Divorce Begins with Remarriage - Chapter 35

“I never said that, but you.”

“You clearly did. Didn’t this old butler’s heart burn to charcoal?”

“Don’t believe everything he says, Berenice.”

“In this matter, I am right. I remember how many times I’ve heard those words.”

Voices of agreement rose from all around at Sebastian’s words. Roberto, who had been watching the scene in disbelief, burst into laughter. It was enough to make Berenice laugh.

At the end of Roberto’s gaze was always Berenice. Neither Roberto himself nor Berenice, the target of his gaze, realized it.

***

No matter what he did, Berenice didn’t budge.

In every situation, Berenice and Roberto always managed to slip away from Livio, whether it was when a courtesan seduced Roberto or when her wedding dress was ruined.

Livio ran his hands through his hair in irritation.

“Despicable bitch.”

When Livio casually met other women, she threw a fit and demanded a divorce, but when a courtesan clung to Roberto, she showed no reaction. It was clear her eyes had been turned by the prestige of the Cyrilov name.

Otherwise……

To think she seemed unmoved even when that hated courtesan made a scene, acting as though she had a connection with Roberto?

“Ah.”

If that wasn’t the case, there was another possibility. It could be possible that Berenice didn’t love Roberto.

“That’s right.”

Livio stroked his chin.

Berenice chose Roberto to forget Livio, but still. She hadn’t forgotten him yet. She must have been unable to erase her feelings towards Livio.

‘How dare you…’

To hold a wedding so shamelessly.

But now, even if Berenice wanted to return to Livio, she couldn’t.

There was prestige and the Cyrilov ducal family.

Then, how could Livio help but support her? What kind of husband would take back a woman who married another man? Where else in the Raivan Empire would you find such a magnanimous person? It was clear that Berenice would end up crying and begging for forgiveness at Livio’s feet.

She’s acting tough now, but she was a woman with a weak heart.

Livio’s eyes shone cold and with a cunning gaze like a snake.

***

She spent only a few hours at the ducal estate.

In just those few hours, Berenice could tell that the atmosphere at House Cyrilov was different from any other noble family in the capital she had experienced.

‘I thought it would be more authoritative?’

Even in House Cornell, which held a much lower title than the ducal family, servants could not raise their voices in front of their masters. It was considered a great rudeness in which they could be whipped and expelled on the spot without question, even if it was meant as a welcome greeting.

Visits to other noble families were almost non-existent unless for tea parties or social gatherings. Since she didn’t have personal connections to high-ranking nobles, she didn’t know what their homes were like on a daily basis. Perhaps she had imagined it similar to that of Count Cornell’s.

Of course, the Dante family had a more warm and friendly atmosphere, but that was probably because the Viscount of Dante was closer to a merchant family than a noble one.

But seeing how comfortable Roberto and Terenzio appeared, it seemed natural for the Cyrilov household to have such an atmosphere. Terenzio occasionally helped move the luggage with his small hands, and Roberto also helped.

“Oh! Lord Roberto! You shouldn’t handle it so carelessly! That belongs to the Madam! Such items should be handled delicately!”

The maid screamed and chased after Roberto. The luggage Roberto was moving contained a box with Berenice’s shoes.

“Ah, I’m sorry. Berenice.”

“It’s okay.”

Berenice waved her hand. If anything, she felt more sorry for just sitting there and doing nothing. If Berenice tried to help in this atmosphere…

“Madam? It’s actually helping if you stay still. What can you do with those slender wrists? Besides, it must have been a long journey, so you must be tired. Lord Roberto and Lord Terenzio are used to training, so they are fine.”

The butler said as he stood in Berenice’s way. Although he was a bit direct, Berenice could feel the warmth in his eyes and his genuine consideration for her. Berenice was certainly a bit tired, while Roberto and Terenzio seemed even more energized.

‘Is it because wolves are nocturnal?’

They were bustling about with such energy.

“Ah… Then, maybe I should also walk around with Selphine to get familiar with the interior of the mansion.”

The butler had been working in this mansion for a long time. It was only natural to respect her opinion as a courtesy.

Berenice moved.

Selphine was being guided around the mansion by a young maid with time to spare. It was crucial for Selphine to quickly learn the layout of the mansion so that Berenice could live comfortably in House Cyrilov from today on.

But the butler stopped Berenice from getting up again.

“That’s Selphine’s job, Madam. It’s only natural for a waiting maid to inspect the mansion before you do. What you should be doing now is taking a rest and relieving your fatigue. Please forgive us for not having everything ready and for the mess with the luggage.”

What exactly am I supposed to forgive you for…?

Berenice looked around with a puzzled face. The living room was decorated. A thick rug was laid out in the lobby for no reason, and a table was set up. Despite the warm June weather, a warm brazier was brought in, and the table was set with sweet snacks and teacups.

And then there were the chairs. It felt like magic; as soon as you sat down, all fatigue seemed to melt away. There was such meticulous care for Berenice, but what exactly was she supposed to forgive?

And while everyone was working together to move the luggage, she was resting alone, being served by the butler.

“No, on the contrary, I should be the one who’s thankful since you’re excessively taking care of me.”

“Not at all, Madam. I am grateful just for being excused from this labor due to my bad back.”

She couldn’t argue anymore.

Eventually, Berenice leaned back comfortably again. Then Terenzio came running over and clung to Berenice’s knees. Despite being well beyond the age for such foolishness, he freely acted spoilt around Berenice.

“Mom, give me some cookies too. Ah!”

Berenice laughed and fed Terenzio a piece of cookie. Chewing happily, Terenzio looked adorable as he smiled brightly. After patting his head, he ran off excitedly again.

“The young master follows you well.”

“It’s because Terenzio is bright and kind. I was worried, but it’s a relief.”

Head maid Marie looked at Berenice with an indescribable gaze.

‘Kind?’

Of course, she knew Terenzio was optimistic. But she couldn’t agree when she said that Terenzio was a kind child. He was more demanding than expected and even more sensitive than that. Plus, he was introverted, which often caused people to worry.

He was affectionate towards people he liked, but otherwise, without exception, he became prickly.

“…Perhaps the young master likes you very much.”

There was no other way to explain it. And the way Terenzio suddenly called her ‘Mom’ clearly showed he was eager to win her favor. He would demand things from Berenice that he normally wouldn’t, in an attempt to catch more of her attention.

“I like Terenzio, too.”

Berenice’s cheeks flushed, looking truly beautiful.

Are there people who can see through others like a child could? Berenice must be a good person, especially since Terenzio liked her.

‘The Duke has brought in a good person.’

Marie felt completely satisfied.

Berenice felt the same about these people. Their relationship didn’t just seem like that of employers and employees but rather like a family.

They sincerely took each other’s matters as their own and helped out. She knew that the ducal mansion had been empty for 7 years…

‘Are they vassals?’

While Berenice was blankly watching them, the luggage was organized. From the noisy second floor, people started coming down. Selphine also returned to Berenice’s side, seemingly exhausted from memorizing the layout of the large mansion.

But, it was an exaggeration; Selphine seemed to already know every corner of the mansion.

“Um, it seems everyone has gathered. Those who went on errands have all returned, Madam. Let me formally introduce everyone.”

Sebastian continued the late introductions, pointing out each person.

Head maid Marie, Chef Pamello, Captain of the Guard Joseph, Vice-Captain of the Guard Enoch, Gardener Gardner, and more.

Several others also greeted Berenice.

Berenice brightly smiled and accepted their greetings.

“My lady, we’ve prepared a modest welcome party among the servants of the castle this evening. If it’s alright with you, could you please stop by?”

“Of course. Thank you for inviting me, Sebastian.”

That was Berenice’s first invitation in the Duchy of Cyrilov.

Roberto headed to his office to check on accumulated reports while he was away from the castle, and Berenice and Terenzio headed to their room to change into indoor clothes they found among the unpacked luggage.