I Will Become the Ex-Wife of the Beast - Chapter 32

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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“I-it’s just that, what I want is…”
“Yes.”
Just say it. You can just say it.
When we divorce, I want the land I picked out. You’re rich, and you’re a Male Lead, so promise you’ll keep that.
“So what I’m saying is…”
What is my mouth doing? What is it doing!
Whether it’s the sugar still lingering in my mouth or not, my lips had stuck together tight. Ugh, that man is so sly. How did I end up getting outmaneuvered like this? I’m not the type of woman who gets taken advantage of!
As Kiers took a step closer, I quickly pressed down hard on the ring on my left hand with my right.
“…Someday. I mean, if an unexpected situation comes up.”
“An unexpected situation?”
His low voice carried weight.
“I-I mean, you could call it a family event? Like, a moment that only happens once in a lifetime.”
“…”
I couldn’t bring myself to say the two words, divorce, so I went around them. With him staring at me like that, I couldn’t even tell what I was babbling about.
The plain ring on my finger suddenly felt so heavy it pressed down on my whole body.
“…When that time comes, just grant me one small, s-small favor.”
“What?”
Philip, who had been looking over the documents, lifted his head and echoed back in a tone of mild bewilderment. I could feel Kiers staring at me too, but I had already spit out every word.
“That’s all.”
“…Is that really all?”
Philip, who had readied himself to write everything down, seemed to sense something was off and pressed further. I dropped my head, bit the inside of my cheek, and finally stamped my foot lightly.
“Of course there’s one more!”
Muttering to myself as if I had done something to be proud of, I turned around.
Rose, oh no! Our plan to get rich has been put on hold! That beast tricked me!
Holding back tears, I clutched my dress.
“I’m asking you sincerely…”
Stay right there!
My feet were already running off on their own. I thought yesterday that he had made the dumbest wish in the world, but at this very moment, I’ve outdone myself.
“…Could you please just tell them to stop the incinerator right now!”

◇ ◆ ◇

“Divorce divorce divorce divorce!”
See, I can say it! Bella, you’re so good at talking.
Flopped face-down on the bed, I pounded the mattress with my fist. Why did I do that? Frustration rose all the way up to my throat, and I wanted to dump a bucket of cold water over my head.
Burying my face in the pillow, I spat out the knot of resentment in my chest.
“Divorce divorce divorce divorce divorce divorce divorce divorce!”
“…Hm? Sis, what’s ‘honey’?”
“Rose.”
Rose had crept up beside the pillow again at some point, lowering her arms stealthily as she leaned her upper body against me.
“What’s ‘honey’? Is it that good?”
“That’s not what I—”
“Oh, but look, Sis. Rose’s ribbon turned completely black. Isn’t that fun?”
Rose pointed at the ribbon dangling from her hair, the one that had once been red.
Though it could no longer serve any purpose as a hair clip, the red satin had once complemented Rose’s pale cheeks and caught the eye of anyone who looked, but now soot was smudged across it here and there.
Not that Rose’s loveliness had disappeared along with it, but it’s true that I felt like crying anyway.
“Sniff, Rose. I’m sorry.”
“Hm? Why?”
Whether or not her older sister was seething with indignation, our Rose was thrilled, clutching cotton candy in both hands. As she fluttered about as if she might break into a dance, she looked like she had climbed onto a pink cloud.
Yes, at least you’re happy… I wanted to say that, but my vision had gone blurry.
Even when someone’s feeding you by hand, why can’t you eat it! Kim Cheomji, you were here after all!
“Hic…”
Even now, I couldn’t quite figure out why no words came out at that moment. It wasn’t because I was simply overpowered by Kiers’s aura, or because some last shred of conscience remained. It was absolutely not that.

「…With all that I am, I will keep my vow to you.」

On the way back to the Main Castle, Kiers showed no particular reaction even while holding the contract Philip had handed him. I couldn’t say when I’d started distinguishing his expressions behind the mask, but I’d gotten used to that by now too.
Far from being giddy, his tone was even flatter than usual.
It was a long while before he finally opened his mouth, and all he managed was that single line. I spent the whole ride back chewing my lip in frustration.
This man really won’t say a single thank-you, will he?
Do you even know what I just gave up?
Anyone watching would’ve thought he was holding a receipt rather than a marriage contract. And I can’t figure out why his reaction stings my chest the way it does.
…This is all because of the ring.
I lifted my hand high while still lying down. The ring sitting loose on my ring finger felt foreign, yet it was cool against my skin.
What kind of metal is this, anyway?
At first I thought it was platinum, but on closer inspection, it didn’t seem to be. If you’re going to give someone a ring, at least make it gold so they can pawn it later. Honestly, what a useless beast.
I considered biting it to test it, but I didn’t even have the strength for that, so I gave up.
…Still, he did seem sincere in that moment when he handed me the ring.
The moment he’d taken my hand floated up against the white ceiling. I wondered why a man with so much had said this was all he could offer. If we’d been closer, maybe I would have asked him outright.
“…Sis, what’s wrong?”
“Rose.”
Rose, who had been twirling with the cotton candy in a swirl, plopped down on the edge of the bed. Her innocent face looked down at me, her eyes brimming with today’s happiness.
“Sis, the cotton candy is so good, right? I was so surprised!”
“…”
“Still, if we had this much, it’d be nice to share some with home. Melanie and Eliya! Oh!”
Hup! Without thinking, Rose had blurted out our eldest sister’s name, and she clapped a hand over her own mouth. I’d begged her over and over never to say the names aloud, but it seems that whenever she’s with me alone, she lets her guard down.
It’s fine. I gently pried her hand away, in case it made her choke.
Her chubby little fingers were sticky with sugar, and her hand was thoroughly tacky. But that wasn’t so bad. Once upon a time, she’d followed me everywhere, and her fingernails had been caked black with dirt.
Yes, when I think of Rose, this has turned out well.
Whatever my plan for alimony, at least Rose looked far happier here.
She was a shy child, so I was amazed at how well she was adjusting in a place crowded with nothing but men. That man in particular, even if I’m generous, is a beast. Any other child would have been terrified of him, but Rose smiled at him without the slightest hesitation.
“Hey, Rose, you know.”
“Hm?”
“Aren’t you scared of the Beast, I mean, His Grace the Grand Duke?”
“The Grand Duke? Oh, Brother-in-law Grand Duke?”
…Look at her adapting so quickly.
I can’t tell whether children just learn everything fast, or whether my Rose takes after me in the art of getting along. But one thing is clear: Rose wears a face that looks perfectly unbothered.
“The mask is scary, and I thought you’d be startled.”
“Hmm… not scared at all?”
With one finger pressed to her temple, Rose deliberated and shook her head. I’d said she could be honest since it was just the two of us, but she insisted that wasn’t a lie. Still, the way she thought it over so seriously was adorable, so I gave her finger a playful nip.
“I thought our Rose had taken after her big sister and had high standards, but I guess not!”
“What does having high standards mean?”
“Hmm… I suppose it means you like people who are handsome and impressive.”
“Huh? Then Rose has really high standards? Super, super high?”
“…”
Let’s not go there.
I don’t know what I’m doing, picking on a five-year-old. I tapped Rose’s cheek, while she played her sticky-finger game with a grin.
“Phew, what could our Rose-nim possibly be afraid of? Well, I suppose she might have been scared while inside the box.”
“Yeah. I was so, so scared.”
“…It was so dark and cramped in there, wasn’t it?”
“No. That part was fine, but I was afraid you wouldn’t take me with you. That you’d forget I was inside the box.”
“…”
“As long as it’s not that, I’m not afraid of anything.”
Really, I mean it.
Seeing Rose’s eyes well up just from thinking about it, a sorrow entirely different from anything before rushed over me.
I see. What Rose feared was something instinctive, tied to survival. I felt ashamed of myself for taking to my bed just because I couldn’t bring up the alimony.
Right, as her older sister, I have to pull myself together!
I’m no longer just one person. The wedding is tomorrow, and I can’t ruin things now.
I clenched my fists determinedly, as if to show Rose I was not worried about myself. Kiers has more unexpected weak spots than I’d thought, so maybe, if I stay the course, I’ll find a chance to bring up the alimony.
“Rose! Don’t worry! Your sister won’t cry again!”
“…Really?”
“Of course. Your sister is an iron woman, with no heart or tears at all.”
All I have is you and the alimony, little one!
With a vow far more solemn than necessary, I reassured Rose. Watching her cheer along, saying it was all for the best, I gritted my teeth.
“Okay, Rose! I’m going to shout a fighting cheer now, so could you cover your ears for a moment?”
“Hm? Like this?”
With her eyes wide open, Rose obediently pressed her hands tightly over her ears, like the good little kitten she is.
Good job, you did well.
I put on the brightest smile I could manage, then buried my face in the pillow and summoned every ounce of strength in my gut.
“……Divorce-divorce-divorce-divorce-divorce-divorce-divorce-diiivoorce!”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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