divorce chapter 24

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Several days had passed since my arrival, and my life had been remarkably peaceful. Lennard, despite bringing me here, hadn’t made a single attempt to contact me. This wasn’t to say he was shirking his duties. Rumors of Duke Verhagen’s tireless efforts in clearing the path to the gate were widespread. He was pushing himself to the limit, yet he hadn’t so much as glanced my way. Why did he even bring me here? I wondered.

Initially, I had been too apprehensive to leave my room, but yesterday, Mia, my assigned maid, had encouraged me to explore. Today, we ventured out again. Being a battlefield, the fashions here differed slightly from the capital, suggesting potential trends for other regions. I figured it would be beneficial to observe and gather ideas. Yesterday, I had stumbled upon a coffee house unlike any I’d seen in the capital. Maybe they serve actual coffee, I thought, the hope rekindling my excitement. As a former caffeine addict, the coffee-less world had been a constant source of misery.

“This way, my lady,” Mia guided me back to the coffee house. My heart pounded with anticipation as I placed my order. Finally, the object of my longing sat before me. The familiar aroma had nearly brought tears to my eyes the moment I stepped inside. The first sip of hot coffee jolted my senses. “Ah…”

“I’m glad you enjoy it, my lady.” Mia smiled faintly, taking a seat opposite me. I was dressed in commoner’s clothes, blending in with the other patrons. Coffee was popular among commoners and ordinary knights, so nobles rarely frequented such establishments. It seemed prudent to avoid drawing attention to my status. I savored the coffee and the tranquility of the moment. It was a strange sensation, feeling so safe in such a dangerous place. It was undoubtedly due to Lennard’s presence. For the renowned Swordsman, Lennard Verhagen, this gate posed no real threat.

Lost in the peaceful moment, I overheard disgruntled voices from a nearby table. “I hear Duke Verhagen didn’t bring his partner this time either.”

“So I’ve heard.”

The conversation was about Lennard and me. Mia’s expression stiffened. News of our arrival hadn’t spread to the rank-and-file soldiers and commoners. She leaned towards me, her voice low. “Shall we return?”

“No.” I was curious. What could they possibly have to say about the man protecting them?

“What if something happens? He’s being incredibly irresponsible.”

“Exactly. Lady Sierra had to intervene when he nearly went berserk not long ago.”

“Then he should have brought Lady Sierra with him. This is unsettling.” They spoke of Lennard, the man risking his life to protect them, as if he were a ticking time bomb. They seemed oblivious to the fact that the western front might have fallen without him.

“I heard he’s been carrying on about finding his destined one or some such nonsense.” A man’s voice joined the conversation.

“Seriously? He’s old enough to know better. How many lives depend on him?” another Awakened individual retorted.

“I guess the lives of nameless knights like us don’t matter to him.” They united in their condemnation of Lennard’s supposed irresponsibility. The Lennard I knew wasn’t like that. He had spoken of the guilt he carried for those he couldn’t protect, wishing he had been stronger. This portrayal of him felt wrong.

“All that talk about being untouchable… I bet he just hasn’t found a woman to his liking. If Lady Sierra can purify him, it’s not like he’s incapable of being touched.” A woman’s voice chimed in, agreeing with the previous sentiment. My head spun. So the rumor is that Sierra purified Lennard, not me. They were tearing him apart as if he were some petty villain. It felt like a personal attack.

“He’s just living up to his looks. With a face like that, I doubt many women catch his eye.”

“He’s probably been with countless women already…”

Bang! I slammed my hand on the table, unable to tolerate it any longer. Startled, they glanced in my direction. I rose, grabbed a water glass from their table, and dumped the contents over the head of the man who had insulted Lennard.

“What the—!”

“What do you think you’re doing?!”

Ignoring their outraged cries, I spoke, my voice laced with ice. “I heard something foul, and I thought this might cleanse it.” Realizing I had overheard their entire conversation, their faces paled, then flushed crimson.

“What’s it to you?! Are you his partner or something?” one of the women shrieked.

Oh, right. They didn’t know who I was, or why I was so angry. I smiled sweetly. “Yes, I am.”

Their faces turned a ghastly white. It was almost comical. “Now, do I have your attention? Tell me again what you were saying about Lennard Verhagen.”