I Don’t Need Them Anymore — Abandoning the Family That Never Loved Me, I Find Happiness in a Neighboring Kingdom - Chapter 27

Before I knew it, while handling the tasks that needed to be completed before the engagement party, the day had finally arrived.

Though the event was scheduled to begin in the evening, the sky had been clear since morning, and a refreshing breeze was blowing—a promising start.

Even though I knew we weren’t blood-related, I couldn’t bring myself to call her Ramula so casually in her presence.

I had no intention of telling her the truth. Still, calling her “sister” when speaking to her felt odd, so I decided to address her as Lady Ramula, implying a certain emotional distance.

If it weren’t for Loin, I think I would have considered her my real sister, blood-related or not. Even though I hold no lingering feelings for Loin, I can’t forgive him for taking her under the pretense of doing it for my sake.

The pre-celebration, aptly named “the judgment venue,” was to be held in the grand hall of the guesthouse near the royal castle.

I had told my sister and father a later start time, so I decided to go earlier to thank the attendees for their cooperation in this matter.

The King of the Rofeus Kingdom, who had a history with my father, was also attending and had brought many congratulatory gifts.

Since the King of the Rofeus Kingdom was already in the sparsely populated party venue, I approached him to express my gratitude. He replied, “If it made you happy, then it’s all good.”

Then, he continued to stare at me.

“I knew you were suffering. Other countries tried to help you, but I stopped them.”

“Is that because you hated me?”

“Yes. I thought it was only natural for you, with that man’s blood running through you, to suffer.”

Hearing it so bluntly shocked me, and I felt tears welling up.

It might have been obvious, but I was hated even in places I knew nothing about.

“Your Majesty, Dahlia is not at fault.”

Beside me, as I hung my head, Lady Edith continued.

“Your Majesty must know that, don’t you?”

“…Yes, I knew. But I convinced myself that since you were that man’s daughter, you couldn’t be a decent person.”

I suppose it couldn’t be helped that he thought that way.

But I couldn’t keep my head down forever.

I am my own person.

I have different beliefs from my parents.

I needed to make that clear.

I raised my head and apologized to the King of the Rofeus Kingdom.

“I am different from my father. I know an apology isn’t enough, but it’s all I can offer. I am truly sorry. If possible, I would like to apologize directly to the Royal Consort as well.”

As I bowed deeply, a large hand rested on my shoulder.

“Raise your head. I’m the one who should apologize. I’ve been reflecting on my own pettiness.”

“Not at all…!”

As I lifted my head, the King told me,

“The Royal Consort said you weren’t to blame, and seeing your older brother working earnestly for the country at such a young age, I knew that children don’t always take after their parents. Yet, I remained stubborn.”

“Someone important to you was hurt. It’s only natural to resent that man’s daughter.”

“Though it was misplaced resentment.”

The King smiled wryly, then looked at me gently.

“If it still bothers you, then today, strip that man of his social standing. Promise me you won’t show him any mercy just because he’s your biological father.”

“I understand.”

I nodded firmly, and the King smiled at me and Lady Edith before heading to his private waiting room.

“Are you all right?”

“…Yes. Thank you.”

After the King left, I smiled and nodded at Lady Edith, who looked at me with concern.

“What are you thanking me for?”

“I thought, ‘I can’t always rely on Lady Edith to protect me,’ and it gave me strength. So, thank you for that.”

“…I see.”

Lady Edith’s expression remained somber, so this time, I asked her,

“Is something wrong?”

“No… I just thought you must have felt I was too slow to come to your rescue.”

“Huh? Um, what do you mean?”

“Even though I received reports from Nana, I didn’t try to help you, did I?”

“I think that was unavoidable. Besides, as the King of the Rofeus Kingdom just said, you were likely told not to intervene, weren’t you?”

“Well, yes, but…”

Lately, Lady Edith seemed to have opened up to me, sometimes showing a vulnerable expression. It might sound conceited, but I felt she only showed that side to me.

“Please don’t worry about it. I’m truly happy now. I’ve come to see all the hardships I endured as lessons to help me understand how to care for others.”

I didn’t want to be hurt, of course. But because of the pain I experienced, I grew more determined to be kind to others.

If I hadn’t known this heartache, I might have ended up like my parents. I started to believe that my hair and eye color were gifts from the gods, accompanied by trials.

And I became certain that the person I had always longed for. Someone who would love me more than my sister, was Lady Edith.

That alone was enough for me.

…If I said that, Nana would probably scold me, saying, “I’m here too!”

“Lady Dahlia!”

Hearing a familiar voice, I turned to see Nana, wearing a navy-blue one-piece dress, running toward me with a smile.

“It’s been so long! It’s an honor to see you.”

I smiled back at Nana as she curtsied.

“I’m happy to see you too. Did you come with your brother?”

“Yes. Prince Rix is speaking with the kings of other nations.”

After answering, Nana hurriedly curtsied to Lady Edith as well.

“My apologies. Lady Edith, it’s an honor to see you.”

“Nana, thank you for all your help. Dahlia, it’s almost time. Let’s go change for a moment.”

“Yes!”

As we started to walk, Nana offered to help me change, so we walked together.

“How are my father and sister doing?”

“Lady Ramula is still quite taken with Lady Edith. As for the King… well, he’s the same as ever.”

“Thank you.”

Well then, shall I start by dealing with my sister first?