We Will Get Divorced: The Perfect Divorce Plan of the Sacrificial Daughter and the Cold-Blooded Soldier - Chapter 14

“Brr, it’s freezing.”

The early spring river water was cold enough to bite through my thighs.

With the bridge occupied, fording the river was the only way to approach the village. Gritting my teeth, I pushed through the biting cold water with splashing sounds.

Ugh, this is nothing. Don’t underestimate the sacrificial maiden. I’ve wandered through snowy mountains for three days and three nights after my father gave me a completely wrong map. Compared to that, this river water actually feels warm.

Wait, feeling warm might be bad. My senses are starting to numb. Stay focused, don’t stop moving. If you stop, you’ll die. Hang in there, me…

Somehow, I managed to cross through sheer willpower. Shivering uncontrollably, I crouched in the grass and strained my ears. It seemed the bridge guards hadn’t noticed me. Good! I need to reach the village center as discreetly as possible.

“So then…”

First, a disguise. This soaking wet dress is hard to move in, stands out too much, and most importantly, I’m so cold I might actually die.

Pressing against the wall of a riverside house, I peered inside from outside. As expected, there was no sign of anyone. The villagers must have all been gathered somewhere.

So, I decided to let myself in and borrow some work clothes.

I don’t know whose they were, but fortunately they fit perfectly. They suit me quite well, actually—much better than the dress I came in. Good thing I have this plain face by nature. Really. This isn’t sour grapes. I’m not crying.

Anyway, with this getup, I should be able to reach the center without being noticed. Then I’ll persuade the leader to withdraw. I’ll go as far as I can.

“Hey, what are you doing there!”

Just as I was about to leave the house, I was spotted the moment I stepped out.

Probably patrol guards—a pair carrying spears and dressed in work clothes. Though my heart nearly stopped from shock, I needed to stay calm and stick to the plan.

“S-sorry. I came to get something I forgot.”

Just playing the part of a village girl.

“Huh? Forgot something? Whatever. Hurry back to the assembly hall.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t go wandering around again.”

“Sorry.”

The pair left with surprising ease, almost disappointingly so.

Just as I thought. Though they’re wearing work clothes, they don’t remember the villagers’ faces. Meaning those guards—

“Aren’t from this village.”

Suddenly addressed from the shadows, my heart genuinely stopped this time.

No way, this voice… Trembling, I turned around.

“That work outfit suits you quite well, Sierra.”

Leaning against the house wall, watching me, was the angelically beautiful duke’s son.

“Master! What are you doing here?”

“I followed you. Surprised?”

Of course, I am. I’m so shocked I might faint.

“Lately, you’ve been nothing but surprises, so seeing that expression is quite satisfying.”

“This is no time for jokes. The guards will notice—please go back quickly.”

“True, I do stand out like this. I suppose I should change into work clothes too.”

“That’s not the point! Please go back, over there!”

I pointed toward the hill, pleading in the loudest voice I could manage without shouting. But Julian, as if casually listening to music at home, brushed off my protests.

“Why are you so desperate to send me back? You must be hiding something after all.”

“N-no, I’m not hiding anything…”

“Then why do you keep trying to push me away? Why do you insist on doing everything alone?”

“Th-that’s… because of our contract.”

“Contract?”

“Yes. I accepted your request to achieve a divorce. So, removing obstacles to the divorce is also part of my job. If you interfere and reduce the compensation, I’ll be in trouble.”

“Of all the things… What kind of ridiculous reason is that?”

“I-it’s not ridiculous! Money is important!”

His exasperated expression made me so frustrated I raised my voice without thinking.

“I told you, this compensation is crucial funding. To rebuild the Eirondale family.”

“Why does it need rebuilding?”

“Huh?”

“That family—didn’t they treat you terribly?”

“That…”

Julian’s normally composed tone shifted slightly.

“They took advantage of your competence, worked you to the bone, wore you down, and then sold you off for the dowry. Why should you have to rebuild a family like that?”

“Master…”

This was the first time I’d seen Julian show so much emotion. His blue eyes, usually so cold and unreadable, were now turbulent with fierce passion.

“…It might seem strange, I suppose.”

So, for the first time, I put my feelings into words.

“You’re right! I’ve been treated horribly by that family. Ever since my mother passed away—no, ever since she fell ill.”

Perhaps my father and stepmother were already involved even back then.

“I’ve been oppressed, looked down on, and ignored continuously. That attitude from above seemed to trickle down, and even the servants’ eyes were cold. I tried my best in my own way, but… yes, it was painful.”

“Naturally. That’s why I took you away.”

“Thank you. Thinking back, perhaps I threw myself into the deputy minister’s work because I didn’t want to be in that house.”

I didn’t want to watch those three being happy in the house that held memories of my mother.

“But that doesn’t mean I can just let the family collapse and say ‘serves them right.'”

“Why not?”

“Because if the ducal house falls, the consequences will inevitably fall on the weakest citizens.”

“…”

“Until now, I managed to somehow prevent harm from reaching the citizens. But there’s no telling what the current Eirondale family might do.”

“So, you’re starting a business.”

“Of course, there’s no guarantee it will succeed. But if it does, finances will recover, and jobs will be created. The citizens’ lives will improve, and everyone can be happy. That’s why I need the money!”

Ah, no good. I raised my voice so much. We’re supposed to be scouting right now. But I couldn’t hold back my emotions. Julian stared intently at me.

“In the end, you’ve surprised me again, Sierra.”

He said it in his usual calm tone.

Just then, a sharp, alert voice called out.

“Hey, is someone there!”

I need to hide. But by the time I thought it, I was already being dragged down into the shadows.

Pulled into an embrace from behind by Julian.

“Master?”

“Don’t speak.”

His whisper washed over my ear. My face heated up instantly.

No, let me go. I tried to struggle, but couldn’t. His strong arms held me so tightly I couldn’t even twitch.

“Stay still.”

His face was close. The moment I realized it, my heart started pounding wildly. No, he can hear it. This is embarrassing.

…Please, don’t notice.

I wasn’t even sure who I was pleading to, or for what.