Breaking off the Engagement 3

Following my visit to Catherine’s residence, I returned to my own quarters. I settled in and called on our butler and my personal maid, Sebastian and Sana.

「Lady Lillina, why have you called us here?」

Sebastian’s voice shook. Sana stood behind him, anticipating my words like the swing of an executioner’s ax. She fixed her gaze on me and I could see the worry in her eyes. There was no use keeping them in suspense and I announced the truth once again.

「Today, Prince Leon broke off our engagement.」

Sebastian uttered not a single word nor drew a sharp breath, but the shock still crept over his features. In sharp contrast, Sana nearly choked on her own tongue.

「Because of that, I immediately told the King and Father what happened…」

I thought they were surprised the first time, but I was wrong. Stoic Sebastian lost his composure and Sana shrilled with abandon. I didn’t understand their reactionsーit’s only natural to inform all parties involved when an engagement has come to an end, right?

「And that’s why I’m returning to our territory for a little while to unwind. It goes without saying that Father gave his permission.」

I reached the end of my brief retelling of events and Sebastian coughed into his hand, prepping for his turn to speak.

「Di-did his Majesty agree to the annulment?」

It was such a strange sight to see Sebastian stumble over his words. The news must have had a greater impact on him than I realized.

「His Majesty? Yes, he did.」

I paused.

「Now that you mention it… Father did maneuver the conversation so that His Majesty couldn’t voice his opinion. He was allowed to send me back though. Speaking of Father, there’s still something that I need to tell him. Sana, please make haste and prepare the materials for a letter.」

「Right away!」

She rushed off to complete her task and Sebastian took the liberty to speak.

「Lady Lillina. When will you depart for the territory?」

I hummed in thought.

「It would be unreasonable to head out today, so I’ll just leave tomorrow.」

His eyes bulged, ready to fall out of their sockets and roll onto the floor. I quirked my browーwhat’s the reason for that expression? It’s similar to the ones I’ve received back at the Royal Capital.

But I didn’t ponder over the reason for too long. After all, my true goal is to live out my new found freedom in the best possible way that I can!

「Lady Lillina, whatever the circumstance may be, tomorrow is too soon.」

It was clear he was troubled; was he concerned about the time it would take to make all the necessary arrangements on such short notice? There’s no need to go to such lengths and prepare all the bells and whistles, like the horse-drawn carriage and personal escortーespecially since I’m no longer the Prince’s fiancee.

Sebastian is right to be concerned. Those preparations require much time which I believe could be better spent elsewhere. It’s too much of a hassle just for one person riding horseback.

While I was thinking of such things, Sana came back with paper and pen in hand.

「Thank you, Sana.」

She gave me the materials and I began to write. My hand cascaded down the sheet of paper and I finished writing the letter in less than three minutes.

I sealed and handed it over to Sebastian.

「Sebastian, please send this to Father at once. I think this will reach him in time, but…」

He bowed and took his leave to fulfill my order.

Once Sebastian was gone, it was Sana who caught my attention.

「Lady Lillina, is it really true that the Prince broke off the engagement?」

It’s not common for maids to question those they serve and it’s even frowned upon for them to speak out of turn, but Sana has been with me since we were children, so we are close to each other.

She must be anxious about the whole situation.

「It’s true. All those that heard what happened can’t believe it, but it’s not a mistake. How can there be any room for doubt? There was a lovely woman by Prince Leon’s side. We were engaged, but it was merely for political reasons. What he truly desired was a marriage born from love.」

With a faraway look in her eyes, Sana huffed and cursed under her breath in a way not befitting for a lady. The moment passed in an instant. She returned to her senses and looked at me with determination.

「Lady Lillina, if I may say… the Prince wants to marry for love. At least, that’s my humble opinion. But as for who he wants to marry…」

Before Sana could finish, the door slammed open with a deafening bang. I’m surprised that it didn’t shatter from that raw amount of force.

「Li-Lillinaーーー!」

A voice screamed out my name and it was my very own older brother Ricardo that stood in the doorway. His knight uniform was in disarray, so he must have been in a hurry. This is the same man who is the commanding officer of the knight order. His rank was bestowed upon him at a relatively young age.

「Calm down, Brother. You’re in an absolute tizzy. When you visit a lady’s room, do remember to knock on the door. A hedge between keeps friendships green, as they say.」

「How can you speak so lightly in a situation like this? The engagement between you and Leon no longer…」

So he knew about it already? That’s Brother for youーalways quick to know the latest news. Although, it’s more probable that Father told him what transpired between Prince Leon and I.

「Did you hear about it from Father? He must have contacted you as soon as possible. But, it’s just as you say. The engagement is over and I’ll be returning to the territory tomorrow.」

Brother was trying to catch his breath, but I didn’t know if it was because of his rising anger or his mad dash to my room.

「Listen, Lillina. You are Prince Leon’s fiancee. How can you just slither back home at the drop of a hat!」

「Brother. There isn’t a problem if I go back. The engagement was temporary from the start and what little meaning that had is now gone. In case you didn’t know, it just so happens that Father approves of my course of action.」

Brother grumbled to himself.

「Someone needs to reign in that reckless behavior of yours.」

‘How rude! I’m not being reckless.’

I could see the start of a never-ending stalemate; neither of us would back down and I decided to put an end to this conversation.

「If that’s all you have to say, then I would like to rest in my room. Please see your way out, Brother.」

I didn’t wait for him to refuse.

「Sana, you have some unfinished work that needs your attention, yes? I’m going to lie down for a bit, so I’ll call for you later.」

And like that, the two left me to my own devices.

I drew in a deep breath and as I let it out, I was relieved of my duties yet crushed by new troubles at the same time. I was worn down like a road. But, despite everything, I still found this the better alternative to the queen training.

What I need now is some good old-fashioned sleep. I laid down on my bed and closed my eyes.

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