Chapter 10
“O-of course.”
I quickly withdrew my hand from Cedric’s, trying my best to hide my flustered expression.
‘Why did he say something like that so softly… like he was whispering sweet nothings? It’s messing with my head…’
A strange heat crept up my ears. I bit my lower lip unconsciously.
I could still feel the warmth of his lips on my palm.
Trying not to show it, I quietly clasped my hands behind my back and turned to gaze out at the glass garden.
I let out a long, slow breath—again and again—until I finally calmed down. Then I cautiously glanced up at Cedric.
He was still just staring at me.
‘What… Does he have something to say?’
The moment the thought crossed my mind, I quickly shook my head.
Knowing Cedric, the only thing he’d say to me was something cold and biting.
He hated my touch more than death. I didn’t need to see his face to know that.
I need to get out of here before he gets mad again.
“Oh my, look at that! We’re almost at the glass garden.”
I forced a cheerful tone and quickly picked up the pace.
“Let’s get this over with as quickly as possible—for both our sakes.”
How far had I walked ahead?
Thankfully, Cedric didn’t say a single word to scold or mock me.
All I heard was the slow sound of his footsteps following behind me.
The garden was blooming with various trees and flowers, and in the center stood a small silver fountain, spouting water elegantly.
I sat down at the prepared table beside the fountain. A moment later, Cedric took the seat across from me.
“You brought the documents, right?”
At my question, Cedric untied the string on the leather folder he brought and pulled out the documents.
“These are the divorce papers. And this is the confidentiality contract for the six months following the divorce.”
He spread them out neatly on the table as he spoke.
I picked up the confidentiality agreement first.
There was a clause stating that we would not reveal our divorce for six months, and another that ensured I would continue living in the Dark Mansion under duchess-level conditions during that time.
It was all quite well-prepared.
“I like it.”
“Then check the divorce terms next.”
I flipped to the divorce contract Cedric handed over and carefully reviewed the conditions.
“The estate will be purchased according to the budget specified in the documents, and you can choose the location.”
The budget listed for the estate was… quite something.
‘Just how many zeroes is that?’
It looked like I’d have more than enough to buy the seaside villa I wanted and still have money left over.
“Great. I’d prefer somewhere near the ocean, if possible.”
“I’ll make sure it’s arranged.”
Now for the living expenses.
Of course, I didn’t expect much from a man who loathed his ex-wife. I figured he’d give me maybe half the allowance I was receiving before.
‘Not that I need more than that—half would already be plenty to live comfortably on my own.’
With a slightly nervous heart, I turned the page to check.
And then I saw it.
“Is… is this real?”
I blinked, unable to believe my eyes.
No matter how many times I rubbed them and double-checked the amount, the number didn’t change.
“What are you talking about?”
Cedric looked puzzled, as if he had no idea what had shocked me.
“You’re going to give me the full duchess budget… even after the divorce?”
The Twinze Duchy—the rulers of the North.
The budget for the duchess of the North was an unimaginable amount for an ordinary person.
‘And now he’s going to give that exact same amount to his ex-wife every year as alimony?’
Still not convinced, I counted the digits again. Twice. Thrice.
Cedric, watching me silently, finally spoke.
“Are you unhappy with the terms?”
“No! Not at all. I just… didn’t expect you to be this generous.”
Cedric raised one eyebrow, as if he were the surprised one.
“…You really keep catching me off guard.”
He let out a quiet sigh.
“You’ve always spent twice—sometimes even three times—your budget, and I’ve covered it without issue.”
“…”
“So now, there’s no need for me to cover those extra expenses anymore. But I still have more than enough wealth to give you this much.”
The Twinze family, stripped of their imperial titles in ancient times, had long hidden their existence among humans alongside other mixed-blood demons.
But their bloodline stretched back to antiquity—old, noble, and powerful.
It wasn’t strange at all that their estate was overflowing with riches.
And after returning to the human realm with the founding of the Western Empire, their influence and wealth only grew stronger.
‘Even so… giving this much to a divorced ex-wife as alimony is still insane.’
I couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for Cedric.
He must’ve suffered a lot under Rebecca to be this desperate to settle things quickly.
Considering how he avoided marriage like the plague after divorcing Rebecca, it all made sense.
‘Well, the terms are more than fair, so let’s just wrap this up.’
I flipped back to the first page of the documents.
As I stared at the imperial and papal seals stamped at the top, Cedric spoke up.
“I already obtained their approval. That way, there’s no issue with keeping our divorce secret for the next six months.”
He had already signed his part of the document.
Realizing the only thing left was my signature, I nodded and picked up the fountain pen.
“Once I sign, it’s official, right?”
“…That’s correct.”
Cedric quietly watched my hand holding the pen.
It seemed like he didn’t fully believe I’d go through with it until he saw my name written.
‘No need to be so suspicious… geez.’
I slowly brought the pen to the blank signature line.
.
.
.
Cedric stared at Rebecca’s hand holding the pen, remembering how those fingers had once touched his lips.
‘So… you’re really letting me go now?’
Why did that question suddenly come to mind?
As he followed behind Rebecca on their way to the glass garden, his mind had been clouded with grey fog.
‘Guess I’m getting sentimental at the end.’
Even if it had been a miserable marriage, it’s human to feel a bit of melancholy at the end of something.
Even if it had been hell.
And now, realizing Rebecca might’ve truly loved him at some point, he couldn’t help but feel even more conflicted.
If her feelings had been real…
Then it was probably his own constant suspicion that led them to this moment.
But still, Cedric couldn’t bring himself to believe her completely.
‘If she didn’t intend to use me, why did she secretly follow me to Mount Manakin that night?’
The image of Duke Bold—Rebecca’s father—smiling slyly flashed through his mind.
Cedric’s jaw clenched.
And with that, he forced away the sentimentality with cold reason.
‘This divorce must happen. No matter what.’
Just as he resolved himself—
Scratch, scratch.
The soft sound of pen on paper.
When he looked up, Rebecca had already finished signing.
Five years of a nightmare-like marriage—
All of it ended so easily.
With just two signatures from Rebecca.
“You don’t have to hold back. You can be happy if you want.”
Rebecca smiled as she set down the pen.
Cedric, on the other hand, was confused.
He didn’t even know what this emotion he felt was.
He should be happy.
But all he felt was a hollow emptiness.
“You don’t feel it yet, do you, Cedric?”
She smiled faintly and extended a delicate white hand to him.
“Even if it was just a contract, we’ve wrapped things up well. Let’s shake hands to end it properly.”
Cedric was shocked all over again.
This was the same woman who once clung to him every day, saying she couldn’t live without him.
Now, she was calmly offering him a handshake.
“…Alright.”
He reached out. Her hand felt different now—warmer somehow.
As he looked down at her small hand, Rebecca spoke softly.
“Thank you for putting up with me.”
Her voice echoed gently in the air.
It was an unfamiliar sound. But it was comforting.
Cedric slowly raised his head to look at her.
“I hope the pain of our failed marriage and its scars won’t haunt you too long.”
“…”
“I know I have no right to say this, but… I hope you’ll forget the misery of being married to me.”
“…”
“And next time, I hope you find someone you truly love. And live a very happy life.”
She smiled again.
“I mean it.”
A serene smile bloomed on her face like a lotus flower.
It was the first peaceful expression she’d ever shown him.
Cedric stared, stunned, as if seeing a ghost.
“Well then… take care, Cedric.”
She gently released his hand.
And what remained in its place—
Was nothing but an unexpected emptiness.
On my way back from finalizing the divorce, my mind was full of flowers.
A villa by the sea, and on top of that—massive living expenses?
The thought of the luxurious, carefree life ahead made me grin from ear to ear.
But the more I smiled, the more determined I became.
I had to survive—to avoid the death flag from the original novel.
It would be a waste to die without even getting to spend all that money!
‘Alright, I’ve dodged one death flag by divorcing Cedric…’
Now I just had to win over the mixed-blood demons.
‘Still, just in case… I should take at least one of them with me when I leave after six months.’
Of course, Mina would come with me. But maybe I should ask her to bring a few more friends?
From what I’d seen, Mina had connections everywhere among the mixed-bloods.
On top of that, she was freakishly strong, and she could create all kinds of poisons and antidotes.
I’d been lucky to have someone like her as my aide. If I could earn her trust, it’d be like gaining an entire army.
‘Most people say reincarnated villainesses have a rough time… but I feel like I’m living the good life. Should I feel bad about this?’
I hummed cheerfully, proud of my plans.
Just as I was about to enter the duchess’s wing—
“Your Highness! Why are you only just getting back?!”
At the end of the hallway, Mina came running toward me in a panic.
“Oh, my lovely Mina! Haha, I was enjoying my stroll so much I completely lost track of time.”
I should probably bring up the idea of moving to the Dark Mansion soon…
That was the relaxed thought running through my head—until I noticed the growing worry on Mina’s face.
“Your Highness… did you really forget who’s visiting today?”
