FATHER asked to speak with me once I was finished with dinner.
Gardocia Gramwell, the head of the Gramwell family.
My father bears a regal-looking mustache and gives off a powerful, dignified aura…perhaps to a fault.
He has the kind of face that’s terrifying enough to make even children cry. Many people feel pressure and uneasiness just by looking at him.
“You’re telling me that your seat as the future queen was stolen by a baron’s daughter?”
He furrowed his brow as he stared at me. His voice was deep and cold.
“…That’s correct. I’m very sorry I ruined the engagement you arranged for me, Father.”
I bowed my head. Regret pricked at the inside of my chest.
The reason I worked so hard to be a good fiancée for Fritz was originally for my father’s sake. As his daughter, I dreaded the thought of casting shame upon him, so I studied hard to become a wonderful crown princess who had both intelligence and poise to boast of.
“Don’t apologize, Laetitia. You’re still a duke’s daughter, so stand up tall and proud.”
“…Yes, Father.”
“Since there’s no escaping your punishment now, I’ll work to find a suitable country for you to live in. It will probably keep me all the busier, so we might not have much time to speak in the coming days.”
“I’m ashamed to have caused you so much trouble…”
I meant every word of it too…
…when I looked at Father’s face.
His usually piercing eyes were now bloodshot, with dark black circles underneath. It only made his face ghastlier in appearance—he was discernibly exhausted.
It reminded me of the days I spent as a corporate drone, surrounded by my pale-faced coworkers. I recognized that look completely.
“Of course I’m going to get the best care for you. You’re my daughter; I won’t let any harm befall you. …Now that you’ve fallen out with Prince Fritz, I think you know better than to show your face at that school anymore, yes? I want you to wait here at home until I find a place for you to go.”
“I understand. I’ll do as you wish.”
I nodded and watched a bit of relief form on Father’s face.
His gaze was still as piercing as ever, but as his daughter, I could tell the slightest changes in his expression.
“If you’re not going to be the crown princess, you have no need to study for that role anymore. I know how hard you’ve been working on your education, staying up late for so many nights… Tell me now if there’s anything you need. If you want something to occupy yourself here at home, I can send away for it.”
“Something to occupy myself…?”
I thought about it for a bit.
My request might be struck down immediately, but I decided to ask it anyway.
“Would you allow me access to the kitchen?”
“The kitchen? What for?”
“I’d like to try my hand at cooking. I know it’s not proper for a noblewoman, but…what do you say, Father?”
Women of high status in my kingdom are not supposed to occupy their kitchens.
Some ladies prepare small desserts for teatime, but other than that, almost no one cooks actual meals.
I didn’t have much hope, but I decided to ask Father’s permission anyway.
“All right. I’ll allow it.”
“Huh?”
The response slipped out of my mouth involuntarily. His words were just so sudden.
“Father? You really mean it?”
“What’s the matter? I thought you were serious. Were you joking?”
“…No, I was serious. I’ve been wanting to take up cooking, so I’m quite pleased.”
“Is that so…? I’m glad you’re pleased, but be sure not to let anyone from outside see you in the kitchen. And don’t do anything stupid when you’re using fire or knives. I hope it’s something to entertain you while you’re here at home, but don’t neglect your safety either.”
He gave his warnings in a clear, deep voice. I felt my heart swell with gratitude.
Despite his harsh words, he was only looking out for me.
It couldn’t be seen on the surface, but deep down, Father was an awkward yet kindhearted man.
“Thank you, Father. If I prove to be a good cook, will you join me for a meal?”
“…Of course. I’m looking forward to it.”
He nodded. It was our promise.
With that, I returned to my room.
Closing the door behind me, I made sure no one else was around before collapsing onto my bed.
“Ugh… I’m exhausted…”
My engagement was over, I was expelled from the kingdom, and I regained the memories of my past life.
…There was a past-life “me” and a present “me.”
Our personalities were polar opposites, but neither one felt completely foreign.
I didn’t have any of these memories until today, and yet, I didn’t feel as if they’d had much influence on my character either way.
“I guess I’ve been on edge quite a lot lately…”
The burdens of being a duke’s daughter and the future crown princess—I was never free of them for a single moment.
Whatever happened next, I decided I wanted to live a freer life where I could pursue the things I wanted.
“…But for now…I should…get to sleep…”
So many things had happened to me that day.
But tomorrow, at least, would be my day to cook up something delicious.
With that last thought, I gently shut my eyes.