ILRP 01

Chapter 1

Two years ago, in the royal palace of the Kingdom of Ortigia.

Princess Elizia gazed intently at a portrait. On the table, beside a vase filled with pale pink orchids, lay an acceptance letter from the Royal Academy of the Neutral State of Swena. It was the school she was to enroll in two weeks later.

Her glossy hair flowed down over her shoulders in soft waves. With a delicate jawline, a graceful neck, and neatly groomed nails, she was an elegant beauty that would make anyone turn for a second look. Yet the firmness of her tightly closed lips and the stubborn glint in her eyes revealed a personality far stronger than her appearance suggested.

Her nanny tapped the figure in the portrait.

“Your Highness, make sure you remember the face in this portrait. This man is the crown prince of our enemy nation. If you run into him at the academy, you mustn’t cause any trouble or pick a fight!”

“Why would I fight him? I probably won’t even meet him.”

“…Well… that’s… considering your personality… um…”

The nanny trailed off awkwardly. Elizia could easily guess what she had meant.

Something along the lines of you’re quite formidable or strong-willed. But she didn’t mind.

“Don’t worry. As a proud princess of Ortigia, I’ll behave with elegance.”

The man in the portrait was the crown prince of the Kashtra Empire—
Nobila Herve Karund, first prince of the empire that had once waged a bloody war against Elizia’s homeland.

Though the war had ended and a ceasefire had lasted nearly twenty years, the two nations remained bitter enemies with no exchange between them. As a result, Elizia only knew the enemy prince through this portrait painted by a royal artist.

She glanced at it again.

A gaudy blond man with slicked-back hair, a large bulbous nose, crooked teeth, and a twisted grin stared back at her—an undeniably unattractive figure.

Two days after enrolling at the academy—

Elizia stood in the headmaster’s office, eyes sparkling.

Beside her stood a student who seemed to hover between boy and man. His posture was upright, his expression composed and refined.

The headmaster gestured for the two to stand closer. They each shifted half a step, somewhat awkwardly.

Stroking his white mustache, the headmaster smiled faintly and spoke without preamble.

“Lakan. Elizia. I’ve called you here to inform you… that the two of you have been assigned as direct senior and junior.”

“Yes!”
“…Yes.”

Elizia nodded with a faint smile.

He’s my direct senior?
The thought that she’d be paired with such a handsome person lifted her mood slightly.

The boy, however, responded more slowly, his expression subdued.

At the Royal Academy, a unique system paired each new student with a direct senior. The senior would guide the junior for several months, helping them adjust—attending some classes together, occasionally sharing tea during free time.

Elizia glanced sideways at the boy called Lakan.

Tall, broad-shouldered, and standing confidently with his hands behind his back, he carried himself like someone of high status—perhaps a noble. But one thing bothered her: his slightly furrowed brows.

What’s with that reaction…?

Her own expression stiffened.

Just moments ago, she had been pleased about her handsome senior. But his displeased demeanor erased that feeling instantly.

Is he that unhappy to be paired with me? …Could he be from the Empire?

That would explain it. If he were from the Empire, being paired with a princess from an enemy nation—no less—would certainly be unpleasant.

The headmaster chuckled at their awkward expressions.

“I assigned this pairing with reason. Do try to get along. You may leave now.”

“Yes.”
“Yes.”

Elizia bowed politely and turned to leave, eager to escape the uncomfortable atmosphere.

Outside the office, the two walked in silence along the only available path.

Watching his retreating back, Elizia suddenly frowned.

Come to think of it… doesn’t the headmaster usually send these assignments by letter?

But she quickly dismissed the thought, assuming it was because she was royalty.

As they stepped outside, sunlight flooded her vision. She paused at the doorway, blinking as warm spring air brushed her face.

Then, a low, pleasant voice spoke from above her.

“This wasn’t some scheme of yours, was it?”

It was Lakan.

…What is this imperial idiot talking about?

She turned her head. He stood leaning against the wall, arms crossed, looking down at her due to their height difference—a detail she found irritating.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean—did you pull some strings to be paired with me?”

He smirked lazily.

Elizia studied his face carefully.

Under the soft spring sunlight, his golden hair shimmered like molten gold, and his emerald eyes were strikingly vivid. He was undeniably beautiful—almost pretty. Yet his sharp features and intense gaze made it clear he was very much a man.

There was a natural nobility and ease in his demeanor that drew attention effortlessly.

For a brief moment, she could almost understand his absurd level of self-confidence.

Meeting his gaze directly, she said:

“You’re from the Empire, aren’t you?”

He nodded easily.

“Correct. And you’re the princess of Ortigia.”

“Right. Given your origin, I can understand your reaction. But ‘schemes’? ‘Fate’? Ha! I just met you today—and you’re not my type.”

“Really? I don’t think my looks are a matter of taste. And whether you like it or not, I’m your senior. Show some respect, Princess.”

“….”

What kind of narcissistic lunatic is this? And he wants me to use honorifics? To an imperial noble?

Her silence spoke volumes.

“And just so you know,” he added casually, “I have no intention of dating women. So don’t get any pointless ideas. For the next two months, we’re strictly senior and junior—nothing more.”

“….”

Elizia clenched her jaw. She wanted to retort—but anything she said would likely be far from elegant.

“Where does that ridiculous confidence come from, Lakan? …Or should I say, Senior?”

“From wealth, power, status—and my looks.”

“…Ha.”

She let out a hollow laugh.

Best to avoid lunatics like him.

“Whether you fall in love with teacups or pigeons, I couldn’t care less,” she said sharply. “So stop spouting nonsense—and you’d better not take an interest in me either. I’ll be on my way. See you around.”

She turned briskly.

Though it stung her pride to speak politely to him, rules were rules. She had come here knowing she would have to set aside her royal status.

And she had no intention of kicking him in the shin and storming out—tempting as that might be.

From their very first meeting, she already knew:

This man was the most insufferable imperial she could imagine.

Muttering curses under her breath, she quickened her pace—

And promptly tripped over a protruding stone.

“Ah!”

Her dress caught as she stumbled. Though she managed not to fall, a loud rip echoed as the hem tore.

The delicate fabric shredded like seaweed.

Why is nothing going right today?!

As she angrily brushed off her dress, his amused voice reached her from behind.

“You said not to take interest, yet that looked like a clear ‘please notice me.’”

Her eye twitched.

Without turning back, she stormed off.

Lakan watched her leave with an indifferent gaze before turning away himself.

Their first meeting ended in less than an hour—

Much like the strained relationship between their nations.

On her way back to the dormitory, Elizia kicked at stones, grumbling.

“Schemes? Romance? Ha! Who would ever date such a narcissistic jerk?”

Still fuming, she continued muttering:

“He might look decent, but what’s the point? I pity whoever ends up marrying him. Future wife—stay strong! I wish you happiness!”

A dramatic message of sympathy for an unknown woman.

Then she paused.

For some reason, her toe—after kicking so many stones—really hurt.