It Feels Like I’m About to be Divorced, But my Husband is My Favorite

Episode 10

Three days later, at the Duke of Rudion’s estate.

“This is absolutely outrageous!”

A rare uproar broke out in the usually serene estate of Duke Rudion, where raised voices were seldom heard due to the duke’s gentle nature.

A man, who was reading the words written on high-quality paper—uncommon for the Rudion estate—put it down and tilted his head slightly.

“What’s the matter?”

Even in this emergency, the man maintained the graceful and impeccable demeanor of a noble.

“Are you asking because you really don’t know, Your Grace?”

Delano, the duke’s normally composed aide, shouted in frustration.

“Marriage to Lady Basilian! Putting aside the fact that she’s not from the North, her reputation is so notorious that even those at the far end of the empire have heard of it. And that’s not all! Everyone in the empire knows she harbors feelings for His Highness, the Crown Prince!”

Unlike the agitated Delano, Euclid’s expression remained unchanged, with a slight smirk on his lips.

“So, are you saying we should refuse this marriage proposal?”

“What? Well…”

“Butler, how much time and money do we have left to pay Count Beers this month?”

“The amount is 750 gold. We have ten days left, sir,” the butler replied, unable to hide his distress.

The northern lands ruled by Duke Rudion had a rugged terrain and harsh weather, making it difficult for trading caravans to travel there. As a result, food and basic necessities were sold at much higher prices than in other regions.

Most of the supplies were purchased through Count Beers, who ran the only trading company in the North. About ten years ago, the count had raised prices to a near-extortionate level.

Naturally, the people of the territory began to protest, and Duke Rudion had no choice but to intervene personally.

Ultimately, the duke’s household agreed to cover part of the procurement and distribution costs, which increased their financial burden with each passing month.

The situation might have improved if the Rudion estate created its own trading company, but they lacked any notable specialty goods to sell. Moreover, they had to uphold the orders of the founding lord.

Count Beers’ distribution fees were a significant expense, but the real issue was the debt that had accumulated over many years.

Despite various efforts to revitalize the North—such as investing in mines and land—every venture had failed, leaving the household mired in debt.

The families who had invested or lent money were mostly local or Northern families with close ties, so they only charged small interest rates, but the future remained uncertain.

Delano, as the duke’s aide, understood the situation better than anyone else.

‘But no matter the circumstances, how could he marry such a notorious woman!’

While it might have been acceptable that the Basilian family was wealthy enough to live extravagantly—never wearing the same outfit twice—her sharp and temperamental nature, along with her frequent fits, were intolerable!

There were even rumors that she frequented the black market, attending auctions where illegal goods and slave trades took place!

“I am absolutely opposed to this marriage. How could Duke Basilian suggest such a thing?”

“Didn’t you say that she seemed like a good person, despite the rumors?”

Euclid asked in a light-hearted tone as he watched Delano shake with betrayal.

Delano couldn’t hide his frustration as he fumed.

Only a few days ago, he had finally met Duke Basilian, a shrewd politician and a ruthless businessman with a reputation for being cold-hearted.

Despite his icy appearance and fearsome reputation, Duke Basilian turned out to be an incredibly straightforward man.

He even expressed an astonishing desire to establish a branch of the Basilian trading company in Rudion’s territory and pursue profitable ventures together.

“I really thought he came here with pure business intentions.”

“Didn’t I tell you that wouldn’t be the case? Opening a branch here isn’t necessarily profitable for the Basilian family.”

“But I thought it made sense! In fact, I thought it was overdue!”

Euclid finally broke into a small laugh as he watched his aide’s dismayed expression.

But even Euclid couldn’t entirely dismiss Delano’s assumptions.

After all, it was indeed strange that the Basilian trading company, which extended its influence beyond the empire to the entire continent, didn’t have a single branch in Rudion’s territory.

Rumors had circulated that the founding dukes of Basilian and Rudion were bitter enemies, even though they had both served as national heroes.

Euclid took off his glasses, a slight smile fading from his face, and spoke calmly.

“Regardless, we should be grateful. Duke Basilian saw me favorably enough to offer this proposal.”

Delano wanted to argue how they could be thankful when he was trying to offload such an unruly daughter, but he couldn’t say it out of conscience.

After all, if the marriage took place, the Basilian family had promised, in addition to opening a branch, to hand over a considerable amount of wealth as part of the dowry.

No longer having to rely solely on Count Beers for supplies was promising, but the agreed-upon dowry amount… It was simply too substantial to refuse.

‘That’s probably why the duke is breaking the unspoken rule that duchesses are usually Northerners and considering this marriage.’

In truth, Delano would have gladly welcomed the proposal and even bowed in gratitude had the other party not been Lady Basilian.

“But…”

“And isn’t it fortunate?”

“Pardon? What could you mean?”

Delano, looking distressed, blinked as Euclid gave a playful smile.

“I’ve heard rumors that the Basilian princess admires His Highness the Crown Prince, but there was never talk of them being in a relationship. So, even if they marry, His Highness won’t have any reason to hold a grudge.”

“Is that really fortunate?”

Of course, being on bad terms with the royal family is a frightening prospect!

“What does it matter? To the princess, there is probably only His Highness the Crown Prince!”

She might even feel that way after the marriage.

The thought of Lady Rudion shamelessly trailing after the Crown Prince filled Delano with horror, and he shook his head vigorously.

“That could be for the best, anyway…”

And so he didn’t catch Euclid’s bitter muttering under his breath.

Composing his expression, Euclid addressed the butler.

“Please make preparations to depart for the capital as soon as possible.”

“Understood, my lord.”

“Your Grace!”

“Is there more you wish to say?”

Still uncomfortable with the marriage proposal, Delano raised his voice in frustration, but found himself speechless in front of Euclid, who had put his glasses back on and was ready to look over documents.

Whenever his master wore that expression, completely devoid of mirth, he seemed to emit a presence even more imposing than the royals themselves. He exuded an aura that silenced any thought of challenging his decision or saying anything against his wishes.

‘That a person like him would marry someone like…!’

Hiding his troubled thoughts, Delano sincerely hoped that the Basilian princess was a good person, contrary to the rumors. And even if she wasn’t, he prayed she would be moved by the noble and kind-hearted Duke before her.

“Congratulations on your engagement, Your Grace.”

The butler, who had been observing the mood, quickly added his own words.

“Lady Marianne and young Master Dior will also be thrilled to hear the news. After all, they’re gaining an aunt.”

Since losing his parents at such a young age, this would be his first family member in a long time, which would make it all the more precious.

Euclid read the sentiment behind the butler’s words, unable to voice agreement, but attempted to answer with a smile.

A slight crack appeared on Euclid’s forehead.

Before anyone noticed, he forced his lips to curve upward again and said,

“Thank you for the congratulations. Now, there’s much to do, so all of you may leave.”

Neither Delano nor the butler sensed anything amiss as they bowed and exited.

As soon as the door to the study closed, Euclid hurriedly took out a handkerchief and covered his mouth.

His face turned pale as he looked down at the blood that stained the cloth.

“What does it matter? To the princess, there is probably only His Highness the Crown Prince!”

Recalling his aide’s words, Euclid let out a bitter smile.

“I truly hope that’s the case. My apologies to my nieces and nephews, but this marriage won’t last long.”

In that whisper, too quiet for anyone to hear, was a glimmer of genuine intent.