I No Longer Have Love to Offer You - Chapter 22

In the process of divorcing Ricardo, Mirabelle exhaustively researched all the laws concerning noble divorces. The kingdom’s laws, established long ago, hadn’t undergone major revisions, but minor provisions were occasionally added to reflect changing social conditions.

Through her research, Mirabelle uncovered a new fact.

“Recently, a new clause was added to the kingdom’s marriage laws in light of the Crown Prince’s engagement.”

Opening a legal tome, Mirabelle pointed to the relevant page.

Some time ago, the Crown Prince of the Esperanza Kingdom had become engaged to a princess from a neighboring nation across the sea. This union, intended to foster mutual development between the two countries, could be called a political marriage.

Different nations naturally have different values, and where values differ, legal disparities are to be expected. As negotiations progressed, both countries established various political and economic agreements. Among these, the neighboring kingdom demanded revisions to marriage laws.

The Esperanza Kingdom held strongly to traditional values men-controlled society and the economy while women protected the home. While not inherently wrong, this system had the unfortunate consequence of suppressing women’s social status, particularly evident in marriage laws.

In contrast, the neighboring kingdom embraced gender equality, with women’s rights firmly protected by law. Their princess believed women should naturally have equal rights to men, and given her future position as a married woman, this was non-negotiable.

The new clause stated: “No woman shall be deprived of her rights during marriage or divorce. If one party faces difficulty becoming self-sufficient after separation, the other bears an obligation to provide assistance. Furthermore, in cases of infidelity or financial abuse, the guilty party must accept divorce demands and provide compensation proportional to their culpability.”

In simpler terms, these provisions had been newly incorporated.

Traditionally, women were treated as property of their family controlled by fathers before marriage and husbands after. Marriage meant forfeiting all rights in their birth family. But with this new clause, women could no longer be stripped of these rights upon marriage.

For wives without property, this meant they could now inherit and possess personal assets. It also meant they could seek spousal support after divorce. Moreover, by recognizing infidelity and financial control as valid grounds for divorce, women’s positions became more protected.

Naturally, this provoked backlash from male aristocrats. The parliamentary debates over the revision were undoubtedly contentious. Since only men could participate in parliament, initial discussions saw overwhelming opposition to the proposal.

However, recognizing women’s marital rights was a condition set by the neighboring kingdom. While bordering on interference in domestic affairs, they ultimately reached a compromise not by revising existing laws, but by adding this new clause.

In the kingdom, legal revisions or additions only took effect after being published in official texts and publicly announced.

(Perhaps they wanted this to go as unnoticed as possible.)

Mirabelle thought this because the new clause had been discreetly added as a small footnote on the margins of the marriage law page easy to miss unless one read carefully. While legal professionals would know of it, most nobles might remain unaware.

“The law can help us with the divorce. Of course, it’s difficult for a lady to master legal intricacies alone. That’s why we’ll hire a lawyer.”

“A lawyer? But legal fees are exorbitant. How would you pay?”

“Contingency fees. The lawyer’s payment would be a percentage of the assets I gain from the divorce. The more I receive, the higher their compensation. Wouldn’t that motivate them?”

Not all lawyers work solely for money, but knowing their earnings depend on results would certainly affect their approach.

“I see… That makes sense. But whether any lawyer would take this case remains uncertain. What if none accept?”

“I’ve considered that. But we have a powerful ally.”

Though she hadn’t yet consulted him, Mirabelle was confident.

“Ah… Killian.”

Albert immediately understood.

“His integrity in helping those in need, his willingness to stand for what’s right. I believe Killian will listen.”

“That remains to be seen… But very well. If you can persuade Killian, I’ll accept this as a formal proposal.”

Gaining Albert’s approval filled Mirabelle with unexpected joy perhaps from realizing she could accomplish something meaningful.

“Thank you! I’ll contact Killian right away.”

“Good. If you’re meeting him, I’ll join. It’s been too long.”

Albert’s eyes softened as he spoke, his expression more reminiscent of their student days than his usual mercantile demeanor. Mirabelle felt her heartbeat quicken momentarily.

(Albert is always so composed, but that nostalgic look…)

As memories of their school years surfaced, Mirabelle suddenly remembered something else.

“Ah! There’s one more proposal regarding this plan.”

“Another one?”

Albert looked surprised as he responded.

“Yes. Earlier, I mentioned this plan might initially operate at a loss, but I’ve thought of a way to prevent that. Though I’m unsure if it’s viable…”

“I see. Then let’s hear it.”

Encouraged, Mirabelle placed a document before him and watched intently as Albert read.