divorce chapter 23

After parting ways with Estelle, Lennard entered the command center, his face creased in a frown. Unbeknownst to him, his accommodations had been changed. He had distinctly reserved a building with two separate quarters, but what awaited him was a single dwelling, typically occupied by Awakened couples. He relinquished the dwelling to Estelle and sought alternative lodging, but everything was already booked. The western battlefield, due to a long-standing gate, saw a constant influx of Awakened individuals. Wealthy Awakened required comfortable accommodations, and the surrounding area, naturally prosperous, was highly sought after. The fact that he had announced his arrival with his partner had undoubtedly drawn even more Awakened to the area. I’ll have to requisition a barracks used by the regular soldiers, he thought with a sigh, pushing open the door to the meeting room.

Inside, the middle-aged Knight Commander, Paul, sprang to his feet, greeting Lennard with enthusiasm. “You’ve arrived!”

“It’s been a while, Sir Paul.”

The Knight Commander’s eyes gleamed, reflecting the anticipation of finally seeing an end to this long and tedious campaign. “Are the accommodations to your liking?”

“Yes, about those…”

“We received explicit instructions from High Command to ensure your comfort. It’s your first time here with Lady Schneider, is it not?” Paul, seemingly mistaking Lennard’s hesitation for satisfaction, launched into a needless stream of chatter about the dwelling, including how it supposedly improved the relationships of the Awakened couples who stayed there. He seemed particularly keen to emphasize this point, oblivious to the fact that their broken engagement was public knowledge. “And I even managed to secure a reservation at the exclusive Bantz Restaurant!” he declared, his fist clenched with an enthusiasm that surpassed even Lennard’s.

Observing his excitement, Lennard finally spoke. “By the way, what brings you here? The subjugation isn’t scheduled to begin until tomorrow.”

“Well…” Paul’s face fell. “There seems to have been a misunderstanding. Lady Schneider is merely a temporary partner.”

“I beg your pardon?” Paul looked as if the world had just ended.

With an apologetic expression, Lennard explained his reason for coming. “I’ll need a barracks, the kind used by the regular soldiers.”

“Yes… of course.” Paul’s dejection was palpable. Lennard sighed. “Could we review the upcoming schedule?”

“Certainly, Your Excellency.”

Together, they finalized the schedule and strategy. There was nothing out of the ordinary. As always, the knights and other Awakened would clear the path to the gate, and Lennard would enter. They also formulated a few contingency plans.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“The burden has been shared, Sir Paul. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“Ah, the Bantz Restaurant reservation is for next week. Since you’re already here, perhaps you and Lady Schneider would consider dining together?” Paul suggested hopefully.

“I doubt she would be amenable to that.”

“Still, it wouldn’t hurt to ask. You never know.” Seeing Lennard’s hesitation, Paul’s eyes lit up again. He then launched into a lengthy anecdote about how he won over his own wife.

“Commander! We need you immediately!” The adjutant’s urgent call interrupted Paul mid-story.

“My apologies, I must attend to this.”

“Go ahead. Don’t let me keep you.” Eager to avoid further conversation, Lennard practically ushered Paul out and quickly made his own exit, heading towards the assigned barracks. He sighed, collapsing onto the cot. The creak of the old bed was irritating, but the tension from his morning with Estelle had taken its toll. Exhaustion quickly claimed him. What a tiring day, he thought. The unexpected news had been a shock, and the close proximity to Estelle during their journey had kept him on edge. And then… the memory of Estelle falling into his arms as they disembarked the carriage surfaced. The electrifying jolt, the surge of desire that had nearly overwhelmed him… Lennard’s thoughts trailed off as sleep finally enveloped him.

He awoke abruptly, throwing back the covers. Despair washed over him as he stared at the evidence of his nocturnal emission. “Pathetic,” he muttered, shame keeping him rooted to the spot.