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

Episode 44

The expressions of the retainers turned pale in an instant.

It was clear they had unknowingly grown too complacent, having been under a gentle master for so long.

One by one, they began reflecting on their actions, recalling Euclid, and vowed to conduct themselves more properly in the future, refraining from any rash behavior. It was during this moment of resolution that it happened.

“Y-Your Grace, it is an honor to greet you for the first time.”

Among the retainers, Viscount Leas, known for his perceptiveness, slowly knelt on one knee and paid his respects.

Surprised at first, the other retainers and servants quickly followed suit, kneeling as if they had been waiting for the moment, and spoke in unison:

“We greet the Duchess!”

The Duchess, who had widened her eyes in surprise, soon smiled with satisfaction.

***

The sudden collective kneeling of the retainers and servants left me utterly flustered.

Some of them were even older than Duke Basilian, which made it all the more astonishing.

But despite my confusion, I couldn’t help but smile, delighted that my intentions seemed to have been conveyed.

‘But isn’t this all too innocent and kind-hearted of them?’

Honestly, from the perspective of the Rudion Duchy’s retainers, it would have been natural for them to dislike me.

My reputation had preceded me, after all. I had even mentally prepared myself, deciding I wouldn’t be disheartened even if I was met with rejection, as long as I could gradually show my sincerity toward Euclid.

‘For them to so readily recognize and welcome me as the Duchess!’

It was indeed characteristic of Euclid’s benevolent retainers.

Unable to hide my overwhelming emotions, I smiled.

“Thank you so much. Please, rise!”

At my words, the retainers slowly got to their feet.

In that brief moment, perhaps due to the strain or the cold weather, beads of sweat had formed on their foreheads.

‘They might catch colds like this.’

As the sharp wind made me shrink slightly, I considered inviting them into the mansion for a warm cup of tea.

But before I could even suggest it, the retainers quickly spoke up.

“You must be tired from your long journey, so we shall take our leave now.”

“We will make sure to notify you properly next time!”

“Alright then, take care.”

‘How polite of them.’

Watching them disappear like the wind, I felt pleased.

I then turned my gaze to Euclid, who was still standing close beside me.

Euclid’s brows furrowed as he stared in the direction the retainers had gone.

He seemed lost in thought, as if struggling to understand the situation.

Tilting my head in curiosity, I gently called out to him.

“Your Grace.”

“Ah.”

Startled, Euclid snapped back to his senses and took a step back from me.

If I’d known he’d react like this, I would have called out to him later, just to enjoy the moment a little longer.

Clicking my tongue in slight regret, I approached him cautiously, trying not to startle him like a wary cat.

Thankfully, my careful approach seemed to work, and Euclid didn’t retreat further.

Awkwardly smiling, he hesitated before speaking.

“Duchess, about earlier…”

Before he could finish, I interrupted, guessing where his words were headed.

“Shouldn’t you be introducing someone to me first?”

“Ah…”

At my words, Euclid nodded and shifted his gaze. Soon, the butler who had greeted him earlier and a neatly dressed woman approached.

“Madam, it’s an honor to meet you. I am Ulen, the butler who has long served the Rudion Ducal House.”

“I am Helga, the head maid. I look forward to serving you.”

I had wondered if I might face some hostility, but to my surprise, both seemed more nervous than anything, appearing eager to make a good impression.

There wasn’t the slightest trace of them trying to size me up or establish dominance.

‘As I thought… the people here seem too kind.’

Relieved yet slightly worried, I nodded slowly.

“I look forward to working with you as well.”

The two of them widened their eyes, seemingly not expecting my response, before quickly bowing their heads.

‘It seems it’ll take them a while to stop being scared of me.’

That was fine. There was plenty of time for that.

Shrugging, I turned my gaze behind them.

Standing beyond the butler and head maid were the ones I truly wanted to meet.

When the retainers and servants had all knelt, only three figures had remained standing—two children and a young woman who appeared to be their nanny.

‘How adorable.’

The two children, unmistakably Euclid’s nieces and nephews, flaunted bright blond hair. Despite their young age, their neat features hinted at a promising future.

The girl, in particular, had strikingly intelligent green eyes, while the boy, who shyly hid halfway behind his sister, had a gentle impression even at a glance.

‘Their names were Marianne and Dior, right?’

Recalling their ages, I took a step forward, hoping to get a closer look at Dior’s face.

I was curious if I might catch a glimpse of Euclid’s childhood in him.

But as soon as I moved, the children flinched and stiffened. Dior even looked at me with a frightened expression.

I immediately stopped in my tracks.

‘Ah, as I suspected…’

I had secretly hoped that children, who are said to love beautiful people, might warm up to me.

After all, I couldn’t deny that Evgenia was a beauty.

But judging by their reaction, even to young eyes, my face seemed intimidating.

‘If I were Melissa, they would’ve liked me, wouldn’t they?’

I couldn’t help but feel a bit bitter, thinking that they might not have been so wary of me under different circumstances.

Still, I was much more satisfied with being possessed by the villainess than the female lead. So, I relaxed the muscles in my face and softened my gaze to ensure the children wouldn’t feel scared of me.

At that moment—

“Marianne, Dior.”

Perhaps it was just my imagination, but Euclid called out the children’s names in a much gentler and more affectionate voice than usual.

“Come over here and say hello to your aunt.”

The natural way he used the term “aunt” made it clear that he had already explained everything to the children before coming to the capital.

Of course, just because they’re young doesn’t mean you should ignore them or leave them in the dark. This was a significant matter—welcoming a new family member!

Seeing this meticulous and kind side of Euclid, I glanced up at him with renewed admiration.

“Apologies. I didn’t realize, but it seems the children are feeling shy. Now that I think about it, they haven’t had many chances to meet new people… But they’re usually very gentle and well-behaved.”

Feeling my gaze, Euclid spoke with an awkward smile. Even in his words, I could sense his warm heart, both worried that I might feel uncomfortable and protective of the children at the same time…

“Ouch!”

…That was, until then.

As I was almost habitually singing praises of Euclid, Marianne, who had been silent, suddenly shouted loudly.

And as I turned my head, Dior squeezed his eyes shut and yelled.

“She’s not our aunt! She’s a witch!”

A witch! A witch! A witch…

Dior’s voice echoed throughout the castle, reverberating endlessly.

Then, an impossibly chilling silence descended like a curtain.

Everyone, frozen as if turned to stone, slowly turned their bodies toward me, as if facing something terrifying.

Blinking, I muttered to myself.

“They’re truly gentle and well-behaved children.”

At that moment, Euclid’s body flinched.

I hadn’t intended to mock him, so I quickly forced a smile.

“Dior!”

But Euclid, seemingly shaken from his stupor, called the child’s name in a startled voice.

Though I hadn’t done anything particularly intimidating, Dior seemed aware that he’d said something bad. His head drooped low in guilt.

Before the atmosphere worsened further, and before the child could apologize, I hurriedly spoke up.

“Thank you.”

Dior’s head shot up in surprise at my unexpected words of gratitude.

Not missing the moment of confusion, I took a step forward. Kneeling cautiously in front of the children, I met their gaze.

“In the fairy tales I’ve read, witches are always stunningly beautiful. Were you saying I’m that pretty?”