CH 26.1

“Just somewhere else, a place with few people where I can live quietly.”

There was no way Benjamin would kick Grace out empty-handed. She was still his wife, no matter how incompetent she was. And seeing him show some consideration, even now, she became more convinced.

‘But I can’t ask for a lot of money, so it’s better to live on the alimony in a place with slightly outdated infrastructure.’

Benjamin nodded quietly.

“Then I’ll look into it.”

“What?”

“The next house for My Lady. Don’t worry. I promise I won’t ever go there. If you’re really concerned, I’ll get the documents from the palace.”

“There’s no need to go that far…”

Why would they even need to get a royal order of no approach? If that happened, it seemed like the palace would have an unnecessary interest in Grace.

It was already obvious that this divorce would arouse curiosity. Something like, What was it that made this woman divorce such a perfect man? 

“I see…”

“Yes.”

“I understand. But if we divorce, I won’t be able to attach the Order of the Duke’s Knights to My Lady. There won’t be any pretext for it.”

Benjamin said with a sigh.

“It’s okay. Who would target me anyway?”

“….”

Sniffle.

Benjamin continued to sniffle.

“And also, I mentioned one problem, but there’s actually another one. There were two. I just lied to My Lady…”

“It’s ok, Your Highness. Please calm down and speak.”

Grace raised both hands to calm Benjamin down. Benjamin sniffled again and spoke.

“During the probationary period, we have to meet frequently and spend time together. Maybe we’ll have to attend official events as a couple.”

Grace was taken aback by this news and froze in surprise. Benjamin understood her reaction very well. She really hated the aristocratic social scene.

“Attending official events is only for the worst-case scenario.”

“It seems Your Highness thinks the same way.”

Benjamin hesitated for a moment before nodding his head.

Grace thought he would hate attending official events, as they often involved participation in religious ceremonies.

“During the probationary period, we will talk again as a couple, and if it still doesn’t work out, it means we should divorce. Of course…”

“Of course?”

“During that time, if it really doesn’t work out, there are cases where we can request to shorten the period. If we choose this method, we have to hand over a portion of our property to the royal family, but if My Lady wishes, I will do so.”

“No, it’s not necessary to go that far.”

“That’s good to hear. I’m glad.”

No matter how much Grace wanted to save her life and get away from Benjamin, she couldn’t take more of his property.

‘And he wouldn’t want to spend more money because of me either.’

Grace looked at Benjamin with pity whose eyes and nose were red from crying.

“Then let’s go inside and rest. I couldn’t even drink my tea properly. I’m sorry.”

“…No, it’s me who should apologize for not preparing coffee, which I know My Lady prefers.”

Grace was a little surprised by Benjamin’s response.

‘He knew?’

She didn’t think she had shown any obvious signs while drinking.

Grace bit her lip and hesitantly headed towards the annex. Benjamin watched her back and rubbed his eyes.

“Abel Burton.”

“Yes.”

Abel, Benjamin’s aide who had been secretly observing the situation, appeared. His face was calm, but he didn’t show any signs of emotion.

“You said there haven’t been any suspicious individuals approaching the lady recently, right?”

“Yes.”

“I see.”

Sally had reported to Benjamin that there might be someone suspicious around Grace lately.

Although Benjamin trusted Grace, he didn’t trust the world blindly. He was kind to everyone.

However, that didn’t mean he liked everyone.

Abel asked, sensing Benjamin’s mood, “Your Highness, may I ask if you are really considering divorcing the lady?”

“…Divorce?”

Benjamin rolled the two words in his mouth at Abel’s question. His voice was sweet, but his emotions were dry.

His gaze was fixed on the annex.

“If the lady still wants a divorce after the probationary period, then I’ll have to grant it. What can I do? I can’t force a lady who doesn’t want to stay with me.”

“….”

Benjamin laughed.

“So I have to do my best to make My Lady want to stay with me. Isn’t that right?”

He returned to his usual gentle and kind voice and expression as a duke. However, the servants were actually afraid of that appearance.

Benjamin muttered softly.

“I’ve been holding on for so long, and now it’s all falling apart like this…”