The Young Lady Whose Engagement Was Annulled Decided to Observe What Would Become of the Kingdom thereafter - Chapter 25

Morning light streamed into the square. Beneath the clear blue sky, the central execution grounds of the royal capital were already packed with a crowd of citizens.

Quiet murmurs drifted on the wind, and the atmosphere was heavy with tension. They were all awaiting the public execution of the false king, Zain Cardinal, scheduled for today.

From the royal family’s special viewing platform, I silently surveyed the entire square. He had disrupted the kingdom’s order and thrown the nation into chaos. Such crimes could not go unpunished. Even if he was my own son.

“Your Majesty, it is time.”

My attendant spoke quietly. I nodded, then gave the order.

“Bring Zain Cardinal forth.”

My words were cold, void of emotion. The soldiers brought Zain forward. The moment he appeared in the square, a torrent of boos and angry shouts erupted from the crowd.

The people’s fury was far greater than expected. Under Zain’s rule, they had suffered deeply—sudden tax hikes, supply shortages, and the tyranny of nobles. All of these injustices had been revealed, and the citizens now understood that Zain and his circle of nobles were the root cause.

Trembling, my son was dragged to the execution platform, his steps unsteady. Once so full of confidence, now his face showed nothing but fear and despair.

I had resolved not to look away. No matter how foolish he had been, losing a son brings sorrow. And because of that sorrow, I had to witness it all—so that this tragedy would never be repeated again. As a king. And as a father.

Zain was forced onto the execution platform. Around him stood the nobles who had joined him in his treason. With this, the corrupt nobles who had infected the kingdom would be purged. Their assets would be confiscated, with part of it returned to the people—especially to those who had suffered most under their oppression.

“Zain Cardinal and your fellow conspirators—you are hereby sentenced to death for the crime of treason.”

The official’s voice rang across the square. His words carried an undeniable weight.

Then, as the executioner took his place behind Zain, my son looked at me. In his eyes, I saw a desperate plea. A silent cry for his father to save him.

Our eyes met. For a brief moment, time seemed to freeze. His eyes held despair, fear—and a last glimmer of hope. But what reflected in mine was only the resolve of a king who had passed judgment.

He tried to say something. He opened his mouth in a panic, trying to shout something at me. Perhaps they were words of regret. Or maybe of hatred. But it was already too late. As king, I could offer no hand. Whatever hope remained would vanish with those final words.

The great clock in the square began to toll noon.

One… two…

With the sound of the bells, the executioner moved. I did not avert my gaze.

…Eleven. Twelve.

As the final chime echoed, silence fell over the square. It lasted only a moment, and then the crowd erupted in cheers. Looking up at the sky, I saw a single bird take flight.

My son, may you rest in peace. You were a fool—but I was a fool as well. It was I who let you walk this path. But I cannot show that foolishness to the world. As king, I must bury it deep within myself.

I stood slowly, flanked by my attendants, and left the square behind. The execution was over, but my duties as king were not. I had to prepare for what came next.

As the carriage made its way back to the palace, the cityscape outside the window appeared unusually vivid. On the faces of the people, I could see a spark of hope. The Kingdom of Glanzwei would recover quickly.

My thoughts were already on the next step: preparing for Leon to ascend the throne. He is wise and thoughtful—unlike Zain. He possesses a kindness that understands others’ pain. But his body is frail. He must take care of his health while ruling, which will be a great challenge. That is why he must rely on the support of many to ease his burden.

To that end, we must strengthen cooperation with the remaining nobles. Fortunately, this incident has purged those with ambition and those who defied the royal family. Things will be easier now.