Greetings, fellow manga enthusiasts and connoisseurs of the "Villainess" subgenre. Today, we are diving deep into a title that perfectly encapsulates the modern trend of subverting classic fairy tale tropes: "I Abandoned My Engagement Because My Sister is a Tragic Heroine, but Somehow I Became Entangled with a Righteous Prince" (known in Japan as *Imouto ga Higeki no Heroine da to Omotteitara, Nazoka Seigi no Ouji-sama ni Karamareru You ni Narimashita*).
As an expert in the field, I can tell you that while the title is a mouthful—a hallmark of light novel adaptations—the story itself is a sharp, refreshing take on family dynamics and romantic justice.
Demographic and Context
This series falls firmly into the Shojo demographic, though it carries the psychological maturity often found in Josei titles. It is serialized in *Zero-Sum Online*, a magazine known for hosting high-quality fantasy romances that appeal to readers who enjoy seeing strong-willed protagonists navigate complex social hierarchies. If you are a fan of "The Accomplishments of the Duke’s Daughter" or "The Reason Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion," this is a must-read for your collection.
The Plot: A Subversion of the "Tragic Heroine"
The story follows Leticia, the eldest daughter of a noble house, who has spent her entire life in the shadow of her younger sister, Mary. In any other story, Mary would be the protagonist: she is frail, beautiful, and constantly "victimized" by circumstance. However, Leticia realizes the chilling truth—Mary is a master manipulator who uses her "tragic heroine" persona to steal everything from Leticia, including their parents' affection and Leticia’s own fiancé, the Second Prince, Julian.
Exhausted by the constant gaslighting and the role of the "evil older sister" forced upon her, Leticia decides she has had enough. In a bold move that defies the expectations of her society, she chooses to abandon her engagement and her status. She expects to fade into a quiet, solitary life, finally free from Mary’s suffocating web of lies.
However, fate has other plans. Her act of self-liberation catches the eye of Prince Clarke, the First Prince and the heir to the throne. Unlike the others who are blinded by Mary’s crocodile tears, Clarke is a "Righteous Prince" in the truest sense. He possesses a keen intellect and a sharp sense of justice, allowing him to see through Mary’s facade instantly. Instead of Leticia finding peace in obscurity, she finds herself the center of Clarke’s intense interest as he decides to protect her and expose the toxicity of her family.
Main Themes
1. The "White Lotus" Trope Deconstruction: The manga brilliantly explores the "White Lotus" archetype—a character who appears pure and innocent on the outside but is calculating and malicious on the inside. It examines how society rewards performative vulnerability over genuine hard work.
2. Self-Worth and Liberation: A core theme is Leticia’s journey toward self-actualization. Her decision to "abandon" her engagement isn't an act of defeat, but a powerful reclamation of her own life.
3. Justice and Discernment: Prince Clarke represents the "Righteous" element. His character serves as a cathartic foil to the "blind" male leads common in this genre. His ability to discern truth from lies provides the emotional payoff readers crave.
4. Toxic Family Dynamics: The story doesn't shy away from the pain of parental neglect and the damage caused by favoritism, making Leticia’s struggle feel grounded despite the fantasy setting.
Why You Should Read It
The art by Hako is elegant, capturing the subtle shifts in Mary’s expressions that reveal her true nature, contrasted with Leticia’s weary but dignified beauty. The pacing is deliberate, focusing on the psychological chess match between the sisters and the blossoming, respectful romance between Leticia and Clarke.
For those tired of protagonists who suffer in silence, Leticia’s agency—and Clarke’s unwavering support—makes this manga a standout. It is a sophisticated tale of social politics, the burden of expectations, and the triumph of truth over calculated tragedy. Whether you are a veteran otaku or a newcomer to the "Villainess" genre, this title offers a satisfying blend of drama and romance that will keep you turning the pages.
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➡️ I Abandoned My Engagement Because My Sister is a Tragic Heroine, but Somehow I Became Entangled with a Righteous Prince – Leer Manga
