4. Shall we divorce now?

“Congratulations. You had a big wedding in a single day? You had a huge crush on her during the academy days, and now your dream has come true. If I had known, I would have attended the Del Mare wedding myself… Hic.”

Pfft, hic. Rublier looked displeased at the flamboyant blonde shaking with laughter.

“Instead of giving me a vacation as a wedding gift, you send me on a long-term business trip.”

“Well, you should have told me in advance that you were getting married… Hahaha! That face, that body, it’s a waste to leave it unused, but finally, the day has come.”

The man, whose shoulders were shaking with laughter, burst out laughing.

“I really find you the most amusing person in the world! I can’t believe I wasn’t there yesterday. Satin Del Mare, who always looked so haughty whenever she saw you, and now you’re married. The rumor reached the papal office in less than three hours. I can’t believe I missed your wedding!”

The man who was laughing without realizing what he was saying was Kirion, the first son of Dionysius III, the current Pope, and the future successor to the papacy.

The Pope’s children automatically inherit the position of archbishop upon birth. There is no order of succession among the children.

This is because the next Pope is chosen by divine revelation. Regardless of age or gender, the revelation always selects the most suitable candidate for the papacy. Therefore, it doesn’t matter whether one is born first or second.

Despite this, Kirion was considered the next Pope because his younger sibling was significantly less capable compared to him. To put it nicely, they were lacking, but in places without eyes and ears, more straightforward rumors circulated. The older brother was too talented, while the younger sibling was so incompetent that it was a big problem.

So, everyone believed the revelation would surely point to Kirion. No one doubted it. Hence, Kirion had long been acting as the Pope’s right-hand man, performing duties on behalf of his sibling.

After laughing heartily for a while, Kirion composed himself and took out a pouch, placing it down.

“Though it’s late, here’s a generous wedding gift.”

“I don’t need a wedding gift; I need a vacation.”

Both the speaker and the responder were casual. No joke was considered rude between them. Formality would only make things awkward. Rublier and Kirion had been close friends since meeting at the academy.

If Gjorn was to Satin, Kirion was to Rublier.

Rublier, Satin, and Gjorn—no one dared to mess with these three, whose families were renowned within the academy. Even the professors catered to them.

There were even students who deliberately lost to Gjorn, who was terrible at swordsmanship, out of fear of their family’s power.

Even when Gjorn begged them not to do so, it was useless. His skills were such that he should have been eliminated early, but he was forced to advance to the final round where Rublier was, due to these unspoken circumstances.

Both Gjorn and Rublier were injured in that match. Gjorn was humiliated in front of everyone due to his lack of skill, and Rublier earned Satin’s dislike.

But Rublier didn’t just lose that day.

That day, Rublier formed a bond with Kirion, a friendship that would deepen over the years.

Kirion’s pure golden hair, a symbol of his high priestly status, was unforgettable. When he requested a meeting with Rublier, Rublier already knew who he was. There was only one person in the academy who could make the guardian family’s children bow their heads.

The first son of the Pope, Archbishop Kirion.

Even in their early teenage years, they knew what they needed to know.

“Rublier Ka Dillon greets Archbishop Kirion.”

Although Rublier was two years younger, his gaze was downward. To match Kirion’s eye level, Rublier had to lower his body.

“You’re not smiling even though you won?”

Kirion, examining the handsome boy’s face, said suddenly.

“That’s understandable. It was a very dull match.”

Later, Kirion described his first impression of Rublier. He saw a wild spirit in his sharp eyebrows and stubborn features. He particularly liked his arrogant eyes.

“You’re the successor chosen by the current head of the Holy Knights.”

Rublier had always been expected to win.

Who could beat someone who had been wielding a sword since the age of five?

“I am the successor to the next Pope, and you are the successor to the head of the Holy Knights. The head of the Holy Knights has always been the Pope’s sword. So, you are my sword.”

The young archbishop spoke in a surprisingly elegant manner. It was because he was the first son of the Pope, carrying the expectations meant for his sibling as well. Such maturity beyond his years was naturally expected of him.

Kirion observed Rublier closely. Then, he smiled broadly and extended his hand. His refined speech shifted to the casual tone of a peer. The change was instantaneous.

“I want to be friends with my sword rather than its master. How about it? Forget the formalities and call me Kirion, Rube.”

This suited Kirion much better.

“Alright, Kirion.”

Rublier immediately grasped Kirion’s hand. He called the Pope’s son by name without hesitation. It was a refreshing speed.

The memory of young Kirion cheerfully extending his hand remained unforgettable.

Among the five guardian families, Rublier was the only one Kirion considered a friend. This is why Kirion regretted missing Rublier’s wedding so much. Regardless of the scandal, he couldn’t attend his best friend’s wedding.

“I’d like to send the newlywed groom home, but who dares to replace the Paladin of the Holy Knights? Rube, you are the sword of the Holy Church, the Pope’s army itself. I’m sorry, but I have to stay put in the papal office for a while.”

Despite the friendly banter, Rublier was well aware of his responsibilities. He asked seriously.

“Is His Holiness’s health very poor?”

“Not poor, but he’s not as vigorous as he used to be. It’s worrisome.”

“Everyone must be very concerned.”

“Given his age, it’s inevitable. The cardinal said no one can beat time. If only he had children a bit earlier. Rube, make sure you don’t delay like this. But you’re the eldest of Ka Dillon, and your wife is the only daughter of Del Mare. …It’ll be a headache when it comes to succession, won’t it?”

Rublier responded firmly.

“I’ll make sure it doesn’t become an issue.”

But that was a concern for the future. Rublier had a more immediate worry.

Kirion nodded.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll handle it well. And I heard about that prima donna. I’ve been too busy to see her performance. I was curious about how amazing she is, but Gjorn Sel Wio, who I thought was a gentleman, made the first move. Well, it worked out for you, so it’s a good thing.”

Rublier frowned at the mention of Delilah. His friend was generally a good man, but he had a considerable history with women during their days at the academy.

Rublier immediately warned him.

“She’s a dangerous woman, Kirion.”

“Did you just call someone dangerous? Interesting. Anyway, yes, I heard she’s dangerously beautiful and talented. That’s why someone like Gjorn was captivated. Your expression is scary, so let’s drop this topic.”

Kirion smoothly changed the subject.

“By the way, I feel bad about leaving your new bride alone from the start. Won’t she resent me? How is she doing? Did you even have time to set up your marital home?”

Not only did they not have time to set up a home, but they also got married without even informing their families.

After the prepared reception, Satin and Rublier each went their separate ways to their respective homes. Rumors, faster than feet, had already reached Rublier’s family home before she even arrived. While the family couldn’t hide their astonishment, they accepted Rublier’s marriage.

To be precise, Satin’s status forced the family to accept it. The union with Del Mare wasn’t a losing deal for Ka Dillon either.

“Del Mare is the most prestigious of the prestigious families, so it’s the best match. It’s much better than Del Mare and Sel Wio joining forces. But what’s gotten into you? You said you weren’t thinking about marriage?”

“I wasn’t not thinking about marriage. I just wasn’t thinking about marrying ‘just anyone.’ So, I am going to live independently.”

They didn’t want to live in the house that was prepared for Satin and Gjorn to live together. While furnishing it, Satin must have imagined using it together with Gjorn. Since the husband had changed, naturally, the house should change too.

So, they hastily decided on a new house for the newlyweds and informed Satin, then entered the Papal Palace, only to have the Paladin’s long-term business trip suddenly catch them off guard.

Rublier had a premonition. Their newlywed life had disastrously failed from the start.

By now, Satin must have moved into the new house. She would be waiting there. And when she hears the news of his business trip…

“…Satin will probably be happy to be alone.”

Damn.

That’s right. The worry about discussing an heir didn’t even count as a worry. Satin’s joy was directly Rublier’s concern.