Chapter 7

When Claris left the capital and returned to the Bonafe Marquisate, it was a topic of conversation for a while, but everyone soon moved on, assuming it was for her convalescence. The annual investiture ceremony was about to take place soon. This ceremony honored those who had contributed to the kingdom that year, and everyone was busy speculating about who would receive what titles or lands this year. Since the war a few years ago, a large number of people had been honored each year.

Patrice had left the royal family, but he still had to attend the ceremony as a member of the royal family, and no one had speculated that Claris would return to the marquisate alone.

The ceremony began with great pomp, with newly honored individuals, those offering congratulations, those secretly disappointed, and those envious. When the usual ceremonies were about to transition to a celebration, King Felix's solemn voice echoed through the hall.

"There is one more person to whom I wish to grant a portion of my kingdom."

The hall buzzed with surprise at these unexpected words. Everyone who was to be honored had already received their awards. As everyone looked around, wondering who it could be, King Felix raised his hand to quiet the room. Queen Rachel, sitting next to him, did not seem surprised, as if she had known beforehand.

"Patrice, Duke of Brevall, step forward."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The moment Patrice's name was called, everyone let out a sigh of understanding. Patrice, along with his other brother, Lucian, had countless achievements. It was assumed that he had contributed to the kingdom in some unknown way and that the land grant was a wedding gift.

However, the king's next words made everyone gasp.

"Patrice, Duke of Brevall, I order you to divorce Claris."

"Your Majesty, that—"

"Silence, Patrice. I am disappointed in you. You so desperately wanted to marry Claris, but what did you do to her? You failed to manage your own lands properly, and because of your negligence, bandits were allowed to roam freely, resulting in Claris being severely injured. She managed to escape only because of her skill with horses, but she could have been violated. The queen and I deeply regret recommending that she marry you, especially since she had no intention of marrying anyone. Therefore, as recompense, I wish to grant Claris a portion of the Bairemo region, adjacent to the Bonafe Marquisate, so she can live independently without relying on her family. Additionally, I order you to be suspended for five months. Use this time to reflect and consider how you will make amends to Claris."

"Understood, Your Majesty."

The hall fell silent, and Patrice knelt, bowing his head as he listened to Felix's words. After answering dejectedly, he stepped back and left the hall.

The celebration that followed was held in another venue, but everyone's conversation centered on the exchange between Felix and Patrice. Felix's words made it seem as though Patrice had forced Claris into marriage. Then, Prince Lucian lamented that the clumsy Patrice had caused trouble for Claris due to his unrequited first love and praised how brave she was—how she had not abandoned the head stable boy and had been injured as a result. Because of Felix and Lucian's words, Claris's honor was restored, even though some had initially viewed her injury at the hands of bandits maliciously.

Patrice, who had been given a five-month suspension, left the ceremony and headed to his various estates. Although not as large as the Rest region, he had never visited any of them, having left their management to others. He had thought that hiring competent stewards was enough, but the incident with Samond made him realize that he needed to fulfill his duties as a lord. He owed this realization to Claris.

Upon visiting his estates, Patrice found many issues that were not apparent from the reports alone. While resolving various problems, he found himself thinking about Claris. Was she healing well? Was she overworking herself? Was she spending time in the Beverly Forest again? He knew these thoughts were clingy, but he couldn't forget her. By the time he had visited all his estates, two months had passed since he had last seen Claris.

He knew it now. He was in love with Claris. The unfamiliarity of this new emotion had delayed his realization, and by the time he understood, it was too late. He couldn't declare his love now. Still—

(At least, I want to start over as friends...)

He knew it was presumptuous, but his feet naturally led him to the Carriere estate. The letter from Silves, along with a charm, in his pocket might have been an excuse to see Claris. Patrice took a room in a town near the Carriere manor, left his attendants behind, and rode his horse to the Beverly Forest. Honestly, he hadn't expected to see Claris. He also felt guilty about entering private property without permission. Still, the forest felt familiar, and Patrice slowly rode his horse to the stream. There, he sensed someone and quietly pulled the reins to stop his horse.