Breaking Off the Engagement… Just as Intended Chapter 6

I woke up with a hearty yawn.

I dare say, I might just have experienced the most rejuvenating sleep I’ve had in ages. And it’s been quite awhile since I’ve dreamt about the past.

Back then, I used to slip away from my etiquette lessons in favor of hunting monsters. My mischievous escapades came to an end once I arrived at the Royal Capital. It was an unfair exchangeーmy sword for the ‘queen training’ーbut rather than falter in my studies, I put forth my most a.s.siduous effort in each one as if I was on the battlefield. Before I knew it, word about the Prince’sdistinguished fiancée flourished among the general populace.

And I… I was in complete disbelief. If it weren’t for my lessons, I would have doubled over in exasperation.

That was not my intention. At. All.

There’s no use mulling over it nowーI should get changed. Before I could make a decision, a knocking sound echoed through the room.

「Excuse me, Lady Lillina? 」

「I’m awake, so it’s okay to come in.」

Sana greeted me as she came into the room.

「Good morning, Lady Lillina.」

「Good morning to you too, Sana. It’s nice outside today.」

I looked through the window as Sana pulled back the drapes. This weather is absolutely perfect for excursions, so our ride back home will be quite enjoyable.

As usual, Sana prepared my clothes for the day, and as soon as she finished the last b.u.t.ton, we were off to breakfast.

Father was seated at the table. It was rare to see him here since his work always coaxed him away long before this hour.

「Father, good morning.」

「Likewise, Lilliana.」

Father was waiting for me to come. I took my place at the table and Father’s meal was set before him.

「Lillina, before the day is over, you will be heading back to the territory?」

「Yes, I believe it’s better to head out as early as possible.」

Father made a non-committal noise.

「You’ve been focused on the journey back home, but is it all right that you let things continue like this? Aren’t you forgetting something of great importance?」

The deliberate emphasis on his last two words made me freeze.

What could Father be referring to?

I’ve said my ‘goodbyes’ to all my friends in the Royal Capital. It’s inconceivable that Prince Leon would want to exchange partings with his former fiancéeーnor would Father a.s.sume I would do such a thing.

I tilted my head in thought, Father sighed deeply and said.

「Lillina. Did you at least give your regards to Queen Rachel? 」

My teeth clamped shut to trap the surprised screech that was bubbling from my throat.

Of course! Wasn’t she someone I should have told from the very beginning?! How could I have forgotten! Although in hindsight, rather than forget, perhaps I chose to avoid it altogether. Speaking with your former fiancé’s mother is…difficult. To put it nicely. And to make matters worse, this ‘mother’ is also the Queen.

Prince Leon’s mother is Queen Rachel.

Throughout my queen training, Queen Rachel would periodically come to oversee my progress. There weren’t many chances to meet with her because of her station and the duties that came with it, but Queen Rachel found the time. She took a s.h.i.+ne to me.

Nevertheless, I chose to stand by the annulment. If we were to meet face-to-face, I wouldn’t have the courage to meet her eyes.

I have no regrets over the annulmentーfar from it. But, my heart feels heavy with guilt, knowing that the news would no doubt disappoint Queen Rachel.

Would it be acceptable to request a private audience with the Queen?

Father saw I was lost in my thoughts and snapped me back to reality with an idea.

「Lillina. Before you go back home, you must meet with Queen Rachel. You owe her at least one visit for all the times she looked after you.」

I couldn’t argue with that logic. Father was right; I should pay my dues. It would be terribly rude not to see her. After all, my queen training would be for naught if I didn’t have the decency to inform Queen Rachel of my departure.

I decided to meet with Queen Rachel. But wouldn’t she be too busy to see me? I voiced my concern to Father.

「There’s no need to worry. Queen Rachel said that wants to meet with you at once. I think she even made room in her schedule for you.」

You say that Father, but I don’t think it was necessary for her to go to such lengths…

For the time being, I need to write to the Queen to confirm this. It seems like my return to our territory has been postponed. Again.

I headed back to my room and wrote the letter. It was brief and concise一Queen Rachel had little time to spare and I didn’t want to waste it with flowery prose. I handed over the completed letter to Sebastian.

Father urged me to meet with the Queen at once, but our efforts may be in vain. Does Queen Rachel know? Prince Leon was the one who proposed the annulment with unclouded judgment.

Yesterday, I was able to reason my case with both the King and Father, but with Queen Rachel as an opponent, I’m not confident I’ll yield the same result.

During the queen training, I yearned for words of encouragement. There were times where my resolve一my spirit一crumbled under the severe curriculum. But then, Queen Rachel would aid me with kind, gentle words that healed me. And in these stressful times, I recall Prince Leon wandering aimlessly near where the lessons took place. Yet, all he ever did was stare at me from a distance. Because of his sudden loitering, I thought Prince Leon may have had some business with me. I met his gaze head-on, but he scurried away as if in fear. What was his reason for this?

At first, I was under the impression he did this out of spite, but when I discussed it with Father and Ricardo, they told me that it wasn’t true.

There was knocking on my door and Sebastian’s voice was on the other side.

「Lady Lilliana, please excuse me.」

「Go ahead and enter.」

Sebastian strode to my side and handed me a letter.

「Lady Lilliana, I present the Queen’s response.」

「What? Already?!」

「As you say, Lady Lilliana. Once she read your letter, she made haste with her reply.」

How can Queen Rachel be so quick? An hour still has yet to pa.s.s, right? I started to read her letter and I was stunned as my eyes drifted further down the paper. There’s time available right now to come to the Royal Palace…?!

I was still reeling from the news, but that didn’t stop Sebastain from springing into action. He called Sana to begin the preparations for my visit to the royal palace. Their uniforms streaked across the room as the two rushed to s.h.i.+p me off to see the Queen. The shock hadn’t worn off and soon enough, I was on route to the Royal Palace with our residence far behind me.