Divorce Begins with Remarriage - Chapter 57

“Congratulations on the completion.”

“Mom, congratulations on the completion!”

As Roberto extended a flower basket along with his congratulations, Terenzio followed suit and presented a flower he had hidden behind his back, following the gesture with a courteous greeting. It was a tantalizingly blooming pink rose.

“You didn’t have to come all the way here. Thank you.”

Berenice smiled gently as the two men accepted the flowers offered to them.

In truth, since Berenice was the wife of the Duke of Cyrilov, there were many nobles and dignitaries who wanted to participate in this completion ceremony. However, due to the fact that it was a completion ceremony for a branch building belonging to Valencia Merchantry, not a building belonging to the duchy, invitations had to be declined.

Inviting both nobles and common-born merchants together would have caused discontent from both sides. However, inviting only nobles didn’t align with the original purpose of promoting the branch establishment and interacting with local merchants.

Instead, an evening party was organized for the nobles as a celebration.

So, Roberto and Terenzio only needed to attend there…

“Since my wife is hosting an official event in front of my estate, I should at least show my face as your husband. I came at the end of the ceremony to avoid ruining the atmosphere because of me. Did I cause any inconvenience?”

‘There’s no way this man would do that.’

The smile on Berenice’s lips deepened unknowingly.

“No, it’s fine. Everything is okay. The ribbon-cutting ceremony just finished, and we exchanged greetings.”

As if they had meticulously prepared for this day, Roberto and Terenzio were dressed in simple and plain designs that commoners would wear.

Of course, upon closer inspection, one could tell that the materials used were exceptional, but from a distance, their attire didn’t stand out much.

The knights around were also dressed in common civilian attire that one could often see on the streets.

‘Even if they wore ordinary clothes, Roberto’s face would surely stand out.’

Berenice scanned the guests in confirmation. The merchants who finished greeting Berenice were each holding onto Valencia Merchantry’s executives and engaging in conversations. It seemed that they were more approachable than Duchess Berenice.

After confirming that she didn’t need to deal with them immediately, Berenice turned her head back towards Roberto. As if waiting for this moment, Terenzio tugged at Berenice’s sleeve.

“I came because I wanted to see Mom!”

“I wanted to see Terenzio too. Looks like we understand each other.”

Berenice accepted Terenzio’s sudden words without confusion. Terenzio chuckled in response to Berenice’s words, showing that it was indeed a fitting reply.

“I have made a reservation at a nice restaurant for dinner.”

Roberto confidently stated.

It was booked through Alfonso, who oversaw Cyrilov Territory, so Berenice would surely like it. Alfonso was truly a capable assistant in many ways.

“Roberto, thank you.”

“Yes?”

“I was already so hungry and wanted to eat something.”

Berenice smiled broadly.

Little by little, Roberto’s care towards Berenice was becoming more familiar.

‘This is not good.’

Even though she thought it wasn’t good, she couldn’t help but lean on him. It was such a warm and loving feeling. Berenice absentmindedly stroked Terenzio’s hair.

In truth, what Berenice wanted to stroke at that moment might have been Roberto’s hair.

Strangely, she couldn’t meet Roberto’s gaze.

***

“Is it okay if you don’t go today?”

In response to his aide’s question, Bilter chewed on his cigar thoughtfully.

He had heard that today Valencia Merchantry Cyrilov Branch was holding a completion ceremony. Bilter had received an invitation as well.

It was an invitation directly sent by Berenice.

“Hmm.”

Bilter furrowed his brows.

The reason he received an invitation but didn’t go was because it was in Cyrilov. He had heard rumors that Berenice was doing well.

However, what if…

What if it was a story fabricated by Berenice?

His once-startled heart still couldn’t muster the courage to face reality due to fear. Even after her marriage with Livio was ruined, in which she didn’t say a word to Viscount Dante, Berenice’s silence still haunted him.

So, a foolish fear lingered within him.

If Berenice had a pained expression again this time, if the child was crying, he didn’t know what he should do. If his wife were still alive, she might have scolded Bilter and rushed to check on the child’s face.

Viscount Bilter lit a new cigar.

“Why do you keep smoking cigars instead of going where you’re invited? Miss Berenice would really like it!”

The aide grumbled while glaring at Bilter.

“I’ll just smoke up to this point, just this much.”

“Just delaying day by day won’t solve anything. Go and check it yourself, Viscount. It might not be as bad as you think.”

“It might not be as bad…? So it’s not the worst?”

“Don’t be so stubborn. Viscount, you know that she’s living well without any issues.”

The aide suppressed a sigh and repeated his words several times. He understood well what Bilter was afraid of, but avoiding the situation wouldn’t help either.

Bilter awkwardly chuckled.

“I’ll definitely go next time.”

“That’s not something you should be saying to me!”

Nevertheless, no matter how much he insisted, Bilter could only force a strained smile.

Berenice seemed to be doing well, everyone treated her well… Why was he so anxious? Knowing his own inadequacy, Bilter sat heavily on his chair.

This was his first time as a father; he didn’t know how to handle this situation.

He didn’t object to his daughter’s decision to enter into a contractual marriage, nor did he object to marrying a man with a seven-year-old son. He knew Roberto was kind, but the child was still…

‘Was his name Terenzio?’

When Berenice first went to meet him, all he did was buy gifts.

Bilter lit his cigar. The sharp and pungent scent began to fill the study once again.

“Really. Next time, I’ll definitely go…”

Perhaps next time, he would gather the courage to hold Berenice, even if she cried. Bilter chuckled bitterly.

Besides, Bilter had an excuse.

“I’m quite busy right now. Livio Cornell seems to be up to something again.”

“…He never stops doing mischievous things. Seems like he’s getting involved with someone named Raoul.”

“Ugh… Is he going that far in the end?”

They were once tied together within the confines of family.

As he watched Livio deteriorate more and more, he couldn’t help but feel angry, pitiful, and helpless. And at the same time, anger towards his past self for giving Berenice to Livio surged within him.

In any case, keeping an eye on Livio’s actions was a good enough excuse to quickly inform Berenice.

“Please make sure to keep your word about going next time. I’ll leave a message to Miss Berenice stating that you couldn’t make it this time because you were busy.”

Bilter nodded.

“Oh, some good fabric came in this time. Both silk and wool. Would it be good to prepare winter blankets in advance? Also, some new toys that the kid would like have arrived. I’ve set aside the quantity to send to Berenice.”

“Yes, yes. I’ve already prepared everything and sent it to Cyrilov Territory.”

“You did well, you did well.”

The aide clicked his tongue. Despite not being able to go himself, why did he always send so much down there?

***

Berenice, Roberto, and Terenzio headed to a restaurant. Throughout the journey to the restaurant, Berenice talked about what happened today and her absent father.

“Why didn’t Grandfather come?”

“He said he’s busy. He’ll come next time.”

Berenice replied, concealing her disappointment. If he had come this time, she had planned to spend a few days together, showing him around the new Valencia Merchantry branch and Cyrilov territory. It all fell through.

However, before Berenice could show more of her disappointment towards her father, they arrived at the restaurant Roberto had booked.

Looking for words to comfort Berenice, Roberto got out of the carriage and escorted her. It was also Roberto who swiftly lifted Terenzio off the carriage.

The restaurant Roberto had reserved exuded a cozy atmosphere. It didn’t have an expensive exterior like the restaurants Berenice frequented in the capital, but inside, the smell of delicious food wafted through the air.

“Let’s go in, Terenzio.”

“Yes!”

However, before reaching the door, Terenzio stopped in his tracks. It was because he saw a familiar face.