The Young Lady Whose Engagement Was Annulled Decided to Observe What Would Become of the Kingdom thereafter - Chapter 6

“Your Majesty, something terrible has happened!”

Just as I returned to the royal capital after a regional inspection, one of my close aides burst into the room. He was visibly shaken, clearly alarmed by something serious. Bracing myself, I listened as he delivered his report, panting heavily.

“Prince Zain has broken off his engagement with Lady Florence during the seasonal banquet — and he did it publicly!”

For a moment, I couldn’t believe my ears.

“What did you say? Zain did that?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. And… he also announced his new engagement to the daughter of House Crimson right there on the spot.”

A headache began to set in. So much had happened while I was away, and I knew nothing of it. Breaking off an engagement in the middle of a party? Why would he do something so foolish? It made no sense.

“How did it come to this? I need the full details.”

“According to several witnesses, His Highness became angry over Lady Florence’s ‘nagging’ and, citing ‘true love,’ broke off the engagement and introduced Lady Amaryllis Crimson as his new fiancée.”

True love? Nagging? How childish.

“This news has already spread throughout the capital. Some nobles are even treating it as an established fact and actively spreading the rumors. It seems there’s no stopping it now.”

Of course not — there were too many witnesses. Dozens of nobles attended that banquet and saw it unfold with their own eyes. And now, some are spreading the story themselves. There’s no way to contain this. What a disaster.

“What about Lady Florence?”

“She has already left the palace and is reportedly en route to her family’s northern territory.”

This is the worst-case scenario. I thought she might stop the engagement from being annulled — at least delay it until I returned and could intervene.

She’s a capable woman; she surely understood the gravity of this situation. For her to walk away like this… It must mean she’s given up on us. My foolish son probably hasn’t even realized what he’s lost.

“Have we contacted House Vermilion?”

“The messengers are prepared and ready to depart.”

“Good. Send them immediately.”

“Understood.”

This incident will undoubtedly put a deep rift between us and House Vermilion. It’s a political nightmare. The northern region’s stability and its mineral resources are vital to the kingdom.

House Vermilion controls a vast territory in the north, along with valuable mines and major trade routes with other nations. Many noble houses are aligned with them. If our relationship with them deteriorates, even the royal family might not be able to withstand the resulting political turmoil.

“Notify the Minister of Finance as well. We’ll hold an emergency council at once.”

“At once, Your Majesty!”

After my aide left the room, I turned to gaze out the window. I’ve ruled the Kingdom of Glanzreich for twenty years, and rarely have I faced a political crisis this foolish. And to think, it was caused by my own son.

“Garland, things have taken a terrible turn.”

My wife, Katrina, entered the room. She’s my second wife and Zain’s stepmother. A woman with sharp political insight, she also holds considerable influence within the court.

“This is about Zain, isn’t it? You couldn’t stop him either?”

“I’m sorry. It all happened so fast.”

Even she couldn’t stop him? This is worse than I thought.

“It’s the talk of the entire court. Honestly, what was that boy thinking?”

Katrina sighed deeply. Her relationship with Zain has never been good. Still, as queen, I know she’s concerned about his future.

“There has to be a way to reverse this. At the very least, we must avoid a complete breakdown with House Vermilion.”

“That will be difficult. He made his declaration in front of everyone. But we must act quickly — send a letter and appeal for their understanding.”

“I’ve already arranged it. But…”

I trailed off, unable to finish. Katrina gave me a sharp look.

“You’re thinking about the second prince, aren’t you?”

“Yes. Of course I am.”

I answered. Leon, three years younger than Zain, is calm and thoughtful. Unlike Zain, he’s shown a keen interest in governance since childhood and has a natural talent for politics. But his greatest weakness is his frail health. I know he can’t shoulder the burden of the kingdom.

If Florence had remained by Zain’s side, I could have entrusted the kingdom to them with peace of mind. But now… all our plans have unraveled in the worst possible way. My head is pounding.