We Will Get Divorced: The Perfect Divorce Plan of the Sacrificial Daughter and the Cold-Blooded Soldier - Chapter 31

“My deepest apologies. Lady Arcadia says she is feeling unwell.”

If the first act had been a grand failure, the second act never even made it to opening night.

Though we had viewed dinner as the next opportunity for persuasion and made perfect preparations as a couple, Arcadia didn’t even show her face. With just one message from Ilina, our dinner party was easily canceled.

“I see… Very well. Please tell her she may visit whenever she’s feeling better.”

I managed to put on a smile and sent Ilina off with the return message, but I couldn’t deny the feeling of having been thwarted right from the start.

“That’s just the kind of person Arcadia is. No, I’m not much better myself. My apologies.”

Julian, unusually dejected, bowed his head. It seemed he genuinely regretted having drawn his sword despite having taken on the task of persuasion.

“Please don’t apologize, my lord. Since Lady Arcadia came all this way to hear us out, she shouldn’t simply leave like this. We still have chances for persuasion.”

“Is that so… Yes, you’re right. But I want to properly apologize to you, Sierra.”

“There’s no need to go that far…”

“I’m sorry for kicking over your precious tea table.”

That’s what you’re apologizing for?

“This would be more important to you, Sierra. It’s practically an heirloom from your mother. I’m truly sorry.”

“Th-that’s, it’s quite alright. That wasn’t your fault.”

“But…”

“Yes, I’ve already received your apology. Let’s not discuss it further. Let’s change our mindset. You’re just one step away from being able to divorce me! Cheer up.”

“What exactly do you mean by that statement?”

“Pardon?”

“Never mind. I just think I understand why everyone Sierra meets likes her.”

“Oh, is that so?”

I didn’t quite follow, but since Julian had regained his smile, I decided to let it be. I shifted my own mood and reached for the bread plate.

“Still, I was surprised. I never imagined Arcadia would have such detailed information. Do you think Lord Chrislan has noticed our movements?”

Had he noticed our aim to prevent the rebellion before it happens?

“Knowing my father, it wouldn’t be strange if he vaguely suspected something.”

“In that case, the safety of the hostage…”

“We haven’t done anything that would give him concrete evidence either. At this stage, he probably can’t do anything reckless.”

“I see. Well, that’s good then.”

Apparently, this so-called hostage wasn’t someone Chrislan could freely manipulate anytime, anywhere. If that’s the case, they must be a person of considerable status.

“But a hostage… Perhaps that is my father’s goal after all.”

Julian stopped eating at that point and fixed his blue eyes intently on me.

“From my father’s perspective, I must look like an unmanageable wild horse right now. Is he trying to grasp a new rein? A more powerful one. If he sent Arcadia for that purpose…”

“A new rein…?”

What did he mean? I was about to ask, but Julian spoke first.

“Sierra, where did you find Arcadia?”

“Pardon?”

“This afternoon. You brought back Arcadia after she slipped out of the reception room, right?”

“In the courtyard. I happened to find her while I was taking a walk.”

“What was she doing?”

“Wh-what was she doing?”

Instantly, Ilina’s sweet voice from between the trees came back to me. I stumbled over my words,

“Was there something you can’t talk about?”

Immediately, Julian’s tone intensified.

“What did she do to you! What did that woman do to Sierra!”

“N-no, it’s not me. I just genuinely found her and guided her back.”

That startled me. Please don’t suddenly shout like that.

“Is that true? Is that really what happened?”

Julian’s intensity hadn’t subsided. He looked ready to stand up at any moment.

“Yes, it’s true.”

“I see, that’s fine then. Anyway, be careful around Arcadia.”

“Y-yes, understood.”

I couldn’t bear having the table overturned again. With my sole desire to calm Julian down, I nodded obediently, but,

“By the way, specifically what should I be careful about, and how?”

I still couldn’t quite grasp the intent behind Julian’s statement.

“What about…? That would be everything.”

“I see, understood.”

As I thought, Julian was acting rather strange today. He seemed aware of it himself too, as he said,

“Sorry. I seem to be off my game today. I’ll retire early.”

Julian left the dining hall having barely touched his meal.

Finally, I was left all alone.

A sigh I hadn’t meant to let out echoed oddly loudly through the dining room.

“Sigh, today yielded no results at all.”

After changing into my nightclothes and lying down in bed, a naturally negative murmur escaped my lips.

Ah, that’s no good. I sighed again. I need to pull myself together. Nothing good comes from being discouraged.

Following the Azizi Company’s fifth teaching, ‘A smile is the cheapest and most reliable investment’—I forced the corners of my mouth upward. Tomorrow, I will face Arcadia calmly and productively. Just as I was strengthening that resolve,

—Knock knock, knock knock.

I heard four knocks on the door. The maid-specific knocking pattern—it must be Amy. We just wished each other goodnight and parted, so did she forget something? Thinking that, I opened the door to find

“My lady, Lord Julian requests your presence.”

Ilina was bowing respectfully.