I Don’t Need Them Anymore — Abandoning the Family That Never Loved Me, I Find Happiness in a Neighboring Kingdom - Chapter 17

“That’s rude to Lady Edith.”

Thinking that, I was about to stand beside Lady Edith and admonish Loin when she spoke to him first.

“Did you also assume I had an ugly appearance?”

“N-no. My apologies. I am Loin of the Duke Zerath household. Please forgive my earlier rudeness.”

Perhaps finally realizing his attitude was inappropriate toward the crown prince of another nation, Loin bowed deeply.

“I’ll forgive you, but in return, I’d like you to stay away from Dahlia.”

“Your Highness Edith, there’s something I must tell Princess Dahlia. Could you grant us an opportunity to speak alone?”

“The ‘alone’ part is rejected, but Dahlia, what would you like to do?”

When Lady Edith asked me, I turned my gaze to Loin. He was staring at me with a pleading expression.

He said he had circumstances, but this is the person who tried to arrange my death. I don’t need to care about the circumstances of someone like that, right?

It’s true that Loin’s presence had helped me until now. But I don’t want to be blamed for why I’m not dead either.

I took a deep breath and answered.

“Just saying goodbye here is enough.”

“Dahlia!”

“Don’t touch her.”

Lady Edith brushed away Loin’s hand as he reached for me and continued in a cold voice.

“Dahlia is no longer your fiancée. I sympathize with you for having your fiancée taken away, but it’s not my fault that Princess Ramula was attacked by pirates, and it was the royal family of the Kingdom of Yusers who offered up Dahlia. Dahlia isn’t someone you should blame. Don’t forget that she’s a victim too.”

“I know that! That’s exactly why I hate parting like this!”

After saying such terrible things to me, how dare he say that? Does he feel bad now and want to apologize?

I really don’t care about Loin anymore.

“Loin, please forget about me. There’s a wonderful woman who suits you perfectly.”

“What’s that supposed to mean!? Are you saying it’s Lady Ramula!?”

“I didn’t say that far. But I think you and my sister are well-matched.”

You had relations with the princess. You must have done it with that much resolve, right?

I had mountains of questions I wanted to ask out loud, but I held back.

“I promised to protect you! Don’t you believe me!?”

“What am I supposed to believe!? You betrayed me!”

“Dahlia, calm down.”

Lady Edith gently stroked my back as I became agitated. My breathing, which had become rough with excitement, gradually calmed down.

“…Thank you.”

“I haven’t done anything worth thanking me for.”

Lady Edith smiled and patted my head, then spoke to my brother.

“At this rate, we’ll never be able to leave this castle. I’m sorry to ask, but could you please get the full story from the Duke Zerath’s son?”

“Understood. My apologies for the trouble caused by our citizen.”

When my brother bowed his head, Loin made a face like he’d bitten into something bitter.

It’s unacceptable for the crown prince to have to bow his head because of him.

“Now, shall we go, Dahlia?”

“Yes!”

After replying cheerfully, I ran up to my brother.

“Brother, thank you so much. I know things will be difficult from now on, but please contact me if there’s anything I can do.”

“Thank you. But for now, Dahlia, you should just think about your own happiness.”

“That’s right. Prince Rix should be able to handle things well, and I’ll help as much as I can too.”

“Thank you.”

My brother and I bowed to Lady Edith in unison. When my brother raised his head, he patted mine.

“Take care. The next time we meet will probably be at your wedding.”

“Yes. You take care too, brother. Please handle the matter with Loin as well.”

“Of course, leave it to me.”

My brother will surely handle it well. The only other thing worrying me is—

When I glanced toward Nana standing a short distance away, Lady Edith smiled and spoke.

“Prince Rix, my apologies, but could we keep Nana here for just a few more days?”

“Eh!?”

It was Nana who exclaimed. Ignoring her reaction, Lady Edith continued.

“It seems she hasn’t been able to say goodbye to her fellow maids yet…”

“That’s fine.”

“Y-Your Highness!? What are you saying!?”

“Both Prince Rix and I are ‘Your Highness’ – which one do you mean?”

“B-both of you!”

Lady Edith watched the flustered Nana with a smile while my brother looked at her curiously.

Even if I couldn’t convey my feelings, I wanted Nana to have a farewell she could accept. Lady Edith probably feels the same way.

After that, I expressed my gratitude to the maids who had been kind to me, and finally boarded the waiting carriage.

“Dahlia! Are you really sure about this!?”

I could hear Loin’s voice, but I ignored him. Still, Loin continued to plead.

“I love you, Dahlia! Everything I did was for your sake!”

For my sake?

Giving me poison?

“Are you okay?”

Perhaps because I was looking down and biting my lip, Lady Edith peered at my face.

That’s right. I no longer need Loin’s love.

“I’m fine.”

When I raised my head and answered, Lady Edith looked relieved.

Now, I need to change my mindset.

I’ve never set foot in the Kingdom of Rofeus before.

I wonder what kind of country it is.

I’m also concerned about Nana, whom I left behind.

But for now, I decided to think about how to avoid getting seasick.