CHAPTER 57
“……”
“You must feel it more deeply than anyone… but given the climate of the Empire, it’s much harder for a woman than a man to decide on divorce.”
“……”
“I’d like to hear in detail the reason why things had to come to this… the full story between you and the Duke, and Lady Elise too—between all three of you.”
At the Empress’s words, I was stunned.
This was the first time.
The first time someone had ever asked me about my story with Feydan.
There were plenty of people curious about it as gossip, but they only liked to inflate rumors amongst themselves.
None of them cared to understand me—and so, none ever asked.
Even Idrys, the only person who now knew my truth, had entered my life because I proposed our arrangement. It wasn’t like he had asked to hear it all.
But now…
“Lady Leticia, could you tell me in detail?”
Someone was offering to listen first—someone willing to try and understand.
As a fellow human being. As a fellow woman.
For a moment, I just sat there, frozen. Then finally, I opened my mouth.
“…The rumors Your Majesty has heard are mostly true.”
Maybe it was because I wasn’t used to telling my story, but my voice trembled.
Clearing my throat, I began to recount everything between me and Feydan.
“Feydan brought Lady Elise—who had nowhere to go—into the estate. I knew about their relationship, but I accepted it. I thought it was better than having it happen outside where everyone could see.”
That was everything before I returned to the past.
“Then, Lady Elise became pregnant and asked me for a divorce. But when I agreed without resistance, they suddenly changed their minds and refused to go through with it.”
“…Why? Wasn’t it the Duke who wanted the divorce?”
“He did… but apparently not right away. I think he was hoping I’d resist and cling to him, so he could use that as an excuse to reduce my alimony bit by bit.”
“……”
“But I agreed to it right away. And at a very high cost to him.”
“…So the man who broke the trust of marriage first got stingy over money? Is that it?”
The Empress frowned as she listened.
Yes… that was one of the most infuriating parts.
“And when did your relationship with the Grand Duke of Del Lua become serious?”
“After I got fed up with being used by both of them, I met the Grand Duke by chance. And we grew close.”
Of course, that wasn’t the whole truth.
Our relationship was part of a contract—but if I revealed that now, it might help my image…
‘Still, I can’t break our agreement.’
Idrys was waiting for someone.
The only reason he accepted my proposal was to buy time until that person returned.
“After hearing my situation, His Highness offered to help me get divorced… and then we released the scandal.”
“I see…”
“That’s my story. I’m sure Your Majesty already knew most of it.”
At first, I had been afraid to speak—worried that forgotten feelings might come flooding back the moment I opened up.
But once I began, the words flowed out smoothly and calmly.
And my heart felt lighter.
Just the fact that someone was genuinely listening to me—
It was… comforting in a way I hadn’t expected.
I was about to thank the Empress for that comfort, when she opened her mouth first.
And her response, once again, took me by surprise.
“…I’m sorry.”
She gently reached out and took my hand, offering an apology.
I blinked in disbelief.
“For not understanding your heart sooner.”
“Ah… Your Majesty, there’s no need for you to apologize. This was a personal matter…”
“No. It’s clearly my fault.”
I tried to wave it off awkwardly, but the Empress remained firm.
“When it comes to resolving relationships like yours, it’s unfair that all the consequences fall on the woman. And that unfairness stems from the leaders of this society—myself included.”
“……”
“Even if His Majesty is a wise ruler, he was born a man. It’s difficult for him to truly understand a woman’s heart.”
“……”
“It was my responsibility to notice this and speak to him first. I didn’t. I’m sorry.”
As the Empress gave me such a sincere apology, something warm and overwhelming surged in my chest.
I’d told myself I didn’t need understanding.
That I didn’t care if people misunderstood me. That it was better to be seen as a villainess than to receive pity.
But maybe that wasn’t true.
‘All this time, I told myself I didn’t care if no one understood me… but deep down, I was waiting for someone—anyone—to try.’
To avoid being crushed by emotion, I had lied to myself. Pretended it didn’t matter.
And yet… the Empress seemed to understand even that.
She waited patiently for me to gather my emotions, and then continued.
“But we can’t change society’s mindset in a single day. If we try to force it, it might backfire.”
“……”
“His Majesty could approve your divorce right now—but that would only bring negative backlash, both to you and to him.”
Given that I had chosen Idrys as my new partner, no matter what evidence we presented, people would claim the Emperor was acting out of bias for his brother.
That’s why I had never expected a ruling in my favor. I hadn’t even submitted a divorce request to the Imperial family.
“I understand that His Majesty, as Emperor, must consider the broader impact on all citizens. That’s why I plan to pressure Feydan Farnese myself and push for a private settlement.”
The Empress’s brow furrowed in concern.
“But even if you succeed that way… public opinion will still be cruel to you.”
“That doesn’t matter. Just the fact that Your Majesty took the time to truly understand me is enough—”
“No. It’s not enough.”
The Empress shook her head resolutely.
“I don’t want good people to be crushed by unjust public opinion anymore.”
“……”
“And more than that… I want you to be recognized by everyone.”
My heart thudded at the weight of her words—at the sheer sincerity in them.
But ideal as they were, her wishes contradicted the realistic, cautious tone she’d used just moments earlier.
‘Does she… have something in mind?’
It felt like she did.
The Empress lifted her teacup and paused, gazing quietly out the window.
Cherry blossoms were blooming outside. Spring was in full bloom.
“The flowers will soon be in full bloom, won’t they?”
She took a sip, then set the cup down again.
“I’ll arrange an event.”
“An… event?”
“A gathering where everyone will be present. Can you flip the public opinion there?”
And then, I understood what she meant.
‘If public opinion won’t allow my divorce—then I’ll fix public opinion first.’
Expose Feydan and Elise’s immoral relationship before everyone. Let the truth speak for itself.
That was the Empress’s plan.
Realizing this, I smiled with confidence.
“I won’t let Your Majesty’s grace go to waste.”
YAS! WOMEN STANDING UP FOR WOMEN!
Exactly and I want to see more of this in the stories