My Sister’s Man - Chapter 37

When aristocrats divorced, unlike commoners, they had to have a separate period of consideration.

It was also necessary to agree on the division of the family’s property, and if divorced while pregnant with a child, the genealogy could be twisted. Usually, it was because divorce of aristocrats w rare. Marriage is usually used to strengthen trust between families, which meant divorce should be considered carefully and decided again only in cases where the relationship is distorted.

Unless they hated each other to the point of tearing them to death, or one side of the family was ruined beyond their control, couples did not proceed with divorce. Instead, they tended to secretly set up governments for each other, to pay a fair price and turn a blind eye to blame.

It was embarrassing to have to stay with someone Larne didn’t like during the deliberation period. However, going through the divorce process was a necessary nuisance so she could remember what happened to the years she could not remember in detail.

“Is it true that you agreed to a divorce consideration period of two months?” The priest’s question broke the silence.

Larne nodded instead of answering.

“During the divorce deliberation period, you must sleep together at least 3 days a week, have 5 or more meals, and go out together at least once. Are there any further adjustments we need to make?” He looked from Leandro to Larne.

It’s the minimum requirement, but they’d meet more often than Larne assumed. What would happen when her condition worsened, and she’d only be able to sleep? Leandro would find out how weak her body was. Larne didn’t want that.

“I’m fine as it is.” If it was the minimum, she had to do it, Larne couldn’t say anything against it.

“Adjust the bedtime to 4 times a week, eat at least 7 times, and go out 2 times a week.” Leandro declared.

She knew what Leandro was worried about. But Larne didn’t want to spend more time with him than was necessary.  She didn’t want to be disappointed after expecting nothing. On top of that, when they were together, she couldn’t control her feelings. Larne was afraid of what she might do.

“The minimum is sufficient. That’s a lot too. Going out more than once is bit difficult.” Larne chose her words carefully.

“Then just adjust the number of meals.”

At Leandro’s words, Larne’s face turned red. It was another unexpected kindness. “Thank you,” she whispered.

The priest glanced over his notes. “Then I understand that it was agreed to sleep 3 times, eat at least 7 times, and go out 1 time.”

Unlike the divorce agreement, there were not as many adjustments.

The priest nodded once and continued, “The person who will manage the records in the mansion is going to be Calvary, is that okay?”

“Yes.”

“The other one will be your maid.”

Larne nodded without saying anything. Unlike divorce mediation, when coordinating the deliberation period, there are so many. There was no need to have a conversation.

“If the deliberation period is over and no agreement is reached, the divorce will proceed.” The priest stamped the document and sat back.

With those words, the luncheon began.

Unlike when the divorce was negotiated, Larne was able to eat. Her heart was pounding, and her head hurt the same as back then, but she was able to act as if nothing was wrong.

When the priest left after the meal and Larne was about to leave, Leandro spoke up.

“It’s not your fault that you fell, I think I was insensitive to you at that time. I apologize.”

Larne’s eyes shook slightly at the unexpected words. Leandro continued speaking.

“It doesn’t matter if you even finish gardening.”

“… Yes, thank you for caring.”

Somehow, I feel like I’m going to cry.

Larne tried to swallow her emotions. She left the dining room before Leandro could see her tears.

*

The first day of the meditation period was bright. Awakened by the soft sunlight, Larne stood up.

“Are you awake? The weather is so nice today.” Lexi smiled brightly and handed Larne some medicine and water.

“I heard that you are entering a deliberation period. Is there anything I can help you with?”

Larne smiled faintly at Lexi. Larne got up and walked to the window. I could see a place that hadn’t been filled yet, maybe because it was just decorated, but I could see that green sprouts had grown. Larne closed her eyes in the warm air.

Spring has come in full swing.

It’s sad to prepare for a breakup in the season when love begins, but I want to do what I can.

“For the last time… I want to part happily.”

I need to sort out my feelings for Leandro as much as possible and apologize properly.

At this rate, he seemed to be able to recall the memories of when she married Leandro. I didn’t want to die before she knew it all. If she couldn’t do that much, it seemed like she wouldn’t be able to forgive herself before dying.

Anxiety and uncomfortable feelings rose to her neck.

How many people are you making uncomfortable with a moment of selfishness? 

It was a moment when Larne could understand what her parents said at the end.

I came this far because I couldn’t stand the selfishness of the moment or my urges. 

Larne laughed bitterly and stood up when Calburst said that the luncheon was ready.

“Well then, have a good time.” Calburst opened the door to the dining room and left.

It was the first time she had arrived in the dining room first.

Leandro always waited for her. Larne sat in the soft sunlight. Leandro opened the door. He was surprised to see Larne.

Leandro sat down without saying anything, and the attendants began to serve. As soon as the door to the kitchen closed, Leandro spoke.

“Okay, I’m thinking of sleeping every other day, is that okay?”

Larne nodded.

“Meal No. 7 will be a luncheon.”

“I’m fine, please suit your schedule.”

“Again… Going out…”

Leandro swallowed. He hadn’t learned how go out with a lover while he was wandering around the battlefield. It was the same with Larne. Except for the masquerade ball, she was mostly at home. She had never even seen anything as common as a play.

“I don’t know, but is there anything you want to do?” Leandro asked.

“What I want to do?” Larne was surprised he asked for her opinion. She thought about it, but nothing came to mind. “I’m fine with anything.”

“Let’s think about it later. We will sleep together from today.”

Larne’s hand, which was steadily guiding soup, stopped.

“Ah.”

It’s just to go through the divorce process, but why does the body react first to the word ‘sleep’? It’s a dream. Memories of the day I was mistaken came to mind. Feeling a bit of tension, Larne slowly lowered her hands. If she didn’t take care, she’d drop her spoon into the soup.

“Is it inconvenient to schedule sleeping together for today?”

“No, it’s fine,” Larne tried to concentrate on the meal in front of her.

Even though it was a formal procedure, her face became hot.

Perhaps feeling a subtle air current, Leandro spoke slowly. “I will never touch you.”

Leandro, who was speaking slowly, chewed his lips as if he recalled the memory of that day. The strange air was relieved a bit only when the attendants brought the next course. There was a subtle awkwardness, but it was different.

As the conversation progressed, the topic naturally disappeared.

“I want to do it again, talking about our married life.” He said finally.

“Yes?” For a moment she thought heard it wrong. Surprised, Larne blinked, and Leandro touched his lips.

“You must have a lot of time to spend together. There is no other topic to talk about. Or, was what you said a lie? Do you really want to know?”

“I didn’t lie.” Larne’s words were unexpectedly urgent.

“That’s good. See you tonight.”

Luncheon was over. Leandro stood up.

“Also, I’ll think about what to do when we go out.”

Larne felt like she was dreaming. She couldn’t believe Leandro’s overly kind attitude. Is it because the conversation went better than she thought? Or, in a softer atmosphere than she thought?

Does he treat me kindly because the breakup is closer? Or is it something else?

While she tried not to expect much, a warm spring breeze blew into Larne’s heart.

***