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

Episode 43

My heart was pounding wildly.

Even amidst that, Euclid’s kind gaze and words continued.

“I am truly sorry. I intended to formally arrange a meeting to greet you, but it seems my retainers wanted to meet the lord’s new lady as soon as possible.”

Only then did I realize the reason behind Euclid’s actions.

‘So this is….’

It was similar to pretending to kiss falsely at a wedding ceremony.

The gentle and responsible Euclid must have wanted to reassure the retainers who came worried like this.

He likely wanted to show that my relationship with him wasn’t as bad as they thought and simultaneously apologize first, asking them not to reproach me.

I had a strong desire to fulfill whatever my favorite wished for, as long as possible. Moreover, since this was something I also desired, I felt even more pleased.

I nodded quickly.

“It’s okay. I didn’t expect everyone to welcome me like this, but I’m actually happy.”

Then, looking into the eyes of the retainers who seemed to be staring down as if they had committed a sin and the servants who were visibly tense, I spoke sincerely.

“I hope you all continue to watch over us well in the future.”

Since I am not the villainous Evgenia, I meant that I would truly treat Euclid well. So, everyone should diligently keep an eye on us?

That was the intended meaning.

‘Hmm, this should be fine as the lord’s first greeting, right?’

Everyone might have aversions and prejudices against me, but I hope they don’t see me too negatively.

Thinking that, I smiled brightly.

Evgenia’s greeting instilled fear in the retainers.

From the start, the retainers were more shocked by the sudden news of the lord’s marriage than by the person themselves.

They spent sleepless nights wondering if “that person” had truly married the lord and came to the lord’s mansion to wait.

Among them, some said they couldn’t believe it until they saw it with their own eyes.

However, the woman standing confidently in the harsh northern region, wearing a luxurious, lustrous silver fox fur cloak, was unmistakably Princess Basilian.

Seeing her in person, she was a stunning beauty with black hair contrasted by her skin, which looked even more translucent and fair like snow, mysterious purple eyes, and distinct facial features that gave her an enchanting aura.

However, perhaps due to her notorious reputation, none of her beauty was noticed at all.

No, rather, when she looked at them and smiled with one corner of her mouth raised, an involuntary squeak escaped my lips.

Especially the guard standing right behind the princess, whose eyes gleamed fiercely as if he would never let her make unpleasant remarks, was terrifying.

Wait, for a moment. The maid standing to her left might have a more intense gaze…?

Ah, no. Indeed, the princess standing before them was the most frightening.

It felt overwhelming and somewhat chilling.

At that moment, unable to even think of the prepared questions and with only my mouth trembling in the stifling silence, it happened.

“Lord, have you returned?”

The butler, having disembarked from the carriage, bowed respectfully to the startled master and whispered softly.

“I’m sorry. We prepared as quietly as possible, but it seems the news leaked out. They flocked in and asked questions, and I couldn’t lie…”

In short, it meant that he had revealed both the fact that the lord had married and the details about the other party.

Only then did the retainers, having regained their composure, quickly turn their gazes away.

No matter how much attention Princess Basilian’s appearance had drawn, how could they forget their lord? It was bewildering.

Then, Euclid, who was looking over them with apparent astonishment, spoke.

“Thank you all for taking the time to congratulate me on my marriage.”

“……!”

The retainers widened their eyes.

That statement was essentially a confirmation kill shot.

It was extremely shocking, but at the same time, they realized that before they could rudely ask, “Did you really marry Princess Basilian?” the lord had already stepped forward to clarify the situation.

His response was both gentle and benevolent, yet over the past five years, he had shown no signs of weakness.

“Th… Thank you for your congratulations.”

Having heard him thank them, they couldn’t possibly remain silent, so the retainers reluctantly parted their lips.

In truth, there was much they wanted to say to Euclid.

Duke Rudion was not only the lord of the dukedom but also the leader of the north.

And although they struggled to survive on their own due to the harsh environment, they were retainers of the duke’s household.

Therefore, in orchestrating a marriage like this, couldn’t they have at least given a hint, if not consulted?

Moreover, since the duchess had held that position in the north for generations, breaking that unwritten rule suddenly could have been questioned.

However, seeing Euclid always smiling, the retainers couldn’t say anything.

Despite everything, they were all deeply loyal to the duke’s household.

Five years ago, due to the sudden passing of the previous duke, they accepted Euclid as the new duke, even though they hadn’t considered him as a successor.

Nevertheless, they not only felt pity for Euclid but also respected him for leading the north without significant turmoil until now.

Moreover, even without being asked, they could infer the reasons.

Why Euclid decided to marry so suddenly without informing them.

Why he chose to marry a woman infamous for chasing the crown prince.

It was clear that they had been promised support for managing the duchy’s affairs from the Basilian household.

They saw carriages lined up with the bride’s dowry and wedding gifts.

Looking at this, they felt a sense of self-deprecation.

If the lord had disclosed this matter to them beforehand, could they have properly opposed it?

Could they have said that the lord shouldn’t make such sacrifices?

They definitely couldn’t have.

In the end, not informing them and proceeding with the marriage was the lord’s consideration to avoid burdening them.

Thinking of his responsibility and dedication, the retainers’ eyes unintentionally reddened.

Euclid ignored their wet gazes. Then, pretending nothing was wrong, he approached Eugenia and stood close to her.

“My wife, were you very surprised?”

Simultaneously, Evgenia flinched and looked at him.

It wasn’t enough that he was suddenly acting familiar; now he was calling her his wife without even asking for permission. It was only natural for her to feel bewildered and displeased.

Seeing Evgenia staring at him with widened eyes, as if in shock, Euclid gave a strained smile.

“I sincerely apologize. I was planning to formally arrange a proper meeting, but it seems my retainers were too eager to meet the duchess as soon as possible.”

His words carried a subtle reprimand toward those who had hurried over after receiving the news, without taking proper time or care.

The retainers, understanding his meaning, flinched and bowed their heads.

‘D-Did you hear that?’

‘It seems we’ve upset him quite a bit!’

‘Well, to be fair, showing up so suddenly like this was indeed rude.’

‘We were so eager that we didn’t stop to think about that.’

Now that they considered it, their arrival lacked any proper decorum for greeting the duchess. On the very day she first stepped into the duke’s estate after her carriage journey, they had confronted her without giving her any time to prepare.

They realized their actions had been overly thoughtless.

And seeing their duke apologize because of them made them feel even worse.

It was as if they had added yet another imbalance to what was already destined to be an unequal relationship.

“It’s fine. I didn’t expect to be welcomed so warmly, so I’m actually rather pleased.”

At that moment, the lady… no, the duchess, spoke in an unexpectedly gentle voice.

Had she thrown a tantrum or lashed out as the rumors suggested, they might have had something to say in response.

But instead, she elegantly turned their actions into a subtly noble yet arrogant rebuke, leaving them feeling even more self-conscious.

Still, some of the retainers cautiously held on to a sliver of hope.

‘Maybe… she truly is pleased?’

But the next moment, that hope was dashed.

“I hope you all continue to watch over me from now on.”

The dream shattered.

How could they, mere servants, dare to “watch over” their master? It was, of course, an ironic statement.

‘She’s letting it slide for today, but she’s clearly warning us to behave better in the future.’

Her sharp gaze, locking eyes with each one of them as if memorizing their faces, made it clear that their interpretation was correct!