Chapter 30
Recalling that time made my anger surge violently, but I narrowed my eyes slightly and forced a smile.
“Do you think such crude nonsense is a compliment? Do you assume everything that sounds pleasant is praise? Your compliments are violence.”
“What?”
Devon, who had just begun to rise from his chair with a dangerous aura, flinched. If this continued, a long argument would break out, so I quickly cut in.
“Enough with the nonsense. Just shut up and listen. I came here to give you a gift.”
“A gift?”
“Yes, a gift.”
With a bright smile, I pulled out evidence of his infidelity from my sleeve and spread it out on the table. Then, without hesitation, I took the drink the bartender had given me and poured it right over Devon’s head.
“Ugh!”
Soaked in alcohol, Devon jumped up in shock. Ice that had been on his head slipped off and skidded under another guest’s table.
The commotion instantly drew everyone’s attention. Keeping my head slightly lowered, I scanned the surroundings. This place, known as a dating hotspot for nobles, was also a breeding ground for scandals.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?!”
Drenched from head to toe, Devon shook off his wet hair and shirt, glaring at me fiercely.
“I told you, I came to give you a gift.”
“What?”
I leaned in and whispered to him before slowly rising, brushing the droplets from my dress.
Smack! Without warning, I slapped Devon across the face. He staggered, his expression blank as if he couldn’t believe what had just happened.
Hitting someone hurt more than I expected. My palm tingled, and I shook my wrist to relieve the sting. Devon straightened his posture, his eyes burning with rage as he glared at me.
“What the hell are you—”
Smack! Before he could finish his sentence, I struck his other cheek. The impact was even more satisfying this time, making me spin my wrist in satisfaction.
Devon, clearly unprepared to be slapped twice, stumbled back, covering his face. From the dazed look in his eyes, he still hadn’t fully grasped the situation.
Lowering my voice, I kindly explained it to him.
“That was for repaying the debt I owed you. The real gift is yet to come. Quite generous, don’t you think?”
Anyone watching might think it was his birthday. As our eyes met, awareness finally returned to Devon’s gaze.
“W-What the hell is this, you shameless woman?!”
“That’s exactly what I should be asking you. How could you do this to me?”
Straightening my posture, I grabbed the evidence of his affairs from the bar and flung them directly at his face.
Some of the scattered images slid across the marble floor, reaching the center of the room. I could see guests sneaking glances, intrigued by the scene.
“I endured the contempt and harsh words of Viscountess Dien, holding on only because of you. No matter the humiliation, I endured because you were there. Because of your…”
I paused deliberately, then glanced hesitantly toward the lower part of Devon’s pants. As my gaze drifted downward, so did the onlookers’. Panicked, Devon hurriedly covered himself with his hands, stepping back in embarrassment.
“Even with your… flaws, I tolerated it. But it turns out you were too busy using it on someone else. How could you? Sob.”
I buried my face in my hands as if I had been waiting for this moment.
Sad thoughts, sad thoughts…
Despite forcing my eyes open wide, the sight of Devon’s ridiculous state was too amusing for tears to come.
With his face burning red, Devon hesitated, unsure of what to do. Finally, realizing the gravity of the situation, he pointed a shaking finger at me.
“You conniving—!”
Then, as if he had just noticed the bartender standing nearby, he stiffened. When I turned slightly, I saw the bartender staring at him with disdain, as if he were trash unfit to be disposed of.
“W-What are you looking at?! Mind your own business!”
Devon lashed out in frustration, but his vulgar outburst only encouraged others to start whispering about his character.
With a sigh of patience, the bartender handed me a handkerchief, his expression filled with sympathy.
“Madam, stay strong.”
“Sniff, thank you…”
I lowered my eyes sorrowfully, accepting the handkerchief and pressing it gently against my dry eyes, feigning emotion.
Devon hesitated momentarily, then raised his voice for everyone to hear.
“Do you really think you have the right to criticize me? The entire capital is buzzing with rumors about you! There’s no one here who doesn’t know where you spend your nights!”
“Oh, Devon!”
I gasped dramatically, covering my trembling lips with my fingers.
“You still misunderstand? I told you, the Count of Mipedian’s sister took pity on me and allowed me to stay. How could you—!”
As I sighed with a sorrowful voice, I heard the bartender mutter under his breath, “It takes one to know one.”
Devon, unable to turn public opinion in his favor, flared his nostrils angrily, blowing out hot air. From the way he glared at me, I could tell he was on the verge of hitting me, but he only twitched instead. He knew that acting violently here would be irreversible.
Not that anything could be reversed from the moment he picked a fight with me.
I glanced through my fingers at the grand lights and the marble-covered bar pathway.
The public sentiment is set. It’s about time.
Just then, a frail, stick-thin man stormed into the bar, his face red with rage. Scanning the room, his sharp eyes landed on me.
“Etricia…!”
“F-Father-in-law, what brings you here…?”
I gasped, feigning surprise as I dropped the handkerchief.
It was Viscount Dien, a corrupt noble forced into retirement after the emperor caught wind of his bribery scandals. He had spent the last four years managing a small provincial estate, avoiding the capital altogether.
Now, forced to return, his presence alone was enough to send Devon stumbling backward in fear.
“Devon! You bastard! Is it true you’ve been unfaithful?! Do you know how rare it is to find such a wise and considerate woman?!”
Viscount Dien roared, stomping toward his son, radiating fury.
“Devon, you—!”
He was about to yell again when he noticed me. Pausing awkwardly, he removed his fedora and placed it over his chest, bowing slightly as if embarrassed.
“I… I didn’t expect to see you again under such shameful circumstances.”
“How did you get here?”
“Your lawyer informed me through the communication network, so I came via portal.”
Of course. I asked Rainbutton to notify him before I arrived.
I let out a deliberate, tearful sigh.
“Father-in-law, if you heard from my lawyer, there’s no need for further explanation. I’m divorcing him.”
“What?! No, that’s unacceptable!”
“I’m sorry, but this is how it must be.”
Seeing Viscount Dien’s lips go dry in anxiety, I smiled faintly, tucking my hair behind my ear to appear delicate and frail.
“Don’t worry. I’ll explain everything to His Majesty. Now, if you’ll excuse me…”
As I passed by Devon, I whispered only for him to hear.
“This is my real gift. Have a deep father-son talk.”
Smiling radiantly, I turned and left, adjusting my ruffled sleeves as I walked leisurely toward the exit.
After picking up the fallen handkerchief and politely returning it to the bartender, I brushed off the ruffled sleeves and calmly walked toward the entrance.
Clang—!
“It’s a misunderstanding! Please listen to me, Father! It’s that woman’s scheme!”
“That woman?! You don’t even know how to properly address your own wife!”
Soon, the place was filled with shouting between father and son.
From time to time, I could hear Devon’s harsh voice yelling my name.
‘Hmph, serves you right for messing with me.’
With the matter resolved quickly, I figured I’d get a dessert gift for Lilien as an apology for breaking my promise.
Before I knew it, I was heading to a dessert shop with light, graceful steps, followed by Rail.
After finishing his task, Rail visited Edmund’s office holding a tray with a green grape tart.
“There should be a special edition printed by tomorrow. We’ve also prepared a rebuttal article, so they won’t be able to stir things up any further.”
Just as he finished reporting while standing in front of the desk, Edmund pressed the bridge of his nose as if tired.
“Good work. You may go.”
As Rail hesitated in front of the desk, Edmund lifted his sharp gaze over his hand.
“What is it now?”
“Aren’t you going to ask more questions?”
“Ask what?”
“Um…”
At Edmund’s slightly irritated tone, Rail scratched his cheek and looked away.
Ask what? For example—if the Countess had shown any suspicious behavior. Wasn’t he upset earlier when she refused his offer to accompany her on that risky errand?
Rail was puzzled. Though they had spent some time apart, his master was still cold and composed.
Even in the unpredictable forest, he always stayed calm, earning the knights’ respect and admiration.
‘But why would someone like him act that way over something so trivial…?’
Rail tilted his head, then slowly turned his eyes—only to meet Edmund’s sharp stare.
“Do you have anything else to say?”
Rail gave an awkward smile and shook his head.
“No, sir. I’ll take my leave now.”
