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

Episode 42

The seasoned businessman and politician, Duke Basilian, instinctively realized that no matter how much he despised the imperial family, he had to appease the emperor in this setting.

“He was a mature and composed young man for his age. While he had no particular flaws, compared to the crown prince, the hero of the war…”

Though his words trailed off as if implying nothing remarkable, it was far from his true feelings.

It was only after meeting Euclid face-to-face that the duke recognized his own unspoken prejudices against the North and the House of Rudion, fostered unknowingly by the emperor.

Despite the prior notification of Euclid’s visit, the sudden and unanticipated nature of the meeting should have left room for missteps, no matter the preparation.

However, Euclid, whom he encountered for the first time, possessed strikingly handsome features and an elegant demeanor that immediately won the duke’s favor.

Even when the duke deliberately shifted topics to test him, Euclid’s seamless responses left even Sionel—who was notoriously picky about choosing a husband for his sister than his own future wife—dumbfounded, remarking, “This is exactly what one would expect from Evgenia’s husband.”

Meeting Euclid again in the capital only solidified the duke’s belief that this was an excellent match.

Knowing that Euclid, someone of appropriate status and age within the empire who matched the Basilian duchy’s rank, was still unmarried was now a source of immense relief.

The more he observed, the more Euclid appealed to him. Unlike the arrogant and unruly crown prince, who had never once met his expectations, Euclid was incomparable.

The only regret was that Evgenia, after her marriage, would reside in the capital and not in the North, meaning the duke wouldn’t see her often. Therefore…

“In any case, isn’t the prosperity and development of the North, including the Rudion territory, a blessing and glory bestowed by His Majesty the Emperor?”

Hoping that the Rudion territory, where his daughter would reside, would thrive and prosper, the duke uttered flattering words that he usually avoided.

He genuinely recalled the desperate state of the barren North when he first visited, making his suggestion a heartfelt one.

However, to the emperor’s ears, the subtle advice about supporting the North came across as an unpleasant demand.

“Do you think I’m unaware of your loyalty, Duke Basilian? But what’s the point of sprinkling water on parched land? No matter how wealthy your family may be, you cannot sustain the entire territory. Isn’t it akin to pouring water into a bottomless pit?”

“Haha…”

Just moments ago, the emperor had expressed expectations for the Rudion territory to rejuvenate. Yet, now he blatantly ridiculed its potential for development and prosperity.

The duke, momentarily losing his composure, retorted, “You never know. Rain might fall even on dry ground—golden rain, at that.”

The duke genuinely hoped that the North could transform, especially since it was now where his precious daughter was headed.

But the emperor, misinterpreting the duke’s remark as mere pride and stubbornness, smirked. He initially planned to send a messenger to inform Kaiden of Evgenia’s marriage and unleash his wrath.

However, he soon changed his mind.

If his insolent son had intentionally sought to provoke him, hearing the news might only bring Kaiden joy.

Although this could benefit the war’s progress, the emperor, confident in his ultimate victory, decided instead to let Kaiden endure further hardships.

The emperor’s cold, ruthless gaze sharpened as he thought of his only son, sent to the battlefield by his command.

***

5. When My Favorite Person Calls Me His Wife

The carriage shook noticeably, likely due to crossing the rugged northern mountains.

Even though it was a magically-enhanced carriage with speed and other convenience spells, the rough ride persisted.

‘Surely the miserly tower lord didn’t only use a speed spell, right?’

The thought arose naturally, though my mood remained unaffected.

In fact, I felt a peculiar sense of comfort.

‘How reassuring.’

I couldn’t help but smile as I glanced at the gift packages filling the carriage.

I had assumed that after the wedding, I would be able to spend time with Euclid, but during the journey, we stayed in separate carriages. Upon arriving at the hotel last night, we were even given separate rooms—a disappointment I couldn’t hide.

‘Of course, it’s likely intended for us to properly spend our first night at the duchy.’

Given Euclid’s staged performance at the wedding, my expectations weren’t particularly high.

Imagining life at the ducal estate and devising ways to win over Euclid, my thoughts shifted to his family, whom I hadn’t met at the wedding.

Specifically, his young nephews.

Five years ago, Euclid unexpectedly became the duke after losing both his father and elder brother—the heir—in a tragic accident.

His young nephews, having already lost their mother at an even younger age, were now in his sole care.

As his wife, I hoped to become a good family member to those children.

Thus, after much thought…

‘This calls for an all-out gift strategy!’

Fortunately, there were excellent shops near the hotel, so I went on a light shopping spree.

However, I lacked experience interacting with young children, leaving me unsure how to approach them.

Nervously biting my lip, I was startled by Anne’s voice.

“My lady, it seems we’ve arrived at the duchy.”

Anne peeked through the curtain of the carriage.

At last, we had reached Rudion Duchy.

Rudion Duchy.

This place felt more thrilling and meaningful to me than the birthplace of any great figure or renowned celebrity.

After all, wasn’t this where my beloved, the person of my dreams, was born and raised?

This place would even become the cozy nest where Euclid and I would live our sweet, harmonious life together.

Feeling my facial muscles stiffen from nervousness, I carefully stepped out of the carriage.

The cold wind brushed against my face—a chill I had never experienced in the capital.

But what felt even colder than the wind…

…was the gaze of the Rudion household’s servants and retainers, who stood before the grand duchy as its backdrop.

They seemed to be trying hard to maintain a neutral expression, but their eyes betrayed feelings of pity and deep sorrow directed at me.

I understood exactly how they felt.

‘They must be devastated and heartbroken that someone like me, a wicked woman, has been paired with the kind and perfect Euclid.’

It was a sentiment I had shared countless times while reading the original story.

Feeling a sense of camaraderie with them, I smiled, lifting the corners of my lips as if to show I understood their feelings.

“Gasp!”

“Ah…!”

The sound of their suppressed emotions escaping startled me. They, too, seemed shocked by their reactions, freezing on the spot.

It reminded me of Euclid’s aide, who had been terrified upon seeing me for the first time.

‘But back then, my makeup was atrocious. Now, I look perfectly normal.’

Could it really be that they were reacting this way simply because of my face…?

The thought dealt me a fair amount of emotional damage, and I found myself plunged into serious contemplation.

At that moment, an older man dressed in a butler’s uniform approached Euclid.

“Master, you’ve returned.”

Bowing deeply, the man caught Euclid’s gaze, who responded with a faint nod and a bewildered expression.

“Yes, I have. But…”

Euclid’s eyes swept over the gathered retainers.

“Judging by how you’re all assembled here, I take it you’ve heard the news.”

“My apologies…”

After a brief silence, Euclid suddenly broke into a bright smile.

“Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to congratulate me on my marriage.”

His smile was so radiant it seemed to emit light, and I couldn’t help but stare at him in a daze.

‘Oh, my. How did I get so lucky…?’

But my fortune didn’t end there.

Suddenly, Euclid walked over to me, standing close enough for me to feel his presence. Then, in a soft voice, he whispered:

“My wife, were you very startled?”

My wife…?!

Did Euclid just call me his Wife?!

Even though I logically knew there was no one else Euclid could address as “my wife,” I still couldn’t believe it. My eyes widened in disbelief as I questioned what I had just heard.