Divorce Begins with Remarriage - Chapter 8

At Roberto’s permission, the security guard sat down on the chair properly. Unlike before, he was overflowing with enthusiasm and anger. Berenice looked at the security guard with disdain.

‘I knew the true nature of the security force was this grim, but it still feels dirty.’

It was a shame because she and Livio would have made a good pair. The security guard, who was checking Berenice’s mood, cautiously asked.

“By the way, when you said earlier that you would vouch for her words…….”

“I was also at that place. Count Cornell was definitely intimidating and exercising violence against Lady Dante, who was clearly unrelated to him.”

The security guard unfolded the documents with a pale face.

‘This is bad.’

Today is just too unlucky. How could I be involved in such an incident?

The security guard adjusted his tie with a distressed expression.

“Please tell me in detail, Duke Cyrilov. The testimony of a third party is very helpful, especially in a matter like this between a couple…”

Roberto interrupted the security guard.

“Wait. Lady Dante and Count Cornell are already divorced. They are no longer a couple.”

“Ah, yes. If there is testimony from when they were a couple, it would make the investigation much easier.”

Berenice let out a bitter laugh.

She was gently laughing as he listened to Roberto’s words, and the security guard had been pretending not to hear her. Berenice was amazed at the fact that this was the level of the Imperial Security Force responsible for public safety.

“Assault is definitely a crime, and forcibly detaining someone weaker is also a clear crime.”

“That’s correct.”

“So please handle this justly. I can provide more testimony if necessary.”

Roberto was on the verge of creating a crime that did not exist.

The security guard awkwardly laughed and continued to fill out the documents properly this time. Not missing a single word from both of them this time. If the documents were insufficient, Duke Cyrilov would appear before the guard again.

***

Berenice and Roberto stayed at the security guard’s office for three long hours, filling out the documents. Berenice expressed her gratitude to Roberto with a relieved face just a day after.

“I owe you a big favor for today. How should I repay Duke Cyrilov’s kindness?”

Roberto replied with pursed lips.

“It was truly nothing. You don’t need to worry about it.”

“But I still want to show some gratitude. If it weren’t for you, I can’t imagine what I would have gone through today without the Duke’s presence. I want to treat you to dinner.”

“It’s really okay, my lady. It must have been a tough day for you. It’s best for you to go back and rest.”

Berenice chuckled softly.

It seems that the rumors about the iron-willed Duke Cyrilov, who raised his child alone after being a widower and sharply turned away any women who approached him, were true. It’s unbelievable that men like him exist in this world.

Roberto’s ex-wife must have been very lucky.

If you compare him to Livio, it’s almost like comparing a gentleman to a beast. No, it was disrespectful to compare Roberto to Livio, who freely wielded his power and indulged in scandalous behavior.

“Then I won’t insist any longer. That would also be impolite. Thank you very much for today.”

“Please keep it in mind. If I am needed for any reason related to today, feel free to contact House Cyrilov.”

Berenice nodded.

***

As Berenice rode the carriage home from the security guard’s office, various thoughts came to her mind.

She stupidly went out without any investigation at the call of an old friend, Livio’s more incomprehensible and violent behavior than usual, Roberto’s gentlemanly demeanor, and the guards’ change in attitude.

Livio’s assault brought about a dreadful feeling. She knew that the man she had loved was no longer the same, but she had never imagined that he could sink even lower than she had seen so far.

‘Maybe I’ll see an even worse sight in the future.’

He had always been a man who splattered all kinds of filth around Berenice. She didn’t know what crazy things Livio would do next to ruin her life.

Following this ominous thought, the image of Roberto intervening to stop Livio’s assault came to mind.

The guards, who had been evasive at the mention of the perpetrator being her ex-husband, quickly changed their stance and handled the matter when Roberto stepped in.

‘If there is someone like today who can shield me…’

Right now, because Berenice is divorced and alone, many people dismissed Livio’s advances as a lover’s quarrel. This was a chronic problem in society. The perception that a woman alone can’t do anything. No matter how prestigious the Dante family was or how much money the merchantry of Valencia had, if Berenice is alone after her divorce, the rumors following her won’t disappear.

But what if she remarries another man?

People will never view Livio’s actions favorably towards Berenice, even if the fact that he is her ex-husband remains unchanged.

‘I don’t need love anymore.’

What she needed was a business partner who would be her shield on paper. A man young and handsome enough for Livio to admit defeat, yet prestigious enough to not be overshadowed by Livio’s family, the Cornell family.

‘What I need is a contract….’

Berenice’s eyes hardened as she made a decision.

***

Upon arriving home, Roberto took off his coat and handed it to his aide.

Roberto’s tired eyes looked weary as he wiped his face.

Because he was unexpectedly involved in an unusual event, he returned home later than he thought. The feeling of exhaustion intensified at the thought that the things he had to deal with today were pushed back.

‘At least I was able to save someone because of it.’

Roberto recalled the person who unexpectedly took his time today. Although he was indeed tired due to being suddenly involved in the incident, he felt rather empty at the thought that if he hadn’t been there, she would have been in even bigger trouble.

He already knew how cruel those who justified their own violence in the name of love could become.

The aide quickly followed Roberto after handing his coat to a servant.

Knowing that there were documents that needed to be looked at, he wondered what could have happened for someone who is never late to be late.

The aide asked with a worried expression,

“Why are you so late?”

“I just am.”

Roberto lowered his head after thinking about it for a moment.

To tell that story would require a long, drawn-out tale involving Berenice, Livio, and the security guards.

Besides, it was a matter related to Berenice’s honor. He couldn’t casually open his mouth and embarrass someone who was already having a hard time.

His aide nodded.

He didn’t expect a long answer from the blunt Roberto anyway, so he just followed Roberto. It was his judgment that it would be faster to find out directly than to hear something from that gentleman’s mouth.

Besides, if there was a problem, he would have mentioned it, no consolations.

And right now, there was something more urgent than that. Roberto visited the restaurant today because he had an important appointment.

Judging by his expression, it didn’t seem like he was going to deliver good news, but still, he couldn’t help but have a faint hope.

‘….I guess not.’

Roberto sighed and opened the door to his study.

The aide, who had been chasing him, briskly entered and closed the door before it shut.

“So Roberto, what happened?”

“Hmm.”

Roberto frowned.

“Was it the person you were looking for?”

“No, it wasn’t. It was someone completely unrelated.”

The aide’s shoulders slumped in disappointment at Roberto’s response.

“Ah… I thought this time it was for sure.”

“It’s not urgent, so you don’t have to make that face. I’m not that disappointed.”

“But… your shoulders are slightly slumped right now, Roberto.”

“I said it’s nothing.”

Roberto casually replied and sat down on the chair.

It’s better to do today’s work a little late and get some sleep than to postpone it until tomorrow.

The aide, who had been watching Roberto pick up the pen, arranged the documents in urgent order and placed them in front of Roberto. Roberto’s diligent nature was evident even on a day like today.

The aide listened to Roberto’s response and observed him carefully.

There was still something he wanted to ask Roberto.

His mother used to say that holding back what you want to say will make you sick.

So, while his hands moved quickly, the aide’s mouth didn’t stop.

“Roberto, if you happen to find that person, and he tells you he’ll bring the young master with him, what will you do? Will you let him personally raise the young master?”

The aide’s words immediately had an effect. As Roberto automatically reacted to the word ‘young master,’ the aide let out a small smile.

Roberto’s hands stopped moving.

His pupils shook roughly and then stopped.

The moment he revealed his emotions was short, and the time he suppressed them was even shorter.

With an indifferent expression, Roberto opened his lips.

“…Well.”

A heavy answer fell.