In response to Cedric’s question, Odette’s expression became somewhat guarded.

Considering that Cedric had been throwing probing questions at her, it’s understandable that she would be suspicious this time as well. Especially from her perspective, it was right after receiving the final punishment, making her even more cautious.

Odette hesitated and asked, “Are you asking such a question because you’re worried I might betray you, dear brother?”

Cedric, realizing he might have been a bit hasty, touched his temple with a sigh.

“Probably there’s a misunderstanding, so let me clarify… In the current situation, I have no reason to worry about your betrayal. I have a solid connection with Baelter more than you think.”

“But I could change my mind and meddle between Baelter and you.”

That’s something not just you but anyone could do. Besides, the guy I know… he’s not someone who would be swayed by such meddling.”

It might sound arrogant, but it was a conviction that stemmed from the similarity between him and Baelter.

Baelter and Cedric listened to the surrounding rumors with a deaf ear, regardless of what others said; they were individuals who followed their own judgments.

Still, Cedric, needing to broaden his perspective more than Baelter, was somewhat inclined to listen to others’ opinions, unlike Baelter.

“It’s hard to find someone as willful as him.”

“… That’s true.”

“Yeah. So if Baelter turns against me, it’s his own choice, not because of your manipulation.”

Cedric said so, smiling wryly, then leaned back.

Unlike other nobles who valued a straight posture as a virtue, Cedric was relatively casual in his attitude, revealing a kind of demeanor that made the other person feel at ease.

“Think about it, Odette. If I were worried about your betrayal, marrying you off to Pavel’s heir would be the most ideal solution. But I don’t have such thoughts. I’m asking this question… for your sake, truly.”

Knowing that you had an unwanted marriage.

“If you want a divorce, I can help you right now. Since it hasn’t been long since the marriage, if you continue to live in my palace and naturally maintain a separation, it should be possible.”

According to imperial law, if nobles lived separately for more than six months, they could request a divorce from the imperial family.

While mutual consent was required for a regular divorce, if directly requesting a divorce from the imperial family, it could proceed even without one party’s agreement, as long as the emperor approved.

It wasn’t an easy task, but with Cedric, obtaining approval from the imperial family wouldn’t be so difficult.

“After that, I can find a wealthy and reputable match for you. Finding a decent rural noble won’t be so difficult.”

Then Odette could easily attain the life she had longed for.

A life far from politics, peaceful and secluded.
Moreover, there’s no need to worry about the divorce tag that would appropriately follow Odette.

“He did it on purpose for that.”

Sending Cedric to control Ertman and bringing Odette into the military meant that within a few days, there would be no one in the social circle who didn’t know about them.

There was no significant interaction between Cedric and Odette, and above all, Ertman had always maintained a neutral stance. Therefore, in the eyes of the public, it might seem like Cedric was persecuting his sister for political reasons.

In this situation, if Odette continued to live in Cedric’s palace, got divorced, and it seemed like Cedric was heavily involved in her remarriage, the rumors would become even more entrenched.

There might even be a story that, fearing Odette might carry Ertman on her back to restrain him, Cedric forcibly divorced her and sent her to a quiet house.

“But it’s not a big deal.”

Cedric had built up enough favor over the years, so it wouldn’t be a significant flaw. With succession disputes involving killing or banishing siblings happening frequently, Cedric might even be perceived as showing mercy.

The bad role would be attributed to Cedric, and Odette could quietly live in an inconspicuous place as she had done so far—an ideal way.

However,

“I appreciate the suggestion, but I prefer it this way.”

Odette refused Cedric’s suggestion without much conflict.

“Of course, even if you didn’t do this for me… it doesn’t matter. As you said, it’s the life I wanted.”

Knowing Cedric’s suggestion, whether genuinely for Odette or just to control her, she was aware that his suggestion was ideal for her.

It would be a very rational solution for both of them.

In that case, she could escape from Blake’s restraint, and she would be able to lead a much quieter and peaceful daily life than now.

“If it were before… if I had received this suggestion just a month ago, I would have accepted it without hesitation. But now, after marriage, life in Ertman has become better.”

“Because Ertman is prosperous? If that’s the case, we can always attach people to make it prosperous.”

“No, it’s certainly materially prosperous, but… it’s not just for that reason.”

Odette tilted her head.