I Will Break Off the Engagement Because I'm Jealous - The Untalented Villainess Who Rejected the Prince Searches for a Safe Haven with the Cheat Heroine - Chapter 4.2

I’m going to die from arrhythmia… While that thought lingered in the corner of her mind, Emilia finished her explanation. In the reception room she had been guided to, her heart was in complete turmoil.

First, directly in front of her was her beloved father, Mentor. Even his weary expression was incredibly sexy. Next to him sat her brother, Cycle. While his haggard face made her chest tighten with worry, she also felt the pressure of his refined beauty making her heart leap wildly. When her wandering gaze turned toward her mother, Clarice, her back naturally straightened. Her perfect demeanor made Emilia’s own posture tense, and her presence anchored Emilia’s consciousness to reality.

And when she looked to the opposite side—for some reason, the unpleasant Baron Kismort was present. Behind him stood a maid with garish coloring, unpleasant to look at. To make matters worse, Iris was sitting next to Kismort. It made no sense. Why wasn’t she next to me? Just seeing Iris there made Emilia seethe with indignation.

On top of that.

The entire room was wrapped in a strange tension. Emilia’s family seemed somehow distant.

(Maybe I’m just too nervous… but no, that’s unavoidable. I’m in front of Father, and it’s been so long since I’ve seen him. But that’s not it, is it?)

As Emilia continued speaking, their faces clouded over. And occasionally, they would glance furtively at Emilia and Iris before lowering their gazes.

Clearly, they were troubled. They wore expressions of being unable to speak about it.

(After all, I am a burden.)

Emilia looked down, tightly clutching the hem of her skirt on her lap. This dress she had prepared for this day, for when she might reunite with her family… with Mentor. The rich, intricate embroidery… if no one praised it, would just be visually noisy.

“B-Brother, how are you feeling?”

“Much better. It’s nothing for you to worry about, Emilia.”

Her brother Cycle, whose complexion was clearly poor, replied dismissively and Emilia fell silent. She regretted speaking up just to fill the awkward silence. He used to be such a kind brother, she murmured deep in her throat and averted her eyes from Cycle, whom she hadn’t seen in years.

“Mother. Are dresses without embroidery the fashion these days?”

“That depends on the circumstances of the borderlands. You should study more, Emilia.”

“Guh. Yes, my apologies…”

When she desperately tried to change the subject with her mother Clarice, she was sharply rebuked… and thinking she had been scolded, Emilia lowered her face. Trying to gauge the situation, she turned her eyes to the man next to her mother… Mentor.

“F-Father.”

“Regarding your earlier matter, I will respond in due course.”

When she timidly raised her gaze at his stiff voice, she saw Mentor’s stern expression. Emilia swallowed back what felt like a sob and fought back the heat building behind her eyes. Not seeing the smiling face he had shown when greeting her… was more painful than she had imagined.

“A room has been prepared for you. Go rest. It’s already late today.”

Mentor stood up. Her brother and mother followed. Emilia could only watch them go.

“Please wait, Your Grace!”

They stopped at the room’s entrance at Iris’s voice.

“…………What is it, Miss Iris?”

Her father’s response sounded somewhat displeased. Emilia couldn’t imagine what exchange would follow and felt rapidly anxious.

She didn’t want Iris to say anything, didn’t want her to upset Father… yet at the same time, she wanted to hear something—anything—that might lift his mood. Kind words. Convenient news… she found herself wanting to hear.

“Prince Sieg is already using forceful methods to obtain Lady Emilia. He has sent pursuers and taken up the holy sword himself, resorting to violent means. His envoys also tried to restrain us with aggressive skills, which was extremely dangerous. Considering travel by horse he will likely reach this duchy tomorrow or the day after.”

“Indeed. And?”

“It’s hard to imagine how much havoc he’ll wreak next. Considering the potential trouble for the town and your noble house, we were thinking of departing as soon as possible. Therefore…”

The content Iris delivered was something they had discussed and decided together. But.

(Saying goodbye… feeling like this…)

Emilia felt desolate and clenched her back teeth hard.

“Understood. I will give you my answer early tomorrow. You may also tell me what you need for your journey. I will arrange as much as possible.”

A businesslike reply. A voice that seemed to suppress emotion. It sounded as if he was telling them to leave quickly, and Emilia couldn’t stop herself from feeling dejected.

Then.

“Thank you. Um…”

Iris’s voice, pleading, drifted in.

“Might I ask what your intentions are? What will you do?”

“There are various matters. For now, Miss Iris, I want you to rest assured. And then—Emilia. Indeed, it’s better to tell you sooner rather than later.”

“Rest assured” probably meant he would protect Iris’s family. Emilia felt relieved. Their purpose in coming here had been achieved. Though her family’s coldness was painful, she felt profoundly relieved.

“What is it, Father?”

Surely the message for Emilia would be something good. She thought with hope as she raised her face. A slight smile formed.

“You are disowned.”

Her face froze.

Not just her expression. Her throat, her lungs, her heart.

It felt as if they had all stopped working.

“Disowned… what do you mean…?”

“Exactly what it sounds like, Miss Iris. Formally, I will inform you again tomorrow.”

Rubbing his eyes as if tired, Mentor left the room. His discarded words were cold. Her brother and mother said nothing as they followed.

(Wait.)

No voice came out.

(Wait, please wait, no—)

Only her thoughts spun round and round.

Even her eyeballs, fixed on the door, felt like they were grinding in their sockets.

In that field of vision.

“This must be difficult for you. Is that your true intention?”

The face of the Baron, who looked even paler than she felt, appeared. He had oozed out creepily. But looking at him did nothing.

Her heart… wouldn’t move.

“Surely… you will be rewarded.”

He was saying something. Like an annoying mosquito. Like the tiny insect he had just swiftly reached out and crushed. She wanted him to disappear quickly. To vanish.

Only such thoughts swirled.

“Hmm… this isn’t a mosquito. Well, we’ll take our leave too. Let’s go, Mr. Bubaldia. Iris, see you later.”

“Yes, Brother Kismort.”

Emilia, who couldn’t tear her eyes from the door, naturally ended up seeing off the Baron and the maid.

“Lady Emilia…”

Without blocking her view, from beside her came a gentle voice.

“I’m going to bed.”

“But—”

But that gentleness arrived just a little too late. If only you hadn’t asked unnecessary questions—she almost blurted out.

(I’ve had enough…)

Emilia wanted to close her mouth and eyes.

She quickly left the reception room.

“Lady Emilia…”

She turned her back on Iris’s worried voice.