The meaning of a contractual marriage has disappeared.

Now, Violet is not in love with Serdis as in the original and is instead scheming to kill him.

The original story could be said to have collapsed without deviating.

In this situation, what meaning is there in continuing our marriage?

It’s a situation where harm can come to Hertian, who is tied to me through marriage.

‘I don’t know how much longer my body will hold up.’

Thinking about Lian in the current situation.

One month.

No, maybe a little less.

So, it was time to see the end soon.

Hertian, shedding tears in front of me as if the world had collapsed, must be let go.

“After the match, I said I would go back to the north.”

I ended my contemplation and grabbed him.

“Are you leaving now?”

A sincere tone and a desperate expression.

A face in complete disarray.

But it seemed I wouldn’t have the courage to do even that if not now.

“My lady.”

Hertian, wiping away the blood that flowed from my pale face with trembling hands, pondered the meaning of my words.

After a whole minute passed, his hands paused in the air as if he understood the meaning.

I looked at him, lowered my head, and exhaled a sigh-like word.

“I’m tired.”

Honestly, I wanted to let go of everything.

Not only leaving the role but disappearing without a trace, especially at a point where the original had not only deviated but collapsed.

Hertian, with teary eyes, looked at me and then bit his lip. After taking a deep breath, he laughed.

“Let’s go.”

I didn’t want to inform him of the end of the contract in the palace.

I intended to properly settle matters in Blanchede and then come out.

‘Since I brought Bovisa along, I have to take her back.’

I had to take responsibility for what I had done.

Of course, I didn’t mean to run away during the trial.

The reason for the trial was simple.

After changing into a new dress and preparing all my belongings, I handed a sealed letter to the maid who came in at the right moment.

“Deliver this to Empress.”

It was a letter stating that I would return without running away. If the Empress or Violet wanted that, they wouldn’t chase me even if I left for the north now.

And I planned to part with Hertian there.

He had left his position vacant for a long time due to the war, and even during this capital trip, Hertian communicated with those who went to the north, leading the territory well.

But he couldn’t leave it vacant forever.

Especially since it was tied up because of me.

“Yes, Your Excellency. But where are you going this night?”

The maid who had helped with my bath earlier asked with a worried expression.

It seemed like she had heard the news.

A big fire broke out in the palace during the event, and the person who was pointed as the culprit was me.

But for the Duke, who had been accused as the culprit in the middle of the night, to prepare to leave with a full load of luggage was suspicious.

“I’m not running away. If you take this letter, the Empress will understand.”

“I don’t think the Duke said that! But… I haven’t had a chance to serve you properly yet, and it seems like you’re leaving forever like this.”

The maid seemed worried, constantly twirling her foot as if she might have looked suspicious to herself when I first entered the palace.

Seeing her so troubled, I smiled warmly.

“I’ll definitely come back later to eat.”

Then the maid’s face bloomed with a smile that followed mine.

“Your Excellency, be careful not to get caught, and go straight to the Empress’s palace.”

“Understood. Lady… Please take care.”

After sending off the worried maid, I checked the room once again to make sure I didn’t forget anything.
Hertian quickly prepared and returned. Although his face seemed to have become pale during that time, I approached him pretending not to notice.

“Would you like to escape the tedious palace and come with me to feel the cold wind?”

He extended his hand, asking affectionately as if proposing a date.

As if to make the farewell enjoyable.

“I gladly accept.”

I held his hand, and the warmth was transmitted directly.

A forested area not far from the palace.

Annette boarded the carriage and couldn’t take her eyes off the window for a while.

Her gaze was fixed on Sharpenen, not the palace or the Marquisate.

Even from inside the carriage, the distinctly colored building’s roof was clearly visible.

She stared at it for a long time, occasionally sighing. When Sharpenen couldn’t be seen as they entered the forest, she finally closed her eyes. Her seemingly heavy body leaned against the carriage, and she fell asleep.

To ensure Annette’s comfort, Hertian placed a cushion under her head and laid a thick blanket over her.

“How much is your body hurting?”

Looking at Annette sleeping soundly, he mumbled quietly.

After that, he took out the incantation from Annette’s belongings and placed the enchanted necklace he had given her around her neck.

This way, it would be easier to gauge Annette’s current pain level.