The food was incredibly delicious, as if to confirm that it was indeed my favorite dish.
The skin was crispy, and the meat was tender, making me open my eyes in joy with my first bite. It was the best meal I've had since I came into this world.
Olivier watched me eat, a satisfied smile on his face.
He asked me: “How have you been lately?”
His question made me expand a little.
This was the question I had been eagerly awaiting since my arrival. In fact, I was going to ask Olivier for help with my divorce from Ethan today.
Because I know how much he loves his sister, I thought he wouldn't refuse if I begged him with tears in my eyes.
Unlike the original story, I didn't have to worry about losing my family's wealth this time. Ethan wasn't the type to break his word, so even if I got alimony, he wouldn't demand it from me.
“Take your time and eat slowly,” Olivier said, smiling as I chewed well, planning to swallow before speaking.
“I cannot tell you how proud I am that you are the Duchess of Dumont,” Olivier continued.
“……”
I accidentally swallowed the food I was chewing.
“Everything we enjoy now, this food, this palace, would not exist without you. You were once my only treasure, but now you have become one of the noblest women in this country. Although I have nothing else to be proud of, I am proud to be your brother.”
"No, brother. What are you talking about? You're a great person too," I quickly replied.
"You're so kind, Cam. I appreciate your feelings, but the whole world knows I'm imperfect. I was born with a weak frame, incapable of fulfilling my duties as a head of a family, and I haven't even been blessed with an heir," Olivier said with a wry smile.
“I always worried about how I would face our parents. But thanks to you, I feel relieved. One of your sons will inherit the title of Count of Chevelot.”
“What? No, this...”
"I'm sure our late parents feel the same way. They must be looking at us now with a smile of satisfaction," Olivier whispered, his eyes closed as if in prayer.
“……”
“I'm really grateful,” he whispered.
I heard a gasp around me. I turned around and saw the maids wiping their tears with their aprons. I bowed my head quietly.
In no way can I raise the issue of divorce now...
I knew from the original story that Olivier was very much in love with Camille, but I didn't realize it had come to this.
No wonder he broke down when he heard that his sister was expelled for having an affair...
Of course it wasn't that bad, but announcing that I wanted a divorce now would definitely shock him.
I think I'll have to monitor the situation for a while.
Whatever it was, I didn't want to see Olivier collapse right in front of me.
But that doesn't mean I'll give up on divorce because of him.
One thing was certain: I had to secure my future first.
Living with a man who did not love me, and enduring a meaningless marriage, was unbearable. The title of Duchess Dumont was also very onerous.
The cycle of attending banquets and tea parties, and dealing with people I didn't want to see, was too exhausting just to think about.
Taking care of Olivier here and living a peaceful life seems a hundred times better.
If I suddenly announced my desire to divorce, it would be very shocking. I have to introduce the idea gradually.
“Brother, you asked me earlier how I was doing, right?”
“Oh, yes, that's true,” Olivier replied.
“Actually...it's a little hard to say, but I can't say I was doing well,” she admitted.
Olivier frowned worriedly, "Why? What's wrong? Is it because you're sick?"
“No, it's not that…it's because of him.”
“What do you mean? Because of him? Is the Duke sick too?”
"No? No, that's not the case. You know how things go between us."
“What do you mean? There is no such harmonious couple as you two.”
“Excuse me?”
It was my turn to widen my eyes in surprise.
“Didn't you always say that the Duke thought highly of you and that you were happy every day? Isn't that true?”
...Did you really tell Camille Olivier that?
Upon reflection, it wasn't entirely ambiguous.
Knowing Camille's arrogant nature, she did not want to admit that she was being abused at home.
She also didn't want to worry her brother. Because Olivier's health required a period of convalescence, he did not hear much about his social life.
Even if guests visited him, they most likely would not dare to tell Olivier the truth.
If Olivier spent his time bragging about his sister to everyone he met, who would say: “Actually, that's not true”?
“Camille?”
"Ah, yes, brother. What I mean is, things used to be like that. But recently, our relationship isn't the same anymore. We've drifted apart," I explained.
"…truly?"
“Yes. It's been five years since we've been married, and we haven't heard any good news yet. Ethan seems very worried about that.”
“……”
Now Olivier's face was full of worry.
"I had no idea."
“I'm sorry. I didn't want to make you worry, but I thought I couldn't keep lying forever,” I said.
"Of course. It's good that you told me. Don't worry about me; just do what it takes to make myself comfortable," Olivier said, trying to force himself to smile.
“Thank you, brother.”
Olivier was silent for a moment, his face filled with worry. I felt a little guilty, quite guilty, but I couldn't help it.
This was much better than him collapsing in shock upon hearing that I wanted a divorce.
This means I'll need to think of another plan.
I covered my mouth with the wine glass and sighed quietly.
***
After saying goodbye to Olivier and leaving the palace, I saw Jack waiting next to the carriage. I wondered when he arrived.
“Duchess... about what happened earlier,” Jack began.
“Let's talk in the car,” she interrupted.
Jack remained silent and got into the carriage.
She took his hand and followed him inside.
As soon as the cart started moving, Jack bowed his head towards me.
“I apologize for what I said earlier, Duchess. I went too far...”
"Aren't you hungry? You must have missed lunch watching me," I said, interrupting him.
Jack seemed annoyed by my words.
“I wasn't watching you. I was just doing my duty as I was told.”
“It was a combination of both, wasn't it? Even if I hadn't asked you, you would have followed me here anyway,” I replied.
“……”
She handed him a wrapped package.
"What is this?"
“I asked them to make a sandwich with leftover roasted suckling pig from lunch. Not much, but...”
Jack stared at the package, “Definitely not because of me...”
“I knew you would not neglect your duty, whether it be escort or watch.”
“……”
Jack looked at me with a strange expression before accepting the package.
“I appreciate it. I will take it home and share it with my wife.”
I couldn't help but widen my eyes in astonishment.
“What did you just say?”
Jack looked puzzled. “Did you mean for me to eat it here? No way...”
“No, that's not it…did you say my wife?”
“Yes. I got married last year,” Jack replied, unsurprised by my ignorance of his marriage.
'So, she's still alive at this point,' I thought to myself.
Jack's wife, Ines, was a victim in the original story, falling prey to a serial killer who terrorized the capital twice.