“……There is no excuse.”

Ryan finally admitted his fault. Gibnen clicked his tongue, looking at him.

“I’m disappointed, Fatherinlaw.”

“…….”

“Since trust is gone, it’s impossible to keep my wife here any longer.”

“Eh? What do you mean…….?”

It was not planned, but Gibnen was now certain.

“I will take my wife with me.”

“Eh? Do, do you mean you will take Riley to Blestidge to live together?”

Instead of answering, Gibnen nodded.

Ryan only blinked in astonishment at Gibnen’s expression. It didn’t seem like a joke.

His head was reeling from the bombshell that they would live together before marriage. Even if they had promised to marry, until the stamp is put on the marriage documents, they were merely strangers. Do all the young people these days have such radical thinking?

Moreover, Riley is not yet ready!

“No matter what, we haven’t even had a formal meeting, and to start living together before the wedding is a bit…….”

“Who cares about that these days?”

Ryan was staggered by the bomblike statement.

“It would be best to hurry with the move.”

“……Ye, yes.”
“You may come alone if you prefer. I’ll have everything necessary for survival prepared.”

Gibnen’s words made Ryan flinch before he cautiously asked,

“…Are you serious?”

“So, please wrap up your business here and hurry to the capital. I will take care of your wife until then.”

Ryan coughed in embarrassment.

On reflection, it seemed unnecessary to strictly adhere to tradition. Times had changed a lot. And given the circumstances, why should he insist on anything further?

Though he regretted not being better prepared, he thought that they would take care of the teaching. What’s more, this wasn’t a demand for a divorce. If anything, considering his reputation for infidelity and the ensuing uproar, he should be grateful for this outcome.

After convincing himself, Ryan answered politely,

“Please, do as you wish.”

“I will send someone to collect your wife’s belongings. Although, I suppose there won’t be much.”

Gibnen stood up, pondering how many things in this house actually belonged to her.

“I will take my leave now.”

(This is a time separator.)

‘That went smoothly.’

Gibnen smiled, satisfied with his business acumen.

He had initially planned to simply keep Riley and tell Ryan not to worry, that he would send her home once she recovered. But Ryan’s foolish actions had eliminated the need to return her.

“That, that is… Ah, she went out shopping for clothes with a servant.”

What a stupid response.

At the ludicrous words of the earl, Gibnen’s mind worked quickly.

If he played his cards right, he could have Riley much sooner. The earl had dug his own grave. Showing himself to be a foolish, incompetent father who didn’t even know his daughter had been kidnapped.

Now that Riley was within his grasp, there was no need to get tangled in such a bothersome affair. Managing her would become easier.

“Excuse me.”

Gibnen, who had been moving briskly, stopped in his tracks. He turned slowly.

“What is it, my lady?”

He responded in the most gentlemanly manner, trying to recall who she was.

Certainly, Riley’s sister. The real daughter of Earl Ryan.

What was her name again?

“Did you finish your conversation with my father?”

“Yes, well.”

At Gibnen’s response, Claire’s face flushed.

“I’m really sorry about this. I know the problem has escalated because of my sister… My whole family is very worried.”

“Is that so?”

“I regret that it’s come to this. But a divorce is the best solution for both parties. I hope you’re not too heartbroken. It’s not like my sister intended this… Please don’t blame her too much. She’s in a pitiable position, you know.”

Silently listening, Gibnen was momentarily puzzled, then understood and smirked. Leaning against the wall, he asked,

“Divorce?”

“Didn’t you come here for a divorce?”

Gibnen, who had intended to show some respect as she was Riley’s sister, dropped all pretense and scoffed.

“Why would I?”

“Well, because of the recent rumors of infidelity?”

Why were both sisters concerned about the infidelity? Of course, each seemed to be concerned for entirely different reasons.

“I don’t see how that leads to divorce.”

“…Then are you willing to bear this disgrace?”

“That’s none of your concern, my lady.”

“…Sir, it seems you’ve made a foolish choice. This isn’t right. To continue with this marriage from both family’s perspective is akin to making the worst possible move.”

“I’ve said once and I’ll say again, it’s none of your concern.”

“…I’m saying this for my sister’s sake. I’m her sister. You’re doing this because you feel sorry for my sister, whose path to marriage has been blocked, aren’t you?”
Gibnen burst into laughter after silently listening to Claire’s story. After laughing for a while, he stopped and asked in a gentle voice.

“Lady, do you dislike me marrying your sister?”

“That’s not it.”

“Stop beating around the bush. Enough with treating me like a fool.”

“……”

“You’re quite spiteful.”

Though his voice was gentle, there was a sarcastic tone, and Claire’s face turned bright red.

“We grew up in the same house, but the sisters are so different. One is too greedy, and the other is not greedy enough.”

“My Lord, I was just expressing my concern! It’s difficult if you misunderstand my opinion like that.”

“Whose concern is it?”

“……It’s naturally concern for our family and for you, My Lord.”

“Is your sister included in that family?”

“……”

“Unfortunately, I’m not marrying her because I find her pitiful. I’m not even the type to care about that. You’ve regarded me too gently. I’m not that gentle or kind.”

Gibnen said, tapping Claire’s shoulder with his hand.

“The age difference isn’t much, but the difference in level is quite severe.”

“……Well, my sister didn’t receive proper education.”

“What I’m talking about is you being the one who’s lacking. It seems the difference in comprehension is big too.”

“What, what did you say?”

Feeling humiliated by the insulting words, Claire trembled and clutched the hem of her dress.

This wasn’t the reaction she had anticipated. Such an ungentlemanly act!

A kind face with notsokind words!

“If you’re done talking, I’ll be going now.”

“Wa, wait a moment!”

“You still don’t seem to grasp the subject.”

Gibnen said, frowning.

“Every minute and second talking to you is a waste of my time. Do you know how valuable my time is?”