I Don’t Need Them Anymore — Abandoning the Family That Never Loved Me, I Find Happiness in a Neighboring Kingdom - Chapter 33

After thanking Silcott and apologizing to the guests for involving them in the farce, I was told they now understood why my brother had entered politics.

My father was unfit for the throne. Perhaps he had inherited it immaturely due to our grandfather’s early death, but even after nearly twenty years, he remained unaware of his own mistakes. There was simply no helping him.

Though we planned to hold a dinner at a different location later, Silcott and the guests were shown to guest rooms within the royal castle.

Thus, only Lady Edith, my brother, Nana, and I remained in the grand hall.

“Dahlia, you’ve worked hard.” “Technically, it’s not over yet. And there’s still the matter of Lord Zerath.”

After replying to Lady Edith, who had spoken to me, I smiled. “I intend to take care of things one by one, without rushing.” “That’s right. Regarding Lord Zerath, I feel it’s a matter you could let go of now, but you want to be the one to deliver the final word, don’t you?”

Lord Zerath was still fixated on me. It was astonishing that he still believed my heart would return to him.

I wonder if he could forgive it if it were done to him. Knowing him, he would be furious if our positions were reversed. The fact that he doesn’t realize that means he’s incapable of putting himself in another’s shoes.

“He won’t be convinced unless we meet and talk, and there’s something I want to return to him.” “Something to return?” “Yes. Something I no longer need.” “…I see. You won’t meet him alone, will you?” “Of course not!”

There was no way I would be alone with someone who might try to force himself on me. If Lord Zerath insisted on meeting alone, I would rather never see him again.

“Do you really have to meet him? Wouldn’t it be better to let someone like that suffer forever?”

I gave a wry smile at Nana’s dissatisfied expression. “It’s not out of kindness. It’s for my own satisfaction.” “If that’s the case, then it’s fine, but won’t he resent you for it?” “He’s not like Father.”

The reason I fell for him was that he was a kind person.

It might seem similar to how someone abused by their spouse or lover says, “They have their gentle moments,” but that’s the kind of feeling it was.

However, I don’t want to get back together.

I want to settle this with my own hands. Doing so makes me feel like I’ve grown stronger.

“Do what satisfies you. If you only listen to others’ opinions, you’ll regret it later.”

My brother gave a gentle smile and encouraged me.

It’s my life, after all. There might be hardships and patience along the way, but in the end, I want it to be something I can look back on with a smile.

“Nana, I’m sorry for worrying you.” “Not at all. I also thought that, in his case, it would be better to tell him directly to cut ties.” “Thank you. Perhaps I’ll have you accompany me when I speak with Lord Zerath.” “Leave it to me! I’ll protect Lady Dahlia with a silver tray!” “Silver tray?”

A silver tray is what maids use to carry drinks and food, right?

Why did a silver tray come up?

“I heard it’s popular in the Rofeus Kingdom.”

My brother answered with a wry smile when I asked. “I don’t really get it, but don’t push yourself too hard.” “Understood.”

After finishing our conversation and returning to the castle, we received word that, even though it was nearly night, Father and the others had overruled the objections of the boatmen and navigators and set sail.

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(Ramula’s Side)

My feelings didn’t reach Lady Edith. He was my first love. Even though I feel this strongly, why won’t he look my way?

After arriving at the port of the Rofeus Kingdom and while waiting to set sail, I cried the entire time in my ship cabin.

I thought I had served my country in my own way. But I’m human too, and I want to be happy.

Doesn’t everyone prioritize their own happiness and end up hurting someone? It’s just that, for me, that someone was Dahlia.

Dahlia is hurting me too, so why is she forgiven?

After crying for so long, my throat grew dry.

Since not a single lady-in-waiting or maid remained, if I wanted something to drink, I had to get it myself.

As I stood up from my chair, the ship began to move. Steadying myself against the corridor wall due to the rocking, I ran into Father, who looked displeased.

“Father…”

Normally, he would give me a gentle smile. But now it was different.

He just glared at me and walked away without a word.

…Why did things turn out like this?

When I asked a crew member for a drink, I was told that, due to the sudden departure, no food or drinks had been loaded. Not only that, but there were no escort soldiers either.

The sea between the Rofeus Kingdom and the Yusers Kingdom is famous for pirates at night. It’s dangerous, so the soldiers had urged us to set sail tomorrow morning, but Father wouldn’t listen and made us depart without them.

Speaking of pirates, there were those Father had tried to ally with, weren’t there? I wonder if those people hold a grudge against Father.

Such doubts crossed my mind.

After moistening my throat with water shared by a crew member, I decided to stop crying and go to sleep.

How much time had passed?

“Waaah!”

Hearing Father’s scream, I leaped out of bed.

“Stop! What is this!” “Stay quiet!”

I could hear arguing voices. Cautiously, I approached the door and checked the corridor through the peephole.

At that moment, what entered my view were the figures of men with sinister faces.