After the Wicked Wife Leaves

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Translated by: Alina

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“Sardin, fetch the coachman.”

 

Upon my command, Sardin went to summon the coachman. Meanwhile, Janet bowed her head and said, “Madam, in that case, I will discreetly guard you again.”

 

Part of me wanted to suggest that she join us openly and ride in the carriage, but I knew she would feel burdened, so I simply nodded in agreement. “Understood.”

 

As Janet disappeared from sight, I couldn’t help but smile bitterly. I knew that the day my plan was executed, she would find it difficult to escape responsibility.

 

‘It’s not ideal to deceive a benefactor unintentionally, but it’s unavoidable.’

 

Her burn was incurred while protecting Damian, and so it would be better for her to distance herself from us.

 

‘But she’s still deserving of gratitude, so I’ll take care of her until I leave.’

 

With that in mind, I boarded the carriage.

 

—

 

“Archduke Tarrant.”

 

The expression on Reinhardt’s face changed when Erich called him.

 

“I didn’t expect the duke to welcome me like this.”

 

Reinhardt’s tone was noticeably different from when Cornelia was present.

 

His voice, once gentle, now carried an air of authority, and there was no warmth in his elegant face.

 

“Honestly, there was no need for you to see my face, Duke Blant.”

 

Although Reinhardt’s lineage as an Archduke surpassed that of a Duke and he belonged to the higher aristocracy, it was only proper to show respect to Duke Erich as a Duke.

 

As a noble at the top of the social hierarchy, the Duke held a position that even the Emperor would show respect to, and Reinhardt was merely an heir who had not even become an Archduke yet.

 

While Erich could have shown displeasure at Reinhardt’s attitude, he raised the corners of his mouth and sat across from him.

 

“As the master of the house, how could I ignore my guest?”

 

Eventually, with a cold gaze, Erich addressed Reinhardt.

 

“Moreover, if that person approaches my family with impure intentions, I cannot pretend not to know even more.”

 

“Hahaha.”

 

Reinhardt laughed lightly before turning icy.

 

“Are you trying to play the role of a husband now? After neglecting her for so long.”

 

Despite the fierce criticism, Erich’s expression remained unchanged.

 

Reinhardt smirked and shrugged.

 

“Still, thanks to that, I’ve been given an opportunity.”

 

At that, Erich looked at Reinhardt with a smirk.

 

“An opportunity, you say? What opportunity?”

 

“You know well, don’t you? Erich Lennon Blant.”

 

Reinhardt’s inquiry brought back memories of a recent incident.

 

<Please take me to the duke’s residence.>

 

After the founding of the nation at the age of fifteen, Cornelía’s gaze was always directed towards Erich Blant, filled with deep affection.

 

And even after marriage, her gaze remained the same, so much so that Reinhardt never had a chance in her eyes.

 

However, after coincidentally meeting Cornelía at the palace, Reinhardt sensed something amiss in her behavior.

 

It was her refusal to accompany Erich back to the palace, despite him coming to fetch her.

 

<I hope you will let go of this hand now. I need to get on the carriage.>

 

Moreover, Cornelia refusing the touch of Erich, whom she admires so much?

 

This was definitely strange.

 

But it was too much to conclude that Cornelía’s affection had faded based on this isolated incident.

 

She had a strong sense of pride and often had unnecessary prideful moments.

 

Because of this, Reinhardt agreed to Erich’s proposal to ride together.

 

Upon boarding the carriage, he confirmed that Cornelía, despite her beloved husband’s presence, cast a cold glance, almost as if she was looking at an unwanted adversary.

 

As if she didn’t want to concede.

 

‘Now I know that my chance has come.’

 

There was no need to be anxious.

 

He understood why.

 

It wasn’t he who had built up resentment, but Erich Lennon Blant.

 

Eventually, Reinhardt looked at Erich with a calm expression.

 

“How long do you think you can keep her company?”

 

This marriage was originally what Cornelía desired, wanting to become the wife of Duke Blant.

 

But if she had intentions of divorce, the emperor would surely take her side and hold Erich accountable, leading to disgrace.

 

‘After that, I can finally obtain what I’ve long desired.’

 

Revealing his hidden desires, Reinhardt’s eyes gleamed gold, and Erich began to smile.

 

“Why are you laughing?”

 

Asked Reinhardt in a low voice, and Erich lowered the corners of his mouth.

 

“Reinhardt Adolf Tarrant, don’t delude yourself.”

 

Her appearance, boasting purple eyes, as she spoke of having the child of her beloved.

 

Although he denied it all along, Erich was subtly aware.

 

The fact that what she said was sincere.

 

‘Of course, that’s why she would choose to have a child with a cowardly wanderer.’

 

And her turning her gaze to such a man was entirely her responsibility and fault.

 

‘But this time, I won’t let that happen. Especially not to Reinhardt.’

 

Eventually, Erich glared at Reinhardt as if to say something.

 

“Do you think she would choose you even if she leaves me?”

 

“Of course. If I try hard enough by her side, she will surely recognize my sincerity…”

 

The moment he heard those words, Erich’s gaze turned stern.

 

“Do you think I’ll allow that?”

 

In an instant, Reinhardt, who was caught off guard, flinched before clenching his fists tightly.

 

Soon, he sternly spoke, “Permission comes from Her Highness, not from you. And one thing is for sure, I have no intention of letting go of this opportunity.”

 

In that moment, Erich sincerely wished to break the neck of the despicable man before him.

 

But Reinhardt was different from Prince Fritz.

 

First of all, he was a high-ranking noble who had the emperor’s favor, and thanks to his frank advice to the emperor and his efficient management of his territory, his reputation was quite favorable.

 

Moreover, before becoming the archduke, he must have made various preparations.

 

‘Killing him would surely be troublesome. But…’

 

There was nothing he couldn’t handle. While ‘Erich’ had much to lose, Reinhardt had almost nothing to lose.

 

Erich stared at Reinhardt, lifting the vitality he had been concealing all along.

 

“I warn you. If you dare to linger by her side…”

 

At that moment-

 

Thunk!

 

“There, my guest has arrived?”

 

Cornelia barged in without even knocking.

 

* * *

 

“Madam, we have arrived.”

 

As the coachman’s voice rang out, I held out the ruby necklace intended for the mistress and said, “Sardin, please bring all of those things to my room.”

 

Referring to the items I had bought and received from the alchemy workshop, Sardin nodded.

 

“Yes, understood.”

 

Eventually, the carriage door opened.

 

“Madam, please come in!”

 

Was it because of my anticipation of seeing my mother-in-law?

 

Even Landon’s appearance, welcoming me, was a relief.

 

‘Alright, if I present this gift to the matriach, my plan…’

 

But I couldn’t fulfill that purpose.

 

“Madam, a guest has arrived.”

 

At Landon’s subtle words, I furrowed my brow.

 

“Who is it?”

 

Whoever dared to spread rumors, I vowed to settle the score.

 

But as soon as I heard Randen’s answer, I changed my mind.

 

“It’s archduke Tarrant.”

 

If it were Fritz or Medelin, I wouldn’t let them off the hook, but Reinhardt had said he would bring gifts when he came.

 

“Okay, where is he?”

 

“He’s in the reception room… Madam?”

 

There was no point in delaying, as I would only receive the peach orchard late anyway.

 

Thus, even as Landon tried to stop me, I headed straight to the reception room.

 

“Madam, please wait! There’s someone in the reception room!”

 

Ignoring Landon’s pleas, I confidently opened the door to the reception room.

 

“There, my guest has arrived?”

 

Though I had come to give excuses for the peach orchard, the reception room contained not only Reinhardt but also Erich.

 

‘Why is that person here…?’

 

Furrowing my brow in puzzlement for a moment, I soon guessed the reason for Erich’s presence.

 

‘Ah, he must be here as the master to greet guests in my place.’

 

Indeed, if it was anyone other than Reinhardt, they would have been a prominent figure in social circles.

 

Considering Erich’s concern for appearances, he wouldn’t have just waited around without reason.

 

‘But why is he staring like that?’

 

At that moment, Reinhardt spoke up.

 

“Your Highness, have you arrived? You must be tired, please have a seat.”

 

His hand gestured towards the seat next to me.

 

Then Erich also tapped the seat next to him.

 

“Please, have a seat. Madam.”

 

One was a hesitant man even though he brought gifts, and the other was a husband with whom relations had soured to the point of divorce.

 

Between them, it was obvious where I would sit.