We Will Get Divorced: The Perfect Divorce Plan of the Sacrificial Daughter and the Cold-Blooded Soldier - Chapter 29

“Hey, long time no see, brother.”

The second son of the Vraogone family, who had suddenly appeared from the courtyard and was ushered into the parlor with a grand wave, surprisingly seemed to have obtained formal visitation permission from both the Eirondale and Vraogone families.

“Even so, a Vraogone shouldn’t be wandering around Eirondale territory, Arcadia. Is that what the military police do?”

It was entirely reasonable.

Julian spoke as if scolding Arcadia, who had sat down on the sofa without anyone’s invitation.

“Just taking a walk, a walk. It’s fine, right? I’ve been waiting for you in this countryside for three whole days. Cut me some slack. Hey, sister-in-law?”

Arcadia’s pleading gaze flew toward me. I was seized by the impulse to yell at him. Since when did “taking a walk” involve secret, sweaty rendezvous with a maid from another household?—but…

“That’s right. A walk should be fine.”

For now, persuading Arcadia and bringing him to our side was the top priority. Don’t sweat the small stuff before the big stuff. I gritted my teeth so hard it felt like they might grind down, forcing a polite smile.

“See, even sister-in-law says so. You think so too, right, Ilina?”

But you didn’t have to bring Ilina into this.

“…Yes, Lord Arcadia.”

You didn’t have to answer either, Ilina.

What do I do? I’m gritting my teeth so hard my molars might sink into my gums.

“…Fine, whatever. I actually had some business with you too. I appreciate you visiting.”

Julian seemed to have sensed something, but for now, he swallowed his thoughts and steered the conversation toward a peaceful persuasion. While everyone in the room swallowed their complicated feelings and smiled…

“Wow, this might be the first time I’ve been thanked by my brother. Guess it’ll rain spears tomorrow.”

Only Arcadia leaned back innocently, laughing. I wish all those spears would just pierce him.

“Then, shall we take care of your business first? What brings you all the way out to this countryside, Arcadia?”

“Hmm, it’s nothing major. I heard you got married, so I wanted to see what your wife looks like.”

“Well, I’m glad. Thank you for coming all this way.”

You went through the trouble of getting permission from both families? The commander of the military police? Just to see the face of the sister-in-law you don’t get along with? It seems he has no intention of revealing his true motives.

“Still, I see. So you’re my brother’s wife, huh? I see, I see.”

Arcadia took a sip of the tea Ilina had poured, a meaningful smile playing on his lips as he peered at my face.

Arcadia’s black eyes were like fragments of the night sky; being stared at by them felt like having the softest part of my heart shaken, making me restless. I sipped my tea to escape his gaze, but…

“I see now…”

Even after setting down his cup, his gaze remained fixed on my cheeks. Considering this was our first meeting, it was starting to border on rudeness.

“Well, I heard my woman-hating brother actually accepted an engagement, so I was looking forward to seeing what kind of beauty would show up. But maybe I set my expectations a bit too high.”

Oh, it seems the rudeness isn’t just in his gaze. My hand trembled for a moment, but I’ve had my fill of this kind of comment from men back in my days as a vice-duke. Pretending not to hear is the best approach.

“Arcadia, I won’t allow you to insult my wife.”

But Julian didn’t seem to have the same tolerance, reacting swiftly and slamming his cup down roughly.

“Huh? Wife, you say?”

Scolded again by his brother, Arcadia’s smile shifted slightly. A wet gleam scattered in his black eyes.

“What?”

“Nothing, really. Just thinking you two are really playing at being married.”

“Playing at being married?”

Husband, please be careful. Your voice is getting scary.

“Isn’t it? My reluctant brother, forced by the king’s orders, and my sister-in-law, here for the money. Isn’t that just playing house?”

“…I said I won’t allow insults, Arcadia.”

Husband, please be careful. Your eyes are getting scary too.

“Whoa, scary. Sister-in-law, you’ve got it rough, being forced into marriage with such a frightening brother.”

“No, I’ve never found him scary. My husband has been very kind to me.”

“Really? I heard you have separate bedrooms and until recently even ate separately.”

Who did you hear that from?

Under the combined gaze of Julian and me, one of the maids standing by the wall averted her eyes. Of course, it was Ilina. It seems Arcadia had thoroughly gathered information during the three days we were away.

“No need to force it, both of you. It’s fine, right? It’s an aristocratic political marriage. There’s no love, no mutual interest. It’s not uncommon. You’re the same, sister-in-law—as long as you get the money, it didn’t have to be my brother, right?”

“That’s not—”

—true.

I was startled by how close I came to blurting that out. Why? His wording was crude, but he was right. So why did I…?

“Your jokes have gone too far, Arcadia.”

“That’s because I’m not joking.”

A note of irritation crept into Arcadia’s voice. A sharp crack appeared in his always composed mask.

“What’s with you, brother? Why won’t you admit it? You don’t really care about a woman like this, right? Don’t tell me you’ve developed feelings for her. Oh, wait. Now that you mention it, she does kinda look like that woman.”

…That woman?

“Arc—!”

Suddenly, Julian’s roar exploded.