I Was the Eldest Daughter of a Ducal Family

[calkch86]

TITLE
I Was the Eldest Daughter of a Ducal Family
公爵家の長女でした
Kōshakuke no Chōjo deshita

AUTHOR
鈴音さや
Suzune Saya

PUBLISHER
Kadokawa Media Works Bunko

ISBN
9784049162783
9784049165685

STATUS
Complete at 2 volumes

SYNOPSIS
“Goodbye to people who are only family by blood.” Rosalinde, the eldest daughter of a ducal family, has spent her life giving up happiness to live up to expectations. One day, her fiancé suddenly breaks off their engagement—and even her father abandons her. In her despair, she recalls her previous life, where she was also exploited simply for being the “eldest daughter.” Determined not to suffer the same fate again, she decides: “This time, I’ll escape.” With regained memories and mysterious power, she runs away— and soon encounters a foreign crown prince hiding his identity… A story about reclaiming one’s life and choosing to live freely.

Why to license
Read the web novel as well as the manga. What stood out most to me was that the story isn't just about getting back at the people who wronged the FMC.

Instead, it's about her slowly finding her own worth, building a better life, and learning to be happy for herself. The early chapters can be quite frustrating because of how unfairly she's treated, but that only makes her growth and eventual happiness feel even more rewarding. I also liked that her past life memories were used to support her development rather than turning her into an overpowered character, and we get closure to her past life too.

The family relationships are written well, and it's easy to sympathize with what she goes through. Overall, it's a heartwarming story about moving forward, healing from the past, and finding people who truly appreciate you.