Breaking off the Engagement 4

I awoke from my sleep as fresh as morning dew. I blinked slowly, letting my eyes adjust to my surroundings in the dim light. The sky seeped into darkness with the setting sun. My nap was wonderful and much needed after that eventful afternoon. I reached up to stretch, but a knock resounded throughout my room.

「Lady Lillina, have you woken up?」

It was Sana’s voice on the other side of the door.

「Yes, I woke up just now.」

She offered a quick ‘Excuse me,’ as she entered my room.

「Lady Lillina, it’s almost time for your meal. Let’s make the proper preparations for it.」

「All right.」

「His Lordship and Sir Ricardo will take their meal with you today.」

Both of them always came back from their respective duties late at night and missed their evening meal altogether, never mind sharing dinner with me. What could it be that changed their nightly habit?

It’s not that I have a problem with their late hoursーquite the contrary. But, it has been quite some time since all three of us have shared a meal together. While I don’t know their true reasons for coming home early, I’m happy that we can do this once more.

Sana nimbly assembled my wardrobe and fixed my appearance in a blink of an eye, and I was off to dinner. Both Father and Brother were already seated by the time I arrived at the dining room.

「I’m sorry, I’ve kept you two waiting.」

Father waved off my apology.

「Think nothing of it. We just arrived as well.」

Brother nodded in agreement.

I took my seat at the table.

We began to eat, but as the meal progressed, there were times I could feel someone’s gaze on me. I turned to find the source, and I unconsciously rushed through my meal under the pressure. This odd tension-filled situation persisted until my nerves could no longer bear it.

「Father. Brother. If there’s something that’s on your mind, then please do me a favor and come out with it. I can’t properly enjoy my meal if this keeps up.」

They turned to face each other and their eyes locked in a heated battle where neither side would relent. The silent squabble between them came to an end, and it was Father who was the one to speak.

「Lillina. Something serious happened today and… how should I say this…」

Father couldn’t articulate his words and that shook me to my core. He’s the Prime Ministerーwhat’s so difficult to say that it stills his tongue?

Unless…!

It has something to do with the engagement? Has the annulment been considered void? That can’t beーit’s already been established that I’m returning to our territory. I thought I was going to meet Mother again after such a long time!

‘No, I’m getting ahead of myself. It’s too early to tell.’

I’ve jumped to conclusions before Father could say a thing.

I stared at him in silence and steeled myself with the intention to face whatever he would say. Father pushed through his prior hesitation.

「Lillina. I believe it’s a good idea for you to return to the territory. Up till now, you persevered through your queen training and the results of your resilience are clearly apparent. And yet, that complete fool…! Excuse me, I mean, His Highness… How could His Highness even utter something so… ridiculous and astounding at the same time? Astounding in how ridiculous, I say!」

Father coughed and cleared his throat in a vain attempt to cover his indiscreet aside.

「The point being is that the current situation has gotten even worse. I received your letter at the exact same time I was discussing this situation with the King. At present, it has been declared that His Highness’s one-sided ‘breaking of the engagement’ will be put on hold. As for your return to the territory, it will be regarded as a recreational break from your studies.」

‘Excuse me?’

Instead of acknowledging a clean break of our engagement, they are treating it as if there are plans to salvage thisーas if there’s an intention to resume this engagement. That’s not the case at all!

On an entirely different note, Father peppered his explanation with some ‘not-so-friendly’ remarks about the Prince. Not that I have any particular concernsーthere are important things at hand that need my attention like the annulment.

Has it really been put on hold? I find that hard to believe with Father’s blasé explanation. How can he treat this ordeal like a casual chat about the weather?

As for the King, it seems he wouldn’t be aware of the situation if it weren’t for my previous report. Prince Leon failed to inform him in person after all.

「And so, I temporarily called off your queen training and you can go to the territory. Isn’t this a good outcome?」

‘In what way?! The queen training is still in effect!’

I thought this was a hard-earned victory, but I’ve been had! I celebrated too soon…

「The King authorized your trip back to the territory. We will heed your wish and not tell His Highness about your return.」

At the very least, there is a silver lining in all of this.

I will be free to go back home.

「I understand. While it seems the annulment has been… handled, there’s something else that comes to mind. Last time we met, you said that you would find another fiance on my behalf, Father. Has that been put on hold as well?」

This must’ve been the first time Brother heard any news of a new potential fiance because he shot another disapproving look at Father.

If I had to hazard a guess, he’s probably thinking,『Father! What other superfluous things did you say?!』

A new fiance would only lead to trouble and be a burden in its own right. In this regard, things did work out in my favor.

「I’m deeply sorry, Lillina. You must be frustrated beyond belief, hearing about all these repercussions because of what happened. However, I am a servant of the Crown. I have to dispel any biases or personal investments I may have in the matter. After the discussion with the King, the solution that emerged was the deferment. I’m sorry for being a feckless father.」

「Please there’s no need to apologize, Father. From the beginning, both houses consented to this decision. The King didn’t know this would become a problem. Things would have been better if only Prince Leon told Father and His Majesty about his intentions beforehand…」

Father and Brother sighed deeply.

Brother muttered to himself.

「…That incompetent buffoon! Why couldn’t he just be honest! This is draining my spirits dry…」

The one caught in the cross-hairs of Brother’s ire was probably Prince Leon.

I continued eating the delicious meal with gratitude, while the two of them hung their heads. They left the room and came straight back with drinks in hand. The pair gulped down the alcohol, grumbling about something at the same time. I was never fond of drunkards.

After I finished my hot bath, I headed off to bed. Even though I took a nap earlier, I was drowsy.

Starting tomorrow, I won’t have to attend the queen training. My heart blossomed at the thought and I felt that I would have a wonderful dream.

I hope this feeling holds true.

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