All I Wanted Was the Alimony - Chapter 34

It was understandable that Paello was praised. He deserved that much.

But no matter what Lucienne did, she was a half-demon by birth.

‘Wait, that’s not how people used to talk about me, right? Weren’t you all the ones who used to whisper in a hostile tone? Weren’t you supposed to be helping me get divorced?’

They even said they’d do anything if it meant Paello would end up alone.

At that moment, one person shuddered.

“That monster-like bear was so terrifying.”

“And to suppress it with just a look— wasn’t that so cool?”

‘Ah.’

What a warm ending. This wasn’t what Lucienne had wanted.

‘How did things end up like this?’

It was only then that Lucienne recalled the discrepancy between her plan and its execution.

She had planned to lift the rock over there and smash the gray bear.

The young noble ladies would’ve been horrified at her and distanced themselves, actively supporting the breakup between her and Paello.

But unfortunately, the bear turned out to be a mother with cubs, and she ended up saving them.

She even helped Paello win.

That hadn’t been her intention, but when Verdi acted so annoying, she just couldn’t help it.

And this wasn’t just anything— it was the Hero’s Divine Sword.

Paello had obtained a legendary treasure capable of slaying the Demon King, and with it, he would be able to fortify the borders even more.

‘Haa, I wonder how proud Paello must be of me right now.’

Just then, the ceremonial officer fired a signal flare.

The commotion quieted down immediately, and all eyes turned to the ceremonial officer.

Bolstered by the Empress Dowager’s support, the ceremonial officer shouted loudly, “The winner of the hunting competition is the Lord of Ronatere! Grand Duke Paello Ronatere!”

“Wooooooaaaahhh!”

The cheers of the crowd pierced the sky.

“Congratulations on your victory, Grand Duke of Ronatere!”

“Congratulations!”

A wave of congratulatory voices poured endlessly toward Paello and Lucienne.

Now all that remained was the awards ceremony.

Seizing a brief moment, Sidell, having tidied up his attire, managed his expression as he handed the Hero’s Divine Sword to Paello.

“Congratulations on your victory. I hope you will continue to strive for the peace of the Holy Empire of Wibroton with this sword.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

As the awards ceremony concluded, a large bonfire was lit in the center of the arena.

The final event of offering the game began.

Those who succeeded in the hunt presented their prey to their loved ones and enjoyed an outdoor party.

Lucienne placed a rabbit in a basket and released the gray bear, her cubs, and the jaguar back into the forest. The same for the jaguar.

“Go.”

The bears and jaguar, who had been quietly observing Lucienne, hesitated at her hand gesture, then started to run.

Lucienne had grown a bit attached in that short time, and she had even saved the mother gray bear.

She felt a little sad they left without even glancing back. But since she knew they feared her, it couldn’t be helped.

“Bears, leopard. Don’t get caught and live strong.”

When Lucienne waved her hand, Joad beside her cleared his throat.

“Pardon me. That is a jaguar.”

“Hm?”

“It’s not a leopard. It’s a jaguar, Your Grace.”

“…Really? They look the same.”

Lucienne muttered and reflexively looked at Paello. He then said, “It’s a leopard, madam.”

“Whaaat?”

Joad’s eyes widened in shock. He glanced between Paello and Lucienne and quickly changed his words.

“Ah, yes. It’s a leopard. Her Grace is correct.”

Sometimes unimportant truths must be ignored to align with your superior’s will.

Lucienne tilted her head, then shrugged.

‘Leopard or jaguar, what does it matter? Winning is all that counts.’

Now it was time to go to the Empress Dowager with Paello and present the rabbit.

As they approached the Empress Dowager, Lucienne overheard noble ladies whispering.

“Oh my, there goes the Grand Duchess of Ronatere.”

“Wow, I can’t believe it. She looks no different from us, yet she’s that strong?”

“Even with just half demon blood, I guess it’s amazing.”

‘Ah, this isn’t it.’

The more she heard their envious voices, the more her stomach churned.

“Your expression doesn’t look well. Are you feeling ill?”

When she looked up, Paello was gazing at her with concern.

His stunning face seemed to blow away all her worries.

‘I want to divorce the Grand Duke, but it’s not going the way I want. I just want to divorce you, clean up my status, and live quietly. Could you maybe split just 10% of the assets with me? There are laws, sure, but isn’t negotiation also a thing?’

But if Paello were just an ordinary person, that might be possible. He was a noble who would even go through with a political marriage for the sake of his family’s interest, so bringing it up first was extremely risky.

If he brought up the law, Lucienne would be stuck with no way forward.

“I’m not sick, just tired from thinking.”

“Thinking? Is something troubling you?”

His question gave Lucienne a good idea.

‘Yes, let’s ask indirectly!’

It would seem natural enough to ask someone directly under the guise of a friend’s story.

“It’s actually a concern of a close friend.”

“Huh? You have a friend?”

Paello seemed genuinely surprised. Joad, next to him, had his mouth agape in shock.

Only then did Lucienne realize the flaw in her words.

But what was said could not be taken back.

‘Just go with it!’

Lucienne narrowed her eyes on purpose. “What was that?”

Paello gave a small cough. “Ahem, excuse me. Please continue.”

“She’s married and has no money, but her husband is rich. However, the husband is a terrible womanizer and a complete scumbag, so she wants a divorce.”

“Ah. That must be tough for your friend.”

“Yes. But she heard that if she brings up the divorce first, under Holy Empire law, she has to give 10% of the assets to her spouse.”

“That’s correct.”

“But even if she brings it up first, she’d like to get some of her husband’s assets.”

“……”

Lucienne shrugged. “She needs a way to survive too.”

“That’s understandable.”

“So she asked me what I thought about trying to negotiate. But I don’t know much about Holy Empire culture…”

Paello gently stroked his chin. “If your friend is a commoner, it might be possible to negotiate even if she initiates the divorce. In fact, if you, as the Grand Duchess, step in to protect your friend, the husband would likely have no choice but to negotiate.”

Lucienne perked up. “What if she’s a noble?”

“She’s a noble?”

“Yes.”

“Ah… in that case.” Paello immediately shook his head regretfully. “If she’s a noble, it’s better not to even bring it up. Unless there’s a seriously grave fault, usually they don’t get divorced.”

“What if her husband really hates her?”

“Even then.”

It was a hopeless answer.

“Why not? If he hates her, can’t they separate?”

“It’s simple. For nobles, marriage is a duty, and divorce is something that tarnishes the family’s honor. So even if she brings it up first, they won’t negotiate. Even if compensation is offered, he probably won’t agree to divorce.”

“Hm, what if, because he refuses to divorce, the friend causes an even bigger scandal that damages the family’s reputation?”

“He might ask for the divorce first if he couldn’t bear it anymore, but if your friend’s husband is a noble and also a scumbag, it’s more realistic to say it won’t happen. If she pushes too hard, it could be dangerous.”

Paello paused in thought, then shook his head again.

“There was a case in the southern region where a husband locked up his wife after she demanded a divorce, and claimed she was sick and recuperating.”

“…What?”

Joad, who had been listening with great interest, spoke up as if remembering something.

“Oh, that case caused quite a stir. In the end, the wife went mad, killed her husband, and was executed…”

It wasn’t loud enough for anyone else to hear, but when Paello glanced at him, Joad quickly covered his mouth.

“Ah, I’m sorry. I’ll be careful.”

“So basically, there’s almost no way out.”

Lucienne’s shoulders slumped. She was utterly depressed.

She needed to break free of the original story and live freely, but if you were a noble, divorce was almost impossible even if you paid alimony.

“You must be very worried about your friend.”

“Yes, she’s my only friend.”

“Is she a Ronatere territory resident?”

“Pardon?”

“If so, shall I intervene? It depends on her status, but I think it might be possible.”

“Ah.”