Divorce Begins with Remarriage - Chapter 26

Roberto’s lips tightened.

The fewer people who know a secret, the safer it will be.

“I believe you, Roberto. I’ll start searching for Therion.”

Of course, Berenice realized that Roberto was hiding a secret. His unusually gloomy expression and the tension she felt from him were unusual.

But Roberto confided in Berenice about a story that could be dangerous for her.

That was evidence that Roberto trusted Berenice.

‘This is enough.’

Roberto didn’t want to push Berenice further, giving her his sincere respect. Even though their relationship was based on paperwork, Roberto always put in the effort.

So Berenice developed an unfounded belief that if Roberto wouldn’t tell her, then he must have a reason.

Besides, given Roberto’s behavior at the Marquis of Michelov’s party, he wasn’t someone who would get involved with other women regarding Berenice.

Somehow, it seemed like Roberto could be a good partner.

Sometimes like friends, eventually like family.

“Thank you, Berenice…”

“That’s fine. We haven’t found anything yet.”

“If you find Therion, I will compensate you well. Whatever it may be.”

“Roberto once said the same. You said you can do that much for a good business partner. I can do the same, Roberto. I can do this much for a good business partner like you.”

Berenice’s words made Roberto’s resolve waver.

The shimmer in his clear eyes, reflecting the sunlight, was noticeable even to Berenice.

“…Thank you very much.”

Roberto repeated.

Berenice was grateful that Roberto considered her a good person, and she was willing to find Therion without hesitation.

In response to Roberto’s words, Berenice couldn’t help but smile.

And somehow, Berenice felt she could define her feelings towards Roberto.

Berenice seemed to regard Roberto as a close friend.

So she was happy when he mentioned that he came to see her, and a bit disappointed that he didn’t share any secret stories.

‘That’s right, it’s friendship.’

Berenice agreed with herself.

‘It has to be that way.’

Definitely.

***

Nowadays, there isn’t anyone in the Raivan Empire who doesn’t know about Berenice and Roberto’s relationship.

They adorned gossip headlines more than five times and appeared frequently in knightly circles as Mr. R and Ms. B.

Besides, wasn’t it the union of House Dante and House Cyrilov?

The marriage of these two individuals was causing a tremendous stir in society.

People sensed that Berenice and Roberto’s marriage was imminent.

And both Roberto and Berenice were starting to think that they should slowly start preparing for the wedding.

“We should set a wedding date, right? It seems like the right time.”

“I agree, Berenice. When would be a good day for the wedding? The venue? The dress…”

“Oh my. Why are you in such a hurry?”

Roberto clenched his lips and rubbed the back of his neck in response.

“…My aide said that wedding preparations take a very long time. And there are things that need to be done in the man’s household. But there is no one in my family who can take care of such matters. I’m worried that I might not be able to provide what you should receive, Berenice.”

Roberto said with a slight bow of his head.

Well, it’s not easy to be diligent like this every day.

She bit her lip to hold back her laughter.

Roberto was worried that he wouldn’t be able to take care of Berenice, but Berenice was concerned that Roberto might be pushing himself too hard.

“…We are entering into a contract marriage, Roberto. So that much is…”

“I cannot agree with that, Berenice.”

Roberto spoke unusually firmly.

Under the bright sunlight in the café, Roberto’s resolve sparkled beautifully.

Even Berenice could see the emotions swirling in his eyes.

“Yes…?”

“Even though it’s a contract marriage, you and I are getting married. I intend to show proper respect for that. I thought you shared the same thoughts as me. Don’t you, Berenice?”

“I…”

It’s hard to say that I still harbor petty thoughts about drawing a line against you…

Berenice’s face flushed with embarrassment.

Marriage was no longer just a means for Berenice. The failure of her previous marriage had made her pessimistic about marriage.

But Berenice had made a serious mistake now.

She had been blaming Roberto for the failure of her past marriage.

Despite it being a contractual marriage, she had forgotten the need to show respect to each other.

Even though it wasn’t an issue of love or affection.

Even though it was a contractual marriage, Roberto seemed to take it as seriously as a real marriage, but Berenice had not been considerate enough.

So, instead of making up various excuses, Berenice chose something different.

“I’m sorry, Roberto. I must have been mistaken about something.”

“That means…”

“I will try harder from now on. To do better. I will be a respectful wife to you, Roberto. I promise. So, would you give me another chance?”

“…Berenice, you’ve never disappointed me.”

Roberto’s composed voice gently calmed Berenice’s emotions.

‘You’re making me feel even more sorry.’

Berenice chuckled bitterly and changed the subject.

“I think two months from now would be a good time for the wedding. Let’s discuss the exact date later. What do you think, Roberto?”

“That’s fine. What about the venue? I think having it at the ducal mansion in the capital wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

“I like that too. I heard that the Cyrilov ducal mansion has many attractions. Am I going to experience the rumored grandeur firsthand?”

Roberto responded seriously to Berenice’s playful remark.

“It will be the mansion where you will spend your life.”

Despite the divorce clauses in the contract, Roberto spoke as though they were going to spend a lifetime together.

And she realized that was a courtesy for those about to marry.

While discussing a lifetime might be too early, a marriage begins with the promise of a lifetime.

Berenice had once been excited about such promises in the past. Now that she realized it was useless, she had forgotten them. But now, she was willing to adapt to Roberto’s ways.

So she wouldn’t ruin his memories.

“That’s right. To think I’ll live in that mansion. Does it feel like becoming a princess in a fairy tale?”

Cyrilov’s mansion in the capital was known as the Crystal Palace. Few had seen its grandeur firsthand.

According to rumors, it felt like stepping into a fairy tale. So that’s what she said…

“…Hmm.”

Roberto tilted his head.

“Do you want to be a princess? Unfortunately, Cyrilov…”

Roberto’s seriousness was amusing.

Berenice burst into laughter. After laughing for a while, she wiped away tears that had formed in her eyes.

“No. I have Roberto, that’s enough. Really.”

“Then I’m glad.”

No.

It’s actually me who’s glad, Roberto.

Berenice smiled brightly.

***

Recently, Livio’s daily routine revolved around one thing.

Alcohol, alcohol, alcohol.

He was leaning on a glass at a banquet hall where there was a party today. People didn’t know why Marquis Michelov banned Livio, so they talked to Livio without hesitation. Because of this, Livio could dig into their conversations like a parasite among people.

And thanks to this, Livio learned about Berenice’s impending marriage.

“Will I be invited to Lady Dante and Duke Cyrilov’s wedding?”

“Hah. I definitely have to go. No, who would have imagined that Lady Dante and Duke Cyrilov would get together?”

“Dante and Cyrilov… If only we had built a friendship in advance, but I failed.”

Livio, who had been listening to the entire conversation, put down his empty glass.

“No one here knows them as well as I do.”

“Oh, Count Cornell! Are you feeling upset?”

“Why would I? It’s just that you’re so deluded by rumors that you can’t see the truth, it hurts my heart.”

Livio broke into the conversation with a deliberate smile.

“Is that so?”

“What do you mean?”

“I heard that Duke Cyrilov has another woman. But the Duchy of Cyrilov is not what it used to be, so he approached Berenice so he could gain something.”

Listening to rumors that start with the word ‘heard’ is sure to easily spread.

And no one will feel guilty about spreading the word, nor will they bother to inquire about the source. With a sly heart, Livio twisted his lips.

“I’ve never heard such a thing before.”

“But it could happen. After all, Duke Cyrilov has a child, right?”

Sensational news tends to be easily alluring.

“Yes. Besides, I heard that Berenice still hasn’t forgotten about me. But Cyrilov has things he needs to obtain, so he has been holding onto Berenice all this time. Ultimately, isn’t this a fraudulent marriage?”

“My word! It makes sense!”

“But, I suppose, all noble marriages are like that.”

“That’s true. Who would marry based on affection? It’s a tough job once you’re born into nobility.”

“Still, if it’s true, it means that Duke Cyrilov is truly a bad person.”

“That’s right!”

Those who heard the rumor Livio spread generally fell into two categories.

Those who claimed not to meddle in noble affairs, and those who criticized Cyrilov’s character.

Of course, this rumor also found its way into Berenice’s ears.