I Was Told 'No One Would Miss You,' So I Became the Empress of Another Country - Episode 6

The next morning, I heard that I was summoned by the palace, so I went with my father.

But as we were walking to take care of business, an unexpected voice reached my ears.

“Celestia was never fit to be the Crown Prince’s fiancée in the first place. She doesn’t suit him at all.”

A woman’s exaggerated voice rang out from the courtyard.

I stopped in my tracks and secretly observed.

There, I saw Flora and Leon.

The two of them sat side by side, looking elegant as if they were enjoying a peaceful outing.

“Really, it’s embarrassing to even think that I was once engaged to her,” Leon scoffed.

He spoke loudly, clearly making sure I could hear.

Several maids stood nearby, watching with curious eyes, as if they were enjoying a show.

My father took a sharp breath.

I felt the same pain in my chest.

I thought I was used to Leon’s insensitivity, but for him to openly insult me in public like this…

“Father, maybe we should—”

“Let’s go.”

My father’s voice was filled with barely contained anger.

Before I could stop him, he started walking, and I followed.

As soon as we appeared, the people in the courtyard turned to look at us in surprise.

Leon frowned slightly and pursed his lips as if we were an unwelcome interruption.

“Oh? You came all the way here. What do you want?”

“Before that, let me ask you—did those words just now really come from your mouths?”

My father’s gaze was sharp, like a blade of ice.

Flora flinched for a moment, but quickly put on a sweet smile.

“Oh my, Duke. Please don’t be so angry. We were simply discussing whether Lady Celestia was truly suited for the royal family, that’s all.”

Her casual words made my chest burn.

But before I could speak, my father raised his voice.

“Even if the engagement was broken, insulting the Duke’s family is unacceptable. Even as the Crown Prince, I cannot overlook this. I will have to report this to His Majesty.”

Leon’s face twisted in annoyance at my father’s words.

“The engagement is already broken, so there’s no need to be involved anymore. Stay out of this.”

What a selfish thing to say.

I was furious, but I knew that arguing back would only make things worse.

My father must have understood that as well, because he took a deep breath before gently grabbing my arm.

“……”

Without another word, my father turned around.

As we walked away, I could almost hear Leon sneering behind us.

My fingers trembled with anger.

But this was not the time to let my emotions take over.

After we left the palace and reached a quiet place, my father spoke in a calm voice.

“Celestia, that woman… Flora, was it? I’m going to investigate her background thoroughly.”

“Flora?”

“Leon is making such a fuss—there must be a reason. And more importantly, I cannot allow those who insult you to go unpunished.”

His words were steady, but I could hear the clear hostility in his tone.

I felt the same way.

“If there’s anything I can do, I want to help. I don’t want you to bear this burden alone, Father.”

He widened his eyes slightly in surprise, then quickly smiled and nodded.

“Alright. Having you by my side will be reassuring. But promise me, don’t be reckless. The Crown Prince could use any means necessary.”

“I understand. If they continue using such underhanded methods, we must be prepared to counter them.”

My father placed a firm hand on my shoulder and looked at me deeply.

His gaze carried both a father’s love and a duke’s strict resolve.

I met his eyes and nodded firmly.

If Leon and Flora continued to insult me in public, I couldn’t stay silent.

I didn’t know what they were planning, and carelessly confronting them could be dangerous.

That’s why we needed to gather information and find their weaknesses first.

I would not let my loved ones be insulted and hurt any longer.

With that firm determination, I clenched my fists beside my father.