The Young Lady Whose Engagement Was Annulled Decided to Observe What Would Become of the Kingdom thereafter - Chapter 16

I am now the king of the Kingdom of Granzwei.

On that day, during the grand coronation ceremony that the nobles had arranged, I officially inherited the throne. The crown adorned with gold and jewels was heavier than I expected, but perhaps that too is part of a king’s dignity.

As I watched the nobles lined up in the great hall with marble columns, showing their respect to me, my heart pounded. Knowing that all their gazes were directed at me filled me with a sense of fulfillment I couldn’t put into words. In that moment, I felt it deeply—this is the power of a king.

“Your Majesty, please sign these documents.”

The chief court scribe knelt respectfully as he presented a mountain of parchment documents. It was already the third time today. New documents kept getting added every time. If I didn’t process them quickly, they would only pile up even more. But I couldn’t afford to complain. I had to hurry.

“Understood. Start with the urgent ones.”

I turned to the gold-trimmed desk reserved for royal use and began going through the massive stack of papers. Every single one was crammed with writing. Reading it all would be too much of a burden. There was no way I could read everything. I focused on skimming through the important-looking parts to grasp the general content.

Each one contained complex matters, but I couldn’t afford to expose my ignorance as a king. So, even if there was something I didn’t fully understand, I interpreted it in my own way and nodded deeply as if I did. When I glanced at the scribe, he was just standing there respectfully, waiting.

Without hesitation, I picked up the golden feather quill and signed as instructed.

“Your Majesty, tomorrow afternoon you have an audience with the new merchant guild.”

“Understood. Make preparations.”

To be honest, every day is incredibly busy. It’s been a while since I became king, and I think I’m finally starting to get used to it. Still, the constant stream of demanding duties from morning until night can feel suffocating at times. The mountain of documents the nobles keep bringing never seems to shrink. I can’t keep track of what each one is about anymore. Even so, I don’t give up—I just do what I can.

“Your Majesty, how shall we proceed with the matter we discussed?”

The newly appointed finance minister asked me a question. I couldn’t recall what matter he was referring to, but I responded in a dignified voice. After all, showing authority is part of being king.

“I’ll leave it to your judgment. But prioritize the kingdom’s interests above all.”

“Understood.”

Fortunately, the nobles who support me follow my lead. I trust them, and even if something goes wrong, I can count on them to back me up. That’s what it means to be a king.

Looking out the window of the office, I saw the sun beginning to set. The red light pouring through the stone-framed window cast long shadows across the room. Another day was ending. Ever since I became king, the days have flown by at an astonishing pace. Truly, in the blink of an eye.

Now that I think about it, when was the last time I saw Amaryllis? I don’t think we’ve had much time together since the coronation. I’ve heard she’s been working behind the scenes to support me in my new role as king.

Sometimes I catch glimpses of her in the hallway, but we haven’t had a proper moment to sit and talk. I’ve visited her chambers a few times, but the maids always tell me, “She is currently resting.”

At night, I return alone to my bedchamber after finishing work. The crimson wine glows temptingly in the candlelight. Lately, I’ve developed a habit of drinking some before bed. A privilege for one who bears the weight of the crown. The sweet aroma of the wine slides down my throat, easing the fatigue of the day—if only slightly.

“Amaryllis, I want to see you.”

I became king, and she was meant to become my queen. And yet, we barely see each other. Isn’t that strange? I should be spending more time with her. That night, the urge to see her became overwhelming.

The next morning, I made a bold decision to put off official duties and go visit Amaryllis’s chambers. As I walked down the corridor toward her room in the west wing of the palace, the royal guards stood armed, bowing deeply as I passed.

As usual, a maid was stationed outside her door. When she saw me, her face showed surprise, and she quickly knelt.

“Your Majesty, at this hour… Is there something you require?”

“I’ve come to see Amaryllis. Is she inside?”

“I’m terribly sorry. Her Majesty the Queen is currently resting.”

The same words again. Is she really resting? Well, she must be busy too, and if she’s sleeping, I shouldn’t disturb her. Just as I was about to turn and leave, I heard voices from inside the room. Amaryllis’s laughter. It sounded cheerful. And another voice—a deep male voice. Was I hearing things?

“Is someone in there with her?”

At my question, the maid turned pale.

“N-no…”

But I definitely heard voices. Could it be…? I had to check.

“Amaryllis, are you there?”

“P-please wait—”

I knocked lightly and reached for the door. The maid tried to stop me in a panic, but I am the king. No one can stop me.

The moment I opened the door, what I saw burned itself into my eyes.

Two people. At the back of the room, on the large canopy bed.

Amaryllis was there with an unfamiliar man. On the bed, sitting close together, sharing what looked to be a pleasant conversation. The man’s arm was around her shoulder, and far from resisting, she was happily leaning against his chest.

The moment they saw me standing in the doorway, both of them froze in stunned silence.