Recalling those days brought a surge of anger, but I managed to narrow my eyes and force a smile.

“Is that low-grade nonsense what you call a compliment? Thinking any sweet talk counts? Your ‘compliments’ are violence.”

“What?”

Devon, about to burst with rage, jolted in his chair. To avoid a lengthy argument, I swiftly took the lead.

“Stop your nonsense and just listen. I came here to give you a gift.”

“A gift?”

“Yes, a gift.”

I cheerfully pulled out evidence of his infidelity and spread them across the table. I then poured the bartender’s drink right onto Devon’s head.

“Ugh!”

Soaked with the drink, Devon jumped up in surprise, ice cubes from his glass sliding under another guest’s table.

The commotion drew everyone’s attention. I glanced around discreetly, bowing my head. This place, known as a dating hotspot for nobles, was also a breeding ground for scandals.

“What are you doing!”

Devon, drenched, shook his head and shirt, glaring fiercely at me.

“I told you, I came to give you a gift.”

“What?”

I whispered to Devon, then gracefully stood up, flicking off the liquid droplets from my dress.

Slap! I suddenly slapped his cheek. Caught off guard, Devon staggered, his face betraying disbelief.

It turns out hitting someone hurts the hitter too. My palm tingled with pain. As Devon straightened up, glaring at me with fiery eyes, I struck again with my other hand. Satisfied with the impact, I rotated my wrist.

Devon, hit twice unexpectedly, swayed and covered his cheek, appearing dazed.

I explained the situation to him in a low voice.

“This is for last time I owed you, and the gift is something else. Isn’t it generous?”

He regained his senses only after our eyes met.

“This… what are you doing, you unreasonable woman!”

“That’s what I want to say to you. How could you do this to me?”

Standing tall, I flung the evidence of his infidelity right in his face. Some of it slid across the marble floor to the center of the room, catching the attention of the other guests.

“I endured your family’s contempt and verbal abuse, looking only at you. Even with your… issues.”

I hesitated, glancing briefly at his lower waist. As others followed my gaze, Devon hastily covered himself, retreating.

“How could you do this? I’ve been faithful, while you were busy with others. How could you?”

I buried my face in my hands, trying to conjure tears.

‘Deep sorrow, think sad thoughts…’

But Devon’s ridiculous state was too amusing, and tears wouldn’t come.

Devon, face flushed, looked around nervously, then turned on me.

“You cunning…!”

As he made eye contact with the bartender nearby, he flinched. The bartender glared at him disdainfully.

“What are you looking at? Mind your own business!”

Devon’s outburst prompted murmurs of disapproval from the crowd.

Sighing, the bartender handed me a handkerchief.

“Madam, be strong.”

“Thank you…”
I lowered my eyes mournfully and received the handkerchief, unfolding it gracefully. Sniffling, I pressed it against my dry eyes and took deep breaths as if to compose myself.

Devon, momentarily stunned, then began to loudly voice his complaints, as if wanting everyone to hear.

“You’re in no position to blame me! The whole district is buzzing with your stories! Everyone here knows where you spend your nights!”

“Oh, Devon!”

I covered my mouth as if in sorrow, shaking slightly.

“Do you still misunderstand? The sister of the Duke of Mipidian pitied my circumstances and took me in. How could you think otherwise…!”

I sighed with a wet voice and buried my face in my palm again. The bartender muttered something about seeing only what one wants to see.

Unable to turn the tide of public opinion, Devon snorted and puffed hot breaths in frustration. His menacing gaze suggested he might lash out, but he hesitated, knowing that any violent action here would be irredeemable.

‘Well, it’s been irredeemable since he picked a fight with me anyway.’

I peeked through my fingers at the opulent lighting and marble corridor of the bar.

‘I’ve stirred enough public sympathy; it’s about time for him to appear.’

That’s when a thin man, like a twig, burst into the bar, angrily stomping about. Spotting me, his eyes flashed.

“Etrisha…!”

“Father, how did you…?”

I feigned surprise, dropping the handkerchief and gasping.

It was the Duke of Dien, a corrupt noble who retired in disgrace after accepting bribes. Managing a small provincial territory, he hadn’t returned to the capital in four years, avoiding the Emperor’s scrutiny. This avoidance, in turn, allowed Devon and his mother more freedom.

“Oh, father…”

Devon, pale-faced, stumbled back, knocking over a glass. He was raised strictly and could never defy his father, despite being a count by marriage. It’s not easy to break free from deeply ingrained childhood patterns.

“Devon! You scoundrel! Are the accusations of infidelity true? Where can you find such a wise and considerate daughter-in-law…!”

Duke Dien roared, stepping forward with a menacing aura.

“Devon, you…!”

He stopped mid-shout upon seeing me, awkwardly smiling and removing his fedora, his expression apologetic.

“Oh, it’s been a while. I never thought we’d meet under such regrettable circumstances.”

“How did you come here?”

“Your lawyer informed me via communicator. I came through a portal.”

Of course, I had asked my lawyer, Reinbutton, to inform him before coming here.

I sighed as if holding back tears.

“Father, if the lawyer told you, then there’s no need for explanations. I intend to divorce this man.”

“What?! That’s not possible!”

Duke Dien’s lips dried, fearing the Emperor might hear of it.

“Don’t worry, I’ll explain it to His Majesty. Then…”

Passing Duke Dien, I lowered my head to Devon, whispering just loud enough for him to hear.

“This is my real gift. Have a deep conversation with your father for once.”

With that, I smiled brightly at Devon’s burning eyes and turned away.
Picking up the fallen handkerchief, I politely returned it to the bartender, then dusted off my ruffled sleeves and leisurely headed towards the exit.

Crash-!

“Oh, it’s a misunderstanding! Father, please listen to me! It’s all her cunning plan!”

“That woman?! You’re even wrong in how you address your wife!”

Soon, the place erupted into a scene of father and son quarrelling loudly. Devon’s screams calling out my name occasionally pierced through the chaos.

‘Serves him right for picking a fight.’

Having swiftly concluded my business, I decided to make it up to Lirien for breaking our promise by getting her a dessert treat.

I walked towards the dessert shop, my steps light and breezy, followed closely by Lirien.

After completing his duties, Lirien entered Edmun’s office, carrying a tray with a green grape tart.

“By tomorrow, the extra editions will be circulating. We’ve prepared a rebuttal article, so there won’t be any more gossip.”

Standing in front of the desk to finish his report, Edmun pressed his nose bridge, looking weary.

“You’ve done well. You can leave now.”

As Lirien was about to leave, sensing Edmun’s continued focus, he hesitantly turned back.

“Is there anything else you wish to inquire?”

“What should I be asking about?”

“Um…”

At Edmun’s slightly irritable tone, Lirien scratched his cheek, avoiding eye contact.

What to ask? Perhaps about any suspicious behavior of the Countess? Just earlier, Edmun seemed displeased when she refused his offer to accompany her, apparently worried about her safety.

Lirien was puzzled. Despite being apart for a while, his master remained cold and composed, always maintaining his calm even amidst the ever-present dangers of the forest, earning respect and admiration from his knights.

‘But why get upset over such a trivial matter…’

As Lirien pondered, he accidentally met Edmun’s sharp gaze.

“Is there anything else?”

Flustered by the stern look, Lirien gave a sheepish smile and shook his head.

“No, sir. I’ll take my leave now.”