Where Blind Devotion to a First Love Leads

Author: Tamana Kyabetsu

“Lillie, I wish to call off my engagement to you.”

　

Visiting the palace as usual, Lillie von Ehrenberg was ushered into the private chambers of her fiancé, Crown Prince Alexis, as usual.

Lillie was greeted by her fiancé, Alexis, and one other person.

　

“Older Sister, I’m sorry that this happened…”

　

It was Lillie’s half-sister, Christa.

　

When her fiancé suddenly broke off their engagement, Lillie blinked her big fresh green eyes framed by long lashes.

Then, without saying a word, she bowed quietly and left the room.

　

After watching Lillie leave the room, Alexis smiled and took Christa’s hand as she sat next to him.

　

“Christa, I have fulfilled your wish. Now, we can be together forever. Yes…… This is the first time I’ve ever felt such longing. This may be my first love.”

“Thank you, Alexis, I am very happy…”

　

Christa smiles back.

Alexis’ eyes reflect only Christa.

The woman who was his fiancée not so long ago probably doesn’t even exist in the corner of his mind anymore.

　

Christa trembles with joy at her victory.

　

　

　

　◆◆◆

　

　

　

The Duke of Ehrenberg stands at the top of the nobility. Christa was born as an illegitimate child.

Her mother was a commoner and although they loved each other, they apparently could not be together because their social status was too different.

The Duke had Christa’s mother live on his estate, and took the daughter of a Marquis, who had a high family status but little power, as his wife.

Although they were not a formal family, the father often visited Christa and her mother, and she felt that he was generous in his affection.

　

Her fluffy honey-colored hair stood out among the commoners.

Her eyes were hazel, like her mother’s, but since she has magical power, it was obvious that Christa was of noble blood.

In addition, Christa was the target of envy because of her beautiful features.

　

One day, a major turning point came for Christa and her mother.

The Duchess, her father’s lawful wife, died, and her father welcomed her and her mother into his mansion.

Although her mother was still unable to become the new Duchess, Christa was officially a member of the Ducal Family.

　

Christa von Ehrenberg.

　

Excited by her new name, Christa moved to the Ehrenberg residence in the Royal Capital.

　

　

What chilled Christa’s heart at the supposed peak of her happiness was her half-sister, Lillie.

She knew of her existence, of course.

A pitiful older sister born out of a loveless marriage, born only out of necessity.

She must have looked miserable. She must lead a hard life.

She just needs to be shown kindness. As her only sister, she’s blessed.

That’s what she thought.

　

　

“Nice to meet you, have you heard of me from father? I’m Lillie. Your sister. I hope we can get along.”

　

　

The older sister who smiled softly at her was completely different from the “pitiful older sister” that Christa had imagined.

　

Lillie was more beautiful than anyone she had ever seen – even more beautiful than Christa.

Her platinum hair, like molten moonlight, was well-groomed and silky, and her radiant white skin was something only a young lady who had been nurtured with the greatest care could have.

Above all, when Christa was stared at with the fresh green eyes she had inherited from the Duke, she was forced to realize that she was half commoner, and she felt that she should be elsewhere.

She was told that Lillie displayed all sorts of talents, that her magic skills were on par with those of the Royal Court magicians, and that she spent her spare time studying magic.

Despite her father’s brusque attitude toward her older sister, the pitiful sister seemed to be quite content.

　

It was frustrating. Even though she was an unwanted child. Even though her father didn’t love her.

From the beginning, she had been respected as the daughter of a nobleman with the Ehrenberg name, just because she was the child of his legal wife, and received an education to succeed the Duke.

It should have been Christa’s.

If Christa had been born, raised, and educated in the Ducal family, she would have had everything, just like Lillie.

　

　

“I have to get back what was mine from my sister. Actually, I should be Daddy’s only daughter.”

　

　

Taking everything from Lillie seemed like a justifiable right.

　

The Duke, who had been living apart from her until now, was sweet on Christa, and he was able to grant most of her wishes.

First, all of Lillie’s wardrobe and jewelry were all Christa’s, except for the bare minimum.

She had never had anything so nice before, so the Duke ordered Lillie to give it to Christa, whatever it was.

Usually Lillie,

　

“Oh, you poor thing. I’ll give it to you if you don’t mind something like this. You’ve had a hard time, haven’t you?”

　

She gently handed them over to Christa.

She seemed to be pitied, and she didn’t like that, but it broke her heart to see Lillie becoming more and more frugal.

　

Most of the servants who had been with Lillie were sent to Christa’s side, leaving only a few people around Lillie.

Lillie, however, did not look the least bit troubled, always maintaining the demeanor of the reclusive lady.

　

(It’s still not enough, because older sister still has a lot to spare.)

　

She wanted to take away the most precious thing that Lillie had.

With that in mind, Christa decided to replace her as Ehrenberg’s successor.

No matter how sweet the Duke was to Christa, he was a little reluctant to let her succeed him, but he granted Christa’s wish on the condition that the partner decided by the Duke– who was originally going to marry Lillie – be adopted into the family and that Lillie would be her assistant.

　

The successor position, the fiancé, and everything else became Christa’s.

The pitiful older sister, who had lost everything important to her, would stay by Christa’s side for the rest of her life, and would support Christa’s happiness as her assistant.

That was the way it was meant to be.

　

　

　

　◆◆◆

　

　

　

“Older Sister! Is it true, Older Sister?”

“Well, what’s the matter Christa, why so panicked?”

　

One day, when Christa heard the unbelievable news, she couldn’t stand still, so she went to Lillie’s room.

When Lillie saw Christa, who was flushed with anger, she closed the book she seemed to be reading and turned to Christa.

　

“Older Sister, is it true that you are now engaged to the Crown Prince Alexis? That’s a lie, right? After all, the Crown Prince must have had a fiancée, right?”

“It’s not a lie, His Highness had indeed promised his future to the youngest princess of a neighboring country, but recently she became fragile with an illness…. that’s why I was approached. From the beginning, I was good friends with His Highness.”

　

Royal Families can be assassinated in a variety of ways. The most common means are poison and curses.

Many Royals wear magic tools that nullify them.

Lillie is said to be the one who created the Crown Prince’s magic tool.

Because of this connection, Alexis and Lillie were originally friends.

　

Christa had never met Prince Alexis in person, but she had seen him from a distance.

He was a young man with dark hair and a quiet demeanor.

Rumor had it that he was a mediocre prince with nothing outstanding about him.

The Second Prince, Prince Dietrich, was better-looking and superior in various fields.

However, since Alexis is the eldest son and has no noticeable flaws, it seems that the Crown Prince became Alexis.

　

“Does this mean Older Sister will become the Queen…?”

“It wouldn’t happen anytime soon, but…”

　

Even though she took everything from Lillie, she was lucky enough to get a winning roll in and rise to the top of the women in the country.

Unforgivable.

　

“…… Does older sister meet Prince Alexis often?”

“Until now, we have only exchanged letters, but yes… I think we will have more opportunities to meet each other from now on.”

“I would like to meet him one day, too. He’ll be my brother-in-law.”

　

Whether she knew about Christa’s black heart or not, Lillie smiled softly as usual.

　

“I’ll introduce you to him eventually. You’re my cute little sister.”

　　

　

　

　◆◆◆

　

　

　

Since then, Lillie has been visiting the Royal Palace often.

She must be deepening her relationship with Alexis.

Christa can only grit her teeth and wait until she is finally introduced.

　

(Absolutely, I’ll make the Crown Prince mine too.)

　

Although she thinks so, how can she steal the Crown Prince’s heart from her beautiful sister, with whom he seems to have originally interacted?

At worst, it doesn’t matter if she can’t win his heart. As long as the marriage proposal is ruined.

At the very least, it would be scandalous if she could find Lillie’s flaws…

　

Christa sneaked into Lillie’s room while she was away, looking for something that could ruin her sister’s marriage proposal.

The first few times were unsuccessful, but the pile of papers she happened to pick up contained what Christa was looking for.

　

“The Art of Fascination…”

　

A spell to make a specific member of the opposite sex fall in love with you.

It seems that Lillie discovered it by accident while researching another spell.

However, she left a note saying that it would probably only succeed on a specific star alignment day, that it would only happen once in a daunting cycle, that the day was imminent, and that due to the dangerous spell, it would be announced after the day had passed.

　

This is it, this is the one.

Fortunately, she also has magical powers. She has never used magic before, but fortunately, the procedure is carefully written down, so even an amateur like Christa should be able to do it.

　

“Just you wait, Older Sister.”

　

It seems that the Crown Prince wears a magic tool that nullifies curses, but there was no harm in trying it out.

It was much better than doing nothing.

　

That’s how Christa succeeded in the art of fascination.

　　

　

　

　◆◆◆

　

　

　

Alexis was a gentle and good lover.

When they met face to face, he looked happy from the bottom of his heart and listened to any kind of selfishness.

However, she was not without complaints.

　

“I have always longed to be with you. I’ve hardly ever met Princess Francine from the neighboring country… so I’m so happy to be together like this.”

“Me too, Lord Alexis.”

“Oh – I love you. Really, with all my heart. Ever since that time, I’ve been captivated by you.”

“That time?”

“It was when we first met. You know, at the Royal Palace’s evening party… My curse-nullifying brooch wasn’t working properly, and you noticed that I was desperately enduring it, so you gently detoxified me. You were beautiful, truly like a goddess.”

“Lord Alexis…”

　

In this way, they talked about a memory that does not exist.

Perhaps it was an incident with Lillie.

Judging from this situation, the Crown Prince seemed to have fallen in love with her sister from the bottom of his heart.

But now he belongs to Christa.

　

“I’ll do anything for you, just tell me what you want.”

“Thank you, Lord Alexis.”

　

Christa smiled at Alexis.

Though well-groomed, he did not have a gorgeous face.

His sparkling golden eyes were beautiful, but they were something that the eyebrow-raising Second Prince also shared.

　

(Maybe the Second Prince would have been better anyway.)

　

As she began to frequent the Royal Palace, she also saw the Second Prince, Dietrich, more often.

The first time she saw the beautiful prince she had heard rumors about, Christa’s eyes widened involuntarily.

With his silky silver hair and golden eyes, Dietrich was the ideal prince out of a picture book.

Since then, she has been trying to get closer to Dietrich, but has yet to speak directly to him because the timing isn’t right.

She can’t use the art of fascination anymore, but as long as she gets closer, she should be able to befriend Dietrich.

　

On the other hand, Lillie has been holed up in her room and hardly comes out.

She probably doesn’t want Christa to see her frustrated face.

The Duke doesn’t seem to be very interested in Lillie at all, and since Christa’s mother sees Lillie as an enemy, she seems to be thinking of using this as an opportunity to kick Lillie out of the Duke’s household.

　

(I need older sister to stay by my side and support me, so I have to stop mother from kicking her out.)

　

Christa was happy.

　

　

　

　◆◆◆

　

　

　

It was about a month after the fascination technique was applied.

Christa was summoned by the Crown Prince to visit the Royal Palace on that day as well.

She has been doing this every day lately. She often came in the morning and stays with him until nighttime, and even Christa was a little worried about whether he was fulfilling his responsibilities as a Crown Prince.

　

“Lord Alexis, it’s nice to see you like this every day, but…”

“If I don’t see you, I feel as if my body is being torn apart. I can only feel safe when we’re together like this… Oh, Christa, I hope you don’t go anywhere…”

　

Alexis casts a blank look at Christa and gives her the same meek smile as always.

Only Christa is reflected in those golden eyes.

It should be the same as usual, so why does it send shivers down her spine?

Christa suddenly stood up.

　

“I’m sorry, I’m not feeling so well. So I’ll be taking my leave for today!”

“Are you leaving…?”

　

Alexis reached out to hold Christa back.

　

“Don’t!”

　

Christa suddenly screamed.

Alexis quickly put his hand back and said in a calm tone.

　

“If you insist, Christa…”

　

Christa left Alexis’ room as if to escape.

　

　

　

(The Crown Prince is strange these days. Maybe the art of fascination is too effective…)

　

But Christa doesn’t know what to do as she just performed the procedure Lillie had left written down.

　

(In the first place, it’s older sister’s fault, she should not have written down such a dangerous spell.)

　

As she walked around thinking irresponsibly, she suddenly heard a familiar voice that made her stop in her tracks.

This rather low, sweet voice belonged to Dietrich. It came from inside the room next door.

　

Christa peered inside.

The one who was talking alone with Dietrich was――

　

(No way, older sister…?) ）

　

It was Lillie, who should have been confined to her room lately.

Christa quietly listened, trying to hear what they were talking about.

　

“It has been decided that my brother will be disinherited. Due to the situation, it can’t be helped.”

“I heard that he has been obsessed with her for a long time and has not been able to fulfill any of his original responsibilities. Little sister, I am very sorry.”

“No, it’s not Miss Lillie’s fault, so there’s no need to apologize.”

　

Dietrich sighed deeply.

　

“Originally, you were my fiancée, Miss Lillie. My father was very fond of you, so he’s quite angry.”

“Apologies for my incompetence…”

　

Lillie lowered her eyes hesitantly.

When Dietrich saw this, he sighed again.

　

“My brother doesn’t seem to understand you. There is no woman better suited to be the mother of the nation than you…”

“Those words are wasted on me.”

“My brother will be disinherited. Soon I will become the Crown Prince. Won’t you think about it? To be the mother of the country…”

　

Perhaps she was very surprised, but Lillie’s expression, which usually never broke its ladylike expression, was colored with surprise.

　

Christa ran away from there.

　

　

Her sister was trying to take Christa’s things again.

The figure of the beautiful Dietrich and the beautiful Lillie side by side was like a completed pair of dolls.

She wants to take it away, she wants to destroy it.

But she can’t use the art of fascination anymore.

　

Christa’s face contorted in frustration.

　

　

　

It was the next morning.

The usually quiet Duke’s residence was in an uproar.

Soldiers from the Royal Palace suddenly arrived.

　

“Is Christa von Ehrenberg here?”

　

Their objective was Christa.

　

“What!? What is it!? No, let go of me!”

　

Christa struggled desperately, but could not free herself from the restraints of the trained soldiers.

Ignoring Christa’s cries, the soldiers call to the Duke, who watches in amazement.

　

“Miss Christa’s magical powers have been detected in His Highness Alexis. At present, Miss Lillie is attempting to break the curse, but the palace magicians are certain that this woman has cast some sort of curse. She is guilty of trying to harm the Crown Prince. Miss Christa will be detained. …… Take her away!”

“Oh no! Wait! Don’t take Christa away!”

“Christa! Wait, she’s not the kind of child who would do such a thing!”

　

The Duke and Christa’s mother argued, but the soldiers took Christa away without replying.

A few days later, in Dietrich’s private room.

Lillie was invited there again and stood quietly.

Even though there was a big uproar at home, she didn’t feel it at all.

　

“So, what do you say to the idea of becoming my wife?”

　

When Dietrich cut straight to the point, Lillie smiled softly.

　

“No, I refuse.”

“Why?”

“My engagement to Lord Alexis still stands. It has not been officially called off. It was only announced to me in person. No paperwork has been done.”

“My brother has been disinherited. And yet?”

“Alexis is to be the Ehrenberg’s son-in-law.”

　

Dietrich said with an amused smile.

　

“I see, so – how does it feel to have everything go exactly the way you wanted?”

　

Lillie didn’t change her expression and just smiled back.

　

　

　

　◆◆◆

　

　

　

Born as the heiress daughter of the Duke of Ehrenberg, Lillie was raised by a loving mother, but the servants, including her nanny, were somewhat reserved, and to the young Lillie, her mother was all she had.

The intelligent Lillie vaguely understood why she was treated this way.

　

“Dear Father, today I learned how to cast spells from the magic tutor! The tutor praised me for my talent!”

“Is that so? Well, do your best.”

“Reinart, Lillie is really working hard and she’s getting compliments from teachers in various fields.”

“……”

　

She didn’t have many opportunities to see her busy father, and the days when they could have dinner together as a family were few and far between.

When such an opportunity arose, Lillie desperately tried to show her worth to her father.

However, no matter what Lillie says, her father gives only simple replies and refuses to make eye contact.

Even her mother seemed to be ignored.

If her father, the head of the Ducal Family, was like this, the attitude of the servants would also match accordingly.

She was never outwardly treated coldly, but despite the large Ducal Family with many people working, Lillie always felt lonely, as if she were alone with her mother.

And her mother seemed to support Lillie emotionally as well.

　

“My sweet Lillie, do your best not to bring shame as the successor of Ehrenberg. I’m sure your father will approve of you.”

“Yes, Mother!”

　

Her mother was desperate to bind the Duke through Lillie.

Lillie also wanted to live up to her mother’s expectations.

By then, she had a vague realization that her mother didn’t love her, but only wanted to take advantage of her.

　

Etiquette, mathematics, language, music, poetry, and even magic.

Through a bloody effort, she acquired all kinds of education.

The etiquette teacher ended the lessons early, saying, “I have nothing more to teach you,” and in a few years she was able to speak all the languages of the neighboring countries with ease.

The mathematics and poetry teachers said with a twinkle in their eyes, “Miss Lillie is sure to make a name for herself in this field someday.”

She was especially remarkable in the field of magic, and before her debutante, she had already acquired abilities comparable to those of Royal Court magicians.

Still, her father never cared for her.

　

　

　

She first met Alexis at a small evening party held at the Royal Palace.

It wasn’t a formal event, just a small one where only the Royal Family and close friends were invited.

Alexis was a boy who just smiled and stood still.

　

Lillie, who was well-versed in magic, knew at a glance that he was under a curse.

All members of the Royal Family are supposed to have countermeasures against curses and poisons, so why?

　

Pitying him, Lillie quietly approached Alexis and dispelled the curse.

Then, Alexis’ complexion improved in an instant.

　

“Thank you, you cured me?”

“Yes, Your Highness. Don’t you have a magic tool on you…?”

“I do, but it looks like it is not functioning properly. Thank you for your help.”

　

Alexis pointed at the brooch on his chest, but there was no magic in it.

Even if the magic power had been exhausted, there should still be traces of it. Maybe it was just a brooch from the beginning.

　

“I got this from Dee… from my brother. I don’t know much about magic and couldn’t reapply it.”

　

Haha, Alexis says with a laugh.

　

(Such a carefree person. Even the curses that have been put on him so far must be the work of his younger brother.)

　

He must see his brother as an obstacle and would like to see him dead.

Unaware of this, he smiles softly and is a foolish prince who has no sense of danger.

　

(Even so, someone would have noticed with how unwell he looked……. no, perhaps not.)

　

No one here is interested in Alexis.

A mediocre First Prince who will surely be erased someday just by being the current Crown Prince.

He had no decent escorts, and even Lillie can approach him and cast her spells.

　

Pitiful prince. No one wants him.

　

　

(Just like me)

　

　

Thus began their exchange.

It was a twisted first love.

　　

　

　

　◆◆◆

　

　

　

“Not at all… My brother really doesn’t understand you. It’s not easy to find such an inedible woman. Oh, unlike when your sister overheard our conversation earlier, the soundproofing in this room is perfect. So you may speak as you please.”

“I don’t want to hear that from someone who would try to assassinate his own brother.”

　

Lillie said, erasing her expression.

　

“If Princess Francine had married Lord Alexis, the neighboring country would have backed her…”

“I had nothing to do with that.”

“Of course you didn’t… Our neighbors are more prosperous than this country, and the Royal Family is more securely protected.”

　

Francine’s illness was completely unexpected.

Things were fine up to the point where a promise was made to the princess of the neighboring country to marry her in exchange for handing over the results of the research into a certain form of magic to the neighboring country.

But then, she passed away.

With this, it is not possible to know when Alexis will be killed by Dietrich.

　

That’s why she arranged for him to be disinherited.

If he is no longer the Crown Prince, he can be taken into the Duke’s family.

That way, she’ll never let anyone touch him.

　

At the same time, she decided to take advantage of her half-sister, who was a nuisance.

It doesn’t matter what material goods she gave away, one thing she can’t give up is her position as heir to the Ducal Family.

　

(Because that’s what Mother wanted me to be.)

　

She left the art of fascination where it could be found, and rewrote the spell on the brooch so that the Charm Spell would work on Alexis.

That enchantment originally took about a month to break. Alexis will soon return to his senses.

　

And the Duke will have to take responsibility for what Christa has done. He will be asked to step down as a Duke and be placed under house arrest at his estate.

Fortunately, all the troubles were cleared up.

　

“Ah, and yet… Haha, your face was a sight to behold when I proposed marriage to you. It’s the first time I’ve seen you lose your expression.”

　

Dietrich says with genuine amusement.

　

“Because Your Highness said something unpleasant, and I doubt that you have any intention of doing so.”

“No? I’m serious. If you’re not as bad-tempered and cunning as you are, you wouldn’t be able to serve as the mother of the nation.”

“Can you stop? To be with Your Highness Dietrich… I hate to even imagine it.”

　

It’s clear that Dietrich doesn’t particularly like Lillie, and if anything, he dislikes her.

They knew they hated each other, but on the surface, they had a peaceful relationship.

Even as she talked to the man she hated, Lillie’s heart was calm.

Soon she would be able to welcome Alexis into her life.

　

　

I’ll definitely make you happy, my one, and only, prince.