[Raul's PoV]
Alright... how exactly did I end up in a situation like this? Wasn't this supposed to be a fantasy-adventure story? Why is the development leaning toward a romantic-comedy drama?
Moreover, why are Princess Alisha and Leon even here? Looking at the old man standing behind them, I think I already know how Princess Alisha managed to track me down in this area.
"Aliya, you can go on ahead," I commanded her. "It's not far now; I think it's safe enough for you to walk alone."
"Understood, Young Master."
Princess Alisha and I simply stared at each other in silence until Aliya had disappeared into the distance.
"You seem quite close and friendly with that Courtesan, Raul de Garcia," Princess Alisha said with a sharp, mocking tone. "I thought you were a noble scoundrel, just as the widespread rumors suggested."
At first glance, her words sounded almost like a compliment. But given her tone and the way her eyes looked down on me, I could conclude she was being sarcastic. She had caught me wandering with an entertainer at night and decided the rumors were absolutely true.
"You can just call me Raul, Princess Alisha," I said to her. "And I have no reason to treat her any differently than I treat you, Princess."
I intentionally emphasized the word 'Princess' to return the sarcasm she had thrown at me earlier.
"In other words..." Princess Alisha stepped closer until we were face-to-face. "You equate me—a Princess of a sovereign nation—with a common street courtesan?"
Well... technically, Princess Aliya's status is equal to Alisha's, as they both come from monarchal families. However, I can't exactly say that, can I? Aliya's identity must remain a secret.
"Naturally. I don't see any difference between the two of you," I answered casually.
Upon hearing my words, Leon, who was standing behind Alisha, stepped forward. His face was twisted with rage at the suggestion that I was comparing his Princess to an entertainer.
"You! Take that ba—"
Leon was cut off as Princess Alisha raised her palm in front of the white-haired man's face, signaling him to be silent.
"What makes you think that, Raul?" Princess Alisha asked with her characteristic flat expression.
"I've only just met you, and I'd only just met that courtesan," I replied. "At the very least, I know that she is very dedicated to her work."
Princess Alisha's cheeks flushed slightly at my words. I suspect she misinterpreted my comment about Aliya being "dedicated to her work" in a much more scandalous way.
"Is that so?" Alisha muttered.
She then extended her hand as if offering a handshake.
"In that case, forgive me," she said with a smile. "Allow me to introduce myself properly."
Her tone shifted; her royal aura radiated far more intensely than before. Even the people passing by on the street stopped in their tracks, sensing Alisha's charismatic presence.
"I am Alisha Romanova, the legitimate heir of the Slavic Tsardom—the land of the northmen. It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Raul de Garcia."
Glancing at her hand, which was as smooth and white as snow, I heard the surrounding crowd begin to whisper, admiring her beauty and authority. I shook her hand and replied:
"I am Raul de Garcia, sole heir of the House Garcia and the Duchy of Toledo. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Princess Alisha."
Her hand was incredibly soft yet simultaneously ice-cold. Is her illness getting worse?
"I look forward to our cooperation in the future, my fiancé."
***
[Alisha's PoV]
We parted ways after our introductions. Raul had to return to the academy dormitory, and I still had to stay at the mansion before moving into the Grunbelt Academy women's dorm.
Currently, I am soaking in a tub of warm water. It feels incredibly refreshing to finally rest in such luxury. For twelve long days, I had to sleep in uncomfortable tents just so we could reach the capital quickly.
"He is quite an interesting man."
His face was handsome enough, though certainly not as handsome as Leon's. He seems to be the type of man who holds firm to his principles—if one ignores his habit of frequenting night entertainers.
However, I suppose that doesn't matter. We cannot force others to love only us, just as he cannot force me to fall in love with him instantly. We have only just met; before this betrothal was planned, I didn't even know a man named Raul de Garcia existed in this world.
That's right—our relationship is based purely on mutual interest. That is how it goes in the world of nobility; families are political tools, and we have a duty to utilize them for the sake of the family and the people we lead.
"I have no obligations toward him. Besides, this marriage won't last long anyway."
My remaining time in this world is less than two years. That means our marriage will likely only last about six months.
***
[Vlad's PoV]
Grunbelt Academy. Rumor has it this is the best institution for training future mages and knights in the world. However, after seeing the students on my first day, I don't think it's much different from the academies in the Kingdom of Draconia.
The students still joke, laugh, and talk about trivial things. There is no ambition in their eyes. Their faces and their weak mana auras make it clear that they only entered the academy to secure a decent life after graduation. The noble families just want to boost their family names.
Mages and knights should suffer more, be tormented more, to forge a strong mentality for the future. Looking at these idiots, I bet they'd run away screaming the moment they encountered a powerful monster. I suppose I'll have to manipulate a few students here to make this place more interesting.
"What do you think, Prince Vlad?"
I heard a beautiful voice beside me. She was giving me a tour of the academy grounds.
"It's amazing, Elena!" I answered, playing the fool. "Also, you can just call me Vlad. No need for such formality."
"Alright, Vlad."
So, this is my future wife. Unlike these idiotic students, this blonde girl has a powerful mana aura, even if it hasn't fully matured yet. A beautiful face, a provocative body, and a naive mind—exactly my type.
Ughh... I can't wait to marry her and turn her into my slave. She happens to be a candidate for the imperial succession, doesn't she? I'll make sure she wins and then rule the Aragon Empire from the shadows.
First step: I must make Elena dependent on me. Making her win the succession will be easy using the methods I've already proven effective in the Novgorod Federation. Once I have her trust, I will break her mind, tormenting her until she can only obey my words like a loyal dog.
I've always been addicted to watching people who uphold justice and truth—people like Elena—turn into playthings. Ughhh... my hobbies really are the best.
Looking at her beautiful body again, I felt a slight shiver. I'm certain no sane man could resist the temptation of Elena's form. I must have her, no matter what.
"President, who is this with you?"
Our footsteps stopped. Elena and I turned around to see a black-haired man, much like myself, walking toward us. I watched his feet; his steps made no sound whatsoever. I hadn't even detected his presence until he called out to Elena. If he were an assassin, my life would have been over.
"Ah, Vlad, let me introduce you. This is Raul de Garcia—Head of the Disciplinary Committee," Elena said, her demeanor noticeably shifting when this man appeared. "Raul, this is Prince Vlad. He just transferred here."
I looked into the eyes of this man named Raul. They were black like the dead of night, and his face suggested he had absolutely zero interest in me.
I hate him.
Judging by how Elena acted toward him, it seemed the two were quite close. He bowed, then looked back at me casually. "Welcome to the academy, Prince. I hope you have an... interesting experience here."
Tch. Empty formalities.
"President, I wanted to ask when the Student Council will be closing the books for the clubs? Final exams are approaching; we need to do it soon so we aren't overwhelmed later," the black-haired man said, clearly trying to disrupt my time with Elena.
"Vlad, could you wait here for a moment? I need to speak with Raul," Elena said, looking apologetic.
I simply nodded. The two of them moved a short distance away and began talking. As I suspected, they have a special relationship. Elena's body language was relaxed, and her facial expressions were entirely different than when she spoke to me.
I suppose I'll have to deal with this man first before I can have Elena entirely. However, I sense something abnormal about him. My logic and observation tell me he has an ordinary body and no great mana aura, yet my instincts tell me this man is dangerous.
But no matter. I will crush anyone who interferes with my pleasure.
Raul de Garcia... you will die by my hand sooner or later.