Once I settled down, I called both the butler, Sebastian, and my personal maid Sana to my room.
「Lady Lillina, for what reason have you called us here?」
Sebastian’s voice shook.
Behind him, Sana had a similar disposition, antic.i.p.ating what would come.
Her eyes shone with worry as she fixed her gaze upon me.
「The truth of the matter is that, today, Prince Leon annulled our engagement. 」
「Fueー?!」
As expected of Sebastian, nothing escaped his lips. But he couldn’t stop the shock from reaching his face.
Sana uttered out something incomprehensible.
「Because of that, I immediately told the King and Father what happened…」
「Hーhyue!?」
What kind of reaction is that?
It’s only natural to inform all parties involved when an engagement has come to an end, right?
「Thus, I’m returning to our territory for a little while to unwind. Of course, Father gave his permission.」
Once I wrapped up my brief story, Sebastian cleared his throat.
「*cough* D-di-did his Majesty agree to the annulment?」
Sebastian always held his composure, so his strained stuttering was such a sight to behold.
「His Majesty? Yes… now that you mention it, Father skilfully maneuvered the conversation so that His Majesty couldn’t voice his opinion. But, Father was allowed to send me back. Oh, that reminds me. There’s still something that I need to tell Father. Sana, please make haste and prepare paper and a pen for me. 」
「Right away!」
While Sana was preoccupied with her task, Sebastian spoke up.
「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.」
Sebastian’s eyes bulged.
What’s with the funny look?
I’ve gotten the same reaction again just like the ones in the Royal Capital.
But, more than anything else, I want to live out my new found freedom the best that I can!
This is my true goal.
「Lady Lillina, whatever the circ.u.mstances may be, tomorrow is quite early…」
Sebastian had a troubled expression on his face as he said this.
Oh? Is he concerned about the time it will take for preparations?
There’s no real need to gather everything when I go to the territory, especially since I don’t want to carry anything back on my return trip home.
Ahー that’s right. There’s preparation for many things such as the escort and the carriage that needs to be done.
But, I am no longer the Prince’s fiancee, so there’s no need to have guards around the clock.
It’s too much of a ha.s.sle.
Moreover, preparing such things requires much time–time that’s better spent elsewhere.
It’s clearly troublesome to go to such lengths for just one person going on horseback.
While I was thinking of such things, Sana finished her preparations.
「Thank you, Sana. 」
Sana handed me the paper and I began to write in a fluid manner.
Not even three minutes pa.s.sed when I finished writing the letter.
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… 」
With a bow, he took his leave to complete his task.
Once Sebastian was gone, Sana spoke up.
「Lady Lillina, i-is it really true that the Prince broke off the engagement? 」
Generally, maids don’t ask things out of turn, but Sana has been with me since I was a child, so we are quite close.
No doubt, she is anxious about the whole situation.
「Yes, it’s true. All those that have heard of the annulment can’t believe it, but it’s not a mistake. After all, how can I doubt it? There was a lovely woman by Prince Leon’s side. We were engaged, but it was only for a political marriage; 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.
But, she regained focus and looked at me with determination.
「Lady Lillina, um… the Prince probably wants a love marriage. At least, that’s what I think. But, as for his intended… 」
BAM!
As if on cue, the door slammed open.
I’m surprised that the door didn’t break from that amount of force.
「Li-Lillinaーーー!」
And the one standing in the doorway was my very own older brother, Ricardo.
He must have been in a hurry if his knight uniform was in disarray.
Incidentally, my older brother is the commanding officer of the knight order. They bestowed this rank upon him at a 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 please. 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…」
Oh? Is it possible that he came here because he had concerns?
That’s Brother for you; always quick to know the latest events.
Well, it’s most likely father told him what transpired.
「Did you hear about it from Father? He must have contacted you as soon as possible. But, it’s as you say. The engagement is over and I’ll be returning to the territory tomorrow.」
「Listen, Lillina. You are Prince Leon’s fiancee. How can you just slink off and withdraw to the territory? And in such a rushed manner!」
「Brother. There isn’t a problem even if I go to the territory. Because the engagement was temporary from the start and what little meaning that had is now gone. And it just so happens Father approves of my course of action. 」
Brother grumbled to himself.
「Someone needs to reign in your reckless behavior.」
How rude. I’m not being reckless.
Anyhow, our conversation is over.
「If that’s all you have to say, then I would like to rest in my room. Please see your way out, Brother. Sana, you also have some unfinished work that you need to attend to, yes? I’m going to lie down for a bit, so I’ll call for you later.」
And like that, the two left the room.
I heaved a sigh.
I’m all worn out.
But even so, it’s better than that harsh queen training ~.