divorce chapter 9

Nina was right. Rumors of Lennard’s unclaimed status had permeated high society. “But why?” I’d asked. 

“Well, I wouldn’t know the details…” she’d replied with a troubled expression. 

Of course, even if it’s true, Lennard is considered the strongest in this world. She wouldn’t speak of his weaknesses lightly.

This unexpected news had me on edge. If he hadn’t yet found a partner, Lennard was a walking time bomb. Awakened ones possessed immense power but fragile mental fortitude. Not literally made of tofu, of course, but burdened by monstrous strength, they were plagued by nightmares and stress. If they overexerted themselves in such an unstable state… 

The surroundings would completely evaporate.

In the original story, even a brief surge of power was enough to vaporize Estelle’s body. And even then, he’d stopped quickly because I was there. But this time, I had no intention of sacrificing myself for him. Nor did I plan to be caught in the crossfire of his power surge. “I thought breaking off the engagement would solve everything!” I collapsed onto the bed, clutching my chest in frustration.

***

Time passed, and I gradually felt a sense of relief. Three months had gone by without incident. 

“Well, I guess he met the heroine in the meantime.” 

I never expected the storyline to remain unchanged after I broke off the engagement. Things were bound to deviate from the original. More pressing matters arose, and my worries about Lennard slowly faded. 

“My lady, are you ready?” Nina called, knocking on the door. 

“I’ll be right out!” I checked my reflection one last time. My vibrant red hair was styled in an updo, secured with a hairnet. I wore a demure, dark navy dress, my face adorned with lighter makeup than usual. I looked genuinely innocent and kind. 

“Ha… I thought breaking off the engagement would be the end of it.” I’d been so naive. Becoming a partner wasn’t just for anyone. The Empire revered the Awakened, but their partners were equally esteemed. The Church oversaw both, and once a year, they gathered unmarried individuals for a matching ceremony. 

In other words, a matchmaking event.

Attendance was mandatory. Still, my heart felt lighter, believing Lennard wouldn’t be there. It wasn’t an event I relished, but I decided to participate wholeheartedly. Who knew? I might encounter a good match. The image of the man I’d spent a fiery night with a few months prior flashed through my mind. He was incredibly handsome. 

“Ugh, no use thinking about a man who ran away.” I shook my head, ignoring Nina’s nagging as I headed to the carriage.

We arrived at the cathedral quickly. Its size and opulence seemed excessive for a religion that preached austerity. 

“Well, Awakened ones do offer enormous donations as a token of gratitude after finding their partners.” 

Entering through the main gate, we stepped into a long corridor. Stained-glass windows adorned the walls, casting colorful light onto the milky-white marble floor. I strolled down the hallway, observing my surroundings. 

This marble…it’s from the Phene region, exclusively used in the Imperial Palace.

Hiding my astonishment, I reached the hall where people had gathered. It was a bustling scene. Everyone was dressed to impress, hoping to catch someone’s eye. I felt slightly underdressed. I slowly crossed the hall, heading towards a table laden with drinks and light refreshments. Sipping a cocktail, I surveyed the room. 

Why do I feel like people keep glancing at me?

Ending a partnership was uncommon, but not unheard of. I thought I’d be fine, but it seemed I was mistaken. 

“Estelle!” 

“Liliana.” Liliana approached me with a bright smile. I’d met her through business dealings; she supplied goods to the cathedral. 

“You came after all.” 

“Well, I had no choice.” I shrugged. Liliana pulled me behind a pillar and whispered, “I didn’t think you’d come.” 

“It’s mandatory.” 

“Did you… not hear?” The conversation felt strangely off.