We Will Get Divorced: The Perfect Divorce Plan of the Sacrificial Daughter and the Cold-Blooded Soldier - Chapter 32

“This way, please.”

The door Ilina opened was to the small room normally used by the maids of the consular residence as a waiting room.

Though the lights were of course off at this hour, Ilina ushered me into the pitch-black room without turning them on.

“…Take your time.”

The door closed with careful, deliberately muted sound, and a shadow moved within the room. A silhouette that somehow exuded a bewitching allure despite being just an outline spoke:

“I’ve been waiting, sister-in-law.”

The words came as he braced the door with his arm.

“What business do you have at this hour, Arcadia?”

“…You’re not surprised. Did you know it wasn’t my brother?”

“Yes, your scent is different.”

“Scent?”

“Also, if it were my husband, he wouldn’t use an intermediary but would visit directly.”

“…What’s that supposed to be? Bragging about being loved? That’s irritating.”

Why would he interpret it that way? She had meant that Julian wouldn’t bother using others for things he could do himself. Somehow, communication with Arcadia never seemed to align.

“Whatever. Let’s speak frankly, sister-in-law.”

Saying this, Arcadia slightly parted the curtains to let in the moonlight. By the window stood a tea table placed in an unnatural position, with two chairs facing each other. Arcadia settled into one of them. He was presumably indicating she should sit in the opposite one.

She had promised to leave negotiations with Arcadia entirely to Julian, but given his behavior during the day, there was no telling when things might escalate to violence. Hoping to ease the tension even a little beforehand, she sat in the offered chair.

Facing each other in the darkness, Arcadia reminded her of the dream demon from a picture book she’d read long ago. A black demon who loved mischief and girls, and hated the bells that heralded dawn.

“Alright, I’ll get straight to the point. What do you think of my brother, sister-in-law?”

“My husband?”

“Ah, spare me the ‘he’s an admirable warrior’ stuff. Just answer whether you like or dislike him as a man.”

“Wh-what kind of question is that? Is Lord Chrislan seeking to know such things?”

“Father? Ah, you mean the inquiry? That’s long over. The interviews with the servants and our exchange during the day were enough.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah, frustratingly, father’s read was correct. We found the new ‘rein.'”

Again.

This time, the word ‘rein’ came from Arcadia’s mouth. She didn’t understand what it meant, but if the investigation was over, then it was her turn.

“Then, I have something I’d like to ask as well. Are you aware of Lord Chrislan’s intentions?”

“What, the rebellion?”

“…So, you did know.” Don’t underestimate the military police’s intelligence network.” We don’t have definitive information, but we can read father’s mind well enough.”

“Then this will be quick. Please cooperate with us to stop the rebellion.”

“No.”

Huh?

“No-o.”

If things were quick, the refusal was equally swift.

“Wh-why?”

Stammering out the two-syllable question, Arcadia answered with a smile that seemed to illuminate the entire dim room.

“Because I dislike you.”

“Dislike?”

“Yep, dislike.”

That’s all?

She felt dizzy. ‘Good-for-nothing womanizer, spoiled brat, useless’ – perhaps she needed to reaffix that label she’d once peeled off.

But it was troublesome.

Having been involved in numerous negotiations as a vice-duke, she knew. ‘I personally don’t like you’ – this was the hardest reason to overturn.

“I-I see. Then, I’ll correct it. What about me do you dislike?”

“Your face, maybe.”

Ugh! This is impossible!

“Pl-please think of the citizens. If a pointless conflict breaks out, it’s the innocent people who will suffer.”

“That’s for the lord to consider. It’s not the military police’s concern.”

It’s no use. First Nadine, and now this. Why were the Vraogone siblings so fiercely territorial?

“B-but, um, it’s not good, is it rebellion and such…”

Only such feeble words came out now. What should she do? How could she persuade someone who declared outright to her face that he disliked her?

She nearly sighed again.

Barely suppressing it, she looked up to find Arcadia’s amused gaze fixed on her. He really did resemble the demon from the picture book. The frightening, cunning, and extraordinarily beautiful dream demon…

“Alright then. How about a trade?”

Arcadia theatrically clapped his hands together.

“A trade?”

What kind?

“If you become my lover, sister-in-law, I’ll consider it.”

“…Excuse me?”

For a moment, her brain stopped functioning.