As the Villainess Who Was Dumped, I Am Saved by My Childhood Friend from a Noble Family and Spoiled in the Frontier - Chapter 7

“Congratulations, Your Highness the Crown Prince! Did His Majesty the Emperor grant you any rewards for the successful treaty signing this time?”

Baroness Mary approached me with innocent cheerfulness.

(“What in the world is she talking about?”)

I had just received a severe reprimand from His Majesty the Emperor.

And rightfully so. I had made a complete fool of myself at the diplomatic envoy’s reception party. It was a massive blunder that could have potentially led to a crisis with the nation possessing the continent’s strongest military force.

“That party was so lively!! The ambassador said we could dispense with formalities, and I worked hard to liven things up too!”

Mary directed a purely innocent smile at me.

She was completely serious. She genuinely thought that disgraceful display was her way of making the party livelier…

“Oh yes, to celebrate this success, why don’t we go on a trip tomorrow? I want to go shopping in the city.”

I had been fiercely criticized for lacking the qualifications and resolve to be Crown Prince.

To make matters worse, I had to hear about the great achievements of the Frontier Count and Nina.

Even though everyone in the royal palace knows I broke off my engagement with Nina.

The rumor is that I’m more incompetent than the woman I rejected.

That humiliation feels like it’s tearing me apart.

And yet, this new fiancée of mine, instead of comforting me, is babbling about wanting to go shopping?

What kind of woman is she?

“Sorry, I’m swamped with work tomorrow. Let’s plan the trip for another time.”

“Aww! Lately I’ve just been getting scolded by my teachers during etiquette and language lessons, and I’m sick of it. I’m supposed to become the future Empress, so why isn’t everyone nicer to me~”

What is she talking about? You haven’t even finished the basic course yet. I’m always covering for you with the instructors.

And now of all times you want to slack off…

Please stop, my position will only get worse.

“Besides, everyone compares me too much to Lady Nina! She’s been receiving this education since birth, so of course she’d be better than me!!”

You’re the one who said you wanted to become Empress, so you should at least handle that much normally.

Nina never complained about any of this and performed everything perfectly. If Nina had been by my side during this incident.

I felt utterly pathetic for thinking such thoughts.

“Please, I’m tired from work. Just leave me alone for a while.”

If I let her continue like this, who knows what she might say next.

I wanted to be alone.

“Understood. But please think about the shopping trip!”

With those words, she disappeared into her room.

(“Please come back, Nina”)

I was tormented by regret.