CHAPTER 21………………………..

Terence was extremely cautious and vigilant by nature. A life constantly shadowed by assassination threats had shaped him that way.

Moreover, being close to me as “Tay” and being close to him as Terence Freyheiden were entirely different matters.

Unlike overturning the Supreme Court through the Emperor, from now on he would have to actively cooperate with me.

“Alright. Learn everything you want about me first, then make your judgment.”

I would show him that I was someone utterly serious about divorce, a small-minded citizen with no hidden agenda beyond it!

Terence might still be suspicious that I had some political motive, but soon enough, he’d see the truth.

“Take your time, and then give me your answer.”

I turned my body in the opposite direction.

“My plan is to stay at a hotel called the Crystal Branch, a little away from here. You can contact the hotel front desk anytime if you need to…”

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Huh? But whether you accept or refuse, I need your answer…”

“No, that’s not what I mean.”

Terence stepped closer.

“Where are you going alone, leaving your guard here?”

Huh?

You’re really still planning to act as my bodyguard… even after your identity has already been exposed?

“How could I ever dare to assign a guard to you, Your Grace?”

When I raised the logical objection, his eyebrows sank.

“That’s disappointing. Was our bond only this shallow?”

Wait, am I the one at fault?

“But wouldn’t you also need some time alone to think, Your Grace?”

“You can think just fine while protecting you.”

Then he added,

“A proposal is a proposal; a guard is a guard. They are separate matters.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes.”

“…I see.”

Terence—this man—was far more unpredictable than I expected.

‘I have no idea what he’s thinking.’

Even if he had suffered as a bastard all his life, would he really want to keep serving me as his employer?

If it were another man, I might have suspected he felt some romantic interest. But this was Terence Freyheiden.

In the novel, he was the mastermind who never succumbed to Riena, even as she captured nearly everyone around her, regardless of age or gender.

The book clearly stated that Terence’s approach to Riena was solely due to a headache, nothing else.

Even the goddess’s blessing that drew affection from others had no effect on him—not before or after his dark turn.

He was consistently depicted as having zero capacity for romantic feelings.

‘Hmm. No matter how I think about it…’

A man like that wouldn’t be attracted to a married woman with a forgettable impression and just a different hair color.

The only remaining explanation: he wanted to observe me closely to understand what kind of person I was.

Honestly, I had expected him to commission a background check through some information guild. In the novel, he often had people’s personal information thoroughly investigated to execute cunning schemes.

The novel mostly focused on Terence after his dark turn, so the current version of him would be quite different.

‘Well, that works in my favor.’

Even if he was different from what I remembered, it would be far easier to deal with a rational person than a villainous mastermind.

“What will be our next destination?”

He asked while checking for passing carriages.

“Williams Street, Your Grace. I plan to meet with a lawyer. Fortunately, there’s still time before their business hours end.”

Then he shook his head.

Why? Shouldn’t I meet the lawyer?

“Tay.”

“…?”

“You should call me Tay.”

It seemed the Marquis was rather pleased with the role he had taken on.

The back alley of Williams Street. Third floor of a shabby building.

“Please, come in.”

“Ah, thank you.”

I didn’t refuse the refreshments that Lawyer Sharon personally offered and took a small taste.

The tea, brewed from inexpensive leaves, was mediocre, but the cheese muffin served alongside was delightfully rich.

“This muffin is delicious.”

“It was a gift from a client I represented in the past. It looks rough, but it’s surprisingly good.”

Relief and pride flickered across her face—pleased that a noble like me had complimented her modest offering.

“How about your companion?”

“Thank you.”

Terence, sitting beside me, also reached for a muffin at Sharon’s suggestion.

‘He’s eating better than I expected.’

He had experience being outdoors, so this was nothing for him.

Before entering, he had grimaced at the building’s exterior.

“Are you really intending to hire a lawyer in a place like this?”

Sharon’s office was tucked away even in Williams Street, known for housing legal practices.

I politely declined his offer to show me a more reputable place and entered Sharon’s office.

Sharon Matings, divorce attorney.

Her office looked like it might collapse at any moment, but her skill was exceptional.

This was confirmed in the novel by Riena herself.

Riena had visited Sharon to help a woman being abused by her husband. Knowing from her past life that Sharon would later succeed, she trusted her.

Thanks to Riena’s help and Sharon’s skill, the woman managed to obtain a divorce—and later, an astonishing fact came to light.

She was the long-lost daughter of the Leok Kingdom’s ambassador!

The ambassador expressed profound gratitude to Riena and became a staunch ally of Cassius.

As expected, everything had gone according to Riena’s plan.

In Riena’s first life, the daughter had already died at the hands of her husband before the ambassador could find her—a scandalous event with societal repercussions that Riena remembered clearly.

‘Anyway, Sharon’s skills are undeniable.’

I had also checked on her independently after leaving the Cassius household, confirming what I already knew.

Despite her ability, Sharon was not wealthy…

I placed my teacup on the table and said,

“Sharon, I’d like to hire you as my lawyer.”

Having already consulted with her, Sharon understood immediately.

“Have you firmly decided to divorce?”

“Yes. My decision is resolute.”

“As I mentioned before, this won’t be an easy fight.”

“I don’t care. I will see this divorce through, no matter what.”

“….”

Sharon remained silent.

“Are you afraid of losing my case?”

A small sigh.

“Honestly, yes. Call me a coward if you like.”

She shook her head and tried to rise.

“Sorry, but I have a prior appointment. Please enjoy the refreshments. If you need more, there’s an attendant…”

“No, I’ve decided. I’m entrusting this to you.”

She froze mid-motion.

“There are plenty of more skilled lawyers than me.”

“Perhaps. But in the Empire, you are the only divorce specialist.”

Divorce cases were rare each year.

Even Sharon earned more from other work than from her divorce cases.

Most nobles avoided court, preferring separation or private arrangements, and commoners lacked the means to pursue litigation.

“And you are unlikely to be swayed by Cassius’ bribes.”

“…You overestimate me.”

“I see it as it is. You’ve never mentioned money to me once.”

I glanced around her office.

Scattered documents. The only assistant was a young, inexperienced attendant.

He had left unpaid bills and notices on the desk—Terence, with his keen eyes, noticed immediately and whispered.

“If it’s a sensitive matter, I apologize, but the office seems… far from ideal.”

“It’s fine. Anyone with eyes could tell.”

“If I were you, I would have taken the case immediately. The urgent fire must be put out first, no?”

“….”

Yet Sharon said,

“When I first visited, and even now, you show no interest in my money. Even when I said I’d received a considerable sum from my husband, you ignored it.”

Though most of that money remained at Cassius Castle.

“Do you mean to say I’m incorruptible?”

“Yes. The Cassius household will surely attempt to bribe lawyers and judges. I need someone not swayed by money.”

“You’ve mistaken me. I’m not greedy—I’m just a coward in the face of something too great.”

Sharon brushed her bangs roughly aside.

“This case, Idele Wallace’s divorce, will be the biggest stage in recent memory—perhaps since the founding of the Empire. It will touch the affairs of one of the most powerful families of our time.”

Her shoulders shrank.

“I’m scared. I don’t want to be utterly defeated. Look down on me all you want. This is all I am.”

I placed a hand on her shoulder and gently stroked it.

“I don’t look down on you.”

Our eyes met.

“You’re afraid that my failure might discourage other divorces?”

“…!”

Her fear wasn’t about her reputation or Cassius’ anger.

Divorce in court succeeded in only one out of ten cases.

The money, time, and societal taboo were risks too great for any one person.

Yet those who dared to challenge it needed immense courage.

My failure wouldn’t be mine alone. The attention it drew could affect many others directly or indirectly.