"I heard that employees and unmarried women are also included in general property."
As Shioana cautiously broke the silence after hesitating for a while, the Viscount seemed to have roughly caught on. Cedric, adjusting his glasses, explained.
"In that case, everything within the estate would become the creditor's property on paper."
Since a woman before marriage belonged to her father, the father could determine her future. For this reason, a father or guardian could hand her over to someone else.
"What if you got married without your parents knowing?"
He answered Shioana's urgent question nonchalantly.
"If the person is married, it is not included in the property. This is because a woman is considered property belonging to her husband."
From a woman's perspective, it was akin to handing the leash from her father to her husband. However, for Shioana at that moment, it was a truly important matter.
"So, if there are marriage documents, it means it isn't the creditor's property, right?"
"Yes. Legally speaking, that is the case."
After hearing Cedric's clear answer, Shioana's mind became even more confused. Although she was married on paper, she was in a position where she could not reveal her husband.
'It was Etienne I married, not Duke Bernhard.'
However, if Count Noah were to appear now and claim ownership, she would have to present at least her marriage certificate.
"Is there a legally mandated time period between divorce and remarriage?"
"It is typically stipulated as one month, but in reality, there are many cases where people stay together for much longer before remarrying."
She was able to resolve everything she had been curious about thanks to Viscount Conrad's explanation.
"Venerable, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule."
Shioana stood up and hurriedly left the office, and Cedric took off his glasses and smiled faintly.
"...This is getting more interesting."
Duke Bernhard shared many things with him, but there were also many areas where he did not. So sometimes, he felt so frustrated that it seemed like his insides were burning up.
"It feels like the puzzle pieces are finally fitting together."
Cedric's eyes sparkled as he tapped his fingers on the desk.
Putting together Miss Shioana's story today, it was certain that the two were already a married couple.
Only then did he understand the Duke's irrational obsession.
"Oh my god!"
Cedric let out a loud gasp, surprised by the conclusion reached.
"Miss Shioana was a noble."
He thought it was a blessing in disguise, but Cedric's face turned gloomy again. Nobles from powerless families are of little help to their current affairs, just like commoners.
"And if there's even a child..."
He had no idea how on earth His Excellency intended to handle this matter. However, what he had to do going forward was clear.
"I guess I'll have to double Miss Shioana's escort."
Judging by what was said earlier and how tense she was, it was certain that her life was in danger.
***
Shioana, who had arrived at work, was fidgeting, but as soon as she met Raul, she grabbed his hand.
"Boss, I have a favor to ask."
"...What on earth is going on?"
Raul blushed as he examined Shioana's small fingers gripping his large, rugged hand. Although he rarely got flustered, he was now nervous about what Shioana might say.
"You said there is nothing money can't do, right?"
"There is nothing I can't do in Urcheka."
"By any chance, can you find a man who wants to marry a divorced woman?"
"...?"
Raul stood there blankly for a long time, unable to quite understand what Shioana had said. The very words she had used were very unfamiliar.
"What is divorce, and what is remarriage? Tell me exactly whose story this is."
Shioana's eyes were now seized with fear, and the hand she was holding was trembling. Raul tried to calm her down as he led her to the tea table by the office window.
"Alright. First, have a cup of tea."
Raul, who had personally brewed and served tea, sat across from her.
"Actually, I'm getting a divorce soon."
Shioana, who had been fiddling with her teacup, hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"...Hmm."
He knew that Shioana had a child, but he didn't know why he was so surprised to hear that she was married.
After gulping down the hot tea, Raul gestured for the story to continue.
"However, due to circumstances, I have to get married again soon. I consulted Viscount Conrad yesterday, and he said that legally, it would be possible in a month. By any chance, how much would it cost to find someone like that?"
Raul's confused mind cleared up in an instant.
'I don't know for sure, but the baby's father is probably a terrible person.'
He had been watching over Shioana all this time, but Harriet's father had never once shown his face here.
He didn't even mention Martha and Shioana. He thought they were dead, but hearing the story of the divorce, that wasn't the case either.
'Damn it, he's just as vicious a human being as our Marquis.'
Anger surged at the thought of Harriet, with his blonde hair and blue eyes. The child was innocent. He also had the right to grow up in the embrace of a loving mother and a supportive father.
He stroked his chin as he looked at Shioana's shoulders, slumped with worry.
There were plenty of men in District 8 who would do anything for money. There were probably even some who would act like they were going to get married tomorrow for just one or two silver coins.
'But those kinds of people are all hopeless.'
The man who tried to marry in that way was usually a gambling addict or a severe alcoholic, just like his mother who had passed away long ago.
"...Boss?"
He must have been lost in thought alone for so long that he didn't even hear Shioana calling.
“Can’t I get it?”
"I will recognize you as a strong, sincere, kind-hearted, and wealthy man."
Raul's voice trembled strangely as he described the man.
"...That’s such a relief."
“Yeah, that’s a relief.”
Shioana let out a sigh of relief, and Raul, his ears flushed red, replied quietly.
***
After instantly resolving a matter that had been weighing on her mind for a long time, Shioana felt a surge of strength she didn't have before.
It would cost a little money, but the important thing for now was to continue her daily life here.
'As long as Harriet and Martha are healthy, I don't care.'
A sham marriage might cause some inconvenience, but it is ultimately just a relationship on paper.
Shioana, having returned to the Bernhard mansion, entered the bedroom to nurse the Duke.
"I don't know how many times I've told you to quit the office."
As soon as the Duke saw Shioana, he began to scold her. Etienne cursed at Raul whenever he opened his mouth and forced her to stop coming to the office.
The reasons seemed quite varied, but when you really think about it, it seemed like he wanted Shioana to attend to him all day long.
"I told you I could give you more money."
Shioana, clenching her stomach tightly, stared intensely at him. Etienne had changed so much that he was unrecognizable from when he was in Regbell.
'I've changed a lot too, but...'
The lover who seemed like he would do anything for Shioana was as good as dead. So, she felt like she could say what she had prepared for today.
“We’re getting divorced.”
"...?"
Etienne, still feeling unwell from the detoxification process, sprang from the bed. He slowly approached and stood right in front of Shioana.
"Say it again."
"I have our marriage certificate."
"...!"
Since His Excellency is going to marry Miss Vale soon, it is only right that they divorce. Even if it is a marriage made in the Caspian, Miss Vale will eventually find out about it.
"...Ah, since bigamy is prohibited by law."
Etienne muttered to himself as if he had just realized it. Shioana was angry at him for treating even a matter that was very important to her as if it were nothing.
"Just sign here, and I'll take care of the rest."
"You're acting like you've been preparing for this for a long time."
Etienne, with his head bowed, lingered near Shioana's lips and growled low.
In fact, the paperwork issue was something he had overlooked. He simply believed that since he and Shioana had held a private wedding ceremony and spent their first night together, it was a de facto marriage.
“It’s not like that...”
"Surely you aren't going to say something disgusting like 'for my sake,' are you?"
She found it difficult to speak after Etienne's remark.
Because it wasn't necessarily just for his sake.
She had to divorce quickly, find a suitable person, and create a new marriage certificate. Only then could Harriet and Martha be safe here.
That was the only thought on Shioana's mind right now.
"Was there just a tiny bit of conscience left?"
Etienne slowly reached out and grabbed Shioana's shoulder.
"Your Excellency, please don't do this."
Shioana looked at the bedroom door, afraid that they might kiss again.
As she covered her mouth with her hand and looked uncomfortable, Etienne smiled.
"This is Duke Bernhard's bedroom. Not just anyone is allowed in."
There was a serious contradiction in Etienne's words.
Does that mean the woman here isn't just anyone?
Etienne, who had been observing her rebellious blue eyes, brought his lips close to Shioana's cheek.
"...Hmm."
As the surprised Shioana trembled, Etienne pressed his cheek against hers and whispered very softly.
"I am your husband, so it is only natural that you are here."
“So the marriage..."
"Was that marriage fake? Shioana."
He asked as he rubbed his lips against the back of her hand covering his lips
Shioana was quite clumsy at lying. So, she deliberately kept her head down and just bit her lip.
There was not a single lie in their marriage. Because their love in Regbell was perfect above all else.
'But we are so different now compared to then.'
"Your Excellency is Duke Bernhard."
"So what are you trying to say?"
"We are not a good choice for each other."
She was in agony because she couldn't hate Etienne.
Because Shioana's heart beat only for him, whether he was Etienne or Duke Bernhard.
However, for that reason, she thought she had to quit.
'When even a small memory remains.'
She was afraid that she would end up hating him.
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