We Will Get Divorced: The Perfect Divorce Plan of the Sacrificial Daughter and the Cold-Blooded Soldier - Chapter 26

“So, what’s this about?”

Nadine, who had finally finished changing her clothes, leisurely stretched out on the animal fur rug spread across the riverbank. The sun high in the sky shone down warmly, and the breeze felt pleasant. At last, I felt like the picnic I knew was beginning.

“It’s about Father,” Julian replied, sitting down directly across from Nadine. “Sister, are you aware of Father’s intentions?”

“What do you know?” Nadine shot back while nibbling on a skewer of horse heart. So that heart series was the Empress’s preference. What a perfectly mismatched pair of siblings.

“Father holds dual loyalties toward the royal family.”

“I figured as much.”

“You knew?”

“Don’t think you’re the only clever one, you foolish little brother. Father’s dislike of the central government is innate. Perhaps his resolve solidified when you were recruited. So? You went through the trouble of coming to see me—you must have evidence, right?”

“I believe you’re aware that Father isn’t the type to leave behind such things.”

“Get out.”

Nadine tossed the finished skewer into the river.

“Sister—”

“Go. Ho—ome.”

She threw the second skewer straight at Julian this time.

“What rumors do you think will spread if we siblings meet without official business? If you have no evidence, there’s no point in taking risks. Leave. Now.”

“The territories Father was so obsessed with seizing from the neighboring country are being steadily reclaimed. Even though I’ve withdrawn from the front lines, it’s happening too easily. Father might be planning to join forces with the neighboring country.”

This was the first I’d heard about the neighboring country. Julian was voicing a troubling suspicion, but—

“What? Bragging about your military exploits? That’s exactly what I can’t stand about you.”

Nadine seemed offended by a different part.

“…I’m not trying to boast. The reason I was able to seize territory from the neighboring country wasn’t because I was strong, but because their defenses were weak.”

“Are you saying I, your predecessor, was weak?!”

“Pl-please think of the citizens, Sister!”

If this continued, a second battle would break out. Trying to extinguish the flames before they grew, I raised my voice.

“If, by any chance, Lord Chrislan were to stage a rebellion, the citizens of Vraogone would suffer. For their sake, shouldn’t you siblings unite and demonstrate to the Vraogone family that you hold no dual loyalties?”

“…No dual loyalties, huh?”

Twirling the third skewer in her hand, Nadine murmured as if questioning herself.

“War can’t be waged alone. If the three siblings firmly show the world their undivided loyalty, the remaining Lord Chrislan should find it difficult to make any major moves. Even without evidence, if you siblings join forces, you can stop his rebellion. We of the Eirondale family also promise to offer our assistance. So, please. Um, well… Please get along with your husband!”

No matter how much I reasoned, in the end, I had no choice but to plead. Taking a page from Brother Kevin’s book, I placed both hands on the rug and bowed my head with utmost sincerity.

“I also beg you, Sister. Please lend us your help.”

Following my lead, Julian also bowed deeply. No matter how low we bowed, it was frustrating that we couldn’t bow lower than Nadine, who was lying down. Nadine looked up at Julian in surprise.

“Who are you? Bowing to me, whom you’ve always looked down on. What did this little girl do to make you like this?”

“I have never looked down on you, Sister.”

“You just said I was weak.”

“I meant to say that the neighboring country’s defenses were weak because you had already thoroughly battered them.”

“Hmph, desperately trying to cover it up, aren’t you? Speaking of desperate, you’re the same, little girl.”

“Me?”

Nadine’s teasing skewer tip suddenly pointed toward me.

“Why are you, an Eirondale, so desperate to suppress Vraogone’s rebellion?”

“For what reason…? Well, for the people.”

“But you’re from Eirondale, aren’t you?”

“People don’t have borders. They are beings who should be protected by their lords.”

“I said—you are the lord of Eirondale, aren’t you?”

Ah, this is no good. She’s too territorial. I need different words.

Think. The reason I’m trying so hard. Words that will resonate with Nadine.

“Little girl, speak plainly. Why are you trying so hard, even risking your life, to connect me and Julian?”

“Th-that is—”

In that instant, my eyes met Julian’s.

And I realized. Yes, that’s it. I took a deep breath and—

“It’s so I can divorce my husband!”

I shouted the fundamental reason with all my might.

“Huh?”

“…Sierra.”

The Empress and the Undying King—siblings with completely different tastes—frowned in exactly the same way and exchanged glances.

“—I get it. She’s really annoying, isn’t she?”

Immediately after, Nadine’s laughter exploded across the riverbank.

Why? What’s so funny?

“W-wait, Sister. That’s not it. The divorce is to secure funding for the project—”

“Got it, got it, I understand everything! Don’t say another word. Ah, my stomach hurts. Fine, then! Divorce him, this kind of man. I’ll help you as much as you want!”

“You clearly don’t understand! That’s not it, please listen, Sister!”

Completely oblivious, Nadine rolled with laughter, as if she could mow down all the reeds along the riverbank.

…Well, whatever. Though reluctantly, it seems my goal will be achieved.

Teachings of the Azizi Merchant Guild, Fifth Rule: “If you make them laugh, you win.”

In this case, I suppose it counts as my great victory?

“Idiot, getting dumped and all~”

In stark contrast to Nadine, who was pointing and laughing delightedly, Julian’s expression had darkened immensely. He must find it extremely unpleasant to be laughed at by his sister.

What a truly ill-matched pair of siblings.