Chapter 08
“What do you mean by that?”
“This is something barely known to the outside. People think we’re a perfectly happy couple. No problems at all. But that’s not the reality.”
“I see.”
“I don’t want to reveal this unless absolutely necessary. I don’t want my children to know at all.”
“Then… your children don’t know?”
The Azbeck Marquis’s wife nodded slowly.
“I have only one wish. If my children are hurt during the divorce, I won’t go through with it. The Marquis knows this, and that’s why he’s holding on even more.”
“I see… Are there any other grounds for the divorce?”
“No. He acted like the perfect husband in public. He’s not terrible, really. Just… difficult privately.”
“Hm.”
Having resolved Iz’s case so easily, I felt my own confidence falter slightly.
“Do you think it’ll be difficult?”
“No. We have to try our best. If you have more to say, or more of the story, tell me anytime. And may I come visit you to hear things over time? Perhaps it will help you recall other incidents.”
“Alright.”
That was the best I could do.
‘Yes. Something will come up. No one is without fault.’
But the Azbeck Marquis seemed flawless. Even after visiting almost daily, the story never progressed.
“Was there ever abuse from your mother-in-law… anything like that?”
“She disliked me for being unable to have children. She hit me and said I must raise the children my husband brought as my own. But even those… revealing them would expose the children’s origins.”
“I see.”
“I’m sorry. At this point… I even feel that divorce may be practically impossible.”
“No. There must be a way.”
I sipped the tea she provided and let out a small sigh.
“Rabiel.”
“Yes.”
“Life is like that. Too long, emotions take forever to ripen. Resentment, anger… all those emotions come alive. I could hate him, resent him, even hate innocent children… but in the end, it’s all useless. Now even this feels useless.”
“Ah…”
“Ultimately, matured emotions are abandoned. That’s my state now.”
“Still, try. Once you’ve decided, giving up would be a shame.”
Just then, someone appeared.
“Who’s this? My wife, who has been making a fuss about divorce, is here?”
The man seemed to know exactly where we were. He smirked and mocked.
“…You.”
“Wife. I thought leaving you alone would make you sober up… Think carefully. Do you think you can divorce me? And with a female divorce lawyer? Impressive.”
He was instantly unlikable—thin, dark brown hair, nothing special, but extremely unpleasant.
“Stop. Don’t disrespect my guest.”
“That’s my choice. Step aside now, wife.”
“What do you mean?”
“I have to receive my guest here today.”
“Why here? With so many gardens in the mansion, you have to receive guests here? Such a miserly man.”
“If you don’t like it, be the Marquis yourself.”
The Marquis’s wife said her husband seemed perfect, but to me, he had a snake’s tongue and raccoon-like behavior. In other words, ultimate unpleasantness. My face stiffened.
“Besides, my guest is far more important than any so-called divorce lawyer woman.”
Just then, a man who arrived with the Marquis stepped forward.
“Marquis. Seems like the thought of divorce made you dumb.”
“Your Majesty. How dare you…”
“Bringing me here seems performative. You want to show that I’m behind you? You should have some tact, but none at all, it seems.”
The person unintentionally delivered sharp words to us—it was someone I had seen before.
“You… are…?”
“Is the divorce lawyer here just making a fuss, or are you actually foolish? What are you doing to me, Your Majesty?”
I instinctively pointed at the man, then quickly withdrew my hand at the Marquis’s warning.
“Do you know me?”
Only then did the Emperor raise his eyebrows.
‘Did I see this wrong?’
This was an incredibly handsome man. The only difference from before: then he had red hair and red eyes; now, black hair and golden eyes. But the features and build seemed the same. He acted as if seeing me for the first time.
‘Different person… strange…’
I couldn’t press further, so I bowed quickly.
“I apologize, Your Majesty… I’ve been ill and stayed in my room all my life, so I’ve never met Your Majesty’s appearance before. I didn’t recognize you.”
I forced a smile while bowing. The Marquis laughed mockingly beside me.
“It’s fine.”
The Marquis’s wife gently held my shoulder, noticing my discomfort.
“Since His Majesty has come, we should go. Your Majesty, forgive us for not greeting you sooner.”
“It’s fine.”
“Thank you. We will withdraw now.”
“Proceed.”
The Emperor’s voice was unusually kind. I still didn’t understand why he, who should remain in the palace, was here. The Marquis’s wife urged me forward, and I bowed and tried to leave.
“You seem to have a good memory. I thought a divorce lawyer was all talk, but you have brains.”
“…Yes?”
“I like you, Rabiel.”
Had I introduced myself to the Emperor before? I froze, bewildered.
“You like me?”
“Yes. Remember what I said before. Now, let’s go.”
He motioned to sit, leaving no more words, taking the place where we had just been seated.
‘It’s definitely him.’
The annoying man. Hair and eye color different, but it’s the same person.
“Try causing trouble again. So that I hear about you and can find you. Try.”
His words echoed in my mind, and my expression stiffened.
“Rabiel. Are you alright?”
The Marquis’s wife noticed my reaction and leaned closer, concerned.
“I’m fine.”
I forced an awkward smile and stayed close to her side.
‘Why does the Emperor take interest in me?’
Rumors said the Emperor’s temperament was bad. Seeing him in person made my heart pound. I wanted to leave quickly, but the Marquis spoke behind us.
“Your Majesty, have you met this so-called divorce lawyer woman before?”
