divorce chapter 28

These accommodations were quite luxurious for the front lines, but at this moment, I desperately wished for a guest room. I couldn’t send him back now. It was clear someone was watching us, observing the dynamic between Lennard and me. I couldn’t even trust Mia. Who knew if the rumors had originated from her? Alright. I’ve made up my mind. I’ll see this through.

Resolute, I entered the small bathroom attached to my bedroom. The fact that this house had two bathrooms for a single bedroom felt pointedly suggestive.

When I emerged, unfamiliar items had appeared in the room: candles softly illuminating the space, and a nightgown that seemed thinner and more translucent than usual.

“How blatant.” The Lennard I knew would never do something like this. If not him, then who? More importantly, who ordered this? No servant would arrange something like this without some personal gain.

“Haah.” The uncertainty made me uneasy.

A creak and the opening of the door made me turn. Lennard stood there, stiffly watching me. I draped a thick shawl over my shoulders and approached him.

“I… I’m sorry. I didn’t know where to go!”

“It’s alright. Come in.”

Despite my invitation, Lennard remained rooted to the spot. I walked over and stood directly in front of him, and he took a small step back. He turned his head away, his cheeks flushed. I sighed. I took his hand and pulled him inside.

“Ah.” As if finally grasping the situation, Lennard tried to pull away, as if to flee. I quickly closed the door, cutting off his escape route.

“This way.” With his escape blocked, Lennard seemed to lose his will to resist and followed me meekly.

“Have you eaten? I haven’t yet, so I prepared a light meal.” A simple snack and herbal tea were laid out on the table.

“I haven’t either.”

I smiled and pushed a plate toward him. “Please, eat.”

Lennard slowly began to eat his late supper. We ate in silence. The atmosphere felt strained, like a compulsory battle.

When we finished eating, warm herbal tea was served. I glanced at Lennard. He looked tired, his eyes closed as he massaged his forehead. It was time to discuss what needed to be done.

I carefully broached the subject. “The reason I brought you here, Your Lordship, is because of what happened earlier today.”

“You needn’t worry about what they said. It seems the Church planted those rumors, likely hoping to spread gossip about the Saintess.”

Lennard’s answer was completely unexpected. I hadn’t anticipated the Church being involved. Why would they spread such rumors? What could they possibly gain? Ah. Lennard was a close aide to the Crown Prince, who was trying to weaken the Church’s influence. In the original story, Sierra had caused a rift between Lennard and the Crown Prince, allowing the Church to maintain its power. But now, with Lennard rejecting Sierra, the Church must be getting desperate. And Lennard seems more susceptible to pressure than I thought. If people kept pushing him to accept Sierra as his partner, he might just give in.

“You’re not actually considering marrying the Saintess just because of some rumors, are you?”

My apprehensive question made Lennard frown. “Does it matter whom I marry?”

His sharp tone left me speechless. His reaction made it hard to argue. An awkward silence hung in the air. He glanced at me, then spoke. “I apologize. That was harsh.”

“No, you’re right.” Yes, what happened to Lennard’s life wasn’t my concern. We were nothing more than former fiancés, less than acquaintances! But why does it bother me so much? I never imagined Lennard would react this way. He seemed so amenable before.

“It’s annoying.”

My thoughts slipped out unintentionally. Lennard’s bewildered expression made my face burn. “I’ve overstepped. I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine.” Lennard rubbed the back of his neck, seemingly embarrassed.

I decided to focus on what needed to be done, even if it was a bit awkward to bring up now. But business was business. I sat beside him on the sofa.

“Estelle?”

Carefully, I placed my hand on his. “You’ll be leaving for battle soon.”

“Yes….” Lennard’s shoulders twitched in surprise, but he didn’t pull away. Come to think of it, we’ve held hands several times today. The fact that he allowed this level of contact with me, when he struggled with even friendly touches, gave me a strange sense of elation.

“I thought you should receive a purification before you depart.”

“Th-that’s… I appreciate the offer, but I could have received it separately.” He blushed and leaned back slightly.

“Since Your Lordship hasn’t made an appearance, I, the abandoned one, must take the initiative.” I deliberately teased him, and he reacted instantly.

“Th-that’s not what I meant!”

His flustered expression was quite satisfying. “I… I was worried you would be uncomfortable…”

“I know. I appreciate your consideration. But I’m not here for leisure.” Even though I was here as his temporary partner, this was something I should have done when I was his fiancée. I wanted to repay, even in a small way, the kindness he had shown me.

“Do you… dislike me?” A dark flicker of emotion crossed his blue eyes as he looked down at me.