The first light of dawn spilled across Plantagenet Castle like golden gauze meticulously woven by elves, gently cloaking the landscape in its warmth.

  This capital of the Elven Plantagenet Empire was a breathtaking gem nestled amidst emerald forests, so beautiful it could leave one breathless.

  Gracefully arranged spires, carved from smooth white jade, glowed with a soft luster under the sunlight. Vines and blossoms entwined the structures, making the city feel like a masterpiece where nature and architecture merged in perfect harmony.

  Winding canals meandered through the city, their crystal-clear waters reflecting the splendid scenery on both sides. Occasionally, intricately carved little boats would glide silently past.

  The air was filled with the melodious sounds of harps and the elves’ ethereal singing, immersing the city in an atmosphere of elegance and serenity, free from any hint of luxury or indifference.

  Third Prince Daniel Serales strolled slowly down Milisus Avenue, clad in a well-tailored silver-grey brocade robe. The hem was embroidered with a delicate golden broom flower totem.

  His gait was elegant, and his every gesture exuded the innate grace of nobility. Yet few knew that this refined elven prince was actually a transmigrator from Earth.

  His mind still held memories of his former life—bustling cities, advanced technologies, and vibrant entertainment—all a stark contrast to this world of magic and wonder.

  Just minutes ago, a palace guard had rushed over to deliver a verbal summons from his Father, ordering him to proceed at once to Bluefountain Palace.

  Daniel furrowed his brows slightly, already guessing the reason for the summons. Lately, rumors about a royal marriage alliance with the great noble houses had been rampant in court.

  He understood very well—his father intended to use marriage to improve relations with the nobility and stabilize the empire. And as a prince, he was naturally a vital piece in this political chess game.

  Daniel’s intended bride was none other than Orlanis Aurora, the daughter of the Grand Elder. His instincts rebelled against such a political arrangement.

  To him, marriage should be built on love and mutual understanding—not reduced to a mere tool for preserving political interests.

  “Surely I shouldn’t just marry whomever they choose for me.” he muttered inwardly.

  “What if the girl isn’t pretty? Or has terrible manners? Can’t cook? Or worse…” His face flushed slightly at the thought.

  “What if she’s not passionate in bed? These are all important factors! A prince’s marriage mustn’t be treated so lightly! Marrying an unreliable wife would be a disservice to the empire!” His resistance was as firm as the castle walls—unshakable.

  But fate, as always, had a flair for drama. The moment Daniel first laid eyes on Orlanis, all his carefully built defenses crumbled in an instant.

  It was a sunlit afternoon in the palace garden. The girl wore a snow-white chiffon dress, her silver hair cascading like a waterfall down her shoulders, gently swaying in the breeze.

  Her crimson eyes were like two luminous rubies, sparkling with vitality, and the soft smile on her lips was enough to make hearts flutter.

  Her features were exquisitely sculpted, as if shaped by the hands of the finest artist. As she walked toward him with light, graceful steps, her figure swayed with natural elegance. Her every movement exuded an irresistible charm.

  And when she turned to smile back at him—time seemed to freeze. Daniel’s heart raced out of control, and in that moment, he was utterly captivated.

  From then on, Daniel nobly accepted his father’s arrangement—and even secretly counted himself lucky. He decided he would sacrifice his freedom for the good of the empire.

  To him, marrying such a beautiful and refined elven genius was nothing short of a divine blessing. Now this is the kind of thrilling life a transmigrator should have!

  Today, Daniel was certain—his father would pressure him to accept the marriage. The thought brought a smile to his lips.

  Though he kept his expression composed, excitement surged within him. Full of anticipation, he strode into Bluefountain Palace.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  Nestled deep within the royal compound, Bluefountain Palace was surrounded by thick bamboo groves and blooming flowers, its setting tranquil and refined.

  Daniel passed through a long corridor and entered his father’s study. The air carried the faint scent of ink, and ancient books and scrolls lined the shelves, testifying to the royal family’s scholarly heritage.

  King Mithras Serales sat behind a desk, his tall, imposing figure draped in a deep blue royal robe that emphasized his commanding presence. His complexion was pale, his features chiseled, and his demeanor naturally regal—even when silent.

  Upon Daniel’s arrival, the king slightly raised his chin and spoke in a cool, slightly hoarse voice, “Sit.” That hoarseness betrayed a night of insufficient rest.

  Daniel bowed respectfully and replied softly, “Father, you manage the affairs of the realm tirelessly. Please do take care of your health.”

  His words brimmed with genuine concern.

  A subtle, enigmatic smile played on the king's lips as he gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. On the table before them, two cups of Earl Grey tea had already been set, its fragrance wafting gently through the air. Wisps of white steam curled upward, filling the space with a soothing aroma.

  Daniel, anticipating what his father was about to say, allowed a faint, elegant curve to form at the corner of his mouth. The king pushed a teacup toward Daniel and asked softly, “Do you know why I’ve summoned you?”

  Daniel accepted the cup with both hands, took a small sip, supporting it with his right hand while lightly pressing the lid with his left. He composed himself and replied with feigned calm, “It’s about my marriage.”

  Mithras turned his gaze toward the window. Beyond it stretched a lush forest, teeming with life. Yet at this moment, he had no heart to appreciate the scenery.

  Parting his slightly pale lips, he said in an even tone, “To wear the crown is to bear its weight. As royalty, we must make sacrifices for the Empire — and that includes giving up the freedom to choose whom we marry.”

  “It’s here. Finally,” Daniel rejoiced inwardly, though his expression remained carefully tinged with just enough disappointment, as if lamenting the loss of his freedom in marriage.

  Mithras said gravely, “Arranging a marriage for you is also for the sake of the Empire’s stability. I hope you understand.”

  Daniel was overjoyed inside, yet wore a dutiful smile on his face. From his perspective, marrying the beautiful and graceful Orlanis was no sacrifice at all — bring it on!

  Mithras let out a light sigh, a touch of fatherly affection in his eyes. “Son, do you resent your father's decision?”

  Daniel straightened up, speaking with noble resolve, “Father, I understand your reasoning. I am willing to make this sacrifice for the good of the Empire!”

  A look of relief and gratification spread across Mithras’s face. In his heart, he felt deeply moved: My son has finally matured. For over half a year, Daniel had strongly resisted any political marriage, even proclaiming he would remain single forever — a notion the royal family considered laughable.

  How could a royal’s marriage be his own decision? Now that Daniel had finally come around, the king was naturally overjoyed.

  Daniel also smiled. Seeing his father so pleased, he felt he had fulfilled his filial duty. But Mithras’s next words struck like a bolt of lightning, shattering all of Daniel’s fantasies.

  “Since you dislike Orlanis, I won’t force you. I’ve arranged a new engagement for you — with Princess Frannie Agares of the Agares God's Kingdom.”

  Though Mithras’s voice was calm, it exploded in Daniel’s ears like thunder. His mind went blank. The teacup slipped from his hand and shattered into pieces on the floor — but he didn’t even notice.

  “They switched her?” Daniel was stunned and in disbelief.

  “A demon princess! Aren’t they all supposed to have devil horns and monstrous appearances? Oh, Moon Goddess above, bring back my beautiful elf maiden!” Daniel’s inner world collapsed in an instant, as if he’d fallen from heaven to hell.

  He simply couldn’t understand it — how had an elven prince ended up being betrothed to a demon princess? Before he could recover from the shock, his father patted him on the shoulder and declared loudly, “Son, I’m proud of you for sacrificing for our people!”

  Daniel opened his mouth, but no words came out. Images of the demon race flooded his mind — those twisted, horned creatures. He couldn’t help but recall a certain traumatic experience from his past life on Earth, involving a popular game featuring MonsterGirls.

  Back then, he had been obsessed with MonsterGirls. One lonely, rainy night, he’d launched a pink anime app filled with innocent-looking eyes and found a MonsterGirl-themed scenario.

  The MonsterGirl’s seductive beauty had made his heart race and his hands move faster. But just as he was about to “cast a white magic spell,” a thunderclap boomed across the sky — and his right hand jolted violently.

  In that moment, he felt a chill spread through his entire body. All arousal vanished in an instant. From then on, he developed a severe MonsterGirl phobia. He swore never to have any association with them ever again — not even the slightest!

  He had seen Orlanis’s beauty with his own eyes. But he had no idea what the demon princess looked like. This was like a blind-box marriage gamble — absurd and reckless in his view!

  Determined, Daniel decided to reason with his father. “Father, I am willing to make sacrifices for our nation and our people. But surely, you must consider the feelings of the Grand Elder and Orlanis as well. A humiliating rejection like this could breed resentment, which would harm our internal unity. Please reconsider.”

  “You needn’t worry, son. This decision was made after consulting with the Grand Elder. It was he who suggested dissolving the engagement peacefully, so his dignity remains intact,” Mithras replied with a gentle smile. “I’m pleased you care about the unity of the elves.”

  Daniel was utterly exasperated. In his heart, he cried out: Please don’t be so pleased yet, Father! I don’t want to marry a demon princess! He racked his brain for a way to convince his father — but no reason seemed strong enough to change his mind.

  At last, under his father’s authoritative and expectant gaze, Daniel resigned himself and tried to find solace in his thoughts: A demon is still a girl, right? Marriage is about growing to love each other. Maybe… just maybe… the demon princess has her own unique charm.

  Taking a deep breath, he steadied his voice and asked quietly, “This demon princess you mentioned… is she pretty?”