The Young Lady Whose Engagement Was Annulled Decided to Observe What Would Become of the Kingdom thereafter - Chapter 8

“What a truly wonderful morning.”

The moment I woke up, I felt refreshed. It’s been like this for the past few days. I’ve been basking in this incredible sensation.

“Ah, to feel this lighthearted…”

Ever since my engagement with Florence was annulled and she left the royal palace, every day has felt like freedom. Sunlight streamed in through the window, bathing the room in golden light—as if reflecting my own radiant mood.

“I never imagined getting rid of that nagging woman would feel this good.”

The maids came to wake me and attend to my needs, and I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. I had ordered sweet bread and fruit especially. If Florence had still been here, she would have said something like, “You should avoid eating too many sweets in the morning.” But now, no one interferes.

Then came study time. I focused reasonably well and completed my assignments. The teachers seemed more stern than usual, but I chose not to think too much of it. Probably just my imagination.

Next came the long-awaited free time. I spent it riding horses and practicing swordsmanship—doing whatever I pleased.

If Florence were still around, she would have interrupted. “As the crown prince, you shouldn’t be wasting time. Please review this report,” she might have said. Just imagining it brings back unpleasant memories.

“I heard she left the palace the very night of the banquet.”

According to one of my attendants, Florence packed up and boarded a carriage heading north immediately after the celebration. Servants had been whispering about her abrupt departure.

“To think she left so hastily… without even saying goodbye. Not that I wanted her to.”

She’s gone, and that’s that. Still, considering how obsessed she was with etiquette, the fact that she left without offering even the most basic courtesy to royalty… something about it nagged at me.

“Well, whatever.”

While walking down the corridor, I spotted several ministers in a serious discussion. When they noticed me, they stopped talking, gave a formal bow, and quickly dispersed. They used to report all kinds of things to me. Lately, that’s stopped. Honestly, it’s easier this way.

As I returned to my room, a knock came at the door. It was the head steward of the palace.

“Prince Zain, His Majesty requests your presence.”

“Father?”

I had already reported everything about the engagement annulment. Was there something else I was supposed to tell him? Annoying, but if I’ve been summoned, I can’t ignore it.

I arrived at my father’s office.

“So, you’ve come, Zain.”

He looked up from the mountain of documents on his desk. He seemed paler than usual—tired, perhaps.

“Yes, Father. What is it?”

“Have you read the report on the House of Vermilion?”

The report? Oh, right—someone did hand me that.

“Ah, no… not yet.”

I admitted honestly that I hadn’t gotten around to it. My father frowned slightly, and I heard one of the ministers sigh softly from the corner of the room. I ignored it.

“The trade reports from the north are important too, but the relationship with the Vermilion family is a top priority. You need to understand the political implications of the annulment.”

His voice was harsher than usual, and deep lines creased his forehead.

“I understand.”

I bowed my head, then shared my thoughts.

“But for now, you’re still the king. I’ll think about such matters properly when I become king, so you can rest easy.”

My father’s expression stiffened for a moment. I panicked, thinking I might’ve said something wrong, but he quickly returned to a calm demeanor.

“You’re right.”

He took a deep breath. That was close. Then he changed the subject.

“You seem to be getting along well with your chosen fiancée, Lady Amaryllis.”

“Yes!”

That topic instantly lifted my mood.

“She’s absolutely wonderful. She understands me and always supports me.”

“That is good to hear.”

Saying that, my father walked to the window and gazed outside. His shoulders seemed a bit slumped. I sensed a hint of weariness in his posture. Was he really okay?

“Zain, being king doesn’t mean you can live by your will alone. In fact—”

This was going to be a long lecture. I wasn’t in the mood.

“I understand, truly. But my engagement to Florence was a mistake. She constantly denied and criticized me. I couldn’t possibly share a future with someone like that.”

“…”

My father turned around and looked at me. His eyes were tired, as if he had something to say but chose not to. His aged hands clenched briefly before relaxing again.

“I see.”

That was all he said. Then:

“You may go.”

Seemed like the conversation was over. I gave a light bow and left the office. Outside the door, the head steward and another minister were whispering to each other.

My father’s demeanor had bothered me slightly, but I quickly pushed the thought aside. As I walked down the corridor, I overheard the maids murmuring.

“About the northern trade routes…”
“The Duke of Vermilion…”
“If the mines produce less…”

They seemed to be discussing something complicated, but it had nothing to do with me.

“Everyone’s just too worried.”

I continued walking down the corridor, thinking that.

It was a sunny day. Time to go see Amaryllis.