“I didn’t know you knew so much about David.”

She knew this from Marie, who had mentioned David while talking about Airix.

‘Though it was mostly about Viscount Asa.’

Medric gazed at her for a moment before continuing:

“Anyway, since he’ll be participating with me, the mansion will be quite empty. I’ll ask Airix to stay by your side, but I can’t help worrying.”

No one but Medric would worry this much about a grown adult who could use divine power.

‘Besides, isn’t the Duke in more danger than I am?’

Anyone could see that Medric, who would face monsters in the subjugation campaign, was in far more danger than someone staying in the mansion.

“I’ll be fine, so please take care of yourself, Duke.”

“Yes, I should. But still, it’s the first time since our marriage that I’ll be leaving you alone.”

Medric seemed not at all concerned about himself, constantly looking back at Eve with worry.

Then, as if something occurred to him, Medric asked:

“I’ll need to entrust the estate to you while I’m gone. Is that alright?”

“Of course.”

As Medric said, they were still married, and Eve was still the Duchess of Archild.

“Until we stamp the divorce papers and formally complete the divorce process, I’ll do my best as the Duchess. This is separate from my revenge.”

It was only natural. How much had Medric done for her when she had nothing? At the very least, she intended to be a perfect duchess in all matters except social activities until their divorce.

“…If you say so, I won’t stop you. But Hans will handle any difficult tasks anyway, so don’t overdo it. Take care not to collapse.”

“I won’t overdo it, so don’t worry.”

Anyone listening would think she was a high-risk patient who might collapse at any moment.

Eve was about to retort when she remembered what she had wanted to ask earlier.

“By the way, I have something to discuss regarding our divorce.”

“…Go ahead.”

A cold wind seemed to pass between them.

“Originally, you suggested postponing the divorce for three months.”

“I did.”

“But we won’t be able to proceed with the divorce while you’re participating in the subjugation campaign, so if we do it, it would have to be after that…”

The reason Eve had proposed divorce to Medric was to prevent harm to the Duke of Archild.

During the subjugation campaign, the Grand Duke would make his move, and Eve would also act to carry out her revenge. This meant that the divorce she had proposed to prevent harm might become meaningless.

‘It’s too late.’

The two stood in front of the water garden after crossing a bridge connecting ponds, continuing their conversation.

“Then it would be well past the three months we agreed upon.”

Medric, who had been absently staring at the water lilies floating on the water, answered:

“I suppose so.”

‘I suppose so’? That’s it?

“That’s different from what we discussed. I don’t think it should be delayed any further.”

“Even if we hurriedly start the divorce process now, it won’t be completed before the subjugation campaign. Since things have come to this, how about extending it until the end of the campaign?”

Eve stood still, considering Medric’s words.

‘It’s not like thinking about it will create a new solution.’

At this point, she had no choice but to follow Medric’s suggestion.

Eve looked at the water garden and closed her eyes.

‘I’ll just have to make sure the Duke isn’t harmed during the subjugation campaign.’

Eve’s greatest concern was that rumors might spread about “the Duchess of Archild being a traitor.” The power of words is tremendous—once rumors begin to circulate, a person’s reputation changes instantly regardless of their past actions.

Having witnessed such examples firsthand, she had learned this lesson painfully.

“Alright then. As you suggested, we’ll proceed with the divorce after the subjugation campaign ends. But you must start the process as soon as you return, no matter how difficult it is.”

By then, he would likely understand why she insisted on divorce.

“Yes, I truly promise this time.”

“Thank you.”

A small smile appeared on her face.

The two silently watched the lotus flowers swaying in the water garden for a long while.

As the sun began to set, the wind blew fiercely, making her body shiver despite wearing an overcoat.

“It’s getting cold. Let’s go inside now.”

Eve nodded at his words.

***

Although she had said she wouldn’t participate in social activities, meeting Lady Anna was a different matter.

Lady Anna was not only the Duchess of Archild’s chaperone but also practically a friend to Eve.

She might even be the only ally who remembered Modga.

Lady Anna visited upon hearing that Eve had returned to Ptotr with Medric. The two decided to catch up in the tea room.

They sat at a table decorated with calla flowers and briefly exchanged greetings.

“Have you been well?”

“Of course. And you, My Lady? I’m sorry I couldn’t contact you. I was quite busy in the Grand Duchy…”

Lady Anna carefully examined Eve’s complexion and asked cautiously:

“You look thinner. Did something happen in the Grand Duchy?”

“Well, I met Grand Duchess Roanne.”

Eve had no intention of telling anyone about “that matter.”

It was obvious that sharing would only bring concerned looks. Above all, the future Eve was planning was not bright. What was the point of revealing the dark path she was about to take? Eve wanted to quietly achieve her goals without telling anyone.

“Grand Duchess Roanne? I was wondering how she was doing since no one had seen her after she left Ptotr. How is the Grand Duchess?”

“She’s doing reasonably well.”

Eve spoke vaguely about Roanne. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Lady Anna, but she didn’t think it right to share information about someone else’s affairs.

“I see. There had been worried talk since news of the Grand Duchess disappeared for a while. That’s a relief.”

Lady Anna exhaled with relief.

Soon, a maid poured brewed tea into their cups. Lady Anna watched and encouraged Eve:

“I asked them to serve tea I brought today. Please try it.”

Eve slowly lifted the cup and smelled it. The aroma seemed a bit more refreshing than her usual tea.

“Is it black tea?”

“Yes. You recognized it well. It’s black tea from the Kingdom of Yatgair. The scent and taste are different, so please try it.”

Eve, who had been smelling the aroma, took a sip of the tea.

Unlike the tangy taste she expected, a honey-like sweetness filled her mouth. The smooth finish was exquisite.

“It’s delicious.”

As Eve exclaimed in admiration, Lady Anna said happily:

“Isn’t it? This is the first time I’ve found black tea this sweet. I’m glad I brought it.”

“Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”

“It’s nothing between us.”

Eve brought a madeleine from the table to her mouth as they continued their conversation. She chewed the soft golden madeleine and took a sip of the rich black tea, creating a heavenly melting sensation in her mouth.

Just as the madeleine disappeared in her mouth, Eve murmured:

“It’s so peaceful… yet the subjugation campaign will begin soon.”

“Indeed. Perhaps that’s why the knights seem more disciplined. After all, they say weaker knight orders lose about half their members in subjugation campaigns.”

Though the Anas knights were said to be fine due to their rigorous training and sufficient practice, ordinary knights often returned from subjugation campaigns either dead or missing limbs.

At Lady Anna’s words, Eve looked out the window.

She could see knights training with wooden swords. It was surprising enough that they were training in cold weather wearing only tunics, but they were even sweating. Whenever they pulled up their tops to wipe the sweat from their foreheads, she could glimpse the firm muscles on their stomachs and chests.

“Oh, by the way, have you decided on a gift for the Duke?”

“A gift?”