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"The remnants of the Royal Padania, are we going to leave them like this?"
Annette scanned the headlines with a dry gaze and put the paper away. The topic of how those who benefited from the monarchy were treated was a subject that was brought up almost daily.
Most of the nobles' property was confiscated. This was due to Heiner Valdemar's exploits. He exposed all sorts of economic and military corruption and secrets, driving them to the bottom.
However, the citizens still debated the need for retribution and liquidation, as several nobles and military figures fled abroad.
Annette, the Commander-in-Chief's wife, also received countless letters of accusation and threats. This became even more severe after the Republicans introduced the Bill to Liquidate the Monarchy.
Annette stared blankly at the pile of letters on the table, then covered her mouth. Her stomach churned like crazy. She felt like she was going to burst into tears at any moment.
Annette, having gulped down the cold water, jumped up and left the room. The air was so oppressive and heavy, she couldn't bear it. She longed to walk, even if it was just in the deserted backyard.
Annette crossed the mansion at a brisk pace. The gazes of the servants she encountered felt like needles. It was common for them to gossip about her.
As she was passing through the first-floor hallway, she came across an unwelcome face.
“Lady Valdemar.”
“...Major Eugen.”
Eugen Markov, Heiner's loyal subordinate, was one of the many who despised Annette.
“It’s been a while. How are you?”
Eugen asked with a smooth smile. It was a common greeting, and normally, Anette would respond with a "calm" answer, but... the meaning behind those words was different.
He meant that you shouldn't be at peace.
“It’s the same as usual.”
Annette responded with a smug air of vanity. "Well, that's enough," she muttered softly and turned away. She had no desire to speak to Eugen any further.
“Congressman Gunther’s side has proposed a marriage.”
A voice followed, halting her pace. It was a sudden remark. Annette turned her head slightly and offered a faint smile.
“...Congratulations, I give it to you.”
“Not me, but to the Commander-in-Chief.”
The corners of her mouth froze as if she were smiling.
"The opponent is Miss Annelie Engels, a former militia member. She was also a comrade who worked with the Commander-in-Chief on operations."
It was a calm tone. Eugen always used that nonchalant tone to mock her. Annette clutched her sleeve with one hand.
Republican Gunther Engels.
He was a key figure who led the revolution to victory by unleashing weapons on illegal labor unions, and was a great figure who participated in the establishment of the provisional government.
His wife and son were shot dead during protests, and his daughter, Annelie Engels, was active in the militia. Naturally, she still enjoys widespread public support.
In many ways, she was the complete opposite of Annette.
“...But?”
“But, you know.”
Eugen let out a mocking laugh.
“Do you still live in the flower garden?”
Rose of the Flower Garden. It was a derogatory term people used to call her.
The moment she heard those words, her mind became frighteningly calm. Annette looked at Eugen, her face expressionless. Eugen grumbled.
"You're no longer the daughter of a powerful man. You're just a remnant of the past, a thing that must be banished. If you read even a few lines of the newspaper, you'd know that."
“...”
"It's purely by His Excellency's mercy that you can still walk around with your head held high like this. You're a stain on him. I wonder what people will say about this marriage..."
“I asked my husband for a divorce yesterday.”
Annette cut him off with a weary look on her face. Eugen asked a beat later.
"...Yes?"
"I asked for a divorce. Heiner didn't accept, though. I guess he wanted to see me suffer up close."
Until yesterday, it was difficult to understand Heiner's intentions at all, but now that he's said it out loud, she feels like she understands a little bit.
"Because Heiner hates me. I realized it too late. The Major hates me, and people hate me, so why shouldn't he?"
Annette's calm voice echoed through the hallway. Eugen, completely unprepared for this situation, feigned bewilderment.
It made sense. Annette's last lifeline was Heiner Valdemar. Even if they divorced, there would be no one in the world who would accept her.
Unless it was Heiner, it didn't make sense for her to want a divorce.
"That's why I asked for a divorce. I'd appreciate it if you could persuade my husband, Major. Your wishes and mine seem to align."
“...”
“You can spread this in the newspaper or not, it’s up to you.”
Annette gave a clean smile.
The next day, a large article appeared claiming that Councillor Gunther had proposed marriage to Heiner Valdemar.
The combination of a Republican congressman and the Commander-in-Chief. There were mixed reactions, both welcoming and apprehensive, but it was a significant event nonetheless.
Two years ago, the two had a history of fairly and cleanly handling internal conflicts between revolutionary forces, so the positive response was slightly more dominant.
It goes without saying that Annette's already practically nonexistent position became even more precarious. Even the stragglers who had tried to reach out to her to connect with Heiner all turned away.
Heiner and Annette's divorce became a fait accompli amidst the buzz. And it was a welcome development for the public.
People wanted her downfall, but her position as the Commander-in-Chief's wife meant her misfortunes were limited.
For Annette, this place was hell, but from the outside, it seemed like she was just living her life peacefully, eyes closed and ears plugged. On the surface, that was somewhat true.
So it was only natural that she would be cursed at, Annette thought to herself.
She lay on the bed, gazing at the high ceiling moldings. Lying alone in this vast room, she felt like a corpse in a coffin.
Annette rolled over onto her side. Several newspapers she'd just finished reading rolled around on the floor. One evening paper contained a scathing article listing the value of dresses and jewelry she'd once owned.
“If you read even a few lines of the newspaper, you would know.”
'Ah, the newspaper.'
Annette read the newspaper, too. The problem was that she couldn't finish it.
She closed her eyes, but the gnawing headache kept her awake. The migraines, which had started as stress-related, became chronic over time. There were more and more days when she had to take painkillers or sleeping pills to sleep.
Knock knock.
Suddenly, there was a knock. Annette lay staring at the wall, seemingly dead. Then, the bedroom door opened silently.
Annette held her breath, watching the stray beams of light reflect off the wall. The sound of footsteps echoed through the desolate room.
"Ma'am."
Heiner sat down on the bed and called her in a quiet voice.
“Annette.”
Annette didn't answer. It wasn't that she didn't want to answer; she just felt unmotivated. Her head hurt, too.
Behind her, Heiner sighed softly.
“I know you’re not sleeping. Just listen.”
“...”
"I don't know if you're aware, but I received a marriage proposal from the National Assembly. I originally had no intention of accepting, so I tried to quietly decline, but the article came out... In any case, I won't change my mind."
“...”
“If you had any expectations, I’m telling you to give up.”
There was a brief pause as he chose his words.
“You are leaving this place.”
He acted like he absolutely refused to utter the word "divorce." Was he saying that the sky would fall if he did?
“...That’s what people do.”
Annette could feel Heiner listening to her voice. She lay face down, speaking softly.
“Those words anyway.”
“I’m your stain. That’s what people say.”
Annette sat up, her golden hair falling down her shoulders and down her back.
Annette turned to face Heiner. His eyes, darkened by the darkness they encountered up close, seemed gloomy. They were eyes that knew no joy.
Once upon a time, Annette had loved the joy of her lover. She had loved the smiling faces and the gentle voices. But none of it was real.
Heiner Valdemar was a truly great spy.
“Do you still have a grudge against me to the point of suffering losses like this?”
“Annette—I don’t know where you will live after you leave here.”
“Could my father have hidden some assets somewhere I don't know about?”
Annette scanned the headlines with a dry gaze and put the paper away. The topic of how those who benefited from the monarchy were treated was a subject that was brought up almost daily.
Most of the nobles' property was confiscated. This was due to Heiner Valdemar's exploits. He exposed all sorts of economic and military corruption and secrets, driving them to the bottom.
However, the citizens still debated the need for retribution and liquidation, as several nobles and military figures fled abroad.
Annette, the Commander-in-Chief's wife, also received countless letters of accusation and threats. This became even more severe after the Republicans introduced the Bill to Liquidate the Monarchy.
Annette stared blankly at the pile of letters on the table, then covered her mouth. Her stomach churned like crazy. She felt like she was going to burst into tears at any moment.
Annette, having gulped down the cold water, jumped up and left the room. The air was so oppressive and heavy, she couldn't bear it. She longed to walk, even if it was just in the deserted backyard.
Annette crossed the mansion at a brisk pace. The gazes of the servants she encountered felt like needles. It was common for them to gossip about her.
As she was passing through the first-floor hallway, she came across an unwelcome face.
“Lady Valdemar.”
“...Major Eugen.”
Eugen Markov, Heiner's loyal subordinate, was one of the many who despised Annette.
“It’s been a while. How are you?”
Eugen asked with a smooth smile. It was a common greeting, and normally, Anette would respond with a "calm" answer, but... the meaning behind those words was different.
He meant that you shouldn't be at peace.
“It’s the same as usual.”
Annette responded with a smug air of vanity. "Well, that's enough," she muttered softly and turned away. She had no desire to speak to Eugen any further.
“Congressman Gunther’s side has proposed a marriage.”
A voice followed, halting her pace. It was a sudden remark. Annette turned her head slightly and offered a faint smile.
“...Congratulations, I give it to you.”
“Not me, but to the Commander-in-Chief.”
The corners of her mouth froze as if she were smiling.
"The opponent is Miss Annelie Engels, a former militia member. She was also a comrade who worked with the Commander-in-Chief on operations."
It was a calm tone. Eugen always used that nonchalant tone to mock her. Annette clutched her sleeve with one hand.
Republican Gunther Engels.
He was a key figure who led the revolution to victory by unleashing weapons on illegal labor unions, and was a great figure who participated in the establishment of the provisional government.
His wife and son were shot dead during protests, and his daughter, Annelie Engels, was active in the militia. Naturally, she still enjoys widespread public support.
In many ways, she was the complete opposite of Annette.
“...But?”
“But, you know.”
Eugen let out a mocking laugh.
“Do you still live in the flower garden?”
Rose of the Flower Garden. It was a derogatory term people used to call her.
The moment she heard those words, her mind became frighteningly calm. Annette looked at Eugen, her face expressionless. Eugen grumbled.
"You're no longer the daughter of a powerful man. You're just a remnant of the past, a thing that must be banished. If you read even a few lines of the newspaper, you'd know that."
“...”
"It's purely by His Excellency's mercy that you can still walk around with your head held high like this. You're a stain on him. I wonder what people will say about this marriage..."
“I asked my husband for a divorce yesterday.”
Annette cut him off with a weary look on her face. Eugen asked a beat later.
"...Yes?"
"I asked for a divorce. Heiner didn't accept, though. I guess he wanted to see me suffer up close."
Until yesterday, it was difficult to understand Heiner's intentions at all, but now that he's said it out loud, she feels like she understands a little bit.
"Because Heiner hates me. I realized it too late. The Major hates me, and people hate me, so why shouldn't he?"
Annette's calm voice echoed through the hallway. Eugen, completely unprepared for this situation, feigned bewilderment.
It made sense. Annette's last lifeline was Heiner Valdemar. Even if they divorced, there would be no one in the world who would accept her.
Unless it was Heiner, it didn't make sense for her to want a divorce.
"That's why I asked for a divorce. I'd appreciate it if you could persuade my husband, Major. Your wishes and mine seem to align."
“...”
“You can spread this in the newspaper or not, it’s up to you.”
Annette gave a clean smile.
***
The next day, a large article appeared claiming that Councillor Gunther had proposed marriage to Heiner Valdemar.
The combination of a Republican congressman and the Commander-in-Chief. There were mixed reactions, both welcoming and apprehensive, but it was a significant event nonetheless.
Two years ago, the two had a history of fairly and cleanly handling internal conflicts between revolutionary forces, so the positive response was slightly more dominant.
It goes without saying that Annette's already practically nonexistent position became even more precarious. Even the stragglers who had tried to reach out to her to connect with Heiner all turned away.
Heiner and Annette's divorce became a fait accompli amidst the buzz. And it was a welcome development for the public.
People wanted her downfall, but her position as the Commander-in-Chief's wife meant her misfortunes were limited.
For Annette, this place was hell, but from the outside, it seemed like she was just living her life peacefully, eyes closed and ears plugged. On the surface, that was somewhat true.
So it was only natural that she would be cursed at, Annette thought to herself.
She lay on the bed, gazing at the high ceiling moldings. Lying alone in this vast room, she felt like a corpse in a coffin.
Annette rolled over onto her side. Several newspapers she'd just finished reading rolled around on the floor. One evening paper contained a scathing article listing the value of dresses and jewelry she'd once owned.
“If you read even a few lines of the newspaper, you would know.”
'Ah, the newspaper.'
Annette read the newspaper, too. The problem was that she couldn't finish it.
She closed her eyes, but the gnawing headache kept her awake. The migraines, which had started as stress-related, became chronic over time. There were more and more days when she had to take painkillers or sleeping pills to sleep.
Knock knock.
Suddenly, there was a knock. Annette lay staring at the wall, seemingly dead. Then, the bedroom door opened silently.
Annette held her breath, watching the stray beams of light reflect off the wall. The sound of footsteps echoed through the desolate room.
"Ma'am."
Heiner sat down on the bed and called her in a quiet voice.
“Annette.”
Annette didn't answer. It wasn't that she didn't want to answer; she just felt unmotivated. Her head hurt, too.
Behind her, Heiner sighed softly.
“I know you’re not sleeping. Just listen.”
“...”
"I don't know if you're aware, but I received a marriage proposal from the National Assembly. I originally had no intention of accepting, so I tried to quietly decline, but the article came out... In any case, I won't change my mind."
“...”
“If you had any expectations, I’m telling you to give up.”
There was a brief pause as he chose his words.
“You are leaving this place.”
He acted like he absolutely refused to utter the word "divorce." Was he saying that the sky would fall if he did?
“...That’s what people do.”
Annette could feel Heiner listening to her voice. She lay face down, speaking softly.
"I should have fallen completely, yet I live so well thanks to being the commander-in-chief's wife. Why doesn't the commander-in-chief divorce that woman? Even if he aided the revolutionary army... He was once a Marquis's subordinate and a corps commander—surely he hasn't shed those habits."
“I’m your stain. That’s what people say.”
Annette sat up, her golden hair falling down her shoulders and down her back.
Annette turned to face Heiner. His eyes, darkened by the darkness they encountered up close, seemed gloomy. They were eyes that knew no joy.
Once upon a time, Annette had loved the joy of her lover. She had loved the smiling faces and the gentle voices. But none of it was real.
Heiner Valdemar was a truly great spy.
“Do you still have a grudge against me to the point of suffering losses like this?”
“Annette—I don’t know where you will live after you leave here.”
“Could my father have hidden some assets somewhere I don't know about?”
Annette laughed out loud. It was absurd that Heiner would say something like that. He was a man who knew everything in the world and controlled everything.
“I have nothing, and I have nowhere to turn, you know.”
“Have you forgotten that you contacted those close to your father to dig up my past?”
"They're in prison, how could they help me? And it's been a while since I started digging into your past. In the meantime, they've all been executed or sent to concentration camps on the island. I can give you their names if you want."
"Your father had a great network. Who knows where his connections might be? I'm sure you know that some of those who escaped have found refuge overseas and are living well."
"I promise I won't leave the country. I promise I won't take anything from this house. All I need is a divorce."
“...You want it this much, so I don’t want to listen to you.”
Heiner spoke with a completely cold face, abandoning even the slightest pretense.
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