The Young Lady Whose Engagement Was Annulled Decided to Observe What Would Become of the Kingdom thereafter - Chapter 21

I let my father, the former king, escape.

Amaryllis fled.

And now, even those around me are starting to turn away.

Standing by the window of my private chamber, I gazed out at the distant view of the royal capital and let out a heavy sigh. It had only been a few months since I ascended to the throne, and everything seemed to be going well. But now, it’s all starting to crumble.

“Why did it come to this?”

Where did it start to go wrong? At what point did I make a mistake?

I moved in front of the large mirror placed in the drawing room. I stared at my reflection—golden hair, blue eyes, a handsome face bearing the royal bloodline. The crown upon my head shone brightly. This is the image of a king. I am the king. I kept telling myself that over and over.

But the man in the mirror looked utterly exhausted. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his complexion was pale. The dignity of a monarch seemed entirely lost. The gap between the self I used to see and the one now reflected filled me with an indescribable sense of unease.

The nobles acted on their own and failed to capture my father, King Garland. And now, they let Amaryllis escape from prison—most likely intentionally. Someone helped her escape, defying my orders. She was supposed to be executed.

I ordered a full investigation into the reason and method behind her escape, but no solid information has surfaced. It doesn’t even seem like they’re seriously investigating. It feels like they’re trying to hide the truth.

The nobles act deferential before me, but behind my back, I’m convinced they’re plotting something. I can’t shake the suspicion that the reports they submit are full of lies. I can no longer trust them the way I used to.

I have no one I can trust.

As that thought sank in, a single idea suddenly came to me.

Florence Vermilion. The woman I was engaged to before I chose Amaryllis.

If I could reconcile with her… I might be able to gain the support of House Vermilion. They control vast lands in the northern region of the kingdom. With their backing, my throne would become unshakable.

I finally understood why my father had desperately tried to mend relations with the Vermilion family. So this is what he saw. Compared to the nobles around me, Florence may prove far more reliable. If she would side with me, the entire situation could change.

I pictured Florence’s face in my mind. She was the opposite of Amaryllis—calm, composed, and always thoughtful before taking action. In hindsight, she was someone capable of making level-headed political decisions. Amaryllis, though beautiful, was fickle and only cared about her own interests. I was blinded by that beauty, and I made a terrible mistake.

“I’ll send a messenger to Florence with an apology. I’ll make things right.”

I stood up and stared out the window, running through the possibilities in my mind. I would offer a sincere apology. I’d beg her forgiveness for breaking off our engagement and seek reconciliation. If she agreed to return to the capital, I would even consider offering House Vermilion the position of Chancellor.

After all, she had exceptional talent—greater than my own. I should acknowledge that openly and ask for her help. And unlike Amaryllis, Florence would never betray me.

“Chief Secretary, prepare to send an envoy to House Vermilion immediately.”
“Y-Yes… Your Majesty.”

I summoned the Chief Secretary and gave the order. He answered with a hint of hesitation on his face, but I ignored it. He bowed and left the room.

Yes, this is the right path. As long as Florence returns, things will take a turn for the better. She always remained calm and had the ability to assess situations accurately. I should never have broken off that engagement.

Back then, I made a grave mistake. I let myself be swayed by Amaryllis’s beauty. I was a fool. I must admit that now. And now, she’s betrayed me and fled. I can’t afford to make the same mistake again.

I recalled Florence’s steady, intelligent gaze. That light in her eyes might be the very thing that can save me now. I want to believe that. Even if she doesn’t accept me at first, I can’t give up. For the sake of my throne—and for the kingdom.