Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World Season 2 Episode 1: Witch: Planet's Fate

The story opens with a disembodied voice, a student from Japan, recounting her abrupt end in a traffic accident. She awakens to find herself Pride Royal Ivy, a princess within an otome game she once played. The chilling realization dawns: she is not the heroine, but the ultimate final boss, destined for ruin and to bring devastation upon others. A single image of "Dark Pride" on a throne of roses solidifies this terrifying future, one she is determined to outrun.

Pride now sits in a strategy meeting, surrounded by her adoptive brother Stale, younger sister Tiara, and Chancellor Gilbert. They discuss her upcoming sixteenth birthday, a significant marker for her ascent as heir. She feels the weight of her royal responsibilities, particularly the public speech, though Gilbert offers reassuring words. This scene grounds her in her current reality, showing the genuine connections she has already formed.

In the training hall, Stale spars with Arthur Beresford, his mind clearly elsewhere. Arthur observes his friend's distraction, and Stale confesses his deep concern over Pride's upcoming engagement. He has investigated the potential fiancé, Leon Adonis Coronaria, First Prince of the Anemone Kingdom. Stale's frustration boils over as he reveals Leon's widespread reputation as a notorious womanizer, fearing for Pride's happiness and future.

The palace buzzes with the energy of the birthday festival. Pride, radiant in a red gown, receives compliments from Stale and Tiara. Knight Commander Roderick and Vice Commander Clark offer their congratulations, their respect touching Pride deeply. Captain Callum and Arthur also greet her, their well wishes a comfort amidst her internal apprehension. These moments offer a glimpse of the good she wishes to protect.

Pride spots a blue-haired man across the room; it is Leon. A surge of guilt washes over her as she remembers his tragic fate in the game, broken by her original, villainous self. He approaches her on the balcony, introducing himself with a perfect, charming demeanor, speaking of admiration and alliances. He offers his hand to lead her back inside, his words almost too polished. The Queen then officially announces their engagement, as Stale and Arthur watch with silent disapproval.

Pride reflects on the looming ten days of Leon's visit, knowing they are crucial. He will stay for three days before returning home briefly, then permanently move to Freesia as her consort. Her thoughts are interrupted by a terrifying nightmare: her villainous self, mocking a tearful, broken Leon in a dark dungeon. She wakes in a cold sweat, repulsed by the monster she fears becoming, the image burned into her mind.

The next morning, Pride walks with Leon through the palace gardens. He is as charming as ever, speaking of flowers and his joy. Despite his gentle words, Pride is still shaken by her dream, searching for hidden malice. They sit by the lake, and Leon takes her hand, declaring his absolute love. Pride recognizes the "fake" love from the game; she realizes he is playing a role, just as she is. She resolves to see through his mask and find the real person beneath.

Later that night, Val, along with orphans Sefek and Khemet, secretly visits Pride's room. Val has heard of the engagement to the "womanizer" prince and senses Pride's unhappiness. He confronts her, asking if she is being coerced, and offers to help her escape the kingdom. His loyalty is fierce and blunt. Pride declines, stating her responsibility, but asks Val to be there if she ever truly loses her way. Val pats her head, promising his unwavering support before they depart, leaving Pride with renewed strength.

Pride and Leon ride through the capital, waving to cheering citizens. Pride maintains her perfect royal smile, observing Leon's equally charismatic performance. Inside the carriage, he speaks of his desire to understand the townspeople and ensure their well-being. His words sound noble, impressing Pride, but she remains cautious, wondering if this, too, is part of his elaborate mask. She searches for sincerity in his every pronouncement.

As they return to the palace, Leon invites Pride to stargaze with him later, suggesting the view from his room. Pride accepts, seeing another opportunity. Meanwhile, Stale and Arthur watch, their faces etched with concern. Stale cannot shake his suspicion of Leon's perfect behavior. Brooding in his room, Stale uses his teleportation ability to find Arthur, and the two confirm their shared distrust, describing Leon's smile as "creepy" and fake. They worry Pride is burdening herself with a dangerous charade.

Leon prepares to leave for his brief return to the Anemone Kingdom. Before he departs, Pride reminds him of a promise from the previous night, catching him off guard. After his carriage rolls away, Pride meets Val in secret once more. Her voice filled with intense resolve, she makes a grave and mysterious request of him. The episode concludes with Pride setting her most decisive plan in motion, determined to change the future.