The Young Lady Whose Engagement Was Annulled Decided to Observe What Would Become of the Kingdom thereafter - Chapter 9

In a small salon on the east side of the royal palace, I was enjoying my time with Amaryllis. Her beautiful red hair reflected the soft light, and her violet eyes seemed to shine more brightly each time I looked at them. She truly is a wonderful woman. The way she sat gracefully, the way she spoke—everything about her was captivating.

From the salon’s window, the palace gardens were visible, blooming with flowers in full glory. The sweet scent of Amaryllis’s perfume filled the air, adding to the serene atmosphere.

“Prince Zain, how do you find this dress?”

Amaryllis lifted the hem of her gown and twirled elegantly. The red silk danced through the air, and the jewels adorning it scattered tiny sparkles of light with each of her movements.

“I had it made for the upcoming event,” she said.

The new dress was a vivid shade of red, lavishly adorned with jewels—something Florence would never have chosen. She always preferred subdued colors. I even thought her taste was too plain. But I, on the other hand, prefer something this dazzling. Those beside royalty should shine brightly.

“It’s magnificent,” I praised sincerely.
“No matter what you wear, it becomes even more beautiful on you.”

At my words, Amaryllis smiled in clear satisfaction. Her expression told me that what I said had touched her heart. Unlike Florence, Amaryllis openly expressed her joy. That made me happier than anything.

“Your words honor me, Prince Zain.”

She sat beside me, leaning in close. That kind of behavior was so endearing. Her warmth and scent nearby were comforting. Florence never acted like this. She always kept a certain distance, always calm and composed. This closeness Amaryllis gave me—this was exactly what I had longed for.

“By the way, you will escort me to the next ball, won’t you?”
“Of course,” I replied.

From the beginning, I could escort her openly. There was no need to meet in secret anymore. Now, we could be together without hiding our relationship.

“And also…”

She hesitated a little before continuing. Her violet eyes trembled beneath her long lashes.

“I have a request… regarding my family’s standing in the palace.”

The Crimson family, huh? So she does care about that. No, maybe it’s more that she cares about protecting her family. They’re newly risen nobles, after all. It makes sense that they’d want to solidify their position.

But still, this isn’t the time to talk about that. I don’t want to ruin this pleasant moment with political discussions.

“We can talk about that later. There’s no rush. I just want to focus on you right now.”

Her expression seemed to darken for a moment, but she quickly smiled again.

“Yes, Prince Zain.”

With that sweet smile, any sense of discomfort vanished.

That night, I stood by the window. Stars sparkled in the sky, and the silhouette of the northern mountains stood out under the moonlight.

Come to think of it, I was told to read the report on the Vermillion family. I really need to get to that. But just seeing the stack of complex documents and numbers on my desk is enough to weigh me down. I can’t find the motivation.

Just then, I heard a knock.

“Come in.”

It was my younger brother, Leon, who entered. At sixteen, he was physically weak. I wondered why someone like him would visit me this late at night.

“Brother, I need to speak with you,” Leon said seriously.

“That’s rare. You usually don’t start conversations.”

“It’s about the Vermillion family.”

Again with that? Why do both Father and Leon keep bringing it up? Hearing it over and over is tiresome. It reminds me of Florence.

“You too? Father already lectured me about it.”
“That’s how important it is.”

Despite his frail frame, Leon’s voice carried strength. I couldn’t help but worry he was pushing himself too hard.

“The mineral resources from the northern mines are the backbone of the kingdom’s finances. If relations with the Vermillion family deteriorate…”

And there it is again. Leon usually doesn’t get involved in politics, so why now?

“I get it,” I said, feeling irritation build.

I’ve heard it enough times.
“But this is about my engagement. The person I’ll spend my life with. That’s not something that should be decided solely for political reasons. We’re royalty. We should have the right to assert our own will.”

“That’s not what I—”
“Besides,” I cut him off.

“Florence accepted the annulment without protest. She left the palace right away. She had no sense of duty or desire to contribute to the royal family. That’s why she’s no longer here.”

I felt that argument was convincing. She left. So there’s no reason to cling to her or the Vermillion family.

“I understand how you feel, brother. But…”

Leon paused, choosing his words carefully. The moonlight cast a shadow over his young face.

“Sometimes… people only see what they want to see.”
“What do you mean? What are you trying to say?”

My voice rose, and Leon instinctively stepped back.

“…Nothing.”

He gave a vague reply, then quietly bowed.

“Excuse me.”

With weak steps, he left the room. After he was gone, I looked out the window again.

“They’re all worrying too much.”

I told myself that.
“This is fine. I made the right choice.”

They just don’t understand. The relief I feel, the freedom—I’m not lying to myself. This feeling is real. It must be right. Yet… Leon’s words lingered in my mind.

A few days later, I spent time with a group of newly acquainted nobles in one of the palace’s smaller banquet halls. The room was lavishly decorated, filled with the clink of glasses and cheerful conversations.

The nobles gathered around me, eagerly listening to what I had to say.

“Your Highness, your thoughts are truly inspiring!”

One noble enthusiastically raised his glass.

“The era of the Vermillion family is over. They grew arrogant and forgot their respect for the royal family. It’s time to end that. A new age is upon us.”

Several nobles nodded in agreement. Their cheeks were flushed with wine, and their eyes shone with anticipation. I hadn’t realized how many people shared my vision.

“Indeed, indeed!”

Others raised their voices.

“We eagerly await the day Your Highness ascends the throne!”

Their praise felt good. If not for Florence, I would’ve known sooner that I had such supporters—people who truly understood me.

“My friends, thank you.”

I lifted my glass, catching the warm light.

“Together, we shall build a new Granzreich!”

Cheers erupted all around. I was filled with certainty. At last, I was walking my own path. No more criticism—only praise. Nothing felt better.

This all started because I chose my own fiancée. Rather than accepting someone chosen by Father, I followed my heart. And since then, my life has improved.

“From now on, I’ll live exactly the way I want to.”

That was my decision. This is the beginning of my true era. I felt a surge of hope for the future. Freed from Florence’s shadow, I was certain this dazzling future lay ahead.

I had no doubt.