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 29

“Lady Reina is truly wise and kind. Now I understand why Julite has admired her for so many years.”

“Huh? For many years?”

“It’s not my place to say. Oh, and aside from the serious matter earlier, I have another report to share.”

King Belfred was now smiling cheerfully.

Feeling more at ease, I leaned back deeply in my chair.

“You even helped Maria overcome her fear of men with healing magic, didn’t you? I’m truly grateful.”

“No, that was the result of Lady Maria’s own efforts. I didn’t use my magic.”

“Is that so? Maria kept talking about you, so I just assumed… But you did support her in overcoming it, didn’t you?”

“No, no. Lady Maria truly worked hard on her own. I was just by her side.”

Maria is diligent and hardworking. Even at the healing facility, she said herself that she needed to change, and she never ran away from her training with Thomas.

I, too, find myself drawn to Lady Maria.

“You were the trigger, Lady Reina. Actually, Maria herself has come forward and spoken about an engagement. She went through a painful past, so we allowed her the freedom to choose. I’m truly happy she has decided on her own.”

King Belfred spoke with joy.

I listened happily as well.

“Her fiancé is Belard Bettom, the third son of Baron Bettom. I believe he will contribute greatly to the kingdom’s growth. One day, he might even spread the wonderful and healthy cuisine of Washoku throughout Gressgrace Kingdom.”

“So that was the reason for inviting Lord Bettom to the royal palace.”

“Yes. These days, even royal family members choosing their own fiancé is becoming more accepted. You need not worry, Lady Reina.”

Father always used to say, ‘In the old noble society, things were different. Now it’s too lax, so we must change it.’

I may be ignorant of the world, but I feel like it’s a place filled with warm and kind people.

I want to continue following the kindness of King Belfred.

“I’ve spoken a lot about political matters, but this is just my personal thought as a parent. I’m simply happy. Seeing Maria talk about him with such joy… I’m sure Julite chose you, Lady Reina, not out of any calculation.”

“Thank you for your kind words and consideration.”

I stood up and bowed deeply.

Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from outside the reception room, and the door swung open.

“Uncle! My apologies, I was out on personal business.”

“No, no, it’s fine. This was an unplanned visit, after all.”

Lord Julite had returned.

Since I was in the middle of bowing deeply, he was quite surprised.

“Did Reina do something amazing again?”

“No, I was just receiving words of gratitude.”

“I was just praising Lady Reina for her sincerity, kindness, and wisdom. I also had something urgent to report, so I came by.”

“Is it about that matter?”

“That, and also the fact that Lady Reina is no longer a noblewoman.”

“I see…”

With just that, Lord Julite seemed to understand the situation.

He hurriedly sat beside me and grasped my hand tightly.

My heartbeat immediately quickened.

“No matter what happens, I will always walk by Reina’s side.”

“A-Ahh…”

“I know how you are, Reina. You must be worrying that losing your title will bring trouble to the duke’s house. But there’s no need for that concern! Everyone is on your side!”

Lord Julite almost seemed to have some kind of non-elemental magic that let him read my mind.

He understood my feelings so well that, rather than feeling exposed, I felt happy.

“Did you also tell her about that matter?”

“As a king, I must speak fairly to everyone, which is the difficult part. Now that my illness is completely cured, I am finally taking action against the corrupt nobles I had previously overlooked.”

With just that, I could grasp what he intended to do.

But…

“What will happen to Almia?”

She had caused so much trouble for the duke’s house, the shops, and even Lord Bettom with her selfish and reckless behavior.

Perhaps she didn’t deserve any kindness. I was no longer a member of the Falrune family.

Even so, somewhere in my heart, I still thought of her as my sister.

Her spoiled nature came mostly from our parents’ overindulgence. If she were disciplined properly, perhaps she could still be saved.

That was what I found myself thinking.

King Belfred scratched his cheek, looking troubled.

“That depends on her.”

“I see…”

“But she is still a child under her parents’ care. As a form of rescue, we are giving her a proper chance.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Lady Reina, you are truly kind. I shall handle this fairly, without favoritism.”

If Almia changed for the better, that would be ideal.

But if not even the royal family’s power could help her, then I would have no choice but to give up.

After the long discussion, King Belfred took his leave.

Now, it was just Lord Julite and me.

Then, suddenly, he grasped both of my hands.

“There is somewhere I absolutely want to take you today. Will you come with me?”

An invitation to go out at this hour.

What could it be about?