The Young Lady Whose Engagement Was Annulled Decided to Observe What Would Become of the Kingdom thereafter - Chapter 26

I stood by the window, feeling the cold northern wind. The clear air chilled my skin, and the ridgeline of the distant mountains shimmered in the evening light.

It has been a month since Lord Garland safely reclaimed the royal capital. A letter from my father had just arrived, detailing the state of the capital—political restoration, the settling of unrest, and the joyful voices of the people. And then, the public execution of Zain.

“So, it ended like that after all…”

I murmured quietly. So much time had passed since then—since my engagement to Prince Zain was annulled. Looking back, that was the true beginning of everything. The turning point that changed my life, and his fate as well.

Thinking on it now, the annulment of our engagement was a pivotal moment. For both of us. And because of it, he walked a path from which there was no return. Perhaps I could have stopped him. But at that time, he probably never imagined things would end this way. That’s why… it couldn’t be helped.

I only learned of Zain’s execution after it had already happened. I had been busy managing the mines and villages in this northern region with Leonard. News from the capital always reached us slowly. When the letter arrived, I felt only a strange sense of calm.

“Florence, I’ve gone over the documents.”

Leonard entered the study, a thick ledger in his hands, wearing his usual warm smile.

“Thank you. I’ll check them on my end as well.”

I placed the letter on the table and sat beside him to review the accounts. The income from the mines was exceeding expectations. The new mining method Leonard proposed was a success. And the new agricultural techniques he had taught the farmers were slowly bearing fruit.

“To think we’d see results like this.”

“It’s because your judgment was right,” he said gently.

“You were the one who decided to invest. You allocated the funds wisely and calculated the risks—it’s all thanks to you.”

We looked at each other, smiling shyly. Back when I lived in the royal palace, I never imagined I could have such peaceful happiness.

I picked up the letter on the table again. Enclosed was an official invitation from Lord Leon. He was asking us to return to the capital and help rebuild the kingdom at his side as his close aides.

Preparations were underway in the capital for Leon’s ascension. King Garland would soon abdicate, and Prince Leon’s coronation ceremony was approaching. The prince had requested that the two of us remain by his side, expressing his high regard for our efforts.

“What about Lord Leon’s invitation?” Leonard asked.

“I’ve already sent a reply. I respectfully declined.”

“I see.”

Leonard nodded with a look of understanding. We had discussed it together and come to that decision. Our place was here, in the north.

There are things only we can do in this land—developing the still-untapped northern region and making it prosper. From this distant place, we would support Lord Leon as he begins his reign. That would be our role. In the capital, there were many capable people. Talented nobles from across the realm. It would be safe in their hands.

Lord Leon respected our decision. His reply said, “It is your work that truly strengthens the kingdom.” That’s the kind of person he is. Surely, he will be a good king. Wise and thoughtful. He will carry on King Garland’s legacy and rule well. I felt at ease.

Leonard and I looked out the window together. The brown earth revealed by the melting snow was beginning to show hints of green. When we first came here, it felt like a harsh and unforgiving place. But now, this landscape filled my heart with peace.

“Once we finish building this village, let’s begin work on the irrigation system for the eastern valley,” I said, voicing our next plan.

Leonard nodded and gently held my hand. His warmth was comforting.

Every beginning has its end. And from that end, a new beginning is born. That’s true for both my life and for the kingdom.

Most likely, I will never return to the royal capital again. I was certain of it. Certain of the path I had chosen. Here in the north, with Leonard, I would build a new future.

Once, I had thought, I want to see what happens next—after the annulment, what would become of the kingdom, and of him. Now, I know the answer.

As I stood by the window and watched the sun sink behind the mountains, I thought: From here on, I’ll continue to watch over it all from afar. The future of the kingdom. And my own life, as one part of it.