Ellen’s first destination upon arriving in the capital was the flagship boutique operated by her family.

After contacting the family through the boutique, she entrusted the finished letter to the manager and then instructed them to select some of the store’s items and bring them to her room.

“We have selected only the finest items in the store. Starting with this dress…”

“No need for explanations. I’ll take them all.”

“All of them, you say?”

“Yes. Pack everything and send it here.”

Ellen wrote down the number of the hotel room she had booked on a note and handed it over.

Then she picked a dress hanging in the middle, went straight to the fitting room, changed, and came out.

Having changed everything from head to toe, including her dress, gloves, and shoes, Ellen dropped what she had taken off onto the floor and said,

“Burn them all.”

As if she found even holding them repulsive, she mercilessly discarded everything and ordered them to be thrown into the incinerator before leaving the boutique.

‘I’ve sent a letter to Father, and since this is the imperial capital directly under the Emperor, Gillian won’t be able to act recklessly… Good.’

What should I do now?

Ellen carefully organized her thoughts.

‘It might be better to wait for Father’s contact at the hotel rather than wandering outside…’

Once she began to act, she felt a bit more at ease.

But nothing was certain yet.

‘Divorce is urgent for now, but I need a plan for what happens afterward. I have a direction in mind, but to persuade Father, I need a more concrete plan…’

At that moment…

“Oh, damn it. This is driving me crazy.”

While pondering various things and walking into the hotel, Ellen heard a very familiar voice.

Turning her head toward the sound, she saw a man standing alone amidst the people busy with their own ways, rummaging through his pockets.

The man, regardless of people passing by, was frantically patting down his entire body with urgent gestures.

“Damn it, whoever you are…!”

‘Who is that? The voice sounds familiar.’

Did I know someone with such a foul mouth?

Then, perhaps sensing Ellen’s gaze, the man turned his head toward her.

Their eyes met.

“…Duchess Krembell?”

“No way, it’s you, Lord Kaiden?”

Why is the Crown Prince here now?

Ellen was taken aback.

Why is someone who should be in the imperial palace here?

However, it wasn’t difficult to recall the reason.

This hotel was the place the Crown Prince had taken them to previously.

“It’s been a while, Your Highness.”

“Come to think of it, it’s the first time I’m seeing you since the New Year’s banquet.”

Kaiden Istazio.

The Crown Prince of the Istazio Empire, the cousin of her husband Gillian Krembell, and where she had her roots.

“What brings you here alone?”

“I had a bit of business here. I’m relieved to have met you, Duchess.”

He approached her with a bright smile that could make one misunderstand his earlier curses as a mistake.

“You seem to be in some trouble.”

“Yes. By the way, what brings you to the capital alone, leaving your husband behind?”

Ah, husband.

The momentary bewilderment in Ellen’s mind quickly dissipated at the word that brought reality back.

Ellen spoke to him with a slightly apologetic face.

“I’m sorry, Lord Kaiden. Soon, we won’t be husband and wife, so I would appreciate it if you could address me by the name of Crient from now on.”

“Not to be husband and wife… Are you considering divorce?”

“It will be over once he stamps the seal.”

Ellen felt a slight surprise at how calmly her voice came out.

She never thought a day would come when she could say such things so nonchalantly.

However, the Crown Prince seemed quite surprised, as he began to stammer with a pale face.

“That guy… He always had a taciturn side. I can’t presume to guess the wounds you must have suffered… But as a woman, wouldn’t it be better to take a little more time to contemplate such a big decision?”

Listening to him, there was an awkward pause almost as if he stuttered.

‘Is it that unexpected?’

She recalled how her relationship with her husband was around this time.

‘I don’t think it was much different from now.’

She lived her whole life not much differently and died.

A small breath escaped from her lips.

‘Well, if I’m surprised, how much more for him.’

Divorce.

It was a word she hadn’t even imagined just days ago.

“Thank you for your words, but it’s a conclusion I reached after much contemplation.”

“…I apologize for meddling unnecessarily. I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine.”

Despite Ellen’s denial, Kaiden couldn’t hide his awkwardness.

But indeed, this incident was something the Crown Prince could be sufficiently flustered about.

Some might say this divorce is a blessing for the Crown Prince, as the third in line to the throne is stepping out of the race.

However, his biggest obstacle was his younger brother, the second in line. In contrast, his cousin, the duke, had quickly set aside his ambitions for the crown and chosen a stable ally, namely Kaiden, to solidify his own power.

But now he was about to see the real power of the Krembell family with his eyes wide open.

Ellen suddenly felt sorry for him and spoke,

“By the way, may I ask what trouble you are currently experiencing?”

“Oh, right. I shouldn’t be worrying about you, Lady.”

Kaiden laughed awkwardly and scratched the back of his head.

“I lost my money, so I can’t settle my business or return home. But I can’t exactly take the liver out of a flea¹metaphorically means that there’s no way to gain any further benefit or resources from something very small or insignificant…”

Ah, so that’s why he was frantically searching his pockets.

Ellen realized the meaning behind his strange behavior.

‘From sneaking out to causing trouble, he really does it all.’

“Oh my, a flea? I’ve never heard such a saying before.”

Fortunately, his problem was something she could help with.

She guessed he had probably snuck out without his father’s knowledge, as he used to do.

Ellen quickly sorted through the various thoughts that crossed her mind.

Gillian Krembell’s treason.

Kaiden Istazio, the Crown Prince.

The capital.

And today, the opportunity given to her.

She decided.

“When do you plan to return home? Today, I, Ellen Crient, will accompany you.”

With a gesture as elegant as her initial greeting, Ellen clapped her hands.

Hearing the sound of her clapping, a hotel attendant who had been standing in a corner quickly ran over.

“Go and call a carriage. It seems you’ll be accompanying us today, so tell your employer that, and here is something for you.”

In her hand were jewelry pieces showcasing the delicate craftsmanship of an artisan.

The jewels, seemingly glowing on their own due to their excellent cutting, and the platinum encasing them, boasted a beauty akin to a work of art.

The attendant, entranced by what she was holding, carefully closed his palm around the treasures placed in his hand and ran off quickly.

She smiled sweetly and said,

“As you can see, those wedding jewelry is mine. So today, I, Ellen, the eldest daughter of Crient, will accompany you, Lord Kaiden.”

I’m getting divorced. But I still want to maintain an amicable relationship with you.

In her actions conveying this fact, Kaiden’s gaze followed the retreating figure of the attendant.

He seemed to be contemplating.

But soon, his eyes softened and he spoke.

“Thank you. Then I’ll rely on you today, Lady.”

Good.

Ellen clenched her small fist tightly.

The Crown Prince decided to listen to her.

This was an opportunity.

It wasn’t all coincidence, but if she hadn’t taken the first step, she would have missed the chance.

‘Now it truly begins.’

Ellen genuinely smiled, lifting the corners of her lips.

“I look forward to it as well, Lord Kaiden.”

* * *

“Where were you originally planning to go?”

“I was thinking of taking a stroll through the market street in the old town. That’s where many stories and sentiments gather.”

At those words, Ellen frowned as if she had heard something she shouldn’t have.

“Your Highness. I can be your wallet, but I can’t be your guard.”

“I know. With you here, I wouldn’t even think of doing something so dangerous.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

At Ellen’s sharp words, the Crown Prince let out a hollow laugh and then turned his gaze to the half-open window.

When the carriage arrived at its destination, Ellen first exchanged money and then handed some travel expenses to the Crown Prince.

“Just in case, keep this with you.”

“Thank you very much for your help today.”

“As a subject… I mean, it’s only natural.”

“When there are more who don’t think it’s natural, it usually becomes something unnatural.”

That’s certainly true.

Ellen nodded internally at the Crown Prince’s bitter words.

The Crown Prince, as if he couldn’t help it, smiled and took her hand.

“I didn’t say that to make you look like that. Instead, since we’re here today, why not enjoy it together?”

“Pardon?”

“It’s okay, it’s okay. You won’t take your eyes off me anyway, so I’m saying just stay by my side.”

What is this Crown Prince talking about?

Ellen couldn’t voice what she was thinking and just looked at him.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her through the crowd.

“I like that skewer shop over there, how about it?”

“…I’m fine.”

“Alright then, wait here.”

He stood her on the side of the road and approached the skewer shop.

“Hey, old man!”

“Oh, it’s been a while.”

The old man laughed heartily upon seeing Kaiden.

“Since you’re here, I guess I’ll close up shop early today.”

“I’ll live up to that expectation. Start with five. And before you close up shop, make sure to tell me the sauce recipe.”

“What a cheeky young brat.”

The old man clicked his tongue and placed chicken skewers on the grill.

The Crown Prince laughed nonchalantly and asked as if inquiring about his well-being.

“By the way, old man. How long do you usually keep the shop open these days?”

“Don’t even ask. These days, I have to stay until night to sell everything.”

He continued as he flipped the skewers.

“You heard about the body they found around here recently, right? Since then, people disappear as soon as the sun sets.”

Hearing that, the Crown Prince’s face momentarily hardened.