I Broke Up With The Country

“I renounce my claim to the throne.”

The moment my words ended, a heavy silence fell over the courtroom.

The assembled people took a deep breath, as if my statement had struck them like an invisible fist.

I lifted my gaze to where he was seated.

The throne, adorned with gold and jewels, was magnificent.

Though it was only a few inches higher than the other seats, it seemed distant and grand, like a cloud that could not be reached.

Yet, even as the nobles looked up at the resplendent throne, they edged away as if touching it would spread some kind of plague.

That throne was thus the most miserable, the darkest seat of all.

“Princess Estelle, do you truly wish to permanently renounce your claim to the throne?”

The king asked with a solemn voice.

I calmly lifted my eyes to look at him. Even at this moment, he was a good father, and I was his daughter.

Children are treasures to their parents, their hopes, their dreams.

But dreams do not have to be lived out strictly according to predetermined plans.

People measure children to see who is closest to the throne, but they never ask what those children truly want.

“Your Majesty, I am grateful for the favor you have shown me. However, I have realized that I am not suited to lead this country.”

Therefore, the shock he might feel was not my fault.

“I hereby renounce my claim to the throne and respectfully request that you appoint a legitimate heir who can stabilize the country.”

At my words, the king let out a small sigh. I turned my gaze away from him and looked around the courtroom.

In the distance, I saw the face of another man.

The one person who had hoped more than my father for me to ascend the throne.

As I sat on the throne, I was his hope, his treasure, his dream.

Smiling triumphantly at him, I felt incredibly relieved.