I Was Told 'No One Would Miss You,' So I Became the Empress of Another Country - Episode 3

The day after returning to the Kreutzfeldt Duke’s mansion, which stood tall in the center of the royal capital, I heard unpleasant rumors early in the morning.

It was said that Leon had publicly introduced his new lover at the royal court.

As if showing off the annulment of our engagement, he had gathered a grand crowd around him.

“Is the rumor true?”

Lydia asked with a worried expression as she reported the news to me.

It seemed that people in the royal court were beginning to believe that this “new lover” was none other than a woman named Flora.

“Yes. She comes from a commoner background, and there are even rumors of her being in debt. Maybe she’s desperate to gain the crown prince’s favor because she’s been telling everyone that she is the ‘true fiancée.'”

“The true fiancée…”

Rather than feeling pain at her words, I was more astonished.

I had originally been the crown prince’s fiancée, yet now Flora was acting as if she held the official position.

My father quickly caught wind of the rumor and furrowed his brows in displeasure.

“For the crown prince to act so blatantly… The nobles around him must be quite bewildered.”

Indeed, a prince who easily broke off his engagement would leave a bad impression.

And if the woman replacing me was someone as mysterious as Flora, that would only deepen people’s distrust.

But if Leon had still chosen her despite knowing that, he must have a strong reason.

I decided to suppress my emotions and not act rashly for now.

If I openly accused Flora, the crown prince’s authority could easily turn the situation against me.

Even as a noble duke’s daughter, I could not overpower the royal family’s influence.

“I will handle this calmly. No matter how humiliating it is, making a scene now will only put us at a disadvantage.”

When I said that, my father nodded in agreement.

“That’s true. But that woman’s movements are suspicious. Sooner or later, she will face consequences for her actions. Still, we must take precautions before that happens.”
Hearing my father’s words, I silently agreed.

I didn’t believe Flora had simply used shallow tactics to win over the crown prince.

She must have a greater goal in mind.

As I was deep in thought, Lydia suddenly rushed back to the entrance, looking flustered.

“It’s big news! There’s a rumor that the Emperor of the neighboring Igleia Empire will officially visit Lowell Kingdom!”

“The Emperor of the Igleia Empire…?”

Just hearing that title made me straighten my posture slightly.

The empire was a powerful nation, far larger in land and military strength than our kingdom.

For its ruler to personally visit our country was an extremely rare event.

“I heard there will be a grand banquet to welcome him, and I think Father is already involved in the preparations.”

Lydia was skilled at gathering information.

Even though she was only a baron’s daughter, her wide social connections were something I deeply respected.

“That makes sense. The royal family must prioritize their relationship with the empire.”

The real concern was how Crown Prince Leon would behave.

He loved being the center of attention, yet now he would have to stand before someone even more powerful—the Emperor himself.

I highly doubted he would simply bow his head obediently.

As I fell into deep thought, Lydia leaned in and looked at me with concern.

“Celestia, don’t push yourself too hard. If this is too painful for you…”

“I’m fine. I don’t have time to dwell on pain right now.”

I smiled as I answered, and Lydia gave me a relieved smile in return.

I knew I had to stay strong.

I would not let Leon’s betrayal break me, nor would I let Flora’s schemes shake me.

What exactly were those two after?

Uncovering their true motives would be my next goal.

Just because my engagement was annulled, I had no intention of simply staying silent and enduring it.