As the Villainess Who Was Dumped, I Am Saved by My Childhood Friend from a Noble Family and Spoiled in the Frontier - Chapter 11

I had a dream. A dream from when the Crown Prince and I were still getting along well.

We were enjoying horseback riding after a long time. On the sunny plains, we ran like the wind.

Since we had attendants with us, it didn’t feel like a date.

“I lost. You’re amazing at everything, Nina.”

Back then, he still had the leeway to praise me. I wonder when it started—when we stopped laughing even when we met.

“No matter what I do, I’m no good. I can’t beat Nina or Margrave Franz. My tutors are always scolding me.”

“That’s not true! Your Highness has many good qualities!”

“For example?”

“Your strong empathy, how well you understand people’s feelings and your smile that brightens everyone’s day.”

“Thank you, Nina. You’re strict, but kind.”

We laughed together like that.

But the Crown Prince changed.

I think he was probably crushed by the weight of his position.

Because of his high empathy, that sensitivity ran wild, and he became more prone to intense jealousy.

And because of his brightening smile, he became aware of how popular he was with women and gradually grew dependent on that.

Unlike me, his other girlfriends had no responsibilities, so they only showered him with sweet words and praise.

I envied them for having fewer responsibilities. I never thought I hated him. But our relationship came with greater responsibilities than those of ordinary men and women.

Ever since his heart started drifting away from me, I’ve kept thinking.

That maybe I should have been more supportive of him.

Couldn’t I have lightened his heavy burdens a little more?

As his fiancée, if I couldn’t even do that, maybe that’s why I’m in this situation now.

The self-loathing just goes on and on.

I woke up.

I looked at the clock. 1 a.m.

I don’t think I can sleep feeling this awful. Maybe I’ll go for a walk.

I walk through the mansion’s corridors. Everyone’s fast asleep, so the halls are pitch black.

There was one room with a light still on.

Lord Franz’s room.

Though I knew it was improper, I knocked on his door.

“Come in.”

“Excuse me.”

“Hey, Nina! What’s wrong, coming here so late at night?”

“I couldn’t sleep. Are you still working, Lord Franz?”

“Ah, but I was just about to call it a night. Say, how about some tea? I like to drink herbal tea to help me sleep.”

“Thank you. I’d love some!”

It turned into a nighttime tea time.

The herbal tea had a gentle flavor. Chamomile.

“Nina. There’s only you and me here. So, I’m going to say this.”

“Huh?”

“After all you’ve been through, why won’t you lean on someone? You’re not blaming yourself for everything, are you?”