Chapter 43

"Ha...?"

Hubert was taken aback by Opal's cold and obvious answer. However, he snapped back to reality with a cough from Claude, which seemed to be an attempt to cover up a laugh.

"No, no. Isn't it because you can't decide that you're consulting me?"

"That's why, why would you ask someone else?"

"That's because... you were my wife for seven years. You must know Stella well, right? And now, you're saying you're going to abandon Stella?"

"…That's in the past, and it's no longer my concern. As the Duke of MacLaud, you should make the decision yourself."

Opal felt a mix of weariness and nostalgia at this mismatched conversation, and she was indeed tired of it. Hubert, on the other hand, seemed shocked, and his distress was evident on his face.

"Cutting ties with Stella, who grew up like a real sister, must be painful. But if you consider the future of the MacLaud family, that choice might be necessary. If this engagement with Marienne doesn't work out, other young ladies might also demand similar conditions based on the rumors. And you've set up a substantial trust fund for Stella, haven't you? Of course, money isn't everything, but Stella has Lady Northam and the old servants—Romit and Beth—by her side—"

"Beth is no longer there."

Claude watched Opal, who was still considering the matter, with interest, while Hubert's expression gradually turned to disappointment. Suddenly, he frowned and interrupted Opal.

"…Beth is no longer there? Did something happen?"

Opal was surprised to hear that Beth, who had always been so devoted to Stella, was gone. But she quickly realized the reason and smiled.

"Did she get married?"

"No. But Beth is pregnant, and Lady Northam dismissed her."

"…What?"

Hubert's contemptuous answer left Opal speechless. She understood the situation, but the idea that it could actually happen was hard to accept. Hubert, however, reiterated his point seriously.

"Beth is going to have a child without a father. We can't keep someone like that in our employ."

"Oh! So Beth is having a virgin birth! That's a miracle!"

"That's not possible! Beth won't say who the father is!"

Opal, angered by Hubert's tone, pretended to be delighted. Claude smirked, and Hubert's voice grew harsh. Hearing this, Opal continued without hiding her contempt.

"Then there is a father. He seems very irresponsible."

Hubert finally realized his slip of the tongue, his face showing a moment of shock before he became sullen.

"Still, Beth acted irresponsibly."

"Why must vulnerable women always fight alone?"

"What?"

"No... I don't know the full story, so I won't say more about Beth. Anyway, if you consider the future of the MacLaud family, accepting Marienne's conditions might be the best choice."

Opal, who had become emotional thinking about her past, returned to the topic when Claude gently placed his hand on hers.

"But that would be too hard on Stella..."

"Then why don't you have another talk with Marienne? Or, if Stella gets married, the situation might change."

"That's impossible. I've invited some of my friends to the mansion to meet Stella several times, but each time, she has a severe episode. It seems she feels pressured to get married."

"You invited your friends to the mansion...?"

"Yes."

Opal, who had been giving advice despite feeling exasperated, suddenly asked. She had expected that Stella would be reluctant to marry anyone other than Hubert, but hearing that he had invited friends to the mansion made her realize something. Perhaps Beth had been forced by one of Hubert's friends.

Opal had met some of Hubert's friends at social events during her single days. Some of them had questionable behavior, and she had found them unpleasant. She only learned they were Hubert's friends after their marriage, and she later wondered if Hubert's poor attitude was due to their lies about her.

(You can't tell a proud woman like Beth to be more selective about her friends, especially when dealing with a duke over thirty. Still, leaving Beth alone...)

Claude gently patted Opal's hand, and when she looked up, he smiled encouragingly before turning to Hubert.

"Although it's early for Opal to return to her hometown, we plan to go to the Kingdom of Sosie soon. We'll probably make an appearance in society, and I look forward to meeting your future bride then."

"No, but..."

"Opal has already given you her answer. Now it's up to you to make a decision."

Claude gently suggested that it was time for Hubert to leave. Hubert tried to say something, but Claude stood up more clearly. With no choice, Hubert also stood, and Opal got up with Claude's help.

"MacLaud, I wish you luck."

"Thank you. Opal, Luciel, I hope you are happy."

"Of course."

"…Thank you, Your Grace."

Claude and Hubert shook hands, and Opal smiled calmly in response. It seemed like a superficial exchange, but given their current relationship, it was inevitable.

"Opal, I'm sorry for troubling you."

"No, I didn't help much, I'm sorry."

"You did enough. I'm in your way, Luciel."

"…MacLaud, I heard there have been bandits in the Kingdom of Sosie recently. Is everything alright?"

"Yes. They've already been captured. It seems there was a falling out among them, and the leader was killed, leaving a disorganized group."

"I see."

Opal had not heard about the bandits, but it seemed the issue was resolved. Hubert glanced at Opal one last time before turning and getting into the waiting carriage. As the carriage drove away, Opal looked up at Claude.

"Are you sure it's okay?"

"Are you worried about Beth?"

"Even so, will His Majesty allow it?"

"It's fine. His Majesty understands."

"About Claude returning home?"

"About my priorities."

Opal felt she understood Claude, but things became complicated when King Alessandro was involved.

"These eight years have been frustrating."

"I completely agree, but I think they were necessary."

"I completely agree."

Opal responded, and she and Claude shared a smile. Smiling made her feel lighter. She remembered that she had never laughed with Hubert and resolved to cherish this laughter.