Time had flown by quickly, and before they knew it, nine years had passed. Aella, having finished preparing to leave, stepped outside and was greeted by Kina, now the famously strict head maid of the Hormons household.

“You’re heading to the palace, aren’t you?”

Aella responded with a warm smile, causing Kina to sigh briefly before speaking again.

“The Duke just can’t seem to bear being apart from you, even for a moment.”

Aella gently patted Kina’s shoulder, sympathizing with her struggles.

“I heard Siana scored perfect marks on her test again. She’s such a bright child.”

“She takes after her father, thank goodness. She says she wants to become a teacher. I just worry that she’s studying too much and might overexert herself…”

Concerned about her only daughter, Kina’s worry was evident. Aella placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“With Ayla and me here, what is there to worry about?”

“I feel like I’m only causing trouble for you and the eldest lady.”

Aella smiled and held Kina’s hand as she avoided eye contact.

“Kina.”

“Yes, madam.”

“Lift your head.”

“…Madam.”

“I consider you my younger sister. My children also think of you as their aunt.”

“H-How could that be? How could I possibly—”

“Do you dislike being considered family?”

Kina shook her head vigorously, her eyes glistening with emotion as she looked at Aella.

“I’m so grateful. I’ll dedicate my entire life to serving you, madam.”

“Oh, come now. You’re a wife and mother now. You should live for yourself and your family.”

“Madam…”

“Above all, life only comes once. I hope you’ll live a happy life for yourself from now on.”

“I’m already very happy, thanks to you! Every day is joyful because of you, madam.”

Aella wiped away the tears pooling in Kina’s eyes and embraced her warmly.

“I’ll be back soon.”

“Take care, madam.”

As Aella was about to board the carriage, she greeted Matteo and Natasha, who had just returned from their travels.

“You’re heading to the palace, I see.”

“Yes. Did you enjoy your trip?”

“Thanks to you, madam. We had a wonderful time. Thank you so much.”

Matteo removed his hat, placed it over his heart, and bowed deeply, while Natasha also lowered her head. Seeing the elderly couple, now with wrinkled faces and white hair, always left Aella feeling bittersweet.

“Madam, have a safe journey.”

Nodding in response, Aella boarded the carriage, placing her hands on her lap and gazing forward.

‘Kael and I will grow old too. Our children will grow up, become parents, and have children of their own…’

Closing her eyes, Aella imagined herself aging, and a gentle smile spread across her lips.

‘I hope I can grow old peacefully, just as nature intends.’

Chuckling softly, Aella turned her gaze to the window.

“As time passes, even the scenery changes little by little. Indeed, nothing lasts forever in this world. Oh! Could you stop for a moment?”

“Yes, madam.”

After stepping out of the carriage, Aella asked to wait briefly and walked quickly toward a familiar shop.

<Tommy’s Bakery>

Ding-ding!

“Welcome, madam!”

“Tommy.”

Approaching Tommy, who had grown from a snot-nosed child into a dependable bakery owner, Aella patted his shoulder as he bowed deeply in gratitude.

“Is business going well?”

“Absolutely! It’s all thanks to you and the Duke! Especially Claire—she always buys so much.”

“Claire loves the desserts from this bakery.”

“It’s truly an honor!”

“She has such a hearty appetite. I hope she’s not making things too difficult for you.”

Scratching the back of his head with a laugh, Tommy replied.

“It’d be a lie to say it’s not hard work, but seeing her enjoy the desserts I make brings me so much joy. Not just her—the other customers who visit my shop as well. I want to keep bringing happiness to more people.”

Moved by Tommy’s passion, Aella wished him luck and asked him to pack desserts for the Empress.

“D-Desserts for the Empress?”

“There’s no need to be so nervous. The Empress loves the treats you make, which is why I came here.”

“Oh, madam. I couldn’t be happier than I am right now.”

Seeing Tommy shed tears of joy, Aella smiled warmly and decided to sit and wait for the desserts to be packed.

“Duchess!”

“Oh.”

Recognized by the ladies who had gathered, Aella chatted with them briefly.

“They say the Duchess is still like newlyweds with the Duke~”

“How enviable.”

“My husband doesn’t even want to sleep in the same bed as me anymore.”

“My husband started keeping mistresses just two years after we married!”

“Oh, my!”

Listening to the lively chatter of the ladies, Aella covered her mouth with her hand and simply nodded along.

‘Unlike these ladies, I feel overwhelmed by my husband in a different way.’

Hiding her thoughts, which she could never share, Aella comforted one of the ladies who was venting about her husband’s infidelity.

“Countess Sorbet, I’ve heard you don’t have children yet. Have you considered divorce?”

“D-Divorce?!”

“Yes.”

“Duchess, divorce is such a drastic measure…”

As the Countess paled at the suggestion, Aella placed a hand on her shoulder and spoke gently.

“I will help you. If you continue to live in misery like this, it could harm your health. That’s my biggest concern. After all, life only comes once—it’s too precious to waste. I’ve heard you were quite a famous writer before you got married.”

“Yes… But my mother-in-law said women shouldn’t write and should focus on supporting their husbands…”

Lowering her head, the Countess trailed off. Aella softly held her wrist and called her name. When the Countess raised her head, her teary eyes tugged at Aella’s heartstrings. She handed her a handkerchief and continued.

“Times are changing. It’s still difficult for women to live freely, but I believe a time will come when women can freely express themselves and thrive. Above all, I promise to support you in every way if you decide to divorce.”

“Duchess!”

The Countess cried like a child in Aella’s arms as Aella patted her back. The other ladies, watching in awe, all thought the same thing.

‘The Duchess is truly incredible!’

After comforting the Countess and urging her to contact her later, Aella turned to face Tommy, who approached with the packed desserts.

“Duchess, you’re truly amazing!”

“Hmm?”

“You regularly donate large sums to orphanages, volunteer for the poor, and help so many people like this. How could anyone not respect you? The people call you an angel without wings.”

Aella nodded slowly and accepted the box in Tommy’s hands.

“Tommy, I’ll pay for this now, but could you deliver snacks to the duchy by tomorrow at 1 p.m.? Claire mentioned she’s running low on your treats, and I just remembered.”

“Of course! I’ll make sure they’re delivered on time.”

“Thank you. I’ll stop by again next time.”

“Take care, madam!”

After exchanging brief farewells with Tommy, Aella climbed back into the carriage.

“I’ve delayed too long. Let’s go quickly.”

“Yes, madam. Giddy-up!”

As the carriage sped along, Aella leaned back against the seat and closed her eyes.

‘I want to create a world where divorced women can live boldly and proudly.’