I Want to Acknowledge That Effort
(His Majesty said he would go to the House of Lords…)
But most likely, this marriage would be annulled without a doubt.
After all, the leading authority of the House of Lords is my father, Duke Clausenitzer.
For these past three years, he has continuously urged me to reconsider this marriage.
He even added that I could leave the castle under the pretense of medical treatment, or push for an annulment on the grounds of royal fault.
—And that's because—
The noblewoman who had her engagement annulled by the previous king… was none other than my mother.
My mother, a noblewoman of high birth from the Duke's household, was engaged to the royal family but had the engagement broken off at the king's convenience.
Afterward, she was courted by my father—who had long been in love with her—and they married.
My parents' marriage was, unusually for nobles, a love marriage.
Because of this background, my father holds no fond feelings toward the current royal family.
(It's only natural Father feels that way…)
His wife had her engagement broken by the former king, and now his daughter is in a loveless marriage with that king's son.
On top of that, her husband, Brian, is completely obsessed with his mistress.
The former king forcibly annulled his engagement with my mother to marry a foreign woman.
That incident caused widespread criticism toward the royal family across the country.
I suppose the former king wanted to repair the royal family's reputation.
So, he arranged a marriage between his son, Brian, and me—the daughter of Duke Clausenitzer.
The Clausenitzer Duchy is an ancient, prestigious family that has existed since the founding of the kingdom.
The former king probably thought that by marrying a daughter of such a household, he could erase his past mistakes.
Father apparently strongly opposed this engagement.
From his perspective, the royal family had discarded his wife. But ironically, it was because of that broken engagement that Father was able to marry Mother…
(I imagine Father's feelings about that are complicated…)
He reportedly rejected the engagement proposal countless times, even though doing so bordered on disrespect.
But in the end, under a direct royal command, he had no choice but to accept.
(And this is how it turned out. Of course Father is angry.)
I paused to think.
Perhaps… I hadn't tried hard enough.
Maybe I should've dyed my hair blonde and played the part of the woman His Majesty desired.
As I returned Sarasa's hand mirror and gazed at my reflection in the window, I asked myself that question.
If I were truly perfect, I would've molded myself to match his ideals.
I would've worn the mask he wanted and played the part flawlessly.
But I…
(I couldn't do it.)
I couldn't discard my individuality.
More than that, I simply had too much to do.
From morning until night, I faced endless paperwork, carrying out official duties in his stead.
I was so focused on what was right in front of me that I had no room to think beyond that.
Before I knew it, I had been given all sorts of ridiculous nicknames—The Steel Queen, The Blizzard Woman, and so on.
Rumors upon rumors piled up: that I poisoned Veronica out of spite for my own infertility, that I bullied the poor, vulnerable Veronica…
I had become the kingdom's notorious villainous queen.
“……”
I was just desperately trying to handle everything in front of me.
Maybe I should've acted with a broader perspective. But that's hindsight talking.
Regret always comes too late.
I can only think that way now—back then, I was simply doing my best to survive.
In my own way… I tried.
I want to at least acknowledge that effort.
For my own sake.
I narrowed my eyes toward the sunflower field visible outside the window.
The weather was dazzlingly clear—a perfect sunny day for departure.
As I left the room and headed toward the carriage stop, I walked through the corridor adjacent to the Royal Garden, reserved for the royal family.
Suddenly, a sharp, high-pitched voice called out behind me.
“Lady Clementina!!”
I froze at the familiar voice.
While I debated whether to turn around or not, the sound of rapid footsteps approached, and someone stepped in front of me, blocking my path.
“What is the meaning of this!? I wasn’t told anything…!!”
Golden hair that sparkled in the sunlight, eyes as pale blue as the spring sky.
She glared at me, her eyes brimming with tears.
It was Veronica—the king's mistress, and the daughter of Count Belnett.
I quietly observed her.
To me, Veronica was like a sudden typhoon or a storm.
She always brought trouble with her—no, she was trouble itself.
(You showed up much sooner than I expected…)
She must’ve heard from His Majesty.
But that was just moments ago. She got here unnaturally fast.
Still, I had already decided to leave the castle.
I had no intention of engaging in a long conversation with her.
Just as I opened my mouth to tell her that—
She cried out words I hadn't anticipated at all.
“Give me back my cats…!!”
With a voice on the verge of tears, she pleaded earnestly.
What do you think about this chapter?
