It Seemed My Fiancé Hated Me, So I Distanced Myself—But for Some Reason, He Complained - Chapter 25

After that, a discussion was held between my family and Lord Ryan’s family.

The location, surprisingly, was the royal palace. Prince Lucas had offered to mediate, stating that since this was a matter between influential nobles within the kingdom, it concerned the royal family as well.

Though his aide, Lord Derek, made a bitter face as if to say he was interfering too much, the prince paid no heed.

During the discussion, I spoke honestly about the words that had been directed at me by Lord Ryan and the treatment I had received.

Lord Ryan’s parents, the Duke and Duchess of Flory, turned pale upon hearing my account and apologized to me repeatedly.

Especially the Duchess of Flory, who had been close with my biological mother, bowed her head so deeply that I ended up feeling apologetic myself.

However, Lord Ryan remained sullen until the very end, glaring at me the entire time.

As for my father and stepmother, even after hearing about the treatment I had endured, they didn’t change their expressions in the slightest, as expected.

In fact, they even apologized to the bowing Duke and Duchess of Flory, saying, “We’re sorry our daughter has caused a fuss over such trivial matters.”

Prince Lucas watched their behavior with a suspicious look.

As a result of the discussion, it was decided that my engagement to Lord Ryan would be dissolved.

It seemed they judged that if we were to marry while our relationship remained as it was, it would not benefit our families, and by extension, the Kingdom of Rald.

My father and stepmother didn’t seem too dissatisfied with this outcome, as they immediately suggested to the Flory family, “Then how about our younger daughter, Chelsea?” which left the Duke and Duchess of Flory, as well as Prince Lucas, bewildered.

Amidst all this, Lord Ryan was the only one who remained visibly irritated until the end. While he didn’t try to grab me like last time, his gaze was filled with hatred toward me.

When I instinctively averted my eyes, Prince Lucas casually stepped between Lord Ryan and me, as if to shield me.

Eventually, the Duke and Duchess of Flory left, taking Lord Ryan with them, and my father and stepmother also departed after lavishing flattery upon Prince Lucas.

I was asked by Prince Lucas to stay behind as he had something to discuss with me later, so I remained alone in the room.

In the now quiet room, Prince Lucas spoke.

“It’s good that you’ve cleanly broken ties with Lord Ryan, Clarissa.”

“Yes. It’s all thanks to you, Your Highness. Thank you so much.”

If I had been alone, I surely wouldn’t have been able to break off the engagement with Lord Ryan. I was filled with gratitude toward the prince.

However, the prince wore an indescribable expression.

“While the matter with Lord Ryan turned out well. Forgive me for saying this, but what are your parents thinking? Are they always like that?”

Prince Lucas asked with a strained face.

“Well… yes. They’re always like that. They have no interest in me.”

“Even though they’re your parents?”

“There are parents like that. Besides, regardless of my father, my stepmother and I aren’t related by blood, so it can’t be helped that she has no interest in me.”

“…! I’m sorry. I forgot that the former Marchioness Meriam passed away a few years ago.”

Prince Lucas said apologetically. I shook my head.