The Young Lady Whose Engagement Was Annulled Decided to Observe What Would Become of the Kingdom thereafter - Chapter 2

After leaving the party, I headed straight to my room. As I walked through the long corridors of the royal palace, the maids I passed all had the same shocked expression. It seemed the news of the broken engagement had already spread like wildfire.

“Lady Florence…”

Waiting in my room was the elderly head maid, Martha, who greeted me with a worried voice. She had been by my side ever since I arrived at the palace.

“I’m all right, Martha. Please pack my things. We’ll be leaving tonight.”

“Understood.”

At my instruction, she immediately began preparations without asking any questions.

From the window of my room, I could see the nightscape of the royal capital. For nearly ten years, I had gazed at this same view from this room. Once I left, I’d never see it again. That thought tugged at me slightly. Still, it was best to leave as soon as possible. Staying here would only invite further humiliation. There was no time to hesitate.

I took a deep breath to calm myself and think clearly.

What will happen to the kingdom once I’m gone?

It will be serious—though perhaps that’s just my pride talking. Still, the role I played wasn’t insignificant. Or maybe I just want to believe it wasn’t.

I looked over at the pile of documents on my writing desk. Trade negotiations with the eastern countries. Reports on territorial disputes in the southern borderlands. Survey results on productivity in the northern mines. All of it.

The maids will dispose of them. They’re no longer necessary.

As the next queen, I had wanted the prince to understand the state of the kingdom. I gathered information for him and held regular briefings. I recall the bored expression on Prince Zain’s face as he listened. Perhaps even then, he thought I was meddling. All the effort I put in… maybe it was for nothing.

A bitter smile crept onto my lips.

I wonder what will happen to the woman he chose instead. Will she undergo proper education? Being a queen is no simple matter. I myself was subjected to rigorous training from a young age—foreign languages, political science, economics, history, diplomatic protocol, and even practical negotiation techniques.

“But I get the feeling they’ll somehow manage just fine…”

Their overconfident demeanor gave me that impression. That things might actually go better without me. As that worst-case scenario crossed my mind, a single tear rolled down my cheek.

“How foolish of me.”

It felt like everything I had worked so hard for had been discarded. But I didn’t have the luxury of crying. I quickly wiped the tear away. Now was no time to get sentimental.

While the maids packed my belongings, I stood by the window and looked up at the stars.

What should I do from now on? I gathered my thoughts once again.

Until now, I’d devoted myself to bringing prosperity to the kingdom as the future queen. But that path was now closed. Then, as the eldest daughter of the House of Vermilion, it is my duty to contribute to my family’s prosperity. I cannot let the education and skills I’ve acquired go to waste. I must put them to use.

I recalled our northern territory—the vast forests and rolling hills I saw as a child. Rich in mineral resources, home to diligent and honest people. According to my father’s letters, productivity in the mines has been increasing in recent years.

The domain seems to be doing well, but challenges remain. To help it prosper further, I know there’s something I can do. Now that I can no longer serve as queen, my family home is what matters most.

“The education I received as a queen candidate will surely prove useful in managing the territory.”

Taking all I’ve learned back to my homeland—that now felt like my true calling.

What I must do now is use my abilities for the sake of the House of Vermilion. And from afar, I will watch how this kingdom’s fate unfolds.

The preparations were complete, and the luggage was packed.

“My lady, the carriage is ready.”

“Thank you, Martha. Let’s depart at once.”

I took her hand, smiled, and expressed my gratitude.

As I boarded the carriage and gazed at the lights of the capital through the window, thoughts swirled in my mind.

The path Prince Zain has chosen. The path I am about to take. And the path the Kingdom of Glanzwei will follow.

Where will they all lead? What will become of them? I want to see it for myself. Honestly, part of me wants to see them struggle a little. I want the prince—who never recognized my worth—to regret letting me go. I want them to fail. Of course, I must never say such things out loud. But it is the truth in my heart.

No one knows what the future holds.

First, I must report everything that happened to my father and ensure no harm comes to the House of Vermilion. We must reconsider our relationship with the royal family. After that, I must forge a new path for myself.

In the northern lands, new possibilities await me—and I will go seek them out.