Title: Was My Fiancée Always This Cute?

Summary: All my friends said, "Yes, you idiot."

Character: Julius, Angelica

Edited comments at bottom.

"Your Highness, what are you doing?"

Looking behind me, I saw Angelica staring at me. This was bad; she had learned of my secret passage to the city and would undoubtedly inform Mom about it. I would never be able to sample the capital's street food again.

I needed to convince her not to rat me out. Think. What would convince Angelica to keep my secret? What was it she wanted most? I remembered she had mentioned something before.

"Are you going on an adventure?" Angelica asked excitedly.

"... Yes. I'm going on a secret adventure?"

I winced at how anxious I sounded.

She asked excitedly, "Can I come?"

Well, that clinched it. This secret passage was done for. Either I refused and she would tell Mom, or I accepted and she would find out I was lying and tell Mom. In either case, Mom would know and post guards here from now on.

Might as well get one last skewer in.

"Sure."

Well, this was unexpected. Instead of scolding me for misleading her and venturing into the city, Angelica fully embraced the outing. She had been hesitant about interacting with the commoners at first, but she didn't pressure me to return early; she only gave a weak reminder. It was after we entered the market that she lightened up.

She was excitedly asking about everything the city had to offer. It was rather endearing to see my prim and proper fiancée salivating over the non-artisan sweets.

It was also a little embarrassing that I was unable to answer many of her questions since I had limited myself to meat skewers.

Unfortunately, we couldn't buy most of what she wanted because our smallest coins after purchasing the skewers were too large. She still gave a vibrant smile as we ate the skewers together. This made me feel sour on the inside.

Next time, I'll make sure to bring as much copper pieces as my satchel can hold.

Mom scolded us when we got back. My disappearance had gone unnoticed initially, but Angelica's hadn't. She had missed her afternoon etiquette training, politics maneuvering lesson, history tutoring, and much more. It was comparable to the amount of lessons I had to undergo.

I had not realized she was expected to do so much to be my fiancée. Thinking on it now, it was ridiculous to not have considered it. She was to be my wife. Of course her workload would be similar to mine.

Hearing the strict schedule Angelica had to follow made me frustrated. How was it fair for her to be punished for indulging my desire for freedom. It was wrong for Angelica to be punished for spending time with me.

Looking over at Angelica, I saw that she was on the verge of tears. Before I knew, I shielded Angelica from Mom.

"It's not her fault. I dragged her out to the capital. She even tried to stop me."

"Regardless, Julius, she knew better. She should have alerted me that you were sneaking out of the royal palace. By not doing so, she jeopardized both you and herself. You both are the future rulers of this kingdom. You two need to be mindful of that fact."

"And if she did not follow me, I would have ventured on my own. Would you not have punished her anyways for letting me do so?"

At this, Mom paused. When presented the options, it became obvious that Angelica had no good ones. No matter what she could have done, she would have been at fault. The only thing she could've done to avoid punishment was to somehow convince me. My stubbornness was something she likened to Dad on more than one occasion.

"... You are sometimes too much like your father. But at least you are being considerate to your fiancée. You shall not watch the sword tournament with your friends this weekend. You've had enough excitement for this month."

I winced at that. The boys and I had been looking forward to cheering on Chris. I wanted to complain that it was not fair for him to be punished for my transgressions, but I dared not push the issue with Mom.

Glancing at Angelica, I saw she was looking at me with concern. That sight made the sour feeling in my stomach disappear.

During the night following the tournament, someone knocked on my door. How odd. The servants didn't typically check up on me this late.

Perhaps Mom or one of my attendants were checking up on me. I had been looking forward to the tournament. Mom likely would have been concerned enough to check on my mood.

Opening the door, I saw Angelica holding a plate of skewers. When did she learn how to cook? Upon closer examination of the skewers, I realized that they were not... professionally made.

"Good evening, Your Highness. I hope I'm not intruding," Angelica said nervously.

"Angelica, what's this?"

"I knew you were looking forward to cheering on your friend but were unable to because of me. I thought you might have been upset and wanted to make you feel better. I tried my hand at making some, but this was the best I could do without any help," Angelica said while trailing off.

Witnessing Angelica acting shyly made me think she was rather cute.

Angelica and I found our normal tutoring schedules to be much reduced ever since the incident. Instead, we had several lessons with the Marmorias. Their lessons would predominantly focus on how to spot threats to our person. This would, of course, include lessons on the many types of threats to us.

Mom thought it was prudent to scare us away from the capital.

The one good thing that came about from this was that Jilk thought it prudent to teach us how to disguise ourselves. He claimed it was a necessary skill since Angelica had come out with such fine clothing on our outing. He claimed we were only in danger of malfeasants if they recognized our value.

It went against the spirit of what Mom was trying to do, and I appreciated Jilk for looking out for my interests.

I was surprised by the fact that Angelica was motivated to learn what Jilk had to offer. She had always looked up to my mother.

Angelica was smart. She would have known these lessons would have upset Mom. It would have also hurt her standing and would have risked her position to become the next queen. Yet, she still chose to learn them.

Did I misjudge her?

Brad and I were holding a practice tea party. We were serving Angelica. Stephanie was not present; Brad's parents had found her manners wanting. Her absence brought a skip to his step.

Despite Brad's good mood, he was floundering during the practice ceremony. Instead of attending to Angelica's whims, he spent much of the time bemoaning his fiancée. What's more, Angelica didn't admonish him for it; rather, she commiserated with him.

How horrible was Stephanie for Angelica to set aside her own manners?!

Hearing Angelica giggle, I realized she had a pretty laugh.

I was supposed to meet Chris today in the training hall. He was to go over my sword forms today. Since the sword tournament, the royal court found his skills sufficient enough to teach others. I was to be his first student.

Despite his recent accomplishments, Chris had been in a foul mood lately. His father was on his case again. I just couldn't fathom how his father could look down on Chris's achievements.

I snorted at the words used. Talentless, says the second best swordsman in Holfort.

Entering the training hall, I saw Chris diligently practicing. While I was not as proficient with the blade, even I could tell his form was more impeccable compared to when I last saw him. He must have been in a good mood.

"Had a breakthrough?"

Chris continued his swings and replied, "One could say that."

"Care to share? Last I saw you, you were rather anxious to prove your father wrong."

"... You are lucky to have someone as kind as Angelica as your fiancée."

Somehow knowing Angelica's thoughtfulness made my stomach twist. But why? What was wrong with me? I should be happy Angelica could help my friend.

Greg was going off on his first dungeon dive. It was tradition for the Sebergs to send their children off on an adventure before going to the Academy.

Angelica stared off longingly. The unpleasant feeling came back again. I was finally able to pinpoint the sour feelings I had. I was jealous that she was not looking at me.

"Everything okay, Angelica?"

"Oh? Yes. Everything is fine, Your Highness," she said unconvincingly.

"You need not hide anything from me, Angelica."

"... I suppose I feel envious of Greg."

Her response filled me with relief. She was only envious and not longing.

"Envious of Greg?"

"I realize it is a responsibility for him, but I've always wanted to go on an adventure."

Oh right. Angelica had told me as such before. Unfortunately, she was barred from doing so due to being my fiancée. To her, she must feel as though her position was a cage.

The very thought that I was someone's cage made my blood boil.

I refused to be such a thing for Angelica.

I managed to convince Mom to allow Angelica and I to go on an expedition together the week after her birthday. It would not do to have the future king and queen of Holfort be inexperienced given our kingdom's founding. We would have experienced escorts, of course. But it was the most I could do for her given our status.

As we performed the closing dance for her birthday celebration, I gave her my gift. The unfiltered joy that greeted me made all the effort worth it. It also blindsided me to the passionate kiss she gave me.

I should do more for her in the future.

My family had selected a low C-rank dungeon. It was rather infamous for still being posted. Most of what it had to offer was already plundered, yet the monsters kept spawning. This indicated the dungeon hadn't been fully conquered yet.

The secret of the dungeon was uncovered when Angie found a false wall. Rather than turn back, she and I excitedly delved deeper. Our escorts were unamused, but held their tongues when they saw use strike down the monsters with ease. It did not take long for us to conquer the dungeon.

After assessing the new sections, the dungeon's rank was elevated to a high B-rank. It was an accomplishment above Greg's, who had explored a high C-rank.

Seeing Angie's exuberance over such a discovery made the harrowing fights seem trivial. Even our escorts could not begrudge her despite nearly dying a few times. For nobles, it was not far off to consider our achievements as the pinnacle for heirs of our age.

To celebrate our achievement, or party decided to rest the night at the local guild hall. And by rest, our escorts got blind drunk as they praised Angie and me. So much for keeping a low profile.

Though I suppose it mattered not. Angie and I spent the night together rather than stay separated by our assigned rooms. She had wanted to show me her gratitude.

She looked lovely in red... and out.

Her sleeping face was also beautiful. I guess she had a fitting name. She was my angel.

Entering the Academy, I was accompanied by my friends and Angie. Despite being in a public setting, Angie put aside formalities. She nestled into me affectionately.

Jilk cynically mentioned about Angie marking her territory, but I did not care. It also showed that she was mine and mine alone. What need of I for other woman?

A casual glance reminded me of what Mom told me. This was a den of vipers and opportunists. No other woman was worth talking to since they only sought my heritage. No other man was worth Angie.

Though there was one man who worried me. He had overshadowed Angie's and my accomplishments on his expedition. I had absolute faith in my fiancée, but I couldn't help feeling anxious.

After the opening speech, I made my way to find Angie. Along the way, a small girl bumped into me.

"My apologies, I was in a rush to find my fiancée."

The girl looked shocked and frantically mumbled something. It sounded to be along the lines of something unexpected. Was my status as the crown prince that startling for nobles?

"Ah, you need not fear any repercussions. Just treat me as any other student, Lady..."

"Marie, Julius."

I felt myself cringe. Even though I had asked to be treated as a peer, this was a tad too informal. I had just met the girl, and she was already addressing me by name only. Others would certainly take issue.

Deciding to nip this potential issue in the bud, I decided to gently correct her.

"My apologies, Lady Marie. I may have not been clear about what I meant earlier. We are still peers and should address each other as such. Anything closer might cause issues for the both of us. For your sake, please at least say Lord Julius. The other nobles will take less issue."

"I apologize for overstepping, Lord Julius. I'm not familiar with noble etiquette," the girl said frantically.

Ah, she must have been from the frontiers. Sometimes their education in such matters were limited. Though, I had heard it was more of an issue for men rather than women. Regardless, it was a simple matter to fix.

"It's no issue. In fact, I could ask my fiancée to help you with some lessons. She's had such lessons since she could walk."

"No. No. I couldn't possibly impose. What would your fiancée think of you were to introduce another woman to her."

My eyes narrowed at that. Ah, my correction was wrong. She was a viper like all the rest.

"I would think she would be more concerned if I did not introduce you to her."

And with that, I moved away. I would need to warn the others of the girl's duplicity. I could have been wrong, but there was no harm and giving my friends a heads up.

After the first week of classes, I saw Angie talking with a dull looking boy. Before my rage could set in, I saw Angie push another girl towards him.

I needed to calm down. Angie was a first-year representative. She would have duties that would force her to interact with the other students.

Students that included Leon Fou Bartfort.

Potential Plot Twist (aka a secondary story that changes the plot completely)

"Hello, Dear Husband. How's reincarnation treating you?" the villainess stated rather than asked. It was also spoken with no warmth. That was excluding the feeling that she wanted me to burst into flames.

Aside from the sheer terror of being in the villainess's line of sight, there was only one thing in my mind.

What did she mean by husband?

AN:

1) The potential plot twist is not definitive. I could just as easily keep it or remove it. It would change the tone of the story from childhood romance to something a tad more creepy.

2) I feel this is a relatively realistic development of Julius's feelings for Angelica had they had one moment to connect. No over looming death needed.

3) I doubt this would get any more chapters since the story genre would swing significantly after this point. It would become a rom com about Angelica hooking up Leon with the protagonist (in the case of reincarnation, to give her former husband a more suitable wife and keep the protagonist away). Julius becoming a nervous wreck since he believes Leon is a more appealing version of himself. More misunderstandings and shenanigans with no real end goal.

4) Marie just gets shafted, but hey, keeping her head down can't be worse than juggling the five.

Edited

5) I feel some people misunderstood the plot twist being something beyond a what if within a what if. It was basically an addition to say hey, you could have two different stories based on this one. Basically, pick the ending you want.

6) Noticed people mistook Angelica calling Leon dear husband as love. It was sarcasm. Made edits to clear that up.