He doesn't want anyone else to know about his contract marriage.
And he was right.
The more lovers she has, the more people will know the secret.
As he had said, this is a scam that deceives the Emperor.
It is just as dangerous and requires just as much care.
But there seemed to be no other way to get a divorce.
Herdin, taking advantage of the fact that Blair was absorbed in her thoughts, spoke to Mikhail:
—It seems that they have promised you a good sum of money.
Won't you regret it?
—…
—After all, you are the lover of a princess.
When the scandal breaks out, what do you think His Majesty the Emperor will do?
—…
—I don't like involving innocent people in our affairs.
Although it sounded like a phrase of concern for Mikhail, it was actually a threat.
But the one who reacted to those words was not Mikhail, but Blair.
Her plan was just to use Mikhail and the guild members to bring down her reputation, she didn't want him to play the role of her lover until the end.
Because that was too dangerous.
But if it was discovered that he was her lover, they would undoubtedly be criticized by everyone.
As Herdin had just mocked.
He suddenly felt remorse.
Because, as Herdin had said, perhaps he was involving innocent people.
Seeing Blair uneasy, Mikhail responded with a casual smile:
—The thing is, I also plan to leave the Empire when this is over.
I appreciate your concern, but you don't have to worry.
You see it.
Hearing Mikhail's words, a sarcastic smile appeared on Herdin's lips.
The intention to alleviate Blair's hard-won remorse was evident in Herdin's eyes.
Furthermore, those words about him planning his future after Blair's divorce irritated him deeply.
—Well, if you risk your life to help us, we'll appreciate it.
Herdin purposely mentioned "life" to assume what would happen if things went wrong.
Even if it didn't affect Mikhail, it would be enough to make Blair uneasy.
At that moment, the chime of the square clock was faintly heard announcing the hour exactly.
Herdin, after looking at his wristwatch, put down his cup.
—I think I have to go now.
He stood up and said to Blair:
—The lady will also be busy with the preparations for the ball.
I will accompany you to the mansion.
Blair still had a dissatisfied expression, but in the end she would have no choice but to follow him.
Because, on the surface, he was still her husband.
But that fact did not give him even an iota of superiority.
—Then I retire, Your Excellency.
Mikhail, who had risen behind him, bowed his head toward Herdin.
It was a respectful but not servile greeting.
Herdin, leaving this Mikhail guy behind, turned around.
He heard Blair say something to Mikhail.
Herdin, who came out first after paying, lit a cigar and put it in his mouth.
When the cigar was half consumed, Blair left the cafeteria.
Seeing her, Herdin said:
—Get in the car first.
But Blair didn't get into the car.
On the contrary, he approached him.
His pale face highlighted his reddish lips, pressed stubbornly.
It was that expression he made when he didn't like something.
—Herdin.
He managed to say his name, but he couldn't hold back his cough and started coughing.
Even so, as if he had no intention of leaving, he continued coughing:
—That man is not what you think.
She defended her false lover with a rather firm look.
Even coughing until his cheeks were red, he did not retreat.
He disliked his wife's stubbornness.
Herdin finally dropped the half-finished cigar to the floor and stubbed it out.
—What do you know about him to affirm that?
—Because what you think has not happened between us.
—Maybe not until now, but that's how it will be in the future.
Men are all equal.
—…
—They only think about how to fuck the woman in front of them.
Herdin, pushing back Blair's hair, who was still tight-lipped in discontent, and tucking it behind her ear, added:
—Although Her Highness the princess, so naive, cannot even imagine it.
It seemed like a kind gesture, but his gaze, looking down at her, and his words were extremely cold.
—In that situation, a naive, beautiful, rich woman appears who treats you with respect.
—…
—Do you think that guy will be different?
Blair's eyes, which were trembling restlessly, finally twisted as if they were going to cry.
As if she had been insulted herself.
Because of a simple commoner.
—From now on, when you see him, bring a gentleman.
Herdin unilaterally ended the conversation and took Blair's hand.
It was to accompany her, but Blair pulled it back.
Herdin's cold gaze turned to Blair.
She looked at him intently and said:
—You have no right to insult that person based only on those assumptions.
The woman who said that was trembling.
Like that time at the Imperial Palace lunch, when he opposed his older brother.
His eyes, as if frightened, were full of justice.
She never backed down.
If it was something I thought was right.
That image seemed ridiculous to him again and it irritated him.
—I don't agree with your opinion.
Blair, with a calm and collected voice, gave her opinion firmly and, turning her back on him, walked towards the rental car she had hired.
Herdin watched his car drive away and laughed.
—
—Shall I put your hair up today too?
Meli, who had sat Blair in front of the mirror, asked.
Blair nodded slightly.
—Yes, I appreciate it.
Long hair is beautiful, but difficult to manage.
Since he had a lot to do today to prepare for the dance, it was better to keep it completely hidden so that it wouldn't bother him.
The soothing sound of the brush running through hair filled the quiet morning room.
While Meli or Rina brushed her hair, Blair took the opportunity to review the day's tasks.
While mentally organizing what she had to do today, Blair, who was looking at Meli in the mirror, suddenly remembered something and called her.
—Meli.
-Yeah?
Blair, who was going to ask him something, just moved her lips and closed them again.
Instead, he shook his head.
-No, nothing.
Actually, I wanted to ask him if Herdin had left yet.
…To be continued