I awoke from my nap, feeling refreshed. I took a good look at my surroundings and found that the sky had grown dim and dark. The nap was wonderful. I reached up to stretch as a knock resounded in my room .
「Lady Lillina, have you woken up ?」
It was Sana.
「Yes, I woke up just now.」
Sana offered a quick ‘Excuse me,’ as she entered my room.
「Lady Lillina, it’s almost time for your meal. I’ll go make the preparations for it. 」
「All right.」
「Today, Master of the House and Sir Ricardo, will take their meal with you. 」
Oh? It’s not usual to dine with the two of them since they are always late returning home. What could it be that makes today so different?
It’s not that I have a problem with their late hours; quite the contrary. But, it has been quite some time since all three of us have shared a meal together, so I am pleased with the news.
With Sana’s nimble a.s.sistance, my outfit and appearance were prepared in a snap.
It’s time to go to dinner.
When I entered the dining room, both Father and Brother were already seated.
「I’m sorry, I’ve kept you two waiting.」
「Think nothing of it. It’s all right. We just arrived as well.」
Brother nodded in agreement.
I took my seat.
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. This odd 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 indulge me. With the way things are, I can’t properly enjoy my meal.」
They turned to face one another and their eyes locked together as if in a heated battle where neither side would relent. The silent squabble between them came to an end, since Father was the one to speak.
「Lillina. Today is serious. The reason for that being… that is to say…」
This uncharacteristic hesitation with his words..
What’s so difficult to say that it stills your 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!
At any rate, 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 with his words.
「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 apparent. And yet, that complete fool…!ー excuse me, I meant to say, His Highness… How could His Highness even sputtered out something so… ridiculous and astounding at the same time?」
Father cleared his throat and coughed, trying to cover his indiscreet aside.
「What I meant to say is that the current situation has gotten even worse. The time when I received your letter, Lilliana, I was actually discussing this situation with the King at that very moment. 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.」
Come again…?
The annulment has been put on hold?
Now that I think about it, negative comments about Prince Leon have come and gone throughout our conversation, but I’ll just brush that aside.
The annulment is really on hold?
Impossible! And to casually announce this like we are chatting about the weather is over the top, don’t you think?
But, the King doesn’t know. ~ ( T/N: But I think he does…?)
As for Prince Leon, there doesn’t seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Or any time soon.
「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 also authorized this trip back to the territory. In addition, we will heed your wish and not tell His Highness about your return to the territory.」
That’s comforting to hear.
Then I will be free to go back to our territory.
「I understand. While it seems the annulment has been… handled, there’s something else that comes to mind. Last time I met Father, you said that you would find another fiancé on my behalf. Has that been put on hold as well?」
Once Brother heard what I said, he shot another look at Father.
He’s probably thinking, 『Father! What other superfluous and troublesome things did you say?! 』
Well, a new fiancé for me would be more trouble. In this regard, things did work out in my favor.
「I’m deeply sorry, Lillina. You must be frustrated beyond belief, hearing about all the repercussions of this one-sided broken engagement. 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 f.e.c.kless and disappointing 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 at my words.
Brother whispered 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 is probably Prince Leon.
I continued eating the delicious meal with grat.i.tude, 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 detest drunkards.
After I finished my hot bath, I headed off to bed. Even though I took a nap earlier, I feel drowsy.
Starting tomorrow, I won’t have to attend the queen training. My heart blossoms at the thought.
For some reason, I feel as if I will have a good dream. Good night.~