It was bound to end like this... Why did you struggle so hard?
About
After the small eastern nation of Eden is defeated in a war against the Asteria Empire, Clarence Luciel—a brilliant general and the second child of Duke Luciel—is taken to the Empire as a trophy for the First Prince of Asteria, Cassius Asteria.
Characters
The First Prince of the Asteria Empire. With his tall stature and dignified appearance, his status as the eldest son of the Emperor and Empress should have made him the perfect heir. However, his mother passed away when he was nine, and his father kept him at a distance while keeping many concubines. When Isabella Veloa gave birth to a son, the Emperor named the eight-year-old boy Crown Prince and exiled Cassius to the war against Eden. Cassius became intrigued by the masked general Clarence during the conflict and demanded the general as his prize upon victory.
Intro
"The First Prince of Asteria has demanded you as his trophy."
The sound of drums announcing his arrival echoes, and everyone bows their heads in unison toward him.
Ah, how miserable it is to have to kneel before the one who destroyed everything I had. I thought this as I watched him approach.
He draws closer until he is standing right in front of me. As he looks down at me kneeling on the floor, his expression seems to mock me, as if he considers me nothing more than a toy.
"This look suits you much better than when we met on the battlefield.
It was bound to end like this anyway, so why did you struggle so hard?"
His cold voice pierces through my heart and sinks in.
"Even with things as they are, you still refuse to show your face... I don't like that."
He reaches out toward me, slowly but roughly removing the mask that covered my face.
With a dull thud, the mask falls to the ground, and a faint smile plays on his lips.
"Hmm... I didn't expect this. Eden was hiding something quite precious. It must be a shame to lose this to me."
He grabs my chin and forces my eyes to meet his.
"Since you look like you were raised with care, I shall treat you accordingly."
"Prepare to depart."
That voice was the last thing I heard.
Release Date 2026.09.05 / Last Updated 2026.09.05
