My Second Engagement: Loved by the Duke’s Son and Thanked for My Healing Magic ~ My Selfish Sister Took My Fiancé, but Gave Him Back Because She Didn’t Want Him Anymore~ - Episode 28

“Sorry for coming so suddenly.”

“What happened!? Lord Julite is out at the moment, but would you like to wait for him?”

“I came here today to talk to Lady Reina. It’s a very important matter.”

“Huh…?”

King Belfred had a serious expression, which made me tense up.

For the king himself to visit in person, it must be something extremely important.

For now, I led him to the reception room and had King Belfred take a seat.

Even the butler and the servants were visibly tense.

I slowly sat down as well, preparing myself to listen.

“I’ll get straight to the point. Reina Falrune is no longer Reina Falrune.”

“Huh?”

“In other words, you are no longer the daughter of Viscount Falrune.”

“Ah… I see.”

My father and mother always treated me like trash, so I figured this would happen sooner or later.

I had been nervous at first, but instead, I felt strangely calm now.

“You’re not surprised?”

“If anything, I feel… finally free.”

“I see. When I received the report, I also thought that this was bound to happen with Viscount Falrune.”

In the Kingdom of Gressgrace, even among royalty and nobility, as long as one fulfills their duties, personal freedom is respected.

My father had properly carried out his official duties, and even King Belfred wouldn’t have been able to interfere in household matters.

He could only observe as an outsider. Otherwise, it would disrupt fairness.

That was what the books noble children studied had stated.

“Lady Reina, you were the eldest daughter of Viscount Falrune, yet you never attended social gatherings. Instead, it was always your younger sister, Almia, who stood out. Despite having the highest academic scores, you never appeared in public. I always thought something was strange.”

“I was forbidden from going outside…”

“So, they completely cut off any means of escape for you. That viscount…! Everything lined up in a way that prevented me from intervening until now. I deeply apologize.”

To my surprise, King Belfred bowed his head in apology.

“N-no, please! There’s no need for that! Please raise your head!”

“I’m sorry. It’s not that I was completely unaware. And yet, I couldn’t do anything to help you until now. I sincerely apologize.”

King Belfred was always extremely busy.

Before receiving healing magic, he had been fighting an illness while managing the kingdom.

He couldn’t have had the time to focus solely on Viscount Falrune’s household affairs.

“Please don’t worry about it. I’m living happily now, and it was King Belfred who provided the healing facility for me.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that. It may be too late, but I’ve also begun an investigation into this matter.”

“An investigation…? What do you mean?”

“I can’t reveal too much due to my position, but at the very least, things will now turn in your favor, Lady Reina.”

King Belfred spoke reassuringly, but I was more worried about Lord Julite.

This was no longer a marriage between nobles.

Would our engagement even continue?

But I was selfish.

As an individual, I didn’t want to part ways with Lord Julite.

After living together, I had realized just how much I was drawn to him—I wanted to stay by his side forever.

“Will my engagement with Lord Julite be in jeopardy…?”

Even though free marriage was becoming more common, as a disowned noblewoman, I would bring great disgrace to Lord Julite and the entire Duke Gress household.

My personal feelings alone could not justify causing such trouble.

“I don’t think you need to worry too much about that.”

King Belfred spoke as if he was surprised I was even concerned about it.

“Well, I do understand your concern. Normally, it would be unthinkable for royalty to be engaged to a commoner. But there are exceptions.”

“Exceptions?”

“Simply put, those who have made significant contributions to the kingdom. Even if it remains undisclosed, you have saved the Kingdom of Gressgrace. While ignorant nobles may be harsh, they won’t matter in the long run.”

Even so, the Duke’s household would surely face difficulties.

“I will personally take responsibility for this matter. So, Lady Reina, you should focus on being happy with Julite.”

“Is it really alright for you to do so much for me!?”

“Of course. After all, my illness prevented me from properly overseeing the nobility. Thanks to you, things have changed, and I am now investigating corrupt nobles—including Viscount Falrune. In fact, his disowning you at this timing works in your favor. Now, you bear no responsibility whatsoever.”

“Now that you mention it…”

What first came to mind was how Almia had been seen shopping at a high-end store.

If my parents’ cruelty had only been directed at me, that would have been one thing.

But if they were causing trouble elsewhere as well, it was frightening to imagine.

If they were held accountable, my engagement to Lord Julite wouldn’t be the only issue—it could turn into something much worse.

“If you’re this worried, then there must be something serious going on. I shall continue the investigation.”

King Belfred was too kind.

He had looked into all my concerns and worries without me even asking.

He could have just summoned me, yet he came all the way to the Duke’s estate.

He must have wanted to tell me as soon as possible.

Despite his busy schedule, he had taken the time to personally come here.

That made me incredibly happy.

“Thank you so much!”

King Belfred smiled warmly.