Episode 153

“Today, if you’re not ready—”

“No,” I interrupted, my voice firmer now.

“Excuse me?”

“Send the papers immediately.”

After a long internal struggle, I had finally made up my mind. If I kept delaying, it would only cause more discomfort for everyone involved.

This had to end, once and for all.

“…Understood. I will send the prepared documents to Duke Blighton’s estate right away,” the butler replied before leaving the study.

But as soon as the door closed behind him, a wave of regret washed over me.

I almost called him back, the words hovering on the tip of my tongue, to ask him to delay it just a little longer.

But I forced myself to stay seated, suppressing the urge to act on those feelings.

Even so, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the door, lingering on the last chance to change my mind.

‘Get a grip,’ I told myself.

I finally turned away, trying to think of what I could do for Lloydin now.

‘Soon, another expedition will be organized.’

Considering Lloydin’s recent frequent absences and the current situation, it was only a matter of time.

There was nothing I could do to help with this upcoming expedition.

‘Please, just this once.’

If he could come back safe this time, if he could return unharmed, then maybe I could find a way to help him avoid these deathly missions in the future.

Now, I was freer than ever before.

No one could stop me from going wherever I wanted. Though my time was limited before I had to enter the palace, there was still some time left before the divorce was finalized.

‘I’ll find a way, no matter what.’

It was a promise I made to myself, and I would do everything in my power to keep it. I had to.

* * *

A few days later, I headed to the palace to meet with the Crown Prince.

I didn’t want to see him, but I had no choice—I needed his approval for what I was planning.

When I arrived at his palace, the Crown Prince was waiting outside, just as he had said he would.

I saw him standing there as the carriage came to a stop, and I hurried to step out before he could offer his hand again. The memory of his touch last time was still fresh, and I wanted to avoid any contact with him if I could.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

“Welcome,” he replied with his usual smile.

“I’ve been waiting for you.”

“There’s no need to come out every time…”

I started to say that it made me uncomfortable, but I stopped myself. I couldn’t risk upsetting him today, not when I needed something from him.

“I do it because I want to, so don’t worry about it.”

“…Thank you.”

I had no gratitude to offer, but I put on a polite face, remembering my goal.

“Shall we go inside?” he suggested.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

I followed him into the palace. As soon as we settled in the reception room, the Crown Prince spoke.

“I didn’t expect you to contact me first.”

“Ah, yes,” I replied with an awkward smile. “I have something important to discuss, and I thought it would be better to do so in person.”

“What is it?”

“I sent the divorce papers to Duke Blighton.”

“Is that so?”

A pleased look crossed his face at my words.

“Yes. Once I receive the signed documents back from the Duke, the divorce will be finalized.”

“That’s good news. I’ll make sure the Duke doesn’t delay.”

“What?” I asked, confused. Why would he need to pressure Lloydin when the process was already underway?

The Crown Prince quickly explained.

“The expedition is set to begin in two days. The Duke should sign before then, shouldn’t he?”

“Two days from now?”

I had expected the expedition to be soon, but I hadn’t realized it would be this soon. I struggled to keep my surprise from showing on my face.

“Yes. The monsters at the border are stirring again. Duke Blighton will be leading the charge once more.”

“…I see.”

I lowered my head slightly, lost in thought. But I soon felt the Crown Prince’s gaze on me, sharp and probing.

I quickly composed myself and looked up, trying to hide any sign of my inner turmoil.

“Does it bother you?” he asked, his tone pointed.

“Excuse me?”

“Does it bother you that Duke Blighton is going on the expedition?”

“…Of course, it does,” I replied, sensing his displeasure.

“Bothersome, you say…”

“It’s only been a little over a week since I left Blighton Manor. Until then, he was my husband. So it’s only natural that I’d be concerned, isn’t it?”

I responded with a slightly sharp tone, irritated that he was asking something so obvious. But then I remembered my purpose for coming here and quickly tried to amend my statement.

“But that’s all it is. I hope he returns safely, but beyond that, he’s no longer connected to me.”

Despite my anxious and urgent feelings, lies slipped from my lips with ease.

When it came to achieving my goals, telling such lies was as easy as eating a meal.

After all, they weren’t sincere.

The Crown Prince didn’t need to know my true feelings, so it didn’t matter.

He stared at me intently, as if trying to discern the truth behind my words. But I held his gaze with confidence, pretending there was no deception in my expression.

“…Well, I see. It seems your change of heart could mean progress in our relationship,” the Crown Prince said with a smirk, nodding with his characteristic arrogance.

“…Yes, Your Highness. If you’re patient, I’ll do my best,” I replied, presenting a different, more submissive attitude than usual.

The Crown Prince, perhaps noticing the unusual shift in my behavior, asked directly, “Is there something else you wish to discuss?”

“Excuse me?”

“Your demeanor is quite different from usual.”

It was clear that deceiving the Crown Prince wouldn’t be easy. I had anticipated that he might catch on, but not so quickly. I feigned a slightly surprised expression and met his gaze.

“Well, actually… I have a request.”

“A request? What is it?” he asked, his voice tinged with a mocking tone, as if he had expected nothing less.

The disdain in his attitude made me want to storm out of the room in shame, but I knew that would accomplish nothing.

‘Hold it in. You have to endure this.’

I realized that moments like these would likely become frequent if I stayed around the Crown Prince. If I couldn’t control my emotions and reacted impulsively each time, it would bring trouble not just to me but also to my family.

Today was a practice run for the days ahead.

With that thought, I worked to calm my anger.

“I wanted to visit the royal library.”

“The royal library?” he repeated, his curiosity piqued.

“Yes. I’ve heard it has an extensive collection of books.”

“Is that what you wanted to ask?”

“Yes. I love reading, and I’ve had little to do these past few days. I’m also curious about the royal library.”

“Hmm, the library, you say.”

“Is it not possible for me to visit?”

“The royal library is reserved for members of the royal family.”

“I understand that.”

“You’re not yet a member of the royal family, so technically, you’re not allowed to enter.”

“I see… I was really hoping to visit…” I replied, letting my disappointment and regret show on my face as I looked at him.

“However…”

I watched as the Crown Prince seemed to consider something, waiting for him to speak again.

After a brief pause, he finally granted his approval.

“I’ll make an exception for you.”

“Really?”

“Yes. After all, you’ll soon be my wife.”

“…Thank you.”

I replied, forcing a smile even though the thought of being his wife made my skin crawl.

“Let’s go together, then. I’ll guide you.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t want to trouble you. I can go alone.”

“No trouble at all. I have plenty of time for you.”

“…Very well. I appreciate it.”

“Follow me.”

“Yes.”

With that, the Crown Prince and I left the reception room and headed towards the royal library.