I Don’t Need Them Anymore — Abandoning the Family That Never Loved Me, I Find Happiness in a Neighboring Kingdom - Chapter 34

Despite everyone warning him it was dangerous, Father apparently insisted on departing by offering double the payment and forcing the ship to set sail.

The escort soldiers, knowing how fearsome pirates could be and not wanting to die in vain, refused to board. They’re apparently planning to stay at an inn near the harbor instead.

Father seems to have completely forgotten that the Yusers Kingdom’s waters are teeming with pirates, and that we’re under the protection of the Rofeus Kingdom.

On the way here, the Rofeus Kingdom provided an escort ship, so the voyage was safe.

But this time is different.

There’s no one to protect Father and the others.

The pirates who were coerced into helping Father prevent my sister’s marriage apparently suffered terribly because their actions led to increased patrols by the Rofeus Kingdom.

They wouldn’t be satisfied with just that. Many pirates hold a grudge against Father.

If they were to kill a member of the royal family, they’d make enemies of the entire world, so they probably aren’t foolish enough to go that far.

The first lie Father and the others told was that my sister had been attacked by pirates.

When the Rofeus Kingdom heard that story, they knew it was a lie, but they still intensified their crackdown on pirates. Because of that, the pirates became too afraid of being caught to venture out to sea, and they lost their income.

Even if they received aid from the government, it wouldn’t be enough to live comfortably.

The troublesome part was that some of them didn’t see pillaging as wrong.

They decided that the reason they could no longer earn a living was the king’s fault.

Their target is Father. It seems there are skilled knights hidden among the crew, and Rofeus Kingdom has arranged for knights’ patrol ships to surround the vessel.

If a fight breaks out, they should be able to suppress it quickly.

Lady Edith seems to be taking measures, but I have no idea what she plans to do.

“Can’t sleep?”

Nana’s voice came from the other side of the door.

Since I hadn’t turned off the light, it must have been visible from outside, prompting her to check on me.

I invited her into the room and replied.

“I couldn’t sleep. I’m too worried.”

“You needn’t trouble yourself over this, Lady Dahlia. They’ve sown what they’re reaping.”

“Thank you. It’s their own doing, after all.”

I smiled, and Nana gave a wry grin before speaking.

“Lady Dahlia, early tomorrow morning, Lady Edith and Prince Rix are heading to the Yusers Kingdom to check on His Majesty the King and the others. Would you like to join them?”

“I’d like to go, if it’s not an inconvenience. I want to know what becomes of Father and the others.”

Tomorrow is the engagement party. It takes nearly six hours one way from the royal castle, so it’ll be a tight schedule. Since the party starts in the evening, we should manage if we make a quick round trip.

“Then I’ll let them know. But in return, you must get some sleep tonight. I’ll wake you before 4 a.m.”

“…Thank you.”

I doubt I’ll be able to sleep, but I’ll lie down and close my eyes anyway.

After hearing Nana’s footsteps fade as she left the room, I lay down on the bed.

◆◇◆◇◆◇

(Ramula’s side)

After confirming the room was locked, I stepped away from the door and strained my ears.

Father’s room is next to mine, and the wooden walls are thin, so I could hear Father talking with a man.

“You want money!? I’ll give you money!”

“I want money, but that alone won’t satisfy me.”

“Th-then what will satisfy you? You’re not going to say you want my life, are you?”

“I don’t need your life.”

“Then what is your goal?!”

Father shouted, then continued without waiting for a reply.

“That’s it! I’ll give you my daughter! She’s at least good-looking! If you hide her identity as a princess and sell her, you’ll get money, right? Use her as a plaything or do whatever you want! Just spare me!”

Hearing Father beg for his life like that, I was so shocked I collapsed on the spot.