Divorce Begins with Remarriage - ✿ dusk blossoms ✿

“It’s not that big of a deal. But it’s the first time I’ve taken on a task by myself.”

Berenice blushed shyly.

“A new crop has been discovered this time. I’ve heard it’s easy to mass-produce, so it can be distributed at a low price. That way, even the poor can afford to buy grains. I’ve taken on the task of purchasing this crop.”

“That’s impressive. Valencia Merchantry and Berenice are accomplishing what no one else has. Even though it’s distributed at a low price, I, ignorant as I am, understand that it’s not a task where one can make a huge profit. Yet, you’re still willing to do it?”

“It’s my father’s belief. He says we must know how to give back as much as we’ve received. But I’m embarrassed to receive compliments when all I’m doing is helping my father do what he’s trying to do.”

“Not everyone born to a great father grows up to be great. So, Berenice, you’re quite remarkable yourself.”

Roberto was serious.

He didn’t seem to be teasing Berenice. She checked Roberto’s face and then lowered her head, feeling her face redden involuntarily.

I should change the subject again.

Berenice cleared her throat and spoke up.

“And about the person you asked me to look for before.”

“Ah. Do you mean Terion? Don’t tell me you’ve already…”

“No, no! It’s not that. The search is underway in each branch. Since it’s a task given to the merchantry, there seems to be quick progress. We’re tracing the whereabouts of a person named Terion. Roberto, you said there was a witness, right?”

“Yes. I did.”

“So, assuming he’s alive, we’re conducting the search centered around the person the witness saw. If we get a solid lead, I’ll contact you. Oh, since we’ll soon be living in the same mansion… I’ll tell you directly, Roberto.”

“Thank you, Berenice.”

As the two were blossoming their conversation and forgetting the tension, Terenzio arrived near the capital. Butler Gail informed them that Terenzio would soon arrive at the mansion.

“Uh.”

Feeling the dormant tension revive, Berenice gripped Roberto’s wrist.

“Do you think I can do well?”

“Don’t worry, Berenice. If anything, I should be the one worried…”

“What?”

At Berenice’s questioning look, Roberto shook his head.

He didn’t want to say anything that might get him criticized before they even met. Besides, Terenzio was the kind of kid who wouldn’t hurt if Roberto poked him in the eye. Swallowing his words, the two went out to meet Terenzio.

They were arm in arm affectionately, but in reality, Roberto was supporting Berenice.

If Roberto were to remove his arm, Berenice might just fall forward.

Her legs stiffened with tension, unable to take proper steps.

“Uh, uh, uh… I think I’m getting more nervous…”

“I think this is the first time I’ve seen you like this, Berenice.”

“Me too. This side of me feels strange… Oh, look over there.”

Berenice watched with a pale face as a carriage entered from outside.

Even Roberto, who was looking on worriedly, had to turn his head when he heard the sound of the carriage stopping. The butler went out and opened the door of the carriage. A small foot popped out.

“Here we go¹!”

Terenzio managed to get down from the somewhat oversized carriage for his size. Then he dusted off his clothes and looked up to find Roberto.

“Ah, ah, ah, hello…?”

Blond hair and pale eyes.

A princess like one from a fairy tale book stood before Terenzio.

A very pretty princess.

This caused Terenzio’s body to stiffen up.

***

“Berenice is doing well, right?”

Viscount Dante had been pacing outside for a while when he asked Selphine. How many times was it now?

Selphine sighed after repeatedly giving the same answer. Whenever Berenice leaves to meet Roberto, he summons Selphine and tells her to come with him.

Would Berenice be okay?

Would she return with a smile?

Surely she wouldn’t cry?

He asked the same thing over and over again in different words.

And from the position of an employee, Selphine couldn’t ignore those words.

“Of course. She must be doing well. Have faith in the lady.”

“I do trust Berenice! She does well wherever she is. That’s what worries me more…”

Viscount Dante glanced at Selphine and then shook his head.

Would it have been better if Berenice had been a child who relied a little more on her parents?

The fact that she was independent made him worry more.

It might be because he only has one child, Berenice…

“Sigh… Make sure you prepare tomorrow’s meal with Berenice’s favorite meals. Will she even be able to eat properly with all the tension?”

“Yes, Viscount.”

“After the wedding, you’ll be going to House Cyrilov with Berenice, won’t you?”

“It seems likely. I must help the lady adapt well to the mansion.”

“…I see.”

The emptiness that had just been filled will come back again.

The void left when Berenice and Selphine, among others, left the mansion.

I never thought I’d feel it so soon.

Viscount Dante smiled bitterly.

***

‘Should I have given more attention?’

This was Roberto’s anxious thought as he looked at Terenzio who was frozen without being able to say anything. Had Terenzio forgotten all the manners he had learned? He should have had a firm talk before Berenice arrived…

Roberto, restless inside, opened his mouth.

“…Berenice, how about coming again next time?”

“It doesn’t seem right to just leave after just seeing each other.”

Berenice had regained her composure while Terenzio was frozen. Berenice nodded vigorously.

But it was Terenzio who acted first rather than Berenice or Roberto. Terenzio, hesitantly stepping down from the carriage, cautiously approached Berenice.

In Terenzio’s hand was a bouquet that seemed to be for Berenice.

‘When did he…?’

He was just standing there stiffly.

“Nice to meet you, Miss Berenice.”

It was a cheerful and optimistic voice, fitting of a seven-year-old.

“Is this for me?”

“Yes. Uncle Butler told me a bouquet would be the most neutral gift.”

“Gail?”

“Yes. And Mr. Gail also told me about what kind of person Miss Berenice is!”

“What did he say?”

Berenice asked with a fluttering heart.

Surprisingly, talking with Terenzio wasn’t difficult. It was her first time dealing with a child, but the conversation went smoothly, and Terenzio was polite and gentle. Roberto had been worried because he was introverted, but it seemed there was no need to worry.

Or perhaps Terenzio was summoning the greatest courage of his seven-year-old life.

“He said you’re a good person. I think he also said you’re pretty. That you’ve helped my dad a lot and that you’ll be my mom from now on. Ah, is this something my dad said?”

Terenzio tilted his head.

Gail coughed from behind. Roberto, filled with gratitude, heavily patted Gail’s shoulder.

Anyway, it seemed they tried to explain the concept of marriage to the child. Berenice smiled softly.

“Then I should introduce myself again, Terenzio. My name is Berenice. I look forward to getting along with you.”

Berenice extended her hand to the little gentleman. Berenice and Terenzio’s eyes met as she bent down. His eyes resembled Roberto’s, and they were pure and twinkling beautifully.

“I look forward to it too, Miss Berenice.”

“Good. I’ll also do my best.”

Berenice spoke clearly, locking eyes with Terenzio’s. Terenzio nodded so hard his cheeks jiggled. Then he whispered in a tiny voice.

“Wow… I have a mom now.”

Berenice couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“And Terenzio.”

Thinking about it, trying to win a child’s favor with a gift might have seemed wrong, but since it was prepared anyway.

“I’ve prepared a gift for you.”

“Wow!!”

Terenzio let out a bright exclamation and bounced up and down.

Then it was Roberto’s turn to step in. Ahem, Roberto cleared his throat to draw attention, then he said with a stern face,

“It might be better to open the gift after we eat dinner. Right, Berenice?”

Roberto cautiously looked at her, asking for her to agree. Berenice checked the time and realized that dinner should really come first, as Roberto suggested.

“Yes. That seems like a good idea. Do you agree, Terenzio?”

Terenzio nodded vigorously.

“Actually, I’m so hungry my back could bend like this.”

Terenzio playfully bent his waist, making both Berenice and Roberto laugh.

***

Thus, Berenice, Roberto, and Terenzio’s dinner was successfully arranged.

Contrary to their initial worries, the dinner for the three went smoothly.

The conversation was mostly between Berenice and Terenzio. Terenzio, who is usually shy, was surprisingly starting conversations with Berenice.

“Try this too.”

Berenice readily accepted the food offered by Terenzio’s cute little hand. How could anyone dislike a child who clung to her side and acted so affectionately?

“Mm. It’s really delicious.”

“It tastes better because Terenzio gave it to you, right?”

He looked up with his round eyes as he asked this. His chubby cheeks were highlighted by a blush.