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

Episode 3

Although there was no direct threat with a sword, the fact that the moment the door opened, it was immediately blocked with a spear hinted that their purpose was clearly more for surveillance than protection.

And, as expected:

“Oh, Miss, actually, the Duke has issued an order for you to remain confined for a while. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier.”

Anne, looking terrified, bowed her head apologetically.

However, I wasn’t bothered at all.

It was a situation where the Duke had every reason to punish, and considering Evgenia’s personality, it was clear she would have thrown a fit. But since she had conveniently lost her memory, Anne probably saw no need to provoke me further.

I casually told Anne to request a meeting with my father as I had something to say to him.

Anne gave me a peculiar look.

“Father…? D-Duke?”

Oh! Only then did I realize my mistake.

In the original story, Evgenia always referred to her father as “Duke,” keeping a formal distance, and this belatedly came to mind.

“Yes, Duke Basilia. The one who didn’t even bother to show his face after his daughter collapsed and hit her head on the wall.”

I quickly added that I called him “Father” on purpose to mock Duke Basilian, adopting a cold expression.

Anne, who seemed puzzled by my quick response, frantically waved her hands.

“No, it’s a misunderstanding. When you collapsed like that, the Duke was incredibly alarmed! He simply had to leave urgently with the young master, mentioning something about business with the trading company. They headed north.”

I found her detailed report somewhat odd for an ordinary maid, but I just nodded vaguely.

While it was unfortunate that the Duke was away, I also felt a bit relieved. The truth was, I felt slightly disheartened thinking that the Duke didn’t even come to check on his daughter, who had genuinely collapsed.

No matter how strained their relationship was, and even if Evgenia was notorious as a troublemaker and disgrace to the family, I still thought it was a bit too much.

‘Even my strict father back home would be extremely worried if I were hurt!’

Of course, that was after he acknowledged me as his lucky charm, thanks to the success of his business.

The “poor villainess” trope was far from welcome to me. Not because it was cliché, but because it left me feeling unsettled.

Though I didn’t take over this body willingly, I’d feel somewhat guilty if there were circumstances to consider.

Furthermore, the Duke’s absence likely had nothing to do with the trading company. The timing hinted at something else, and Anne confirming that he headed north strengthened my suspicions.

‘It seems he acted right after Evgenia collapsed. His decisiveness is quite remarkable.’

I felt a little sorry for the Duke, who had set out on a long journey to search for a prospective son-in-law, but Euclid would be the top candidate even without meeting him in person.

It was at that moment, while I looked at the door filled with lingering regrets, envious of the Duke who’d get to see my favorite’s face in person.

“Miss, are you perhaps worried about the person in the basement?”

“…Basement?”

Anne suddenly mentioned a foreboding word as though she was trying to recall something, but then she added cheerfully as if trying to reassure me.

“Yes. You told us only to bring him meals at your command, didn’t you?”

“…?!”

“But don’t worry! Yesterday, Miss Melissa secretly went into the annex and took care of him. As you said before, I pretended not to know… uh, Miss?”

As she continued, a face I couldn’t believe I’d forgotten became disturbingly clear in my mind, draining all color from my face.

In the basement prison of Evgenia’s annex was none other than Richard, one of the main male characters—and the one fated to become the ultimate villain.

And now:

“Miss, are you really sure about this?”

“Yes, just hold him tight.”

“B-but it’s dangerous…”

Anne stood by the window frame, shivering as she spoke.

Seeing her tremble, I couldn’t help but feel my body shudder in response as I gripped the rope secured to the window.

Though I had fastened the rope securely to the bed, I was still terrified.

Anne, perhaps noticing my quivering arms, whimpered.

“If I had known this would happen, I wouldn’t have brought the rope. Do you really have to go yourself, my lady?”

“D-don’t worry. I’ll be back soon.”

But my resolve didn’t waver.

…Though, to be honest, it did falter just a bit.

Still, I had to check on Richard’s condition with my own eyes.

Richard was the man who would one day become the master of an assassin guild so powerful that even the royal family would not dare touch it.

But now, he was nothing more than a prisoner, sold as a slave to Evgenia in the black market. His fate had turned tragic, chosen simply because he possessed the same red eyes as the crown prince.

‘Was Evgenia taking out her resentment toward the crown prince on Richard?’

In the original story, Melissa described Richard, whom she met in the annex, as having endured tremendous hardship.

It made sense, considering he was only fed when permitted, so he must have been tormented severely.

Possessing such a cruel body made me want to cry, but I hardened my resolve and descended step by step, focused only on my ultimate goal: to marry my favorite character.

The high heels made each step feel more precarious and dangerous.

‘Why does Evgenia, who isn’t even that short, insist on wearing heels like these?’

If I left Richard imprisoned like this, he would surely target me for revenge, just as he did in the original story. Perhaps he already did…

No matter what, I had to soothe his heart. That way, my grand plan to pave the way for my favorite character’s success wouldn’t be jeopardized.

Otherwise, I might end up even worse than the original Evgenia, who at least divorced cleanly without causing trouble for the Ducal House of Rudeon.

With a silent prayer that Evgenia hadn’t done the absolute worst to Richard, I finally landed safely on the ground.

When my feet touched the earth, Anne, who had been anxiously watching from above, let out a long sigh of relief.

I waved lightly to Anne to signal that I’d be back, then turned my body.

‘Goodness, it’s a bit chilly.’

Anne had suggested I wear a thick coat against the cold, but I declined, thinking it better to stay light on my feet.

Now, with the sun set, the cold seeped through my thin dress.

Ignoring the chill, I moved quickly, knowing the guards would soon be patrolling the mansion.

Fortunately, I didn’t lose my way and headed straight for my destination.

The entire mansion was brightly lit, except for Evgenia’s annex, which was conveniently dark and suited for committing misdeeds.

When I reached the annex easily, I started to descend to the basement where the prison was, but I suddenly stopped.

The lamps, dimly lit along the stairs, flickered, and a shadow cast upon the wall.

Could it be that Richard had already escaped?

Suspicious, I quickly hid behind a pillar, only to see a figure carefully ascending the stairs.

“…!”

I immediately recognized the mysterious visitor.

There was no way I wouldn’t recognize her.

With her soft, wheat-colored hair that gleamed almost gold, fair skin, and round, clear green eyes—it was Melissa, the angelic protagonist from The Dangerous Choice of a Saintess.

After joining the Duke of Basilia, Melissa wandered around the mansion and eventually stumbled upon Evgenia’s annex, where she learned of Richard’s existence.

Seeing a boy her age locked up in such a miserable state, Melissa was shocked and wanted to set him free. However, knowing that his owner was Evgenia, she couldn’t act rashly.

Instead, she would sneak into the annex, bringing food and ointments for his wounds.

Of course, I only learned today that Anne had been turning a blind eye to this under my orders.

‘I guess Evgenia really only cared about the crown prince.’

With her possessive and obsessive nature, I thought she would throw a fit if anyone, even a slave, approached her property.

Feeling a sense of relief, I watched Melissa’s retreating figure, sympathy in my gaze.

To be honest, from the moment I was reborn in this world, I hadn’t been particularly interested in the original plot.

The heroine’s love story? She can handle that herself.

If love can’t blossom without a villain, then isn’t that a bigger issue?

I felt the same about the Duke of Basilia family.

I had planned to sever ties naturally after marrying Euclid.

Frankly, Evgenia had been nothing but trouble her whole life. At least with a clean divorce, the House of Rudion would be spared from the backlash, unlike the Basilia family, who faced the worst consequences imaginable for a founding noble house due to Evgenia’s misdeeds.

In that regard, I figured it was a good thing I had taken over her body.

Now, I only needed to focus on being happy with Euclid…

With just one condition.

I didn’t care how the original story unfolded, but—

‘I’d rather Melissa not get entangled with Richard at all.’