Chapter 43

"Getting back to the topic, even though Ragnath has considerable influence, he is ultimately just a servant. If the head of the household tells him to leave, he has no choice but to obey. To prevent that from happening, I had to act strictly towards you. However, as you grew, I began to see more and more of your mother in you, which made it harder. I feared that if things continued this way, it would lead to an unhappy outcome."

"Indeed, if I had stayed with the Berdigor family, my future might have been bleak."

"Your mother had an unhappy marriage, and she wouldn't have wanted the same for you, even though you were like a granddaughter to her. Ragnath hasn't said as much, but I can only speculate."

Determinedly, he protected me because I was a direct descendant. It was as if protecting the bloodline was his mission.

I don't understand why it was so important, but for Ragnath, who had dedicated his life to it, his resolve was stronger than anyone else's.

"Well, if I could be happy with the Berdigor family, Ragnath would have been the happiest, I suppose."

I feel the same way.

No matter what, I thought it was my duty to protect the Berdigor family.

Ragnath had also educated and protected me with that in mind.

So, as you said, the best outcome for Ragnath was for me to stay with the Berdigor family and be happy.

When that became impossible, Ragnath chose my happiness over protecting the Berdigor family's bloodline.

Actually, when my father told me about this, I immediately consulted Ragnath.

It was only natural.

I had to inform him of the possibility that I might have to leave the Berdigor family, as he was the one I trusted the most.

However, Ragnath didn't oppose it.

Despite his unwavering loyalty to the Berdigor family and its direct descendants, he didn't stop me from leaving.

"From the beginning, you and Ragnath were in cahoots, weren't you?"

"Cahoots... Well, at least call us co-conspirators."

"They mean the same thing."

I thought we got along well, but now it seems more fitting to say that you and Ragnath were working together from the start.

"Thinking back, I found it strange how well-informed Ragnath was about matters outside the Berdigor family. Did you provide him with the information through Ragnath?"

"Yes, but I think he would have found a way to do it himself."

I know Ragnath is very capable, so it didn't surprise me.

"Was it fine for you, then? Marriage is a serious matter, and I wouldn't have agreed just because Ragnath recommended it."

"I always knew I would have to get married at some point, as it is my duty. However, it's not as if just anyone would do. By chance, I met someone who met the conditions, and by chance, a capable person pledged their loyalty to me, so I accepted. Of course, if it had been a mismatch, I would have found a reason to annul the marriage."

That's not a difficult thing to do.

Even though the marriage would be mentioned in society, the person involved might not show up, and some would doubt whether it had actually happened.

If I hadn't met your expectations, I would have been easily discarded.

If the Lindbergh family had claimed that the marriage never happened, it would have been just a rumor.

After all, the wedding itself ended before it could become widely known.

From the Lindbergh family's perspective, the Berdigor family is a minor concern, but as a deputy head, I understand that sometimes harsh decisions are necessary.

I can understand, but I don't want to be on the receiving end.

"How did you feel about this marriage, Reisha?"

It's a complicated matter.

Before hearing your story, I was ambivalent.

You're not a saint, but you're not a villain either.

You do seem to consider others' feelings, though I think it's because it benefits you.

Well, my life has improved, and I'm fairly comfortable now.

After hearing your story, I understood your and Ragnath's actions a bit more.

Understanding and accepting are different, though...

As I was pondering, you sighed.

"It's troubling when you worry so much."

"It can't be helped. The resentment from all that has been done to me doesn't just disappear. But I am starting to see you in a different light. You do pay attention to me... I admit, if you hadn't forced me to do things, I would have just been complacent."

Because I hate doing things half-heartedly.

"Let me be blunt, if you had been complacent, you would have been bored within a month."

You said this with a sigh.

"Even though it's not my place to say, you seem more lively when you use your mind and body. Your desire to slack off was just your body wanting a break. Once that was addressed, you would have found yourself with too much free time."

I wanted to say that wasn't true, but I had been enjoying physical activities, even pretending to be a maid, from the first week of our marriage.

"I've given you various tasks, but if you don't want to do them anymore, you don't have to. As a duchess, you were not obligated to work, and that was part of our agreement."

Saying this now?

But you do pay attention to me.

Even though I complain, I find that a moderate amount of work suits me. I don't want to be a workaholic, but I don't mind discussing work with you.

Talking about work with someone who understands is enjoyable, and I get new insights that benefit me.

"I'm fine as I am. As you said, if you have tasks for me in the future, please consult me... But if I were to say, 'Then I'll quit my work,' what would you do? Divorce me?"

I don't intend to do that, but if I did, you would probably say, "Divorce."

"Not now."

"I'm surprised. I thought you would divorce me easily."

Looking up at you in surprise, you said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"I'm surprised myself, but I don't mind talking to you. At first, I thought it was rare to find someone who understands me so well... Now, I find you pleasant as a person and as a woman."

Taken aback by your sudden confession, I opened my mouth in a daze, staring at your deep red eyes, which you would probably call a foolish expression.

"......What?"

"......What's with that reaction? Would I do so much for someone I don't like? Everyone around us noticed, but you didn't."

No, I didn't know at all.

I thought it was just harassment...

"Well, I did consider forcing you to understand, but I decided against it rationally."

I see.

I felt a chill run down my spine, my lord.

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