divorce chapter 25

“He may be a temporary partner, but a partner nonetheless.” It was baffling how the rumor had spread, especially since he hadn’t arrived unprepared.

“You’re his partner? But I was told he wasn’t interested in finding anyone.”

“Did you see it yourself?”

At my question, the man’s eyes wavered. “Don’t go spreading rumors you haven’t confirmed yourself.”

Judging by his attire, he seemed to be from a well-off family, if not high nobility. Looking at his pale, sheltered face, I clicked my tongue. “So ungrateful and utterly crass, considering who’s keeping you alive.”

His pale face flushed crimson with shame and anger as I continued, “How dare… Do you even know who I am? How are we supposed to believe you’re the real partner? Do you have any proof?”

Oh, getting a little feisty, are we? “Then let’s go together.”

I had nothing to hesitate about. My confidence made him falter, yet his pride seemed to prevent him from backing down. Unable to contain his frustration, he shoved me, shouting, “How dare a commoner be so insolent!”

Seeing his raised hand, I squeezed my eyes shut. 

I’ll take the hit and pay him back tenfold.

But nothing happened.

I cautiously opened my eyes to see the man’s face, now ashen. And looming over him…

“What exactly is going on here?”

It was Lennard.

***

Lennard had spent the past few days eliminating monsters to access the gate. Since the monsters outside the gate could barely utilize half their power, it was practically a slaughter. Covered in monster blood daily, he couldn’t wash away the stench, no matter how hard he tried. With each passing day, the ever-present metallic scent and the side effects of using his abilities frayed his nerves.

“Your Grace, perhaps you should visit your partner?” Paul finally spoke up, concerned, after Lennard returned from clearing the area directly in front of the gate.

“Don’t worry, I’m not about to lose control.”

“Th-that’s not what I meant. You just seem rather fatigued.”

Despite Paul’s gentle phrasing, Lennard felt irritated. He finally admitted to himself that his condition wasn’t ideal. “I’ll take a short break tomorrow.”

“Yes, yes, it’s best to rest before entering the gate.”

Paul’s noticeably bright smile made Lennard’s lips twist.

Turning away from his quarters, Lennard headed towards the coffee house Paul had recommended. Having spent more time with knights and soldiers than with nobles, he preferred coffee to tea. Furthermore, his face wasn’t as recognizable among commoners, which allowed him to move around more freely. Still, he concealed his face, as knights who recognized him would occasionally appear.

Lennard, his hood pulled low, entered the coffee house, received his coffee, and sat down. Soft music mingled with the murmur of conversations.

“Haah.” The familiar scent of blood was replaced by the rich aroma of coffee. ‘Perhaps it’s because I’m away from the battlefield.’

He enjoyed a rare moment of peace, until a loud voice shattered the tranquility. “Duke Verhagen, I hear you didn’t bring your partner again this time?” The voice was loud enough for everyone in the cafe to hear.

Lennard, abruptly addressed, pulled his hood even lower. Their conversation felt staged, as if following a script.

“Indeed. I heard Lady Sierra had to stop him from losing control recently.”

At the mention of Sierra’s name, Lennard realized they were the Church’s pawns, likely trying to manipulate public opinion against him. 

They think I’m some kind of righteous crusader.

It was a common misconception. Lennard had never once stepped onto the battlefield for the Empire or its citizens. He simply needed something to distract him from the endless cold. They seemed to believe he would accept Sierra as his partner due to public pressure.

Lennard remained silent, listening to their prattle. It was utterly uninteresting. Just as he was about to leave, someone slammed their hand on a table and stood up.

“Estelle?” He hadn’t recognized her in the commoner’s dress she wore.

She strode over and dumped water over the head of the man who had been slandering him.

“Kyaaaak!”

“Wh-what are you doing?!”

Estelle seemed even angrier than he was. Seeing her raise her voice and defend his honor evoked a strange feeling within him.

“What’s it to you? Are you his partner or something?”

Why was she going so far for him? He, the one being insulted, remained silent. Lennard waited for Estelle’s reply.