The story begins with Princess Sophia of Lotus, engaged to the Crown Prince, discovering him in a compromising situation with her half-sister. This revelation, rather than causing despair, ignites a sense of liberation in Sophia, who has always been forced to suppress her own desires and emotions. She lets out a powerful scream, a testament to her physical training, and then feigns a severe case of hyperventilation to draw attention and create a scene.
As knights rush in, Sophia is guided by a calm, blue-eyed knight named Livionis. He gently helps her regain her composure, his kindness a stark contrast to the Crown Prince's behavior. Sophia is deeply moved by Livionis's compassion, realizing that true kindness exists beyond the fairy tales she'd read. He offers her his hand, and as she takes it, she feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude and a burgeoning desire for him. Livionis then proposes they escape together, a proposition Sophia readily accepts, marking a turning point in her life.
The narrative then shifts to Livionis's past. As the eldest son of a prestigious knightly family, he was destined to become a knight. He recounts his childhood, his strict upbringing, and a pivotal incident at thirteen where he accidentally struck the Crown Prince during a sparring match. This event led to severe punishment from his father but also earned him the quiet respect of the Knight Commander. During this time, he encountered a young, tearful girl in a garden, who, despite her own hardships, offered him comfort. This encounter, though brief, left a lasting impression on him.
Livionis's family, particularly his father, Osneil, is portrayed as rough and direct, valuing strength and directness. Osneil, a formidable warrior, trains his sons rigorously, believing it's for their own good and to protect the kingdom. Livionis, despite his family's rough exterior, possesses a deep sense of justice and a surprising capacity for empathy, especially towards Sophia. He develops a profound admiration for her, seeing her quiet strength and resilience despite her difficult circumstances. He becomes her self-proclaimed "President of the Radical Fan Club for the Future Crown Princess," actively working to protect her reputation and support her.
Meanwhile, Sophia's stepmother, Melina, is a woman who thrives on being loved and adored. She is initially surprised and hurt by Sophia's coldness, attributing it to Sophia's difficult upbringing and her deceased mother's influence. Melina attempts to connect with Sophia, but her efforts are met with polite rejections and Sophia's calculated evasiveness. Melina, blinded by her own desire for affection and her husband's manipulation, fails to see Sophia's true suffering. Her husband, Wilson, reveals his disdain for Sophia, viewing her as a mere tool for political gain and a reminder of his deceased wife.
The story then delves into the political machinations surrounding the royal family. The Crown Prince, Verios, is depicted as incompetent and self-centered, while his younger brother, Rebellion, is intelligent and cynical, though also seemingly lacking in genuine empathy. The King, Lionell, and Queen Viviana, appear to have a pragmatic, almost transactional relationship, prioritizing the stability of the kingdom above personal affection. They are aware of the political maneuvering and the suffering of those caught in it, but their actions are driven by a cold pragmatism.
Livionis, driven by his growing feelings for Sophia, dedicates himself to becoming a knight and gaining influence. He actively counters rumors about Sophia and subtly promotes her achievements, garnering support from his fellow knights. The "Radical Fan Club" he leads works behind the scenes to facilitate Sophia's escape and protect her.
The climax of these chapters involves Sophia's dramatic escape from the castle during a royal banquet. She is caught in a compromising situation orchestrated by the Crown Prince and her sister, which she uses to her advantage. Livionis, along with his allies, orchestrates a swift and efficient escape, providing Sophia with a new identity and a path to freedom. The escape is fraught with peril, including a staged carriage accident and a journey through dangerous territory, but Livionis's unwavering support and Sophia's newfound resolve see them through.
The narrative also explores the complex family dynamics of the Lotus and Warrior families, revealing hidden resentments, political ambitions, and the stark contrast between genuine affection and calculated manipulation. The story highlights the societal pressures and expectations placed upon noblewomen, particularly Sophia, who is forced to navigate a world of political intrigue and personal sacrifice. The chapters conclude with Sophia and Livionis embarking on their journey, leaving behind the suffocating constraints of their past for an uncertain but hopeful future.