3

"Judging by that expression on your face, things didn't quite go as planned, did they?" came the sudden arrival of Empress Adelaide Schumann Oriviel.

"I greet Your Imperial Majesty, Empress Adelaide," I said, standing to greet her.We were currently seated in the drawing room of Baerth Castle, a place that always felt a little too grand for my tastes.

"Have a seat, Duchess Veronica," she said, gesturing gracefully as the servants brought out tea and an assortment of delicacies. Once everything was arranged, the Empress subtly waved the servants away, granting us privacy.

"So, tell me, Veronica. What happened? You're wearing such a grim expression. Did the Duke already divorce you?" she asked, her piercing gaze locking onto mine as she leaned forward, clearly invested in my plight.

"That's just it! He hasn't!" I threw my hands up in exasperation. "What's wrong with him? Did he hit his head during the war or something?"

At that, Empress Adelaide burst into laughter, her melodious voice filling the room. "Oh, Veronica, you never fail to amuse me. Tell me more. I need to know every detail of this saga."

I sighed, slumping slightly in my chair. "What's there to tell? It's been three days since he returned, and I was ready—absolutely ready—to sign those papers. I even practiced my signature for it! But instead of asking for a divorce, he's been holed up in his office. No acknowledgment, no confrontation, nothing!"

The Empress shook her head, her amusement still evident. "Perhaps he's testing you. Or maybe..." She paused, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "He has other plans in mind."

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "Please, don't even joke about that. All I want is to be free of this ridiculous marriage and live my life in peace. Is that too much to ask?"

Adelaide took a sip of her tea, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Oh, Veronica, nothing is ever simple when it comes to men like Henrick. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of your little adventure."

I couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry. Somehow, this was turning out to be far more complicated than I'd anticipated.

"Maybe the Duke doesn't want to divorce you," Empress Adelaide said with a sly smile. "Why are you so adamant about getting a divorce, anyway? Isn't the Duke your first love or something?"

The question hit harder than it should have, but there was no way I could tell her the real reason—the one ripped straight from the novel's plot. She'd probably think I'd lost my mind.

"It's just a one-sided love," I said with a shrug, keeping my tone as casual as possible. "I want to get a divorce because I feel bad about it. Because of my immaturity, he was forced to marry me. Besides, aren't we practically strangers? I think it's better to end it sooner rather than later."

And it's true—this marriage has no future. If you can even call it a marriage.

The war broke out not long after our wedding, and Henrick left almost immediately. Before the wedding, we barely even spoke to each other. Most of our "interactions" consisted of me stalking him from afar, only to swoop in and confront any woman who dared to approach him.

Thinking back, I wouldn't blame him if he thought I was insane—everyone else certainly did.The Empress regarded me with a thoughtful expression before offering a small sigh. "Well, since you're so serious about it, then, as your friend, I'll support you."

Her words were sincere, but the teasing glint in her eye made me wonder just how much she believed me.

"Thanks," I said with a weak smile. "I'll need all the support I can get."

Adelaide leaned back in her chair, swirling her teacup. "But you know, Veronica, it's rather interesting. For someone so determined to leave, you still seem... affected by him."

I froze for a moment, her words catching me off guard. Was it that obvious? I shook my head, dismissing the thought. No, this wasn't about feelings anymore—it was about survival. And freedom.

"Well, whatever the reason, you're always welcome here," Adelaide said, offering a warm smile."Thanks," I repeated, more earnestly this time. At least I had one ally in this mess.

Looking back, I never thought I'd end up being friends with the Empress of this country. Honestly, no one else expected it either. We're complete opposites. Empress Adelaide is the epitome of kindness and grace, while I... well, let's just say I'm not winning any sainthood awards anytime soon.

Before becoming the Empress, she was already the star of high society. As the daughter of Duke Schumann, she was practically destined for the role of Empress. There was no competition—she was the perfect candidate in every way.

As we chatted, I found myself rambling on about all the trivial things I had done during those stressful three days. Most of it was nonsense, really, but Adelaide laughed at nearly everything I said. I wasn't trying to be funny, yet there she was, laughing so much she started coughing.

"Are you okay, Your Imperial Majesty?" I asked, genuinely concerned as she struggled to catch her breath.

"Yes, I'm okay," she assured me between coughs, waving her hand. "My apologies for worrying you."

I frowned, unconvinced. "I think I should leave now so you can rest. I'll visit you again next time.""Time does fly when you're enjoying yourself," Adelaide said with a warm smile. "Then, I'll see you again soon, Duchess."

With that, I stood and began making my way out of Baerth Castle. As I stepped into the carriage, I couldn't help but marvel at how my unlikely friendship with the Empress had become a bright spot in this chaotic life.

Empress Adelaide had been in poor health ever since giving birth to the princess two years ago. It's been two years now since we became friends, and in that time, I've come to realize just how fragile she is. When I first started visiting her, it was because I needed her help—before and after we became friends. But over time, something changed.

I knew from the novel that she would die, though her death was only briefly mentioned. Her body, worn out from years of stress, would eventually give in. That knowledge weighs on me heavily, especially since I can see how much she's struggling now.

That's why I visit her so often. I don't do it out of pity for her impending death or because she helped me when I needed it. I do it because she accepted me, flaws and all. She saw beyond the villainess role I was cast in and offered her friendship without hesitation. I genuinely like her, and I don't want her to be alone in her remaining days.

Her kindness means more to me than she'll ever know. It's a rare thing to find someone who accepts you as you are, especially when you've been condemned as a villain. Yet she did just that, and I'll always be grateful to her for it.

---

After my visit to Baerth Castle, I headed home. As soon as I got out of the carriage, I was surprised to see David, Duke Henrick's butler, waiting for me.

"Welcome home, Duchess. You are being summoned by the Duke," he said, a smile on his face. Oh my god, is this it?

"Oh, okay. Then I'll meet the Duke now," I said quickly, walking inside. As I made my way to his office, David stopped me.

"The Duke is in the drawing room," he said, which only confused me more.

"Huh? The drawing room? Why is he calling me there?" I asked. Instead of answering, David just smiled and opened the door for me.

"Your Grace, the Duchess is here," he announced.

My smile immediately disappeared as I entered the drawing room. I had expected to find Duke Henrick and maybe his lawyer for the divorce papers, but instead, there were several gowns on display. What the heck is this?

"I happily greet the Duchess of Audovera," a woman greeted me.

"Madam Luisa? What are you doing here?" I asked her. Madam Luisa was a designer and the owner of Atkins Atelier, the place where the trendiest and most expensive dresses were made. I knew that because I had once been one of their VIP customers.

"What are you talking about, Duchess? The Duke booked us for your gown for the upcoming banquet," she replied, further confusing me.

"Banquet?" I asked, my eyes immediately shifting to Duke Henrick, who was sitting quietly, watching us. When our eyes met, I quickly looked away.

What banquet was this? "Follow me, Duchess," Madam Luisa said, pulling me toward the fitting room. "Since it's been a while since you visited the atelier, I'll need to take your new measurements," she added, pulling out a tape measure and beginning to take my measurements.

"But Madam Luisa, what is this banquet you're talking about?" I asked, completely distracted. What about the divorce?

"Oh my goodness, Duchess. Sometimes you ask strange questions. There will be a banquet at the palace to celebrate the victory of the recent war," she explained.

"Oh, that banquet," I said, finally understanding. I remembered it from the novel. "I'm invited?" I asked, bewildered. From what I remembered, I wasn't invited, and after the divorce, I would be too embarrassed to attend.

"Of course, you are invited," Madam Luisa replied, almost as if saying "duh." I fell silent, noticing that she was starting to get weirded out by my questions and actions.

After Madam Luisa finished measuring me, I thought I was done, but no—there were still a ton of gowns to try on. What made it worse was that I had to show Duke Henrick the ones I tried on.

Why was he choosing my outfits?! What the hell was happening?!