Today is a celebration honoring Felix for winning the war. That means the engagement that was promised will be announced at the banquet tonight.
Of course, I had to stop it. But before that, I had to go see the King—who was also my father, now well into his twilight years.
At his age, it was only natural for his body to grow weak, and he often fell ill. That was why I brought a remedy that would be good for his health before going to see him.
Besides caring about his health, I also wanted to win my father's favor so he would approve my request to cancel the engagement.
After all, the engagement had been planned long before Felix left for the battlefield.
The information had spread everywhere, making it difficult to stop.
What's more, I was the one who had forced my father to arrange my engagement to Felix. I was also the one who had spread the news that I would be engaged to him.
Clearly, it wouldn't be easy to deal with the rumor now that it had already spread.
Back then, I had been a spoiled princess who cared only about herself. I was so greedy that I didn't care about Felix's feelings.
Father had granted my wish because forming a connection with Felix, a future hero, wasn't a bad idea.
Meanwhile, Felix was merely a knight from an ordinary family. He couldn't refuse the King's command, even though he had been forced to accept it.
But in this life, for both Felix's safety and my own, that engagement would not happen, no matter what it took.
"Princess, this is a highly effective remedy for your father's health." Nora came in carrying the drink she had requested.
"Thank you, Nora," I replied, taking the remedy from her.
Nora stared at me in confusion. "Why do you suddenly want to visit the King? You should be getting ready to look beautiful for tonight's banquet," Nora exclaimed, her face falling.
I gave a faint smile. Since morning, Nora had been chattering nonstop about how she needed to look in front of Felix. She hadn't forgotten to give me tips on how to charm him so he would be interested in me. On top of that, she wanted me to be the most beautiful person at the engagement announcement, so I would look like the main character.
However, Nora's plan could never happen.
"It's just an ordinary banquet, Nora. There's no need to go overboard," I replied.
I deliberately didn't tell Nora about my plan to cancel the engagement.
If she found out that I was the one planning it, she might worry, since she knew how much I liked Felix.
So it was better for her to hear about the engagement's cancellation as an order from the King. That way, she wouldn't worry about me too much.
After changing into something suitable for visiting Father, I stepped outside and prepared to go to the King's bedchamber in the central palace, which wasn't far from the Rose Palace where I was staying.
When I arrived at Father's bedchamber, I saw him lying on the bed.
His face was pale and exhausted. It seemed the illness he was suffering from had grown worse.
I slowly approached the side of Father's bed.
When he sensed my presence, he immediately changed his weary expression into a calm one so I wouldn't worry too much.
I looked at him sadly, hoping Father would be more honest with me.
"What brings you here, child?" Father asked softly.
I sat down in the chair beside him and held out the drink I'd brought for him.
"I wanted to give you a remedy that's good for your health. I hope you'll always stay healthy, Father," I said gently.
Father smiled. "Thank you. I'm glad you came to visit me. I thought I didn't have much time left," he said weakly.
"You can't say things like that. You have to stay healthy, Father," I said quickly.
Even though I knew Father would die soon, that was still a year away.
Father chuckled softly as he drank the remedy I'd brought him.
"By the way, how are the banquet preparations going? Are you ready for today's announcement?" Father asked between sips.
I was silent for quite a while. Then I lifted my head and looked directly into his eyes.
Father furrowed his brows, confused by my strange behavior.
I took a deep breath, held it for a moment, and finally spoke in a low voice.
"Actually, I have a request," I said hesitantly.
Father raised his brows even higher. "What request?"
"I want to cancel the engagement," I said, making Father choke on his drink.
"What do you mean? Don't joke around," Father said irritably.