RHRD Ch 5

“There are two things I’d like to discuss with you. The first is something you may have already heard about earlier: purification. I believe I can purify you, Your Grace.”

“Ah, purification.”

However, Jekard’s reaction was rather lukewarm.

“Of course, I would be grateful for your help, but there’s no need to push yourself. I’m not in any particular hurry, either.”

Ines was quite taken aback.

Huh?

She had actually thought this would make excellent bait.

Yet, for some reason, Jekard showed no interest in purification. He didn’t even seem particularly surprised to learn that Ines possessed holy power.

“More importantly, I imagine your second matter is the real reason you came here. If you don’t mind, I’d like to hear that first.”

Ines collected herself.

Right. Why does that matter? If I don’t have to use my holy power, that’s even better for me.

However, Jekard’s next words were just as bewildering.

“I’m looking forward to hearing what you have to say. I’m always the one who goes looking for you, after all. This is the first time you’ve come looking for me.”

“……Pardon?”

Always?

She couldn’t understand what he meant. Was he referring to before he left for the war?

I don’t remember us interacting much even back then…

If she really had to think about it, there had been one occasion when Ines had gone to see him to ask something about the marriage arrangements.

In other words, if anything, she had been the one to seek him out.

……Did he mistake me for someone else?

If so, there was a very good chance that person was Elise.

Perhaps he was still exhausted from his long journey and had misspoken after seeing Ines, Elise’s blood relative. After all, the two sisters did look quite alike, as one would expect of siblings.

If he loves Elise that much, I can see why he would be confused.

Ines felt considerably more at ease.

Only then did Jekard’s friendly attitude begin to make sense to her.

Perhaps he was seeing Elise whenever he looked at Ines.

Or maybe he was simply treating her kindly because she was his beloved’s younger sister.

It was bitter to realize that even in a situation like this, she couldn’t escape her younger sister’s shadow. Her mood sank for a moment, but she kept her feelings to herself and spoke brightly.

“Um… I’m a little worried that what I have to say might not live up to your expectations, but I don’t think it’s bad news for you. In fact, it might even be what you’ve been hoping to hear.”

“Your Grace?”

“Yes?”

“You’re calling me ‘Your Grace.’”

What’s the problem now?

“Even though we haven’t seen each other in five years, we’re still husband and wife. Don’t you think that’s a rather cold way to address me?”

Jekard spoke playfully, a gentle smile resting on his lips.

However, his persistent gaze instinctively told Ines that he wasn’t joking in the slightest.

“……Then what should I call you?”

“Who knows? Perhaps you could give me a pet name while you’re at it?”

That was ridiculous.

“I’ll call you Jekard. Thank you for allowing me to use your name.”

Ines spoke with impeccable politeness. They would be parting ways soon anyway. Honestly, even this much was more than necessary.

Judging by his expression, he didn’t seem particularly satisfied. However, since she had drawn a clear line, Jekard refrained from pressing the matter any further.

“Anyway, you need to rest, so I’ll get straight to the point. Please take a look at this.”

Ines took out the document she had carefully tucked away inside her clothes and placed it on the table.

Jekard had still been watching her with an intense, lingering gaze, as though waiting for her to ask him for something. At her urging, he reluctantly lowered his eyes to the document.

“What is this?”

“I think it would be better for you to read it yourself rather than have me explain it.”

Jekard leisurely picked up the paper with his long fingers.

And just as he finally finished reading its contents, Ines spoke.

“You want a divorce, don’t you?”

Jekard paused.

Instead of answering, he simply stared intently at the divorce papers in his hand.

Contrary to her expectations, he didn’t respond