They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System
Chapter 370: That's Just My Luck

Chapter 370: That’s Just My Luck

The other kingdoms, nobles, dignitaries and guests were announced one by one. Then the royal family of Lionara.

Finally, all the guests had settled into their seats, the murmurs quieted, and the moment arrived for Somto to be announced.

The air was thick with expectation, but Somto felt no pressure. Not like the battlefield, where every move meant life or death. This was a different kind of challenge.

His mother had tried to warn him. to remind him not to be nervous, but she quickly realized it was pointless. Somto was calm, almost unreadable.

There was one more thing she pressed on him: the engagement.

As the star of the night, Somto was expected to take the first dance. Tradition demanded he have a crown princess by his side, yet the space beside him was empty.

His mother urged him softly, “Choose a suitable lady from the crowd. Save face, even if you don’t plan to marry her.”

Somto nodded politely but his mind was elsewhere. He had his own plan, he just needed to find that elusive girl among the glittering faces.

The housekeeper’s voice rang out, clear and commanding, slicing through the murmurs of the hall:

“Your Majesties, honored guests, and loyal citizens, I present to you, the Crown Prince of Lionara, His Royal Highness, Prince Somto!”

A hush fell over the grand hall, then a swell of applause rippled through the crowd. Cameras on the livestream zoomed in, capturing every detail for viewers across the continent.

Somto appeared at the entrance, stepping forward with calm, effortless grace.

He wore a regal deep blue tunic embroidered with intricate silver thread, symbols of the lion and the stars, paired with tailored black trousers and polished boots that echoed softly on the marble floor. A velvet cape, lined with silver trim, flowed behind him, adding an air of noble authority.

His posture was relaxed but commanding, his gaze steady as he walked alone, unbothered by the absence of a crown princess.

There was no hint of nervousness, only quiet confidence. Each step was measured, purposeful, as if the entire hall was his battlefield and he, the undefeated commander.

Whispers fluttered through the crowd: admiration, curiosity, even a trace of unease.

On the livestream, thousands watched in awe, witnessing the moment their future king entered, not as a prince shadowed by tradition, but as a man fully in control of his destiny.

As Somto’s steady steps echoed through the grand hall, the crowd’s reaction rippled through the room like waves. The nobles exchanged glances, some impressed by his calm, others whispering doubts about the missing crown princess.

“Look at him, so composed. Definitely not fazed,” murmured an elderly duke, stroking his silver beard.

A young lady whispered to her companion, “No crown princess? Does that mean i still have a chance?”

Meanwhile, on the livestream, the chat exploded with excitement, speculation, and a dash of humor:

RoyalWatcher99: “Somto just walked in like he owns the place. No stress, no drama. Respect.”

CrownlessButClassy: “Where’s his crown princess tho? Did she ghost the king or what? Or was she never chosen?”

MarquessOfMemes: “That cape is fire. If I had that cape, I would be walking everywhere like a boss too.”

KnightOfSarcasm: “Walking solo like ‘I don’t need a plus one to rule this kingdom.’ Love the confidence!”

TeaSpiller3000: “Bet the crown princess to be is hiding backstage eating snacks and avoiding all this royal drama.”

OldKingFan123: “This is what a king looks like. Calm, collected, ready to handle anything, even awkward entrances.”

Back in the hall, some nobles leaned in closer, their curiosity piqued. A whispered debate sparked:

“Is this a statement? A rejection of tradition?”

“Or maybe just a hint that the prince is playing his own game.”

Somto’s measured walk, the absence of a princess, and the regal outfit combined to create a powerful image, one that would be dissected and discussed long after the coronation ended.

On the livestream, the comment section scrolled fast, capturing the mixed emotions of a kingdom watching history unfold live, awed, amused, and curious all at once.

The music shifted, signaling the start of the first dance. Somto’s eyes scanned the crowd anxiously, still no sign of Nnenna. How hateful, she really was avoiding him.

But he refused to give up. Last time, Arthur had stolen his chance, and this time he was determined to get it right.

At the far edge of the hall, hidden behind a cluster of dignitaries, Nnenna nibbled on a delicate dessert, her sharp eyes never leaving Somto.

She was sure he was searching for her, but after the week they would had, she had grown wiser, no way she would fall into his trap so easily.

The crowd was thick, a sea of glittering gowns and sharp suits packed into the grand space, making it a perfect shield. Despite the hall’s vastness, the presence of royalty and high ranking nobles from across the continent made it feel almost cozy, too crowded for easy movement.

As Nnenna reached for another slice of the exquisite cake, a familiar voice jolted her. “Don’t I know you from somewhere?”

She whipped around, startled, there was Jane, standing right beside her, eyes wide with surprise.

“Your hair is one of a kind, and I’ve only seen one person with this texture and length, Nnenna!” Jane said in shock.

Nnenna “…”

She froze. Of all things to give her away, it was her hair. Speechless, she stared at Jane, unable to believe her luck.

The ever perceptive Abel hadn’t noticed a thing, yet his far less discerning sister had identified her in seconds. How could that even be possible?

Maybe it was because Jane wasn’t particularly sharp that she jumped to conclusions, thinking that anyone with this hair texture and length had to be Nnenna. A more worldly person might have hesitated, chalked it up to coincidence. But Jane? No such filter.

“This isn’t somewhere you can just be! Leave immediately!” Jane waved dismissively, as if she were some elder scolding a child, breaking Nnenna’s thoughts midstream.

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This is the third of the promised ten chapters 🥳

Read up!