After their engagement was canceled, they entered into a marriage based solely on political reasons, lacking any romantic affection.

 After their engagement was canceled, they entered into a marriage based solely on political reasons, lacking any romantic affection.

 
Alternative name: 婚約破棄の次は、愛のない政略結婚。人生詰んだ（と思ったのだが）

Writer: Eri Nakàshima
Plot :  Liam, the son of the Duke, breaks off the engagement after witnessing his fiancée cheating on him. The next moment, he meets Princess Anastasia, who asks him to marry him. "Right now, I've fallen in love with you. Let's get married." "I refuse.

 

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After their engagement was canceled, they entered into a marriage based solely on political reasons, lacking any romantic affection.

 

"... Are you serious?" Duke's son, Liam Lowell muttered, unaware of his own words but recognizing his unemotional voice as it reached his ears. Motionless, he fixated his gaze blankly upon the pair before him. It was the night of the empire's grand ball, and a group of individuals stood secluded on the balcony, distant from the radiant chandelier illuminating the vast hall. Liam's short strawberry blonde hair swayed gently in the breeze, while his long, pale sky blue eyes remained fixed on them, unwavering. Suddenly, the two in question hastily released each other, finally realizing Liam's presence. However, Liam couldn't erase the memory of their tightly pressed bodies and locked lips just moments ago.

"... Liam, um."

"…………"

His fiancée stood pale and terrified in front of the silent Liam. The man whom Liam had considered a friend until this very moment tightly embraced her slender shoulders.

"... Liam, I'm sorry, but I've always desired her—"

"Stop."

Liam interjected with an angry tone. His once vibrant face turned ashen, boiling with inner turmoil. When did it all begin? How did it come to this? Countless questions echoed in his mind, yet Liam refrained from speaking any of them. Instead, he clenched his fists tightly, fixed his gaze straight onto the pair before him, and delivered his verdict.

"The engagement will be terminated."

"... Liam!"

Ignoring her screams, Liam turned his back on her. A tingling sensation pricked at the corners of his eyes, while an intense burning sensation filled his throat. Dizziness overwhelmed him. If he didn't leave this place immediately, he feared he might collapse. In a hurry to depart, Liam struggled to recognize the scene that lay before him.

". "

A clear, melodious voice echoed through the air. On the verge of colliding with someone, Liam panicked and halted. Glancing quickly, he discovered a slender woman standing there, a full head shorter than himself. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, she emanated an aura of height. Her figure was slender, boasting an impeccable posture. She possessed glossy, wavy blond hair and eyes as vibrant as the deep sea. This was Anastasia Cullen, the second princess of the realm, an 18-year-old classmate from the Imperial Academy, just like Liam. Her captivating blue dress, reminiscent of the moonlit sea adorned with diamond-like stars, suited her perfectly and captured attention effortlessly.

"Your Royal Highness."

Liam lowered his head in a display of respect but attempted to avoid Anastasia's gaze.

"... Liam, are you crying?"

As Liam raised his head, Anastasia tilted hers in confusion. Liam rolled his eyes and responded with frustration.

"No. Absolutely not."

"-_-"

Puzzled by his demeanor, Anastasia scrutinized Liam with the grace of a seasoned actress on stage.

"Did you just call off the engagement?"

"... were you watching?"

"I was watching. Liam, are you serious?"

Liam couldn't comprehend why Anastasia would pose such a question. He grappled with the anger and sadness of betrayal, as well as the embarrassment of being witnessed. However, considering Anastasia's royal status, he felt compelled to respond, even if it meant being straightforward.

Anastasia's presence had somewhat calmed Liam down. While he hadn't intended to reverse his decision to end the engagement, he knew it wouldn't be the end of it. Above all else, he needed his father's consent.

"I am serious, but ultimately, I'll require my father's approval."

"In that case, I will speak to the Duke. If you're determined, it's acceptable."

"... Your Royal Highness?"

Perplexed by the meaning behind her words, Liam found himself in a state of confusion. He couldn't recall having such a close relationship with Anastasia. Did she, as an eyewitness, intend to support him as an ally?

Contrary to Liam's expectations, Anastasia wore a radiant smile akin to the sun.

"Liam Lowell, marry me."

Liam momentarily forgot to breathe.

"......Huh?"

"Let's go immediately and talk to His Majesty. Come with us."

She grasped Liam's wrist, and for a moment, he was captivated by her delicate, beautiful hand. After being pulled along for a short distance, Liam resisted with a bewildered expression.

"Hey, no no. You must be joking, right?"

"Why would I be joking?"

"For now, please wait a moment."

"No need to wait. Let's go."

"No, you can't!"

After raising his voice slightly, Liam finally halted, and Anastasia turned back to look at him. She released his hand, and her lovely eyebrows slightly furrowed, indicating a hint of annoyance.

"Is something the matter?"

"No, it will cause numerous issues! This sudden... Shouldn't it be up to His Majesty the Emperor to decide whom the Princess will marry?"

"You were originally among the candidates recommended by the ministers. So I want to marry you."

"No, why is this happening? It can't be me—"

Liam was at a loss for words. Nevertheless, he hesitantly asked Anastasia, who stared at him blankly.

"Are you saying you have feelings for me?"

"............"

"............"

"............"

"... Why the silence?"

Anastasia crossed her arms and tilted her head, observing Liam as a smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

"No, I was pondering what you mean by 'feelings.' Is it akin to saying 'I love you'?"

"Well, um..."

"I don't love you, not yet. I don't know you well enough."

Being straightforwardly told, Liam let out a deep sigh.

"...Is that so? Then why me? There are other suitable candidates, aren't there?"

"I may not love you, but I do like you."

"............"

"In the Academy's selection test for magic knights, you achieved the best results in history. That caught my attention."

"Well, yes... That did happen."

Although the difference was relatively small. Anastasia exhibited remarkable water magic, striking down targets like arrows. Many students believed that if the legendary Goddess of War materialized, she would resemble Anastasia. Liam, on the other hand, excelled in wielding both the sword and lightning magic, allowing him to surpass Anastasia in the overall score.

"I admire your talent. I want you to assist me."

Liam was at a loss for words as he stared into her determined, piercing eyes.

As I contemplated my role as a noble in this country, I realized that I would be more suited to live as a magic knight, protecting the empire, rather than entering the world of politics.

"...I believe it is the duty of someone born into a duke's family to strive for the empire's benefit."

"Isn't serving the empire the same as helping me?"

"I understand that. But marriage—"

"What about marriage?"

"...that's something two people who love each other do."

At Liam's statement, Anastasia blinked her eyes. Liam could feel his cheeks flush as she silently gazed at him. He realized he had said something quite embarrassing. To be frank, there were few high-ranking aristocrats who would openly express such sentiments. Even Liam's own parents had a marriage of convenience. While there was some love between them, when his mother discovered his father's affair, she became furious and returned to her parents' house. As a child, Liam was taken to his maternal grandparents' house along with his older brother. Despite the kindness of those around him, he vividly remembers the worry he felt about not being able to see his father. In the end, his father tearfully begged for forgiveness, kneeling on the ground. So Liam doubted the existence of true love between his parents.

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After a moment, Anastasia covered her mouth with her hand, attempting to hide her smile, but failing to do so.

"...Your Imperial Highness. Are you making fun of me right now?"

"No."

"I'm laughing because..."

"No."

Saying that, Anastasia lowered her hand and couldn't help but break into a genuine smile. Her innocent expression was truly beautiful, or rather, adorable, and Liam found himself momentarily captivated by her.

"I wonder how romantic you are..."

It was a moment that caught his attention. Even then, Liam regretted his reaction. He furrowed his brows, appearing displeased, although he knew it was disrespectful. However, Anastasia continued without hesitation.

"I've fallen in love with you now. Let's get married."

"No!"

Without forgetting to bow to Anastasia, Liam left the ballroom.

In the carriage on the way back to the Duke's house, Liam hung his head and reflected on the whirlwind of events that had unfolded in such a short span of time.

★★★

Later on, Liam's engagement was officially called off. Surprisingly, his father accepted the decision quite easily and was prepared to demand compensation from the other party for the betrayal of trust. A few days later, a personal letter from the emperor arrived at the Lowell family's residence. The letter stated that the emperor wanted Liam, the second son of the Lowell family, to marry the second princess, Anastasia, and that upon their marriage, they would be granted a new territory in the west. The smooth dissolution of the engagement hinted that Liam's father was likely aware of everything beforehand.

"I don't want a loveless political marriage."

Liam attempted to rebel against his father in his office, even though he knew it would likely be futile. His father sat behind his desk, with his mother and older brother standing on either side, all three of them stating that it was impossible.

"What is 'love'? What did your ex-fiancée do? You have no right to decide. Thank you. This is an order from your father."

"Princess Anastasia is strong, beautiful, and intelligent. What are you dissatisfied with? There is no greater honor than this."

"Don't worry about our ducal family. You don't have to concern yourself with anything and go west. Thank you for accepting. This is an order."

Feeling dejected, Liam slumped his shoulders instead of speaking up. Both Liam and Anastasia were currently enrolled in the Imperial Academy, and they would marry after graduating at the age of 20. The dissolution of Liam's engagement and the new engagement, now with a princess as his new partner, quickly became the talk of not only the academy but also the social circles. Exhausted from the constant barrage of questions wherever he went, Liam sought refuge by a pond on the outskirts of the academy. He sat on a bench under a pergola and stared blankly at the water.

"Hi, Liam."

Startled by the confident voice, he turned to see Anastasia.

"Your Royal Highness."

"Anastasia is fine."

Smiling, Anastasia approached and sat next to Liam.

Liam contemplated asking how she knew he was there but stopped himself. After all, she was a princess. It was no wonder she had her sources in the academy.

Letting out an unhidden sigh, Liam settled back down and turned his gaze back to the water's surface.

"...I should have said no."

"If the Duke had said no, I would have given up. What did your father say?"

"He had no right of veto."

"That's a pity."

As she said that, Anastasia smiled refreshingly.

"Let me tell you how we got engaged... I'm certain I won't be able to love you."

Unexpectedly, Anastasia furrowed her brows and wore a lonely expression.

"...That's sad. If possible, I wanted to build a warm family."

It was an unforeseen reaction. Liam had expected to hear something like "I don't mind" in response. His voice caught in his throat, and he trembled inwardly. He had said too much.

"...No, um... I'm sorry. I spoke out of turn just now."

Anastasia's large eyes gazed at him, clear and beautiful.

"...I think it's too early to say that I can't do it... I haven't had many conversations with Her Imperial Highness."

"Well then, let's have plenty of conversations."

With a complete change in tone, Anastasia smiled brightly, much like the surface of the water in front of them.

"Yes."

Relieved by her cheerful expression, Liam took a small breath, feeling different from before.

"...For now, I'm thankful that I didn't have the time to sink into depression," Liam expressed, acknowledging that the piercing pain he had felt in his chest had already faded away. With honesty, he let out a small laugh, finding his own words and actions somewhat foolish.

Witnessing this, Anastasia's smile blossomed like a blooming flower, her eyes filled with affection.

"That's good. From now on, I'll do my best to bring you happiness. I promise. I won't stray. It will only be Liam for the rest of my life."

If there are people who dislike such straightforwardness, please let me know. Liam stared and quickly averted his gaze. His face may be blushing now.

"Thank you for that..."

Liam had tried to escape from Anastasia's gaze, but she closed the distance swiftly. Curious about her intentions, she reached out and gently turned Liam's face towards her, her hand touching his cheek.

"...!?"

Right in front of him was Anastasia's face, their gazes locking together.

"You have a beautiful face," Liam wanted to say that it must be her doing, but the words failed to come out.

Anastasia's thumb, which rested on his chin, moved smoothly and gently brushed against Liam's lips. He took a deep breath.

"How far did you go with your ex-fiancée?"

Liam couldn't find an answer, and Anastasia smiled with an irresistibly charming allure. Just when he thought Anastasia was drawing closer, she softly pressed her lips against his cheek.

A fragrance reminiscent of a gentle white bouquet enveloped him. Anastasia's scent was clean and refreshing, with a sweetness that seemed to embrace Liam, leaving him feeling lightheaded.

After separating from Liam, who remained frozen, Anastasia gracefully rose from the bench.

"I must leave now. Afternoon classes are starting."

She said this, and Liam watched as Anastasia's dignified figure dashed away. As soon as she departed, his face flushed, and he brought his hand to his mouth, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath to regain composure.

However, his heart beat so strongly that it made his pulse race, and he couldn't help it. Although he had afternoon classes, Liam couldn't t

hink of anything at the moment.

Even with his eyes closed, all he could see was Anastasia's face. Liam couldn't believe it himself and found himself muttering involuntarily.

"...She's too captivating."

――What awaits them is a joyful marriage.

(THE END)

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