My Fiance Told Me He Had Found His True Love and Broke off Our Engagement. It’s Too Late To Ask Me T

"Lantern Festival, eh?"

It was the first winter since Mariabelle became accustomed to life in the Gallerian Empire.

For Mariabelle, who grew up in the kingdom, New Year's celebrations were only a memory of snowy landscapes.

This was the only time of year that Mariabelle, who had received her queen's education in the royal capital, could return to the Berkeley territory, and she fondly remembered the snow piled up in the wheat fields that had been completely reaped.

The snowy landscape did not mean that the whole area was dyed in white.

Berkeley's territory, which was located in the south of the kingdom, was warmer, and it did not snow as much as in the palace.

Therefore, the snowy landscape that Mariabelle remembers was a land of black and white, with the color of the soil of the wheat field ridges mixed in with the snow.

New Year's celebrations were not held outside in the snow, but inside the family home.

In the Gallerian Empire, which lies further south than Berkeley, snow rarely piles up.

That is why New Year's Eve and New Year's festivals are celebrated in grand style.

The Lantern Festival held in the imperial capital of the Gallerian Empire is especially famous.

In the Gallerian Empire, the events of the year are carried on lanterns and delivered to the gods for thanksgiving.

Usually, the lanterns are carried in small boats and floated down the river, but only in the imperial capital are they released into the sky.

The scene is known for its fantastical beauty, and Mariabelle was secretly looking forward to seeing it this year.

"Of course, I know that," she said. "Can I see it from this room?"

When Renato, who took time out of his busy schedule to have tea with Mariabelle, told her about the Lantern Festival, Mariabelle's eyes lit up.

She was currently living in the Crown Princess's room. It was connected to the Crown Prince's room next door by a door, but since she was still his fiancée, the door was of course firmly locked.

The Crown Princess's room was a beautiful, rose pink and white room with a large window in front and large mirrors on the walls on both sides.

The fabric used for the curtains and chair backs was based on a rose called 'Rosa Centifolia,' meaning a hundred petals, and the coat of arms representing the Berkeley wheat.

The interior design was all done by Renato for Mariabelle, and this was the only lovely, feminine room in the imperial palace with blue as its base color.

Although the large windows do not allow a direct view of the imperial city, the lanterns flying in the sky would be visible enough from here.

Mariabelle gazed at the now still blue sky, imagining the scene.

How beautiful it would be to see this sky filled with orange lights.

The thought of the sight she has yet to see brought a smile to her face.

"Of course you can see it, but wouldn't you like to fly a lantern, Belle?"

"Can I do it?"

Turning around briskly, Mariabelle put her hand over her mouth in shame at her unladylike behavior, "Oh..."

She continued, "It's not an official event, but for the past few years we've flown lanterns from the watchtower at the main gate."

"I would love to fly one myself."

Seeing Mariabelle's eyes shining brightly, Renato said with a smile, "I thought you would say that."

"Carlo."

"Yes, I'm here."

Sometimes he speaks in a playful tone, but usually Carlo is polite, like a role model for his servants.

With a crisp expression on his face, he spread out the items he had prepared on the table.

"Of course, you can use the lanterns that are on sale, but since we're here, why don't you try your hand at making one?"

Renato pointed to a desk on which lay a long, thin branch and a bundle of paper.

The paper was decorated with patterns, ranging from heroic designs such as swords and shields to pretty ones such as flowers and stars.

"I could have drawn the pictures myself, but since this was my first time making one, I prepared the paper myself."

"Will you be making one too, Renato-sama?"

"Isn't it fun if we make them together?"

Mariabelle's cheeks blushed at Renato's dazzling smile when he said that.

For Mariabelle, rather than being given gorgeous jewelry and clothes, she was happy that he was thinking of having fun together like this.

Even though he was busy, he takes time to be with Mariabelle.

He knew how happy that made her.

"Yes. I think it's very... enjoyable."

"Then let's choose a paper."

The time passed quickly while she was choosing the paper while worrying about whether this or that one was good.

As she saw Renato reluctantly return to his office, Mariabelle felt her heart filled with happiness.

As she held the paper in her hands, she thought back to the days after she met Renato.