This section of the light novel details the initial fallout and subsequent machinations following Prince Charlie's declaration of intent to break his engagement with Lady Alice Rose Bluebell.
The narrative begins with Alice Rose in her room, furious and distraught after overhearing Charlie confessing his love to another woman, Felicia Acacia, and stating his intention to annul their engagement. Alice, a noblewoman from the esteemed Bluebell Marquisate, had long been aware of Charlie's philandering and lack of affection, but his explicit mention of an engagement annulment was a profound shock. Their engagement was a political alliance, and Alice had tolerated Charlie's affairs, assuming the complexities of royal marriages made annulment impossible. However, Charlie's words, filled with genuine affection for Felicia, revealed his true intentions.
Alice initially tries to dismiss his words as mere infatuation, but the sincerity she detected in his conversation with Felicia weighs heavily on her. She recalls Felicia Acacia as a recently ennobled baron's daughter, one of seven women Charlie has been involved with. Her friends, Louise Olive and Jack Edelweiss, visit to comfort her. Upon hearing Alice's story, Louise and Jack are outraged. Louise reveals that Felicia is her sister's classmate and that the Acacia family is a new nobility, questioning Felicia's suitability. Jack shares a rumor about Charlie and Felicia disappearing for hours during a hunting trip, suggesting a deeper intimacy. Alice, realizing the gravity of the situation, decides to preemptively break the engagement herself, planning to do so at a time that would cause Charlie the most regret.
The story then shifts to Alice's visit to the headmistress of their academy. Alice, a member of the prestigious "Lion's Society" (a group of elite students), complains about Charlie's behavior, particularly his violation of the society's rules by bringing Felicia into the exclusive "Lion's Hall" dining area. The headmistress, also a former Lion's Society member, explains the difficulty of punishing a prince, especially when his companions are considered potential consorts.
Later, Alice orchestrates a meeting with the other six women Charlie has been involved with, all of whom are also potential consorts. She reveals Charlie's plan to annul his engagement with her and marry Felicia, framing it as a betrayal of their own aspirations. This revelation ignites their anger, and they unanimously declare their withdrawal from being consort candidates, refusing to be subservient to Felicia. Alice then proposes a joint revenge plan, which they eagerly accept.
Meanwhile, Charlie receives an invitation to a masquerade ball hosted by Count Lecchino. He plans to use this event to further his plans, including a potential one-night stand with a newly married maid. He also receives a letter from Felicia, who expresses her anxieties about their future and her unworthiness. Charlie reassures her, revealing his intention to fabricate evidence of Alice's infidelity to justify the annulment, a plan he claims his mother, the Queen, has approved. He dismisses Alice as a mere historical footnote and contrasts her lack of charm with Felicia's perceived warmth and love.
At the masquerade ball, Alice, disguised as Felicia, confronts Charlie. She reveals his plot to her, having meticulously prepared for this moment by studying Felicia's mannerisms and even using her favorite perfume. Charlie, believing he is speaking to Felicia, confesses his entire plan to frame Alice and marry Felicia. The other six women, who were also present and overheard the confession, publicly renounce Charlie and their consort aspirations. The King and Queen arrive, attempting to salvage the situation, but Alice reveals the true reason for her engagement: the Bluebell Marquisate's wealth from newly discovered diamonds, which the impoverished royal family desperately needs. She points out that Charlie's lavish spending on Felicia and the King and Queen's reliance on noble support have jeopardized their financial stability. The chapters conclude with Alice's triumphant smile, hinting at the impending downfall of Charlie and the royal family.
