"Did you hear?"
"I didn't hear it."
"I didn't mean to hurt you."
Stella tried to soothe Kendrick until dinner was ready. However, this was not a matter that could be resolved by soothing him.
"I know."
"Come here. The area around your neck is red."
'Why is this happening?'
Stella was handed a towel soaked in ice water by the servant. Then she wiped the reddened area.
"Did you want a divorce that much?"
His eyes flickered.
"So you deliberately put me to sleep and created an opportunity to be alone with the Crown Prince?"
"It's not like that."
Hearing him speak softly, but the cracking of his voice, Stella felt a pang in her heart for some reason.
Why do I torment him, both before I died and now?
It was hard to make eye contact with him, so she lowered my head slightly.
"You knew I wanted a divorce."
Kendrick was silent for a long time. Perhaps because he had his head bowed, his Adam's apple, swaying up and down, particularly caught her eye.
"You know I can never give you a divorce."
His hand gripped Stella's fingers tightly. Stella wiped the water soaking his neck again and straightened his collar.
"Let's hurry and go find the antidote. With that, your heart might get a little better."
She couldn't divorce Kendrick, who suffered without Stella because of the love potion. That would have been too cruel. Stella had to find an antidote as soon as possible to cure his illness. Every available resource was already mobilized to search for the antidote. However, to Kendrick, all of that felt useless.
"Can this really get better?"
He placed his hand on his chest and looked at Stella.
"Tears well up when I hear you say you are leaving me."
'Tears...?'
Stella had no memory of seeing Kendrick cry, even before she regressed.
"I'm not usually a softie."
Stella realized why Kendrick's neck was red. It was because he was holding back his tears.
She felt that Kendrick's condition was much more serious than she had thought.
"You said the antidote is related to magic."
Since the Empire tended to shun magic, finding information was difficult. Although there were wizards managed by the Imperial Household, they were a very small minority, and even the Imperial Household kept them strictly secret. Therefore, Kendrick could not ask for their help. Thus, he had no choice but to search for wizards using the black market.
Magic... Magic...
There was one person around Stella who had knowledge of magic.
"Should I ask Roy Andra?"
Kendrick placed his hand on his chest and complained of pain.
"Why, what's wrong?"
"I'm so angry that another man's name is coming out of your mouth."
It's really severe. Stella glanced at her watch.
"We should go now. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is waiting."
Stella approached the door first. Just as she grabbed the doorknob and was about to open it, his voice was heard.
"It’s not like you have to divorce me to become an author."
That is true. Even so, Stella couldn't live with Kendrick for the rest of her life. The reason Stella wants a divorce is.
How long are you going to stay as the lady of the back room?
It was because she knew that Kendrick's mind would eventually change.
It was an era where imperial power was strong. Even so, Kendrick was not at a disadvantage compared to him. After all, he was the lord of a vast region, so much so that it would not be an exaggeration to say he ruled over the entire western provinces of the Empire. Although Kendrick was currently in the capital, the previous Duke and Duchess had gone west and were still exerting their influence. Furthermore, Kendrick had cultivated friendships with powerful foreign figures during his studies abroad. Therefore, even the Emperor could not treat Kendrick lightly.
For someone so outstanding, only.
To think he made that face because he couldn't change his wife's mind.
Fabian found this couple's work increasingly interesting.
"It seems like we stopped talking earlier."
A premium lamb steak, cooked thoroughly, soaked in wine, caught his eye. It glistened with a lustrous sheen. However, what drew his attention even more were Duke and Duchess Adrian, who exuded a peculiar aura. In truth, though not publicly known, Stella had been a candidate for Crown Princess when she was young. Perhaps that was why she was so captivated.
"You said you wanted to be an author, right? Do you have anything written?"
At his words, Stella briefly put down her knife.
"I am consistently working on practice pieces. Roy Andra is also reviewing my writing."
"Roy Andra?"
Fabian was quite surprised inwardly. Although Roy Andra appeared harmless on the outside, he was known to be fastidious when it came to writing.
It seems she isn't incompetent.
It was unexpected. I thought writing was just a mediocre excuse or a fleeting breeze. Fabian turned his gaze to look at Kendrick.
"It is a great pleasure to share a meal with you. I hope you will arrange gatherings like this often in the future, Duke Kendrick."
He was pretending to be fine, but Fabian could see it. That Kendrick was spaced out. To think he could see Kendrick Adrian this disheveled. It was a scene that satisfied Fabian more than the lavish spread laid out before him.
"All right."
"But why are you eating in that position?
Stella's left hand and Kendrick's right hand were interlocked. He's not usually the type to take an interest in other people's lives, though.
He wonders why this is so intriguing.
Because of the love potion, Kendrick couldn't even say that it hurt when he let go of his hand, so he just chewed his food.
"It is a habit of my wife and me. We always hold hands when we share a table."
"You look very... uncomfortable."
"It's better than you thought."
"So, how did the conversation go?"
A moment of silence followed.
"Am I going to have to receive Adrian's divorce petition again?"
Kendrick and Stella answered his words at the same time.
"No."
Even if not right now, someday.
A stinging atmosphere ran between them again. Fabian suppressed the urge to chuckle.
"I can't sleep because I'm so anxious about when a conflict might break out between Adrian and Lanedict. How about we make a bet instead?"
A bet?
"The loser is the one who gives up. Either don't bring up the divorce again, or just grant the divorce."
Kendrick called out to him in a low voice.
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince."
Fabian laughed awkwardly.
"Was I too rude?"
However, he did not seem to have any intention of taking back what he had said.
'Bet...'
Stella thought that if things went well, she could turn this bet into an opportunity.
"Do you have a bet in mind?"
"If the reason you want a divorce is because of the Duchess's dream, then the reason should be related to that as well."
Fabian scratched his head.
"How about we make a bet on whether Stella's book becomes a bestseller within two years?"
When he spoke, Stella and Kendrick's reactions were contrasting. Kendrick's face darkened in an instant.
'Best seller?'
Fabian was absolutely not the type of person to make such a suggestion pointlessly.
"You said you were worried about the rift between Adrian and Lanedict, right?"
The Empire had been a country where imperial power was strong for generations. For this reason, neither Adrian nor Lanedict had ever harbored ambitions to seize the throne. However, this time was different. With Adrian and Lanedict joining forces, their power had effectively doubled.
He might have just said that; deep down, he could be afraid of the Duke's family's power growing too large.
If this bet is accepted, the Imperial Household will be able to control the relationship between Lanedict and Adrian. This is because policies implemented by the Imperial Household and remarks made by members of the royal family have a significant impact on the book's sales.
For example, the book known to be frequently read by the Empress instantly became a number-one bestseller.
The Imperial Household could also control the press and advertising that influenced book sales. In many respects, this bet was not good for Adrian.
'Whether to divide the Duke's family or bring them together. He intends to do as he pleases according to his own interests.'
"That is a ridiculous bet. Your Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, would certainly be able to touch that ranking."
"Isn't the purpose to use this for political purposes?"
"Why are you being so hostile, Mr. Kendrick? It's just a suggestion."
Fabian gave a good-natured smile.
"That's a good offer."
Both men stopped speaking at Stella's words.
As the Duke said, becoming a bestselling author is too easy for outside intervention.
"Then what method do you want?"
"How about holding an exam to select an exclusive author for the Imperial Family instead?"
Kendrick furrowed his brows once again. An exclusive royal author? Doesn't that mean Fabian has more rights to exercise?
"We will select the candidates fairly through a panel of judges. As before, submissions will be anonymous."
The selection process for the Imperial Household Author was such a major issue that it dominated the headlines of newspapers from the day manuscripts were submitted until the day the results were announced. It was an event that the entire nation was interested in. For Fabian to manipulate such an event? This was a huge problem.
Then the risk of manipulation that Kendrick is worried about would be significantly reduced.
So, Fabian wouldn't pull a stunt. Fabian smiled once more to hide his awkwardness. If he refused here, it would be tantamount to affirming the question of whether he intended to control the market and use these relationships as a political tool.
"That's a good strategy."
And Stella's suggestion was not unreasonable either. Since the position of exclusive author for the Imperial Household was vacant, a new exclusive author had to be selected soon.
"Fine. Then, if you become the Imperial court's exclusive author, I will acknowledge your talent as a writer and consider Stella's divorce suit favorably."
Her face lit up. Things were gradually moving in the direction she wanted. Kendrick sighed, finding the situation absurd. Even aside from this dinner, Kendrick had met and spoken with Fabian privately quite a few times. Each time, Kendrick signaled that he should not accept Stella's divorce suit, and Fabian nodded.
However, the current situation is.
It felt as though Fabian was constantly paving the way for Stella to divorce him. Seeing Fabian’s cheeks twitch, it seemed he found the situation quite amusing. Although he had known early on that he was a selfish man, he never imagined the arrow would be aimed at him.
That's so rude.
To think Adrian had to be played for his amusement and political gain. Had he known the conversation would go this way, he wouldn't have invited Fabian. Fabian winked at Kendrick, who wore a displeased expression.
"However, if you don't even make the list of candidates, you must never mention divorce again."
"Before accepting this offer, I have a simple request."
"Pardon?"
"Is it appropriate to bestow Imperial treasures upon the Imperial family's exclusive writer?"
Fabian looked at her with interest.
"Was there anything among the imperial treasures that you had your eye on?"
Kendrick also turned his head to look at Stella. If it were something she wanted, he would take care of finding it for her. What on earth does she want?
"I really want Hajean's magic stone."
"I didn't hear it."
"I didn't mean to hurt you."
Stella tried to soothe Kendrick until dinner was ready. However, this was not a matter that could be resolved by soothing him.
"I know."
"Come here. The area around your neck is red."
'Why is this happening?'
Stella was handed a towel soaked in ice water by the servant. Then she wiped the reddened area.
"Did you want a divorce that much?"
His eyes flickered.
"So you deliberately put me to sleep and created an opportunity to be alone with the Crown Prince?"
"It's not like that."
Hearing him speak softly, but the cracking of his voice, Stella felt a pang in her heart for some reason.
Why do I torment him, both before I died and now?
It was hard to make eye contact with him, so she lowered my head slightly.
"You knew I wanted a divorce."
Kendrick was silent for a long time. Perhaps because he had his head bowed, his Adam's apple, swaying up and down, particularly caught her eye.
"You know I can never give you a divorce."
His hand gripped Stella's fingers tightly. Stella wiped the water soaking his neck again and straightened his collar.
"Let's hurry and go find the antidote. With that, your heart might get a little better."
She couldn't divorce Kendrick, who suffered without Stella because of the love potion. That would have been too cruel. Stella had to find an antidote as soon as possible to cure his illness. Every available resource was already mobilized to search for the antidote. However, to Kendrick, all of that felt useless.
"Can this really get better?"
He placed his hand on his chest and looked at Stella.
"Tears well up when I hear you say you are leaving me."
'Tears...?'
Stella had no memory of seeing Kendrick cry, even before she regressed.
"I'm not usually a softie."
Stella realized why Kendrick's neck was red. It was because he was holding back his tears.
She felt that Kendrick's condition was much more serious than she had thought.
"You said the antidote is related to magic."
Since the Empire tended to shun magic, finding information was difficult. Although there were wizards managed by the Imperial Household, they were a very small minority, and even the Imperial Household kept them strictly secret. Therefore, Kendrick could not ask for their help. Thus, he had no choice but to search for wizards using the black market.
Magic... Magic...
There was one person around Stella who had knowledge of magic.
"Should I ask Roy Andra?"
Kendrick placed his hand on his chest and complained of pain.
"Why, what's wrong?"
"I'm so angry that another man's name is coming out of your mouth."
It's really severe. Stella glanced at her watch.
"We should go now. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is waiting."
Stella approached the door first. Just as she grabbed the doorknob and was about to open it, his voice was heard.
"It’s not like you have to divorce me to become an author."
That is true. Even so, Stella couldn't live with Kendrick for the rest of her life. The reason Stella wants a divorce is.
How long are you going to stay as the lady of the back room?
It was because she knew that Kendrick's mind would eventually change.
***
It was an era where imperial power was strong. Even so, Kendrick was not at a disadvantage compared to him. After all, he was the lord of a vast region, so much so that it would not be an exaggeration to say he ruled over the entire western provinces of the Empire. Although Kendrick was currently in the capital, the previous Duke and Duchess had gone west and were still exerting their influence. Furthermore, Kendrick had cultivated friendships with powerful foreign figures during his studies abroad. Therefore, even the Emperor could not treat Kendrick lightly.
For someone so outstanding, only.
To think he made that face because he couldn't change his wife's mind.
Fabian found this couple's work increasingly interesting.
"It seems like we stopped talking earlier."
A premium lamb steak, cooked thoroughly, soaked in wine, caught his eye. It glistened with a lustrous sheen. However, what drew his attention even more were Duke and Duchess Adrian, who exuded a peculiar aura. In truth, though not publicly known, Stella had been a candidate for Crown Princess when she was young. Perhaps that was why she was so captivated.
"You said you wanted to be an author, right? Do you have anything written?"
At his words, Stella briefly put down her knife.
"I am consistently working on practice pieces. Roy Andra is also reviewing my writing."
"Roy Andra?"
Fabian was quite surprised inwardly. Although Roy Andra appeared harmless on the outside, he was known to be fastidious when it came to writing.
It seems she isn't incompetent.
It was unexpected. I thought writing was just a mediocre excuse or a fleeting breeze. Fabian turned his gaze to look at Kendrick.
"It is a great pleasure to share a meal with you. I hope you will arrange gatherings like this often in the future, Duke Kendrick."
He was pretending to be fine, but Fabian could see it. That Kendrick was spaced out. To think he could see Kendrick Adrian this disheveled. It was a scene that satisfied Fabian more than the lavish spread laid out before him.
"All right."
"But why are you eating in that position?
Stella's left hand and Kendrick's right hand were interlocked. He's not usually the type to take an interest in other people's lives, though.
He wonders why this is so intriguing.
Because of the love potion, Kendrick couldn't even say that it hurt when he let go of his hand, so he just chewed his food.
"It is a habit of my wife and me. We always hold hands when we share a table."
"You look very... uncomfortable."
"It's better than you thought."
"So, how did the conversation go?"
A moment of silence followed.
"Am I going to have to receive Adrian's divorce petition again?"
Kendrick and Stella answered his words at the same time.
"No."
Even if not right now, someday.
A stinging atmosphere ran between them again. Fabian suppressed the urge to chuckle.
"I can't sleep because I'm so anxious about when a conflict might break out between Adrian and Lanedict. How about we make a bet instead?"
A bet?
"The loser is the one who gives up. Either don't bring up the divorce again, or just grant the divorce."
Kendrick called out to him in a low voice.
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince."
Fabian laughed awkwardly.
"Was I too rude?"
However, he did not seem to have any intention of taking back what he had said.
'Bet...'
Stella thought that if things went well, she could turn this bet into an opportunity.
"Do you have a bet in mind?"
"If the reason you want a divorce is because of the Duchess's dream, then the reason should be related to that as well."
Fabian scratched his head.
"How about we make a bet on whether Stella's book becomes a bestseller within two years?"
When he spoke, Stella and Kendrick's reactions were contrasting. Kendrick's face darkened in an instant.
'Best seller?'
Fabian was absolutely not the type of person to make such a suggestion pointlessly.
"You said you were worried about the rift between Adrian and Lanedict, right?"
The Empire had been a country where imperial power was strong for generations. For this reason, neither Adrian nor Lanedict had ever harbored ambitions to seize the throne. However, this time was different. With Adrian and Lanedict joining forces, their power had effectively doubled.
He might have just said that; deep down, he could be afraid of the Duke's family's power growing too large.
If this bet is accepted, the Imperial Household will be able to control the relationship between Lanedict and Adrian. This is because policies implemented by the Imperial Household and remarks made by members of the royal family have a significant impact on the book's sales.
For example, the book known to be frequently read by the Empress instantly became a number-one bestseller.
The Imperial Household could also control the press and advertising that influenced book sales. In many respects, this bet was not good for Adrian.
'Whether to divide the Duke's family or bring them together. He intends to do as he pleases according to his own interests.'
"That is a ridiculous bet. Your Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, would certainly be able to touch that ranking."
"Isn't the purpose to use this for political purposes?"
"Why are you being so hostile, Mr. Kendrick? It's just a suggestion."
Fabian gave a good-natured smile.
"That's a good offer."
Both men stopped speaking at Stella's words.
As the Duke said, becoming a bestselling author is too easy for outside intervention.
"Then what method do you want?"
"How about holding an exam to select an exclusive author for the Imperial Family instead?"
Kendrick furrowed his brows once again. An exclusive royal author? Doesn't that mean Fabian has more rights to exercise?
"We will select the candidates fairly through a panel of judges. As before, submissions will be anonymous."
The selection process for the Imperial Household Author was such a major issue that it dominated the headlines of newspapers from the day manuscripts were submitted until the day the results were announced. It was an event that the entire nation was interested in. For Fabian to manipulate such an event? This was a huge problem.
Then the risk of manipulation that Kendrick is worried about would be significantly reduced.
So, Fabian wouldn't pull a stunt. Fabian smiled once more to hide his awkwardness. If he refused here, it would be tantamount to affirming the question of whether he intended to control the market and use these relationships as a political tool.
"That's a good strategy."
And Stella's suggestion was not unreasonable either. Since the position of exclusive author for the Imperial Household was vacant, a new exclusive author had to be selected soon.
"Fine. Then, if you become the Imperial court's exclusive author, I will acknowledge your talent as a writer and consider Stella's divorce suit favorably."
Her face lit up. Things were gradually moving in the direction she wanted. Kendrick sighed, finding the situation absurd. Even aside from this dinner, Kendrick had met and spoken with Fabian privately quite a few times. Each time, Kendrick signaled that he should not accept Stella's divorce suit, and Fabian nodded.
However, the current situation is.
It felt as though Fabian was constantly paving the way for Stella to divorce him. Seeing Fabian’s cheeks twitch, it seemed he found the situation quite amusing. Although he had known early on that he was a selfish man, he never imagined the arrow would be aimed at him.
That's so rude.
To think Adrian had to be played for his amusement and political gain. Had he known the conversation would go this way, he wouldn't have invited Fabian. Fabian winked at Kendrick, who wore a displeased expression.
"However, if you don't even make the list of candidates, you must never mention divorce again."
"Before accepting this offer, I have a simple request."
"Pardon?"
"Is it appropriate to bestow Imperial treasures upon the Imperial family's exclusive writer?"
Fabian looked at her with interest.
"Was there anything among the imperial treasures that you had your eye on?"
Kendrick also turned his head to look at Stella. If it were something she wanted, he would take care of finding it for her. What on earth does she want?
"I really want Hajean's magic stone."
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