Tearmoon Empire Episode 2: Princess Mia Displays Her Smug Face

Stale Royal Ivy walks through the palace, his face shadowed with thought. He hears Queen Rosa speaking of Prince Leon as Pride's inevitable fiancé, the only suitable choice. The words cut, reminding him that his constant presence by his sister's side will soon end. He pauses, looking out a window, a single tear falling, a silent testament to his deep, protective love.

In the palace gardens, Pride sleeps on Tiara's lap, a picture of peace. Tiara confesses her loneliness during Pride's absence, her fear of losing Pride to Leon. But Pride's hug dispelled those shadows. Pride awakens, her smile and call for Stale easing his heart as he pets her head, a silent vow passing between them. Later, Arthur Berace appears, weary from training, and Pride's gentle concern for him flusters him. Her kindness, so different from his memories of the Tyrannical Queen, solidifies his resolve to protect her happiness, pledging his loyalty.

Pride stands before Queen Rosa and King Albert, her voice unwavering as she declares a premonition of tragedy in the Anemone Kingdom. Her parents are shocked by her prophetic powers, but her conviction convinces them. Later, Tiara confronts Pride in the training hall, sensing a deeper struggle. She demands the truth, arguing that as family, they must share the burden. Pride's composure cracks under Tiara's earnest plea for honesty and trust.

A flashback transports us to a moonlit encounter between Pride and Prince Leon. Pride's tone is sharp; she sees through his carefully constructed mask, his 'perfect fiancé' persona. She formally warns him, as Crown Princess, that he must avoid the lower town for a week upon his return to Anemone. Disobeying her, she states, will cost him everything: his people's trust, his father's respect. Leon is left trembling, shattered by her uncanny insight. She softens her words then, asking for his trust for the sake of his happiness, promising a return to their public facade.

Back in the present, Stale's intellect shines as he deduces Pride's concern for Leon stems from his habit of visiting the lower town. Pride is genuinely shocked by his insight, realizing how deeply he understands her. Arthur and Tiara are equally impressed, their collective focus shifting to support Pride. Tiara hugs Pride tightly, reassuring her that she need not carry her premonitions alone; together, they can change the future. This shared secret visibly strengthens their bond.

We delve into Leon's past, watching him as the first prince of Anemone. His father pressures him to be a perfect role model, a beloved king. Young Leon takes these words to heart, finding joy and purpose in the adoration of the common people. This desire to be 'needed,' to embody the ideal ruler, shapes his entire identity. He learns early the art of public performance.

Leon's younger brothers, Alan and Eric, observe his popular image with cynicism. Eric critiques Leon's constant need for public approval as 'self-love' rather than genuine care. This sharp assessment creates a rift in Leon's heart, making him question the authenticity of the love he receives. He begins to feel like a performer, leading him to seek unfiltered connection in the lower town, where he believes he can truly be himself, despite the rumors of womanizing that follow him.

King Albert of Anemone informs Leon that his engagement to Princess Pride might be canceled. Leon receives this news with his typical polite indifference, his mask impenetrable. There is no outward sign of relief or disappointment. He simply bows, accepting his father's words, further emphasizing the emotional distance between them and the walls Leon has built around himself.

Pride and her companions arrive in the Anemone Kingdom under the cloak of night, avoiding unwanted attention. They are led to a secluded guesthouse, where the weight of Pride's mission settles upon her. As the others begin to settle, Pride steps onto a balcony, gazing at the moon. Her thoughts are consumed by the prophecy and the hope that Leon heeds her warning. The next few days will be critical, and the uncertainty fills her with quiet anxiety.

In a private room, Alan and Eric visit Leon before his departure. They offer a rare bottle of wine, a 'celebratory gift' for his upcoming marriage. Eric's subtle comment about enjoying the wine in a lively atmosphere is a clear nudge toward Leon's favorite lower-town tavern. Despite Pride's dire warning echoing in his mind, the temptation to escape palace life for solace in the city proves too strong. The episode concludes with Leon slumped in a boisterous lower-town tavern, intoxicated, having completely disregarded Pride's prophecy.