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SUYF Chapter 08

SUYF Chapter 08

Chapter 08

 

 

Michael looked at Adeline with a strange gaze as she confidently made a proposal. He then asked, as if confirming her words, “When you say ‘the end,’ do you mean the common interpretation of the term?”

“Probably. If we live together as nominal spouses and then separate cleanly, there shouldn’t be any issues.”

“Could you clarify what you mean by ‘nominal spouses’?”

Michael tilted his head, pretending not to understand. He could guess the meaning, but it seemed like an odd request from a woman with nowhere to go. Adeline responded without hesitation.

“I believe it’s similar to what you understand. I’ll treat our marriage as something for others to see, without any deeper meaning. That should be acceptable to you, right?”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. While I’m here in Meitner, I’ll fulfil my role without any issues.”

“And then? When does this so-called ‘relationship of necessity’ end?”

“I’ll sign the divorce papers as soon as we sign the marriage vows. Whether it’s after one year or two, I’ll make sure there are no issues when you decide to end our relationship.”

Michael was momentarily speechless as she proposed signing divorce papers while also making marriage vows. This was an unexpected turn in the conversation.

‘What’s going on here?’ he thought, observing the calm and composed Adeline, who had grown up as a noblewoman from Lechern. He began to focus more on her words. He was interested in hearing more of what she had to say.

With a relaxed smile, Michael nodded.

“At least I’ll gain something from this marriage. Now, please tell me what Lady Adeline wants. You must need something, surely.”

Adeline cleared her throat. It was her turn to speak her mind. She wasn’t used to negotiations or deals, but she didn’t want to deceive Michael, knowing he wouldn’t be easily tricked. However, she didn’t want to show her true feelings just yet.

She spoke as calmly as she could.

“I’m just looking for a way to survive. I can’t return to Lechern, and I need money to survive. That’s the harsh reality.”

“And then?”

“I want a fair amount of alimony after the divorce. It doesn’t have to match the mining rights you’ll gain, but it should be a reasonable sum by the standards of Kassel.”

Michael understood her need for money, especially since she had no place to go. However, something about her words seemed off. Maybe it was the strange expression on her face, a mix of smiling and almost crying. But her request was direct and confident, which amused him. He smiled a wry smile.

“Is that all?”

Adeline gripped her hands tightly, her knuckles turning white. It was time to reveal her last request.

“There’s one more thing. I have a nephew in Lechern. His name is Colin, and he’s six years old. He has weak lungs and a weak heart, so he’s been in the hospital for a long time. After the marriage, I want to bring him to Cassel for treatment. That’s all I want.”

Michael frowned slightly, repeating the unfamiliar name “Colin” in his mind. She wanted to end the marriage and then take her nephew with her.

Although Michael was skilled at dealing with people, the idea of helping a nephew who wasn’t even her child seemed strange to him. But he quickly understood that this wasn’t just a simple request. The desperation behind her calm demeanour was apparent.

His gaze deepened as he looked at her, trying to assess the situation. Adeline didn’t flinch under his scrutiny. She steeled herself, thinking, It’s alright. I can do this.

She had made her request clearly and wasn’t going to add anything more. But the choice was now in Michael’s hands, and she had to wait for his response. The silence stretched on, and Adeline nervously bit her dry lips.

Finally, Michael spoke.

“Currently, I believe Michael Meitner is the fastest path,” Adeline had said earlier, and Michael had been struck by how logical her thinking was. She knew exactly what she wanted.

He understood that, given her calmness, she would likely fulfil her side of the bargain without complications, and he found that appealing.

 

Two days later, the social scene in Aden buzzed with the news of “Meitner and Bernadotte’s meeting,” as people were surprised to hear that Adeline’s new partner was none other than Michael Meitner.

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