As the Villainess Who Was Dumped, I Am Saved by My Childhood Friend from a Noble Family and Spoiled in the Frontier - Chapter 24

And then, the day of the audience.

We are waiting for His Majesty the Emperor in the throne room.

The majestic throne and decorations demonstrate the Emperor’s dignity. I’ve been here many times, but no matter how accustomed I become to such occasions, I still get nervous.

This is the center of the nation. The place where the highest decisions are made. And the heart of the empire’s history that has continued for hundreds of years. A place filled with tradition and authority.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, both of you.”

His voice is strong and clear, unlike what you’d expect from a man already over sixty.

His Majesty Richard IX.

He’s called one of the greatest rulers in the long history of the Glear Empire. A hero who contained the land power of the Wolfsburg Empire which surpasses our national strength through alliances with other nations, and built the continent’s strongest navy.

A remarkable man who has maintained our status as a great power through diplomacy and economic strength without waging war during his reign.

In domestic affairs too, he’s demonstrated his prowess by promoting cash crop cultivation and reforming the tax system.

He’s both an object of admiration and a source of pressure for the Crown Prince and Lord Franz. Part of the reason for the Crown Prince’s mental instability is that his father’s achievements are simply too overwhelming.

“Lady Nina. On behalf of the imperial family, I apologize for this matter. I’m truly sorry.”

I was taken aback when His Majesty began with words of apology.

“Your Majesty, please raise your head! I should have been more considerate of His Highness’s feelings as well.”

“Nina… I’ve made you, who should be suffering the most, worry about us. The ultimate responsibility for this matter lies with me as Emperor too. Both my foolish son and I have been taking advantage of the Duke’s family’s devotion. As a result, we hurt you. I’m truly sorry.”

“Your Majesty…”

“I’ve already issued a proclamation in my name to clear Nina of the false charges. This incident has damaged the Duke family’s authority. Regarding that matter, I intend to do everything I can with sincere dedication.”

“Thank you…”

“And regarding this engagement matter, I will inform the subjects that the Crown Prince unilaterally broke off the engagement due to his change of heart.”

“But then, His Highness the Crown Prince’s authority will.”

“If that cuts off his path to succession, that’s a matter of my foolish son’s qualifications. There’s no need for you, the victim, to worry about that.”

“…”

I could only nod in response to His Majesty’s kind words.

“Good. I’ll make arrangements for you to return to the imperial capital immediately. The Duke must be feeling lonely too.”

Ah…

That’s right. If I’m forgiven, my life in the border count’s territory will come to an end.

The happy times of helping Lord Franz with his work and having tea with Maria will be over.

I found myself realizing this obvious fact only now.

“That’s wonderful, Nina. Now you’re free.”

Lord Franz is looking at me with congratulatory eyes too.

But that’s not my happiness.

The words slipped out of my mouth unintentionally.

But the words that slip out unintentionally are undoubtedly my true feelings.

That’s why I’ll always be proud of myself for being able to speak up here. It was the moment when I, who had always been a caged bird, was finally honest with my feelings for the first time.

“Your Majesty, and Lord Franz—I wish to remain in the Aurelia Border County territory, not return to the imperial capital.”