeth. But the soul in this body isn't Arthur's—it's William's. And if a beautiful woman offers to be my fiancée in exchange for a kiss and a princess-style exit? That's a deal I'll take.
I smile, and as she closes her eyes, I scoop her up into my arms just as she asked.
"EHHHHHHHHHHHH?!"
Even she seems shocked by what I've done. I stride toward the grand doors, the murmurs of the crowd erupting into chaos as I step outside with Rossette in my arms. Her trembling hands cling to my neck like I'm her lifeline. Helping her in this world might be the best choice I've made.
"S-STOP THEM!"
Alexander's furious voice booms behind me. Why is he so mad? He's the one who didn't want her.
"ARTHUR CRIMSON! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!"
I turn and glare at him.
"By the order of my father, Duke Crimson, I declare Rossette Moriarte under ducal protection! Any offense against her will be considered an insult to House Crimson!"
*I'll have to figure things out later.* I'm not sure about this body's relationship with his father, but for now, that should stop anyone from chasing us.
∆∆∆
I managed to reach my family's carriage—thankfully, this man had his house's emblem on his clothes, or I wouldn't have known how to escape without raising suspicion. After setting Rossette down on the seat across from me, I take my own seat.
It's obvious this event was the catalyst for Rossette's exile. Taking her away from the party should solve her immediate problem, but it can't be that easy—otherwise, the mission would already be complete.
"Don't you think what you did was reckless?"
"It was. But seeing you humiliated by a spineless man who doesn't understand the weight of an engagement—flaunting his hatred while no one defended you—made me furious."
She stares at me, stunned. Even *I'm* surprised by my own words. But in a way, I understand her. That feeling of being despised by those you love, of being humiliated until you believe you're the problem…
"You're right. So for now, I should thank you. I was about to do something… drastic. But you speaking up made me reconsider."
"It's nothing. I just wanted to help."
"You could've picked a better way than shouting your 'love' for me in front of everyone and putting me through that embarrassment!"
"It was the fastest way out. Besides, it worked—that's what matters."
*"…You're right."*
She looks away, smiling.
"Now, onto the important question—who are you?"
"Uh—"