The Young Lady Whose Engagement Was Annulled Decided to Observe What Would Become of the Kingdom thereafter - Chapter 24

As the morning mist began to lift, the view outside the window was breathtaking.

“Your Majesty, everything is ready.”

The voice of my aide echoed quietly.

“I see.”

On the vast grounds of the Vermilion estate, forces gathered from across the kingdom stood in perfect formation. The morning sun glinted off their armor, creating a shimmering sea of stars. Banners fluttered in the wind, and the soldiers’ breaths rose in white mist.

The proud swordsmen of House Warren from the east, the famed cavalry of House Herbert from the west, and even House Strauss from the south, known as the Shield of the South. Nearly all the major noble families who governed the kingdom’s regions had gathered under my banner.

After sensing danger and fleeing the capital, I had been sheltered by the House of Vermilion. With the support of Duke Alfred Vermilion, I engaged in negotiations with the other regional lords, building trust step by step.

The most difficult were the southern nobles. Known for their strict neutrality, convincing House Strauss had seemed nearly impossible. We even considered using a political marriage, involving Leon, to sway them. In the end, however, the growing dissatisfaction caused by Zain’s tyranny and the reckless actions of the nobles who supported him reached even the South. The chaos in trade under Zain’s rule had dealt a severe blow to their economy, and that became the turning point.

“Your Majesty, everyone is assembled.”

“Understood.”

I made my way to the strategy room downstairs. There, the heads of the noble houses had gathered for the final briefing. A large map was spread across the table, showing detailed movements of each unit.

“Good morning, Your Majesty.”

Duke Alfred Vermilion bowed. In his eyes shone the light of assured victory.

“Gentlemen, are preparations complete?”

“Yes.”

The lords all nodded in unison, their expressions filled with confidence.

“Our spies report several issues within the capital. As a result, the defending forces are fewer than expected, and morale is low.”

“The nobles who support Zain show no signs of mounting a defense. They seem more concerned with their own interests. Likely, they plan to flee.”

“We intend to station elite troops around the outer perimeter to prevent any escapes.”

“Good.”

I nodded deeply at each report. Things were going better than expected—perhaps too well. It might be that the enemy had let their guard down. But we must not make the same mistake.

“The chances of failure are almost nonexistent. Still, do not grow complacent. Avoid unnecessary casualties. Our goal is not destruction, but the restoration of order.”

Everyone nodded at my words.

“Your Majesty.”

Alfred stepped forward.

“One thing to confirm—if the false king Zain is captured, how shall we deal with him?”

The air in the room froze for a moment. It was the question everyone wanted to ask but had been careful to avoid. The fate of my son—a dilemma between royal duty and paternal emotion. I wrestled with my thoughts but kept my expression firm.

“The crime of impersonating the king and exiling the rightful ruler is grave.”

I spoke slowly, choosing each word carefully.

“But he is still young, and he was clearly manipulated by the nobles around him. If captured, bring him to me. I will decide his fate personally.”

The meeting concluded with unified nods.

Soon, the march toward the capital began. Flags rippled in the wind, horses neighed, and the clanking of armor filled the air. Positioned at the center of the main force, surrounded by soldiers from every house, I watched as the once-familiar capital slowly came into view.

At the vanguard were elite troops from the Vermilion and Warren houses, tasked with breaking through the gates. As we neared, the sparse number of soldiers on the walls became apparent. Many trembled with fear, showing little will to fight.

Then, an unexpected development occurred.

“Your Majesty!”

A messenger raced up on horseback, his face flushed with excitement.

“There’s a report that Zain has been captured. He was trying to escape through an alley outside the castle and was found by scouts from House Vermilion.”

“Understood.”

The news stirred a storm of emotions within me. So he hadn’t even stayed to fight—he tried to run. I suppressed my thoughts and gave a calm order.

“Call for their surrender. Inform them that Zain has been captured.”

The news spread quickly through the enemy ranks. As predicted, morale was low—soldiers began to surrender in waves. It was clear they no longer saw a reason to fight.

Seeing this, I issued an immediate command.

“Tell the entire army—avoid any unnecessary fighting from here on. Accept those who surrender. But do not let a single noble loyal to Zain escape. They are the ones who brought chaos to this kingdom.”

The messenger departed, and we entered the capital in formation. I returned to the streets I once walked daily, and to the palace I had been forced to abandon. My aides, who had fled the capital with me, began returning to their old posts. I ordered them to assess the state of the city.

“What’s the situation in the capital?”

“Better than expected, Your Majesty. The people were discontent, but no riots occurred.”

“All nobles who claimed allegiance to Zain have been captured. They attempted to flee but were intercepted by Vermilion and Warren forces.”

“Good. Investigate thoroughly. Report any issues immediately.”

The aides dispersed. I turned toward the royal palace—the grand hall where my throne still stood.

After a while, the aides returned with updates. The situation was more stable than we had feared. The finances were in crisis, but the core functions of the capital remained intact. Once the rebellious nobles were removed, the kingdom would begin to stabilize.

“Your Majesty,”

Alfred approached me.

“The false king Zain has been imprisoned. Will you see him?”

I took a deep breath, bracing myself. The time had come to decide my son’s fate.

“I will see him.”

My steps grew heavy as I made my way to the dungeon. Descending the cold stone stairs, I stood before the dimly lit cell. Inside was my son. His former majesty was gone—his clothes were soiled, and his face shadowed with despair. When he noticed me, his expression suddenly brightened, filled with hope.

“Father!”

Zain rushed to the bars, eyes gleaming with certainty that he would be saved. Even now, he looks at me like that. In this situation.

“You’re going to save me, right?”

I said nothing, only stared. This was the heir I once considered worthy of the throne—yet he had strayed so easily. I bore some blame for allowing it to happen.

“Listen to me, Father! I was tricked by those nobles! They’re the real villains! I did nothing wrong!”

He began to plead, desperate to deflect the blame. He refused to accept responsibility. Hearing his excuses made my decision clear.

“Is that all you have to say?”

I asked quietly. My cold tone seemed to finally unsettle him.

“N-no… it’s not like that… The others, they’re the ones who… Father! Say something! You’re going to help me, aren’t you?!”

“I see.”

That was the last exchange between father and son. In his eyes, I saw that he still hadn’t grasped the reality. He never faced his sins. There would be no redemption.

I turned and walked away, his cries echoing behind me. At the very least, his death would serve the kingdom. His execution would symbolize the beginning of a new order. And the kingdom would begin its walk toward peace once more.

That was my final duty—as king, and as a father.