We Will Get Divorced: The Perfect Divorce Plan of the Sacrificial Daughter and the Cold-Blooded Soldier - Chapter 18

“My apologies, Undying King!”

“…You’re too loud.”

Julian brushed aside Kevin’s wholehearted, full-force apology with clear annoyance.

“This entire mess is the responsibility of me, the former territory official!”

Having finally realized he’d been deceived, Kevin entrusted his subordinates with restraining the village chief and immediately prostrated himself before Julian without hesitation. Whether it was in the middle of the street or in front of his subordinates, he didn’t hesitate to bow when necessary. Kevin was indeed still the same as ever.

The village chief’s embezzlement had likely been going on for years since Kevin’s time as territory official. Hidden from villagers who had no interest in politics and from Kevin, who was generous for better or worse. The reason might have been women, gambling, or judging by his physique, perhaps excessive luxury.

However, when the territory official changed, the treasury would eventually be audited. In his panic, the village chief had the gall to go crying to Kevin, who could be considered a victim himself, pinning everything on Julian.

“That man must have been quite desperate—it hardly seems like a sane plan. Well, the one who took it seriously is something else too.”

Julian muttered as if dodging the apology.

“I’m truly sorry! I don’t care what happens to me. But please spare my subordinates. They were just following my orders.”

“Hey, that’s not true, Boss! Don’t act cool when you were the one who got tricked!”

“You think we can just hand you over and go home? No way!”

“We’re sticking with you till the end, Boss!”

“You guys… you damn… I’ll kill you!”

Why does it always come to that?

Watching Kevin and his subordinates embracing each other in tears made the side of my face sting again.

Looking up, as expected, Julian was giving me the “I don’t want to talk anymore” look. But even he had to acknowledge that this time, we needed the territory official’s word.

So, I bowed my head just like Kevin.

“I beg you too, my lord. Please show them leniency.”

“Fine, enough.”

Julian spoke with resignation.

“Raise your head, Sir Kevin. We thank you for your cooperation in apprehending the scoundrel.”

“Huh? Cooperation?”

“We received a report that the village chief of Ruhen Village was embezzling public funds and moved to arrest the culprit. However, lacking familiarity with the area, you kindly offered your assistance.”

“My lord…”

“No, I didn’t, so—”

“Thanks to you mobilizing your troops, we were able to complete our mission swiftly without the culprit escaping. We’ll take it from here, so please return to your post promptly.”

“Thank you, my lord!”

“What are you talking about? I don’t get it at all.”

Please understand, brother. Julian is putting on this whole performance for your sake.

It would be too cruel to make Julian explain further, so I whispered the explanation to Kevin.

“Is that okay, Undying King? Thank you!”

“About time.”

Finally understanding, Kevin attempted a tackle-like hug, but Julian nimbly dodged. Pointing a warning finger at Kevin, Julian continued.

“Listen, I’m not doing this out of pity. We checked the hidden accounts. During your time as territory official, that man’s embezzlement was minimal. Probably because you frequently visited the village, he couldn’t act boldly. The amounts increased significantly during the transition period chaos. You bear no responsibility for that. If anything, it’s my fault for rushing the handover. And—”

Julian paused and glanced toward the now-released assembly hall. The villagers of Ruhen were streaming out.

“What’s this, Kevin? The rebellion over already? That was fast.”

“Kevin, we can go home now, right? Seriously, and here I was busy.”

“Big brother Kevin, let’s play when you’re done! I called dibs first!”

Watching the relaxed villagers as if they’d just finished a festival, Julian murmured,

“This is a good village. Your predecessor did good work. I have much to learn.”

※

“Welcome back, Lord Julian. How did it go?”

When we returned to the carriage atop the hill, Zach, standing straight, greeted his master in a quiet voice.

“No problems. Everything’s resolved.”

“That’s a relief. This time was rather heart-stopping.”

Somehow, I feel like Zach is glaring at me intensely. Apparently, his inner feelings aren’t as calm as his tone suggests.

“Don’t say that. You must have predicted Sierra had some chance of success when she rushed out alone. Sierra, did you know the rebels’ true nature from the start?”

“Yes, actually. When I saw that.”

Dodging Zach’s piercing gaze, I pointed at the barricade below.

“Leaving felled trees with branches intact makes setup and removal easy while maintaining effectiveness, but this method is only used in parts of the Gaiga territory within the Vishka Kingdom. It does look rather unsightly, after all.”

“Gaiga territory? The mysterious country? Why would that man know tactics from such a remote, isolated land?”

“Um… because I taught him.”

“Madam!?”

“Again? Another Azizi Trading Company skill transfer?”

Julian asked in a voice drained of surprise.

“No, I learned this from a Gaiga elder when I attended military exercises on Father’s behalf. Somehow, he took a liking to me.”

“Somehow took a liking? The reclusive, isolationist Gaiga elders took a liking to you, Madam?”

“Yes. Huh? Were they that exclusive? They all seemed like friendly old men to me.”

“Friendly… old…”

The anger faded from Zach’s eyes, replaced by great astonishment and a touch of fear.

“Just how did Duke Eirondale let you go?”

“Enough, Zach. If we’re shocked by every part of Sierra’s past, we’ll never finish. Truly, she’s a mysterious woman.”

“Sigh…”

It seems I’ve bewildered them again. Julian gazed at me with eyes like a calm, clear stream,

“If only we’d met sooner, perhaps I wouldn’t have become a misogynist.”

“Huh?”

As I was about to ask what he meant,

“Hey, Undying King!”

A beast-like shout came from the foot of the hill.

Looking down, perhaps having come to remove the barricade, a burly man stood on a fallen log, waving vigorously.

“Over here, over here! Undying King, can you see me!?”

“…My lord. My brother is calling you.”

“Why does that man think conversation is possible at this distance?”

Julian grimaced as if chewing gravel. Impressive, Kevin. He keeps drawing out expressions from Julian I’ve never seen before. Though mostly in a negative direction.

Oblivious to Julian’s reaction, Kevin continued waving wildly,

“You’re the one who can take care of Sierra! Be happy forever!”

He wished for our marital happiness with a voice loud enough to reach the next village.

“I’m sorry, brother! We’re getting divorced, so—!”

I replied with all my voice, but it apparently didn’t reach him. Kevin kept waving with a smile visible even from the hilltop.

“He doesn’t seem to hear.”

“…”

“My lord?”

When I looked up, Julian’s expression had changed again. To that unreadable, calm lake surface face I saw when we first met.

“Zach, go on ahead to the foot of the hill. I’ll catch up shortly.”

After ordering his attendant to move the carriage, Julian watched the command being carried out before speaking.

“Sierra, I understand well why you insist on divorce. That’s precisely why I must tell you this. Father—Chrislan Vraogone—will never approve of our divorce.”

“Huh?”

“The King arranged our marriage to weaken Vraogone’s power. If he approved the divorce, Father would be suspected of disloyalty by the King.”

“That’s why it would be resolved if you remarried, my lord. A little suspicion would clear up quickly.”

“For Father, even that little suspicion is unacceptable.”

“Why… is that?”

Even as I asked, the answer was already forming in my mind.

A terrifying answer I hesitated to voice.

“Because the suspicion would be true.”

Julian turned to face me directly and stated clearly.

“Father intends to take the King’s head.”