The Young Lady Whose Engagement Was Annulled Decided to Observe What Would Become of the Kingdom thereafter - Chapter 15

The northern sky was clear and blue again today. From the estate where I was temporarily staying for work, I could see the mountains covered in deep green forests, and at their base, villages where people went about their daily lives. It was a peaceful scene.

Leonard and I walked side by side as we stepped out of the village assembly hall. The work we had been tasked with—mediating the water rights between the mines and farmland—was finally complete. We had also resolved several other issues related to the territory. I had put to use the knowledge I gained at the royal palace, and with Leonard’s expertise, we had handled things well.

“The villagers can finally rest easy now.”

Leonard spoke in a calm voice.

“Yes. Thanks to your canal design, both sides will receive enough water.”

He smiled a little shyly.

“It was only possible because you convinced the villagers. Without that, the plan wouldn’t have worked.”

Our steps were light. After working together for the past few weeks, our mutual understanding had deepened. I had come to believe that combining his practical knowledge with my coordination skills allowed us to solve even difficult problems.

“Have you finished the report I asked for?”

“Yes, I’ve compiled all the figures and diagrams.”

Leonard handed me the documents, and I took them. I planned to submit them along with my own report.

“All that’s left is to report to the lord of the house.”

“Let’s go.”

We got into the carriage and headed back to the estate. As I gazed out the window at the scenery, I was filled with a quiet sense of accomplishment.

“Florence. This isn’t confirmed yet, but…”

Leonard lowered his voice.

“Apparently, something major happened in the royal capital.”

I looked at him.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know the details yet. Merchants from the eastern region arrived yesterday, and they seemed uneasy. There are rumors involving the royal palace. Just keep it in mind, for now.”

“Rumors… I understand.”

His words lingered in my chest. I made sure to keep Leonard’s advice in mind. We were in the north, far from the capital. It took time for information to reach us, but my father always stayed informed of the latest developments.

When I report on my recent work, I’ll ask him about it as well.

Leaving Leonard in charge of the territory, I returned alone to the family estate to report. The butler informed me that my father was waiting in his study.

“My lady, the Duke wishes to see you at once.”

“Understood. I’ll go right away.”

I headed to my father’s study. When I knocked and opened the door, he was standing by the window, gazing outside.

“Florence, welcome back.”

“Yes. The territory management has been going well.”

I handed him the report. As the head of the family, my father quickly skimmed through it and nodded with satisfaction.

“Well done. It seems the young heir of the Harwood family was of great help.”

“Yes. It would’ve been difficult without his knowledge.”

“You two seem to work well together.”

He briefly showed a softer expression but soon returned to a serious demeanor.

“Florence, I need to inform you of the situation in the royal capital.”

So this must be the rumor Leonard mentioned—something to do with the palace. I listened closely to my father’s words.

“Prince Zain has declared his intention to ascend the throne.”

“What?”

I gasped at his calm statement.

“Apparently, a group of nobles calling themselves the Zain faction went rogue and attempted to assassinate His Majesty.”

“That can’t be! Is King Garland safe?”

“He sensed the danger beforehand and escaped the capital with the queen and the second prince, Leon. I can’t say much more, but they are in a safe location.”

I see. Father clearly knows the details, but he isn’t telling me everything. It’s probably better not to press him. Still, knowing they escaped safely brings some relief.

“Was it Prince Zain who planned it?”

“No.”

Father shook his head.

“It was the nobles manipulating him. They saw his weakness and used him.”

Hearing his theory, I felt the same. That man must have been used.

“What about the impact on the north?”

I shifted the conversation to more practical concerns.

“Is there a chance they’ll attack us?”

Having been entrusted with part of the territory, I felt a stronger sense of responsibility toward the people. The thought of them being harmed pained me.

“There’s no need to worry.”

Father responded firmly to my concerns.

“The garrison is already prepared. Even if they try to invade, we’ll respond immediately.”

He laid out a map on the table and explained the situation.

“We’ve already coordinated with the major noble houses of the east and west. If the nobles in the capital move troops north, the capital will be left vulnerable. That would give us the chance to strike back and reclaim it.”

“I see.”

“Besides, the ones who’ve taken the capital won’t make any big moves for now.”

He continued with his analysis.

“They’ll be too busy solidifying power and dealing with internal conflict. During that time, we’ll prepare.”

Father was calmly analyzing the situation and taking action accordingly.

After finishing the conversation and leaving his study, I stood by the window and looked out at the distant mountain range. Now I understood what was going on, and my immediate worries were eased. The northern territory and its people would be protected. It seemed I wouldn’t be involved with the capital.

What I needed to do was fulfill my duties, work with others, and protect and develop the northern lands. And then wait—for the right time to come.

I’ll share this information with Leonard as well.

I had expected something like this to happen. But I never imagined it would come so soon, and in such a way. As for Prince Zain, who’s now been raised up as a figurehead—I no longer know what he’s thinking. The only thing I do know is this: his fate will be a tragic one.