The Young Lady Whose Engagement Was Annulled Decided to Observe What Would Become of the Kingdom thereafter - Chapter 11

The morning light streamed in through the window, painting my study in golden hues. Maps and documents were spread out across the desk—each one a reminder of my new responsibilities.

My father had entrusted me with part of our family’s territory: a valley village and farmland adjacent to the northern mines of the Vermilion estate. I had been ordered to apply the knowledge I acquired at the royal palace and report the results.

“Lady Florence, a special envoy from the Harwood family has arrived.”

As my butler Henry informed me, I instinctively straightened my back. Since our first meeting a week ago, I had hoped to see Leonard again. Today, that wish was coming true in an official capacity.

“Please show him in.”

I lifted my eyes from the documents and checked my attire. A modest yet elegant navy-blue dress suitable for official duties. It wasn’t flashy, but it maintained the dignity of a daughter of the Vermilion house. This should be fine… I hope I don’t look odd.

I had been so focused on work that I was only now feeling a twinge of anxiety about my appearance. At the palace, I was always keenly aware of being observed. Things were different now—perhaps I’d let my guard down a bit.

The door opened, and in walked Leonard Harwood. He was dressed more practically than before, with the dust of travel still clinging to his shoulders.

“Lady Vermilion, thank you for receiving me.”

He bowed politely. His brown eyes, as warm as I remembered, now also shone with determination.

“Lord Leonard, thank you for coming. You must be tired from the journey?”

“Not at all. The scenery of the Vermilion lands was quite rejuvenating.”

I couldn’t help but smile. Praise for my homeland always brought me joy.

He had been dispatched as a special envoy of the Harwood family to strengthen ties between our families and explore the application of agricultural technologies. He would be assisting me in my work.

“Well then, let’s begin.”

I pointed to the map on the desk.

“Let me explain the territory my father entrusted to me.”

Riding on horseback up the hill, I surveyed the entire village. Leonard rode beside me, also taking in the view: a small village and farmland under the blue sky, and beyond them, the entrance to the mine.

“This territory was assigned to me as an opportunity to put into practice the knowledge I acquired at the royal palace.”

I explained.

“If I succeed, I may eventually be entrusted with assisting my brother, who is expected to inherit the Vermilion house.”

“A noble challenge indeed.”

Leonard replied earnestly.

“I was dispatched under the pretense of agricultural development, but the real goal is clearly to deepen our families’ cooperation.”

“Yes, I’ve been informed.”

“I’ll do my best to ease your burden, Lady Vermilion.”

“I’ll be counting on you.”

We slowly rode into the village. Small houses lined the road, and people working in the fields paused and bowed respectfully as we passed.

“We should greet the village chief.”

Upon arriving at the village square, we were met by the village chief and several elders. The elderly chief bowed deeply, his white hair fluttering in the wind.

“Lady Florence, welcome. We have received word from Duke Vermilion.”

“Thank you. This is Lord Leonard from the Harwood family. He’ll be offering advice on improving agricultural methods.”

The chief also greeted Leonard with respect, and we were guided to the village meeting hall. As we listened to the villagers describe their current situation and challenges, their struggles became clear. Balancing mining work with farming was proving difficult, and water distribution had become a significant issue.

After lunch, we inspected the canal that formed the border between the mine and the farmland. Leonard walked quietly, occasionally taking notes.

“As expected, water distribution is the primary issue.”

He noted with a keen eye.

“Both mine cleaning and crop irrigation require a sufficient water supply.”

“So it seems.”

I nodded.

“Moreover, there appears to be rising tension among the villagers. There’s friction between the miners and the farmers.”

Clearly, this situation needed resolving. I began thinking about how we could fix it.

Back at the estate, Leonard and I dined together. During the meal, I found myself wanting to know more about him.

“Lord Leonard, if you don’t mind my asking… As the third son of the Harwood family, what path have you walked so far?”

He answered willingly.

“I’ve known since childhood that I wasn’t in line to inherit. My eldest brother excelled in politics, and my second brother in the military. The eldest would lead, the second would support. I tried not to compete with them and sought my own path.”

That surprised me.

“To avoid any succession disputes, I chose to develop skills unrelated to governance. I studied economics, agriculture, and commerce to find a way to support the Harwood family differently.”

“That was a very wise choice.”

I said, truly impressed.

“Once my eldest brother officially inherited and things settled down at home, I felt it was finally time to consider marriage. That’s when the offer from the Vermilion family came.”

So that’s how it happened. It was clear he had thought things through carefully.

“I believe this current mission was arranged partly to deepen our connection under the guise of work.”

Leonard smiled.

“My father and eldest brother strongly advised me not to waste this opportunity. I suppose this is a trial to see if we’re compatible.”

Hearing his words, I smiled in return. Clearly, the people around us were hoping we’d end up together.

The next day, an unexpected event occurred. The miners refused to work and gathered in the village square.

“What’s going on?”

I asked a village official as I arrived, having heard the commotion.

“They’re protesting that the new tunnel is unsafe and that the water shortage is making work impossible.”

Leonard and I hurried to the square to speak with them. The air was tense, filled with shouts of anger.

“We’ll die at this rate!”

“That’s right! We’ll be buried alive!”

“We must stop working immediately!”

The miners were shouting.

Others chimed in, echoing their fears. I tried to analyze the situation calmly, but my heart was pounding. This was my first real crisis since being entrusted with this territory. The royal palace had never prepared me for problems like this. But perhaps that’s exactly why I was sent here.

I took a deep breath and steadied myself.

“Please, everyone, allow me to hear your concerns.”

I stood before the crowd. There was a moment of confusion, then silence fell as the workers turned their attention to me.

“I am here representing House Vermilion. I want to understand what’s wrong so we can find a solution. Please, tell me the specifics.”

After a pause, an older miner stepped forward.

“The wooden supports in the new tunnel are too weak. And the water used to wash the ore has been reduced, causing dust to fill the air—it’s hard to breathe.”

Another added,

“They’ve prioritized the farms’ irrigation, leaving us without enough water for our work. We understand the fields are important, but this puts our lives at risk.”

I looked to Leonard. He nodded and stepped forward.

“I’m Leonard Harwood of the Harwood family. My expertise is in agriculture and economics, but I believe your safety must come first. Let’s work together on a concrete improvement plan.”

His calm voice and presence seemed to ease the tension in the crowd. His presence was reassuring—to them, and to me.

We gathered the miners and village representatives for a proper discussion. Leonard proposed practical strategies for efficient water usage, while I promised stronger safety measures and better working conditions.

“Reinforcement of the tunnel will begin tomorrow. We’ll also draft a new water distribution plan.”

I announced.

“Your safety is our top priority.”

The miners gradually began to nod in agreement. By the end of the meeting, the immediate crisis had been defused.

As evening fell, we returned to the manor and began reviewing the day’s events in my study. The mountains outside the window were tinged red by the setting sun.

“Lord Leonard, your calm judgment and response today were admirable.”

When I said that, he replied,

“Lady Florence, you too. Facing such a situation without fear and staying composed to find a solution is no small feat. I was impressed.”

“Without your practical expertise, especially your proposal for efficient water use, it would’ve been difficult.”

I answered honestly.

We exchanged smiles. This shared experience had shown us how well we complemented each other. Together, we had achieved a better outcome. And perhaps, in the future—

“Today helped me make a decision.”

“A decision?”

All my uncertainty was gone. So I told him. He met my eyes.

“I believe we would make excellent partners—not just in our work…”

I paused slightly before continuing.

“But in life as well.”

Leonard’s expression softened.

“I feel the same. Overcoming this crisis together only strengthened that belief. I feel that with you, I can overcome any hardship.”

“Then…”

I took a deep breath.

“May I formally request our engagement? I’ll speak to my father as soon as I report today’s events.”

“I would be honored.”

His voice carried both warmth and resolve.

“I’ll contact my family as well to begin the formal procedures.”

“Thank you, Leonard.”

“And thank you, Florence. I look forward to our life together.”

Thus, we became formally engaged. I also informed my father that we hoped to marry in the near future.