Will Lilliana return back to her territory? Welp, not in this chapter!
Finally, I arrived at our residence! I’m thrilled that I was able to speak with Queen Rachel. She is still as radiant as I remember her.
Sebastian greeted me when I came inside.
「Welcome back, Lady Lilliana.」
「And it’s good to be back, Sebastian. I’m a bit tired from my visit, so I’m going to take a short nap in my room. Inform Sana to call on me when it’s time to eat.」
「Certainly.」
Once I settled down in my room, I recalled my conversation with Queen Rachel. She told me that Prince Leon had romantic feelings for me, but I believe this is a complete lie. She must have said that out of consideration for me, as if to diffuse the situation and perhaps, excuse his course of action. It’s quite difficult to believe that his current conduct was born out of any good will on my behalf. In fact, it’s his very own behavior that contradicts this line of thoughtーthe status of our engagement is proof of that.
If he did harbor these alleged feelings for me, it wouldn’t be necessary to break off our engagement at all. But, Prince Leon went above and beyond that; he brought along his new fiancee to bear witness and kept her close by his side. There is no room for doubt in his intentions.
Before all this happened, I believed our engagement would lead to marriage. It was to my understanding that we would be together, for presumably, the rest of our lives. I made a sincere effort to reach out to him, so that we both would grow close to one another.
There was a time when I chanced upon one of Prince Leon’s routine sword practices. He sustained an injury to his right hand, so I tried to administer treatment for his wound. But, it was all for naught. The moment I touched his hand, he shook me off and ran away. His face flushed a deep red from what I recallーPrince Leon must have been livid.
There was another time when I received confectioneries from a member of my household. I sent some to Prince Leon as a gift, but he didn’t bother to eat any of it. Instead, he left the treats to rot and spoil in his room. Why would he leave them there untouched when it would be better to dispose of them? If this is what he planned to do from the start, he shouldn’t have accepted them in the first place.
No matter what I recall, these ‘romantic feelings’ are not present. I’m rather surprised that he didn’t break our engagement at an earlier date.
There’s no reason to contemplate about it any further as it no longer concerns me.
I was thinking such things when I heard a knock on my door.
「Is that you, Sana? It’s okay, you can come in.」
「Excuse me.」
Sana stepped inside.
「Is it time to eat already? Did Father come back home?」
「Yes, Master of the House has returned and he would like to speak with you over dinner.」
I pursed my lips.
Father finished his work early today too. Did my conversation with Queen Rachel weigh heavily on his mind?
I rushed through my preparations and headed towards the room where Father was.
「Dear Father, I’m sorry I’ve kept you waiting.」
「No, it’s all right. Now, let’s eat.」
Today’s events naturally became the main topic during our meal.
「…and so Queen Rachel also gave me permission to return to the territory, and tomorrow I will set out for my departure.」
「She became your ally? I see. Oh, that reminds me, Lilliana. About your transportation for the trip back home…」
「Yes! I will go on horseback alone!」
「No, that’s not acceptable. You have to remember your station一you are supposed to be the typical nobleman’s daughter. Frail and feeble.」
I raised my brow.
「But Father, I don’t have to go along with that narrative. I’m no longer the ‘frail, dainty’ fiancee of the Prince. My skills haven’t faltered in the slightest throughout my time spent here at the Royal Capital. To be honest, taking an escort would just hinder our travel. It’s too uncomfortable and unnecessarily formal. Forgive me for saying this, but I’m tired riding in a carriage and being accompanied by the guards. My suggestion is far better.」
「It’s true that you have a point, but…」
Father’s expression drew tight in thought. I could see the internal conflict pass behind his eyes. But, I wouldn’t change my stance.
Sitting in the horse-drawn carriage hurts my lower back and bottom. But what hurts the most is its speedーthe carriage moves at a most terrible crawl and I want to hurry back home.
Father spoke up with his decision.
「If that’s how it is, take Sana with you. That girl will help you if anything were to happen on your journey.」
I let out a breath.
「I understand. I will take Sana with me. Well, I think nobody would be able to take us on anyways if it’s the two of us.」
And with a huge sigh, Father finally gave his permission.
Oh, I could just squeal out in delight!
「Lilliana, I wrote a letter to Lisa. Take this to her.」
「Yes, a letter to Mother. I’ll be sure to give it to her.」
We finished our meal and I headed back to my room. Sana was there and I told her what happened during dinner.
「This is abrupt, I know, but it’s been decided that you will accompany me tomorrow, Sana. That’s why you’ll have to make the proper arrangements.」
「That won’t be necessary. I thought that this might happen, so I already have everything prepared.」
Just as expected of Sana; she anticipated the most likely scenario and acted accordingly.
While I was complimenting Sana in my mind, she said something out of the ordinary.
「So, it seems like that the Prince didn’t stop you from returning to the territory? I thought for certain that he would try to do something but…」
「Huh? Why would he? My return would only be good news. Now, his new engagement can truly flourish and advance smoothly without me here. Besides, Prince Leon doesn’t even know I’m going back.」
「What? He doesn’t?」
「Yes, I requested that this be kept from him.」
Sana muttered something I couldn’t hear.
『Will we arrive in peace without incident? It’s only a matter of time before the Prince finds out…』
For some reason, I could sense a new-found resolve radiating from Sana.
「Lady Lilliana! I will do my best so that you reach the territory safely!」
I was taken back by the strength behind her words.
「Oh, um… All right then. I think it’ll be fine though. It’s not like we will face anything dangerous on the road, right?」
I wasn’t confident that my words had any impact on Sana. She just kept burning with determination. But, it’s not bad that she’s like thisーher eagerness and motivation are good companions to have on this trip.
I’ll have to tuck in and rest properly for the road ahead tomorrow.