Divorce Begins with Remarriage - Chapter 43

Berenice did not value Countess Ehier’s words at all. Not only were Countess Ehier’s words untrue, but Berenice was already well aware of her.

Berenice had selected those who did not support her and inferred a list based on their inclinations, and Countess Ehier was included in it.

Berenice had no intention of forgiving the woman who had not only targeted her but also Terenzio. She would tread carefully to ensure that Terenzio would never be mentioned again.

“Countess Ehier.”

“Yes?”

Countess Ehier shrugged as if to say, ‘If you have something to say, go ahead.’ She seemed prepared to receive whatever Berenice had to say. But while Countess Ehier was preparing herself, Berenice seemed to be letting go.

She tried to be one step ahead of Countess Ehier.

“Thank you for your concern. However, I worry that those unnecessary concerns might be burdensome to the Countess’s health. The position of the heir to the Cyrilov Duchy is already secure. Even if there were issues on my end preventing me from bearing a child, it wouldn’t be a problem.”

Berenice bluntly exposed her shortcomings. No matter how many times she assured others that there was no issue with her, she couldn’t stop those who had already started thinking otherwise. It would be better to find another way to counteract that.

“But…!”

Countess Ehier’s face flushed red. She trembled and looked around as if searching for someone to support her opinion.

And Berenice knew how to end this situation.

Berenice beckoned for an attendant.

“Please bring Terenzio here. These ladies here seem to want to greet Terenzio.”

Of course, Terenzio was also present at this gathering.

Currently, he was playing with other children of his age.

“Yes, madam.”

The attendant went to find Terenzio, and Berenice smiled gracefully.

“Moreover, Terenzio follows me well. He listens well too. Despite being only seven years old, he is so mature that he often thinks for himself. I’m more concerned about Countess Ehier’s daughter.”

“Is there a problem with my daughter?”

Countess Ehier’s voice drew people’s attention. Berenice opened her lips with a smile, enjoying the attention.

“Well, I’ve heard that she’s tormenting your mind with worries. They say there’s no parent who wouldn’t worry for their child, but… you have one daughter who’s recklessly foolish?”

“Duchess!!!”

Countess Ehier trembled at the accusation against her daughter. But she had no words to refute it. It was a well-known story that the young lady Ehier was running wild like a thug. Everyone knew it, so what could she possibly refute in this formal setting? It was useless to deny it.

Berenice hardened her expression coldly.

“What, have I misunderstood?”

“Well, it’s not that, but…”

“Besides, it seems like you are overly concerned. I was born into a noble family but enjoyed more wealth and upbringing than anyone else. I received a high-level education sufficient to handle the position of a duchess.”

The speechless Countess Ehier lowered her head. She was taken aback by how boldly Berenice refuted her words, not realizing that the newly appointed duchess would confront her so boldly. The situation was embarrassing for her now, but fleeing from it at this moment would only make her the loser.

She needed to find a way to respond somehow…

“Oh. Countess Ehier, your outfit today is also splendid. Gorgeous. It must have cost quite a bit. I’m worried that it might strain the finances of the Ehier family? I’ve heard that the financial situation of the Ehier family hasn’t been good lately.”

“You don’t need to worry!”

Countess Ehier screamed like a banshee, but Berenice didn’t flinch at all. It didn’t matter to her, or rather, it didn’t matter at all. Berenice exuded the aura of someone who had everything.

And Terenzio arrived by Berenice’s side.

“Mom!”

Terenzio clung to Berenice’s leg excitedly.

The keen ears of the wolf had heard everything that was happening just now. Terenzio glared fiercely at Countess Ehier, who didn’t hide her hostility towards Berenice. No matter how much she tried to act kindly and gently, Terenzio was a child of the wolf. Countess Ehier took a step back in response to Terenzio’s revealed nature.

This gathering was where the clan gathered. The hostility of the wolf aggressively attacked Countess Ehier.

“Terenzio, you’re here? I called you because of our previous conversation. Since all the children of these ladies are potential candidates, you should greet them.”

“Um… Does that mean the daughter of this madam is coming too?”

Terenzio openly attacked Countess Ehier. The noble ladies who hadn’t caught up with the context of the conversation between the two were all ears.

“That’s for you to decide. Just wait a moment for now.”

“Yes, Mom!”

Terenzio obediently nodded his head. As Berenice stroked his cute head, she turned her gaze away.

“I am planning to bring playmates for Terenzio. I will bear all the expenses myself. I have already sent a letter to the capital to find a competent play teacher. It will be Miss Janis.”

“Oh my goodness!”

“They say everyone wants to entrust their child to Miss Janis…”

“A playmate from a noble family! I hope my child gets picked!”

Suddenly, Countess Ehier found herself pushed out from among the noble ladies. She’s completely an outsider now. The noble ladies present all showed a friendly response towards Berenice, eager to strike up a conversation with her now.

“Fortunately, we had a previous connection, which is why she readily agreed to this request. So I plan to select three children among Terenzio’s peers from here and bring them to the ducal residence. Of course, if the madams agree.”

“Of course! We’d like our child to go too.”

“Duchess, my child too…”

“My child also listens well!”

Unknowingly, Countess Ehier was pushed aside by the noble ladies and found herself in an awkward position as an outsider among them. Berenice skillfully used the fact that all these noble women were mothers to her advantage. She hadn’t planned for things to go this way.

And Terenzio was always on Berenice’s side, no matter the situation. Following Berenice’s encouragement, he politely greeted the noblewomen. With an impeccable and dignified appearance.

“Please take care of me in the future. I will study hard with my friends.”

“Well done, Terenzio.”

Berenice stroked Terenzio’s head. Terenzio, who melted under her touch, smiled happily.

“I’m counting on you, little prince!”

“Weren’t you getting along well with our child?”

The impatient noblewomen tried to speak to Terenzio, but Berenice firmly blocked his way.

“You should go now. You should play well with your friends. Got it?”

“Yes!”

Terenzio took the hand of his nanny again and ran off. Berenice raised her head towards the group of noblewomen, excluding Countess Ehier.

“I would like to hold a tea party to discuss this matter. Would you all attend?”

“Of course!”

It was a clean victory for Berenice. Those who witnessed Berenice effortlessly dominating the social scene naturally sided with her. It was clear that challenging Berenice at this moment would be very disadvantageous.

When she married Livio, Berenice had to endure it no matter what.

But now she knew that it wasn’t all good. Berenice had no reason to endure any longer.

Berenice pursed her lips. Roberto was approaching from a distance.

Roberto’s support also played a role in securing victory on this splendid battlefield. Thanks to his unwavering support for whatever Berenice did.

Roberto approached Berenice.

Passing by the madam who was trembling and bowing her head in fear.

‘Countess Ehier?’

The murmuring voice of the madam reached Roberto’s ears.

“A daughter from a nouveau riche family who only knows money.”

It was easy to figure out who the words were directed towards, especially with the added remark.

“She’s nothing without the duke!”

This statement ignited Roberto’s pride. He stopped in his tracks and stared coldly at Countess Ehier.

“If my wife is a nouveau riche who only knows money, then I must be a fool who married that nouveau riche.”

Roberto’s disdain spread clearly throughout the banquet hall.

“Y-Your Grace?”

Countess Ehier raised her head abruptly.

“I-I mean…”

Countess Ehier looked around. It was clear that everyone had heard Roberto’s words. People were sending sharp glances towards Countess Ehier. They had already taken Berenice’s side.

Realizing the atmosphere, Count Ehier stepped forward.

“Y-Your Grace! It seems there was a misunderstanding. My wife made a slip of the tongue…”

“A slip of the tongue? That’s not what I heard. It was filled with malice. The wives of you vassals can’t even help a newcomer without malice.”

Roberto continued coldly.