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

Episode 81

For a moment, Euclid was at a loss for words and couldn’t say anything.

He had lived his entire life without truly believing in himself.

Although now he enjoyed the trust and support of many people, including the butler, the head maid, his aides, and retainers, five years ago, when he inherited the dukedom, he was met with uneasy gazes.

He had to make tireless efforts to earn the trust of even his young nephews.

Looking back, it was by no means an easy time.

Because he had to protect the children, because he didn’t want to disappoint anyone.

Crushed by responsibility, there were times when even breathing felt difficult, and on some mornings, even opening his eyes felt terrifying, yet he forced himself to push through.

And yet, even though he hadn’t yet proven himself or shown sufficient effort, someone appeared who chose to believe in him.

Euclid froze as if captivated by Evgenia’s gaze.

Even though his face reflected in her mysterious amethyst-colored eyes seemed utterly foolish.

At that moment, his vision wavered slightly, and he felt dizzy.

“Is it… not possible, after all?”

Evgenia bit her lip slightly before speaking.

“What? What did you just… No, I’m sorry. Give me a moment.”

Euclid hurriedly swept his hand over his mouth and blinked his eyes shut and open again.

He couldn’t believe how many times he had shown such foolish sides of himself in front of Evgenia instead of presenting a reliable demeanor.

Memories of the foolish things he did in the capital, which he had forgotten, suddenly resurfaced, and a wave of embarrassment washed over him.

But Euclid maintained a composed expression with effort and recalled how, a few days ago, Evgenia had suggested rebuilding the Rudion Ducal Knights.

She must have brought it up lightly, but when he hesitated and failed to give her a clear answer, she had looked deeply embarrassed.

— Is it because of the cost? But the debt will be repaid soon. Besides, no matter how low the crime rate is in the north and how unlikely an attack seems, it would still be wise to start laying the foundation for the duchy’s and the territory’s security now.

Euclid fully acknowledged that Evgenia’s words were entirely correct.

However, his hesitation stemmed from something else.

In truth, there was an old command passed down to the bloodline of the Rudion Ducal family from the founding patriarch:

“Don’t trade with the capital.”
“Don’t allow outsiders into the inner circle.”

The fact that the Rudion Duchy never operated a trading company directly and that only the Count of Beirs was allowed to manage a trading group in the north was a reflection of the first patriarch’s will.

But Euclid had long doubted whether adhering to this command was still the right thing to do.

Moreover, the Count of Beirs, who should have been doing his utmost to ensure the stability of northern life, had long since abandoned his responsibilities.

And so, Euclid, driven into a corner, had chosen to disregard his ancestor’s will—pretending as if he was merely bending an unspoken rule—when he married Evgenia, who wasn’t from the north.

But appointing her knight as the commander of the ducal knights and accepting outsiders into the order was another matter entirely.

However…

“Uncle?”

Euclid turned his gaze to see the children who had stopped walking ahead and were now watching him and Evgenia.

Earlier today, imperial knights and armed soldiers entered the duchy’s estate, a place believed to be safe, where children were present.

This time, their target wasn’t someone dear to him, but there was no guarantee it would remain the same next time.

Euclid turned his head one last time to look at Evgenia, who was waiting for his answer.

Seeing her, the one who had eased his worries and concerns one by one, gave him an odd sense of courage, as if everything would be alright no matter what he did.

More than anything, he hated seeing Evgenia watching him anxiously.

“I will follow your opinion, wife. I will issue an official document tomorrow to replenish the knights.”

Though he spoke calmly, it was a monumental decision.

The vassals who had visited Evgenia a few days ago to pay their respects would also be shocked upon hearing this news.

But Euclid did not regret it.

Because the relieved and radiant expression on Evgenia’s face after hearing his response was simply too beautiful.

Of course… he hadn’t expected the results to manifest much faster than anticipated when he gave that answer.

“Greetings, Duke!”

“We are the mercenary group ‘Black’!”

“We heard you were recruiting knights, so we came all the way here!”

The training grounds of the duchy, usually so silent that one wouldn’t even notice their presence, echoed with the disciplined shouts of over fifty men.

I looked at those who introduced themselves as ‘Black’ with a heavy heart.

Incidentally, the merchant guild ‘Gold’ had also arrived at the main estate to handle my dowry.

‘I knew this day would come eventually…’

But now that both ‘Gold’ and ‘Black’ were standing in front of me, I had no idea how to react.

The moment of confusion passed quickly, and I glanced at Euclid, who had come to the training grounds wearing glasses, looking as if he had rushed out from his office.

‘Wow… How can glasses suit someone so well?’

Maybe it was because I wanted to escape the current situation.

I knew this wasn’t the time for such thoughts, but Euclid, with his glasses, looked so handsome and intellectual that I couldn’t help but stare at him, almost entranced.

“Auntie’s face looks really scary…”

“Dior, shh!”

A child’s honest voice came from below.

It was Dior and Marianne, who had accompanied me to the training grounds.

Only after hearing the children did I realize I had been staring at Euclid with a rather fierce expression. I awkwardly cleared my throat.

As I turned my head in embarrassment, I caught sight of the group of mercenaries staring at me with shining eyes.

‘Ah…’

A sigh escaped me.

In fact, when Anne said she would contact ‘Black,’ I had already anticipated their arrival.

But I had clung to denial until the very last moment.

I hoped—at least—that this ‘Black’ was not the same assassination guild ‘Black’ led by Richard in the original story, and that they merely shared the same name.

But…

‘Why are you here…?’

Among the mercenaries nervously watching Euclid while sneaking glances at me, there he was—Richard, with his striking pink hair and doll-like beautiful appearance, unmistakably drawing everyone’s attention.

‘This is insane. Why is the assassination guild from the original story here, wanting to become knights of the Rudion Duchy?’

And under the guise of a mercenary group, no less!

Though I wanted to sigh endlessly, I couldn’t even breathe properly.

Of course, the main reason was Richard.

I wasn’t hoping for him to greet me warmly. But if he had at least maintained his usual unreadable expression, I wouldn’t have been so flustered.

However, Richard’s face was openly displaying his emotions this time—betrayal and resentment!

I had given him money and set him free to live however he wanted, yet he had returned on his own accord, glaring at me with those fiery red eyes full of unspoken accusations.

‘This is absurd.’

The first time I saw Richard, I had been so shocked that I froze on the spot.

But the more I thought about it, the more ridiculous and angry I became.

It was while I was glaring back at Richard, having completely forgotten any guilt I had once felt towards him.

“My wife?”

Had my sudden staring contest seemed odd?

Euclid stepped in front of me with a puzzled expression.

“Hah!”

“My-my wife…!”

“M-M-M-Madam…!”

At Euclid’s words, the mercenaries, who were already not the type to stay still, started causing a commotion.

‘Are they all crazy?’

Regardless of their true intentions, if they had come here seeking to join the knights, they should at least act the part!

And yet…

“She’s glaring at us!”

“She’s going to get angry at this rate.”

“Everyone, shut up and be quiet!”

Stop subtly hinting that we know each other!