Dear Ex-Fiancé, I Hope You Regret Everything - Chapter 24

I offered slight resistance to the deepening kiss. When I tried to push him away, he grabbed my wrist and held me tightly.

“…You’re far too defenseless. It makes me anxious.”

“But I have to close my eyes to adjust the Clear Glass, don’t I?”

“It’s just foolish jealousy, wondering if you make that face for anyone else. Please forget I said anything.”

“Lord Skyford, jealous? Of me? That’s absurd.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? I’m still a man, you know.”

“If we’re saying such things, then I’m also…”

Lord Skyford peered into my face, so I averted my eyes.

“What’s this? Now you’ve made me even more curious. Say it properly with your own mouth. Come on.”

“~~~!! …With Lord Nia…”

“Nia? She’s like a little sister to me.”

“And what if you’re the only one who thinks that way?”

(Ah, I said it…)

My eyes grew hot with tears. I never knew I had such ugly feelings inside me. I don’t recognize this version of myself.

“Are you serious?”

“This is ridiculous! Do you truly not notice anything at all?!”

“I’ve never once seen her as a woman, and Nia doesn’t see me as a man either!”

“I am a woman! Lord Nia is also a woman!… That’s why I understand perfectly well. Your relationship isn’t as mutual as you think—that’s where the fundamental disconnect lies.”

Lord Skyford let out a heavy sigh.

After thinking for a while, he said, “I’m sorry, but please leave me alone.” Pouting, I left his bedroom and found Fonmi waiting outside.

“The King and Queen have summoned you.”

✳︎ ✳︎ ✳︎

“My apologies for calling you so soon after your return, especially with our son catching a cold.”

“I believe he’s simply exhausted.”

Urged to sit, the King began immediately. “The matter is this. Next month has no major events scheduled. How would you feel about holding the engagement ceremony then?”

“I have no objections, but…”

(I wonder if there’s a reason they’re discussing this without Lord Skyford present.)

He seemed to struggle with his words, his throat moving several times. Noticing this, the Queen spoke up.

“…I’m sure you’re aware, but we can’t guarantee nothing will happen at the engagement ceremony. Frankly, there’s a possibility of significant backlash.”

“I’m prepared for that.”

“That’s why and I hesitate to say this but perhaps it would be best not to invite Count Dostoevsky and his wife…”

“Considering my parents’ feelings, that would actually be a relief for me too. Thank you for your consideration.”

They probably don’t want to see their daughter subjected to public scorn at her own engagement ceremony. It’s lonely, but I understand. This is for the best.

The King then took over the conversation.

“With that settled, what if you secretly return to Isac and hold a separate engagement ceremony at the Count’s estate?”

“Is that really acceptable?”

“Of course. Count Dostoevsky must consider you his precious daughter, right? We’d like to accommodate that as well.”

“Your excessive kindness overwhelms me. My father and mother would be delighted.”

After a brief silence fell, the King looked directly at me and said, “We called you here for no other reason than… well, we tested you, even though we were certain you were the woman our son brought home. I want to apologize for that.”

“Tested me? How?”

“That pertains to Fonmi there. She deliberately tried to embarrass you, didn’t she? We were aware but chose to observe quietly.”

I was speechless. My throat closed up, and no words would come out.

“In other words, we took advantage of Fonmi’s actions. She holds strong Haira loyalist views. We suspected something might happen.”

The Queen, who had been silently listening until now, spoke with a heavy tone.

“I’m truly sorry. We knew you were being mistreated, but we wanted to ascertain your true character.”

“We just confronted Fonmi about it earlier. Fonmi, come forward.”

The maid who had been waiting in the back bowed respectfully after standing straight, then turned to face me.

“Lady Iris, I deeply apologize for my behavior until now. Now that I’ve witnessed the kindness of Lady Iris, who trusted someone like me who had only served you for a few weeks so completely, I can truly pledge my loyalty.”

“…Fonmi……”

“Your Majesties. Thank you for taking notice of someone like me.”

She knelt on the floor and slowly performed a deep bow of prostration.

“I will gladly accept any punishment.”

I instinctively stood up. Even though she disliked me, whenever she styled my hair, she was always so serious about it.

“Wait! Please wait! I don’t want any punishment for her at all! Fonmi, won’t you please continue serving by my side from now on?”

I rushed to her side where she remained motionless in prostration.

“…My name means ‘For Your Sake.’ Having betrayed that meaning, I cannot serve Lady Iris with pride. Precisely because I now wish to pledge true loyalty, please allow me to receive punishment.”

The King listened with a stern expression.

“…Fonmi. Then I shall give you a fitting punishment.”

(No…!!)

I squeezed my eyes shut, but the words I heard were unexpected.

“Lady Iris desires no punishment, yet you insist on receiving one. Therefore, Fonmi, your punishment is this: you shall serve Lady Iris for the rest of your life.”

“Eh?”

Fonmi and I inadvertently exchanged glances.

“Now, we must go report to our son and face his scolding. Lady Iris, we apologize.”

The King and Queen bowed their heads to me.