CWMBR 91

Chapter 91

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After that, things moved quickly. Ain remained silent the entire time, as if he had forgotten how to speak, so Bridget simply conveyed what she wanted.

The Wise couple's divorce was not originally a matter for the royal investigator to handle, but since they were responsible for conveying the royal will, they decided to mediate between the two and ensure a smooth divorce.

This decision was made purely out of consideration for Bridget's circumstances. As a commoner, it would be burdensome for her to navigate the royal court in the capital to complete the divorce proceedings. Since it wasn't a matter Sanne could decide unilaterally, this indirectly showed how seriously the royal court viewed Ain's responsibility.

"It seems rather difficult to reach an agreement today. Let's compile both sides' demands and schedule another date."

Bridget readily nodded at Sanne’s suggestion and rose to her feet. Even to her, it seemed unlikely that anything could be smoothly negotiated with Ain, who looked as stunned as someone who'd been hit in the back of the head.

After all, it was merely a matter of pushing back the date slightly; their divorce was effectively a foregone conclusion. Of course, if Ain stubbornly refused, they'd have to go through the cumbersome process of divorce litigation... but there was no reason for Ain to waste time and money dragging things out so noisily.

Feeling somewhat relieved, Bridget stepped out of the building with a light stride. Behind her, hurried footsteps echoed.

"Bridget!"

Ain, who she'd thought would remain sitting there in a daze, had quickly followed her out. Grabbing her arm to stop her, he spoke with a stiff, hardened expression.

"We need to talk."

Glancing down at Ain’s hand gripping her arm, Bridget asked in a flat voice.

"Are we settling this right now?"

"Damn it, Bridget."

"If you have demands, put them in writing and send them to me. I don't know what you could possibly get from me that you don't already have, but depending on the content, I might be willing to settle."

Bridget jerked her arm free, shaking off Ain’s hand, and turned her gaze away indifferently. As she looked up at the sky thick with clouds, she heard Ain speak through gritted teeth.

"You never said you requested a divorce."

"It's a shame you couldn't annul the marriage, but you'll have to settle for being a divorced man."

"Why didn't you tell me first?"

Bridget raised her eyebrows. Tilting her head slightly and blinking, she let out a low exclamation.

"Oh, now that you mention it, you did tell me beforehand that you intended to reexamine the validity of our marriage. Yes, that was inconsiderate of me."

Her indifferent tone was practically sarcastic. Ain suppressed his voice, his face slightly flushed.

"I said from the start that if there were no issues with this marriage, I would admit my fault and commit fully to our married life going forward."

"How touching. Your next wife will be loved, I suppose. My blessings to her."

"I said I have no intention of breaking it if there are no grounds for annulment."

Bridget twisted her lips into a crooked smile. She still remembered the utter absurdity she felt when she heard those words from Sanne.

"Our marriage isn't something determined solely by your will."

That arrogant attitude, as if the entire course of this marriage depended entirely on his choice. Bridget doubted he even understood the true meaning of marriage. Did he think it was merely acquiring a pet called a wife?

"Do you think you can divorce me now, knowing what your uncle might do? How will you protect yourself if you lose even the pretense of being Madame Wise?"

"Anyone listening would think I received some great privilege as Madame Wise."

Her indifferent tone made Ain pause. He had already heard from her own lips that she had been shunned precisely because she was Madame Wise. Not only had she been denied everything she should have enjoyed as a wife neglected by her husband, but she had suffered even more degrading, inhuman insults. Ain understood her critical attitude.

But that was the past. Ain sought once more to persuade her of the utility of her status. Wouldn't it be far more advantageous and wise to leverage the position of Madame Wise from now on?

"Of course, you may not have enjoyed any benefits until now, but in a situation where your life is in danger, the power that status holds..."

"Listen carefully."

But Bridget had no intention of listening to Ain's persuasion, cutting him off coldly.

The deep green eyes that had been fixed on the distant sky turned to face Ain.

"Ain Wise, I have no regrets whatsoever about you."

Ain gasped at the cold, resolute tone and fell silent. The everyday street noises vanished entirely, leaving only Bridget's voice clear and amplified.

"It means I have no interest in anything this marriage could offer. So if you thought the choice was yours alone, I hope you'll correct that absurd delusion from now on."

Footsteps approached behind them. Declan, who had likely stayed behind to speak briefly with Sanne, was now strolling out with Gilum.

After confirming their presence, Bridget addressed the frozen Ain in a flat tone.

"I sincerely hope we don't meet in court."

Would it rain? The faint breeze carried heavy moisture.

Looking up at the sky, Bridget suddenly decided she must close the Grand Theater for the time being. She would call the staff as soon as she returned to inform them. They likely already shared some understanding of her situation and would understand this choice. Perhaps they had even found it odd that the Grand Theater remained open without any performances scheduled.

With her mind made up, Bridget began to walk. Ain stood frozen, unable to bring himself to stop her.

Declan approached Ain, glancing back and forth between Bridget, who had turned away, and Ain, who had stopped frozen.

"Well, well."

With a face reflecting complex emotions, Declan called out to Ain in a serious voice.

"Ain."

Ain stared intently at Bridget's back. Though she wasn't looking at him, as long as her ears were open, she would hear his voice. Declan, assuming this, spoke in a grave tone.

"If it comes to divorce proceedings, I will represent Madame Wise. Understand that. She appealed directly to the royal court about the injustice, and since the royal court accepted it, it's over."

Only then did Ain’s gaze shift to Declan. His eyes, shiny like glass marbles, held no emotion whatsoever, which sent a chill down the spine of anyone looking at him. Declan, feeling an inexplicable chill at the back of his neck, rubbed it firmly with his hand. He averted his gaze slightly but spoke resolutely.

"In my opinion, you won't win."

"Madam, madam!"

Bridget, who had been about to walk away completely, stopped in her tracks. It was Gilum who called out to her urgently. Running past Ain and Declan to reach Bridget, Gilum said in a composed voice.

"After speaking with Lady Sanne, we concluded that since we've already agreed to escort you, it's only right we see it through to the end. If it's acceptable to you, I will accompany you for the time being."

"Thank you. I won't refuse."

Bridget nodded readily. Her expression was visibly gentle, completely different from how she had been with Ain.

"Do you happen to like walnut pie? Mrs. Ottertz baked some this morning specifically to give to you, Mr. Gilum."

"Ah, I'd be grateful if you could bring me along. Mrs. Ottertz’s baking is truly excellent, you know."

Gilum nodded with a kind smile. They resumed their halted walk, continuing their conversation. As they grew farther away, their voices faded from earshot.

Ain stared intently at their retreating backs, not blinking once. Declan, watching Ain's expression with anxious eyes, called out to him softly.

"Ain."

Ain didn't move a muscle. Only when the two climbed into the carriage together did he subtly furrow his brow.

Watching Ain's troubled expression, Declan urged him earnestly.

"I'll set aside a copy of the Tervia Monthly for you. Make sure you read it. Lady Salvia's survey is featured at the very end. 'Things Men Often Do When Suffering the Aftermath of a Breakup'. Got it?"

After confirming the carriage carrying the two had left the street, Ain began walking. His steps toward his own car were somewhat rough. Following behind, Declan called out urgently.

"Hey, Ain! Did you hear me?!"

Of course, Ain didn't answer.