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

Episode 82

I couldn’t help but feel dumbfounded, even as I cursed inwardly.

‘Are these guys really the assassin guild members who took over the underworld in the original story…?’

No matter how I looked at them, they just seemed like puppies who couldn’t contain their excitement at seeing their owner.

The way they flinched under my gaze and tried to gauge my reaction… Oh.

At that moment, I realized I had subconsciously acknowledged myself as their ‘owner.’

A sudden headache made me frown slightly.

“My wife, are you feeling unwell?”

Euclid noticed the subtle change in my expression and asked with concern.

His dazzling beauty, capable of reviving even a dying person, brought a natural smile to my lips.

But—

“Oh, formal speech!”

“So they did say he was kind!”

Even though they were trying to lower their voices, their hushed whispers reached my overly sensitive ears with perfect clarity.

I glanced at Euclid, wondering if he heard them too, but he was only focused on checking my condition.

I awkwardly touched my forehead and spoke.

“It’s just a slight headache… nothing serious.”

I quickly added more before the overly kind Euclid took it too seriously, or worse, told me to go rest while leaving behind these unpredictable foals—and among them, a pink-haired beast in disguise! I then changed the subject.

“So, Duke, these people want to join the knights. What do you plan to do about them?”

At my words, Euclid glanced at the mercenaries with a thoughtful expression.

“First, thank you for applying to join the Rudion Ducal Knights.”

Perhaps they didn’t expect the head of one of the empire’s only two ducal families to bow his head so humbly, or maybe they had heard about his character but were still surprised to witness it firsthand. Either way, the mercenaries wore dazed expressions.

Euclid’s lips curved into a gentle smile.

“I do have the authority to grant knighthood, but since I am not a swordsman myself, I plan to rely on Sir Gressel Fyon, the captain of the knights, for the general management of the order.”

At those words, Gressel, who had officially been appointed as the captain of the Rudion Ducal Knights a few days ago, straightened his back.

“Your acceptance will also be decided alongside Sir Fyon. The first step will involve a skills assessment, followed by an identity verification process before a final decision is made.”

Normally, identity verification would come before skill testing. Should I call it the closed-off nature of the North? The Rudion Ducal House did things differently.

“Even after joining, you’ll undergo a series of steps before being officially knighted. If you wish to withdraw your application before the test, please let me know now. Oh, and…”

Euclid trailed off, a faint awkwardness crossing his face.

“The Rudion Ducal Knights have existed for a long time, but it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say we are only now properly establishing ourselves. Because of this, there are significant upfront costs, and we may not be able to offer salaries as high as you might expect—perhaps even less than what you earned as mercenaries.”

Will that be alright?

The mercenaries, who had been listening intently to Euclid’s polite question, snapped back to their senses.

“N-No, that’s fine!”

“We don’t care about money!”

“As long as we can join the knights, we don’t even need to become knights officially.”

Except for Richard, who wore a strangely sullen expression despite his otherwise blank face, everyone else spoke with fervent determination.

Even I, who knew they hadn’t come here purely out of devotion to the Rudion Ducal House, was momentarily convinced.

‘Wait a minute.’

No, seriously—hearts were practically popping out of their eyes!

They were completely lovestruck by Euclid.

I sighed inwardly, realizing I had chosen the wrong metaphor earlier. They weren’t loyal dogs—they were infatuated.

But honestly, I understood.

As mercenaries, they must have met many nobles, but they had probably never felt this respected.

Instead, they were likely met with arrogance and disdain.

‘Even I…’

I could already picture Evgenia scolding them with her sharp face and icy voice, and I felt a little embarrassed.

Still, no matter how they looked at him, this man was my husband!

While I was busy sending meaningless glares at the mercenaries, I turned to Euclid.

Whether it was because every single one of them had said they wanted to join or because their passionate gazes were a little overwhelming, Euclid looked slightly surprised before his expression softened into a gentle smile.

“Then I suppose we can start the skills assessment right away.”

Everyone nodded, and Euclid asked Gressel to begin the test.

But then, as if noticing something odd, he tilted his head.

“But… where are your weapons?”

Come to think of it, despite being a famous mercenary group from the capital, none of them were properly armed.

I wasn’t a martial artist, but even I knew that most people wouldn’t part from their own weapons.

The mercenaries shuffled uncomfortably, glancing at me nervously. One man, who seemed to hold a leadership position, finally spoke.

“We left all our weapons at the entrance to the training grounds.”

“Why?”

“Well… since there are important people here, we didn’t want to accidentally startle anyone. Of course, accidents are rare, but during sparring, something could happen…”

His gaze fell on me and the children.

For mercenaries, they were surprisingly considerate—no less than actual knights.

Euclid must have thought the same, as his expression grew even gentler.

“I see. Then…”

“I-I’m fine!”

At that moment, Dior shouted in surprise when he noticed Euclid looking our way.

Judging by the atmosphere, he must have thought Euclid was about to send him back to his room.

Despite his gentle appearance, Dior was sharp.

“Really? Are you sure?”

“Yes!”

“That’s impressive. Your aunt seems a little scared, though.”

Dior, who had been puffing up proudly, blinked in shock.

“Auntie, scared?”

His tone suggested disbelief—how could someone like me have any fears?

If anyone else had said that, I might have been slightly annoyed, but Dior’s innocent and honest words couldn’t possibly upset me.

Plus, I figured it was a good chance to lighten the mood.

I patted Dior’s head and smiled softly.

“Yes. Truthfully, your aunt is a little scared of sharp and pointy things.”

“Really, wife?”

Euclid’s surprised face made me chuckle.

He must have thought I was exaggerating to boost Dior’s confidence.

I awkwardly nodded, avoiding the mercenaries’ curious stares.

“Yes. It’s not that bad, though.”

I wanted Euclid to see that, despite my sharp exterior, I had a softer, more delicate side.

Whether he understood my intentions or not, I hoped he would see my sincerity.

But…

“I see. I should have been more considerate.”

Wait, why does he look so serious?

“You should go rest. I’ll handle things here.”

Excuse me? I said it was just a little!

“Marianne, Dior. Please take care of her.”

“Don’t worry! I was never that interested in sword fighting anyway.”

“I-I’ll protect Auntie!”

Dior clutched my hand tightly, looking determined despite the disappointment in his eyes.

My expression twisted slightly.

‘Seriously, I’m fine!’

I didn’t like the idea of leaving potential assassins like Richard behind!