The Young Lady Whose Engagement Was Annulled Decided to Observe What Would Become of the Kingdom thereafter - Chapter 12

Sunlight poured through the window, hitting my face and making for an unpleasant awakening. I groaned and pulled the blanket over my head, trying to steal a few more moments of sleep.

“Your Highness, it’s nearly noon.”

The voice of my butler, Victor, echoed through the room. He had already thrown the curtains wide open. Too bright. Seriously.

“Just a little longer.”

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible today, sir. There is an important meeting scheduled. His Majesty will also be attending.”

I let out a deep sigh, still lying down with my eyes shut. Another boring meeting. Even if I go, it won’t matter. Nobody listens to what I have to say anyway.

“What about breakfast?”

“It is already time for lunch, sir. A meal has been prepared in your room.”

Reluctantly, I sat up. A maid helped me out of my nightclothes, and I slipped into the casual outfit handed to me.

Looking at my reflection in the mirror, my hair was a mess and there were dark circles under my eyes. These groggy mornings had become more common lately. Getting properly dressed felt like such a chore. Maybe I really am tired. I should get more rest.

I then sat down to eat the bread and meat dishes prepared for me. The taste was… fine.

“Here are today’s meeting materials.”

“Ah.”

Victor handed me a thick stack of documents. I glanced at them sideways and focused on my food.

“Will you be reviewing them before the meeting, sir?”

“It’s fine. I’ll just listen when I get there.”

Victor’s expression flickered with concern for a moment, but he quickly returned to his usual calm. There’s no point in preparing. It won’t change anything. I used to be forced to read documents all the time. Back then, Florence, my former fiancée, would sit beside me, pointing things out like, ‘Zain-sama, this part is important.’ I hated feeling like an idiot next to her, so I pushed myself too hard. But now is different. I’ll go at my own pace.

“How’s Amaryllis?”

“Lady Crimson is out again today. She is not expected to return until evening.”

“I see. She’s busy, huh.”

Lately, I’d barely seen Amaryllis. Our schedules often missed each other. It seems she’s busy preparing to be the future queen—honing her court etiquette and social manners. Good for her.

“Well, I guess I’ll head to the meeting.”

There was no need to rush. I slowly stood and changed into formal attire for work.

By the time the endlessly dull meeting ended, it was already evening. That fast? And just like that, another day wasted.

Father glanced at me a few times during the meeting, but never asked for my input. He probably doesn’t care what I think. Well, I’m not the king yet. That’s fine. I’ll put in the effort once I take the throne.

After a short break, I had an engagement that night—a banquet hosted by nobles. I made my way to the venue, richly decorated for the occasion. When I arrived, all the gathered nobles rose in respect.

“Your Highness, thank you for honoring us with your presence.”

I was led to the place of honor. Exquisite wine and food were brought out one after another. Sharing this with them was far more worthwhile than any meeting.

“Your Highness has a truly sharp mind,” one noble remarked.

“Indeed, Zain-sama is exactly the kind of leader this kingdom needs right now.”

“I’m still far from that,” I said modestly, though I found their words pleasing.

As the banquet progressed, the conversations gradually shifted toward politics.

“I hear the Vermillion family has been expanding their influence in the north.”

“Is that so?”

Apparently, the increasingly talked-about Vermillion family was growing stronger. That caught my attention.

“They seem to prioritize their own interests over loyalty to the royal family,” said another noble in agreement.

“According to the information I’ve received, they’ve been quietly strengthening their military forces under the pretense of ‘ensuring local safety.’ Additionally, their foreign trade activity is said to be more vigorous than expected.”

I sipped my wine, trying to digest the implications. What exactly is the Vermillion family planning? Could Florence be involved?

Is this some kind of retaliation against me? Because I broke off the engagement? She said she would watch over me—but now she’s interfering?

“Does Father—King Garland—know about this?”

“I believe so,” replied a noble known for his intelligence network.

“However, His Majesty seems too attached to his old ties with the Vermillion family and is overly considerate of them. Frankly, the royal family should adopt a more cautious stance.”

Come to think of it, today’s meeting also touched on the relationship with the Vermillion family. Father seemed keen on avoiding any deterioration in that relationship.

Royalty, pandering to the nobles…?

“Such outdated thinking,” a young noble added.

“The new era needs fresh perspectives. We believe Zain-sama is the one to lead us into that future.”

As the drinks flowed and the atmosphere heated up, the nobles’ statements became bolder.

“Your Highness, for the future of the kingdom, there will come a time when a leader must make bold, visionary decisions,” said an elderly noble calmly.

“For lasting stability, it is vital to prepare in advance.”

I found myself momentarily speechless.

“What exactly are you trying to say?”

“Of course, we pray for His Majesty’s continued health,” the elderly noble replied cautiously.

“However, for the sake of a smooth and stable succession, your role, Your Highness, will only become more critical. We simply wish to be ready for any situation.”

“Right…”

Naturally, I know I’ll be king one day. I understand the importance of being prepared.

“Preparing for the future is important, right?”

“Exactly, Your Highness.”

That’s why I’m building relationships with the nobles now. One day, I’ll need their support. I’m strengthening those ties—and it’s working.

“Well, maybe… but isn’t it too early to rush things?”

“Of course. We’re not saying it has to be now.”

The elderly noble quickly reassured me.

“We simply mean to be prepared for any contingency. For instance, if His Majesty were unable to continue ruling for any reason, we should be able to act without hesitation.”

“Right… but still…”

Yes, I know I’ll eventually become king. I understand that I have to be ready. But… it still feels a little too soon. When I picture it, I get a little scared.

No—fear won’t help me. I need to embrace the fact that I will be king one day.

“Preparing for the future is important.”

“Indeed, Your Highness.”

That’s why I’m forging these connections with the nobles. I need their support. And I’m achieving that.

“We are always on your side, Zain-sama.”

“If anything happens, we will protect you.”

The nobles spoke with such passion. It was truly reassuring. Every one of them here supports me. Something I could never achieve with Florence around.

She may have handled the older nobles well, but she kept her distance from these newer factions. That’s something I can do. I can make it happen.