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Chapter – 18
When the name Avalon came out, my heart shook more than ever.
Noticing the change in my expression, the Emperor’s lips curled slightly.
“Count Avalon’s youngest daughter.”
“Did you investigate my background?”
“Yes. I learned that you are quite capable, and I was thinking of giving you a case.”
“So my background is a problem? Then you can give it to someone else. How could someone like me handle a request from someone so exalted? I’ll step back.”
The Emperor trailed off. I showed my discomfort openly.
“No. There’s no need to step back. I like that background very much.”
“Pardon…?”
No. Why are you doing this to me?
Normally, there must be trust between a client and a lawyer. But from the first time we met, the Emperor treated me like someone he disliked, constantly provoking me. And now he suddenly said he liked me.
I don’t like you at all.
A lawyer cannot easily refuse a client, but my instincts screamed that I should.
This request was one I should reject.
“Those people from earlier… they were your family, right?”
“……Yes. And?”
“You ran away before your wedding?”
“Yes. That’s true.”
My father had already said everything. It was nothing new, so I just nodded.
“Why didn’t you want to get married? Is it one of those trends these days?”
“Well, I don’t want to marry someone I don’t love. And… when I think about my family, I don’t want marriage at all. On top of that, marrying a rich old man is even worse.”
I had never seen a happy marriage.
My mother was like that, and Raviel’s mother was the same. They must have married for love, yet love was nowhere to be seen. Only forced relationships dragged on.
That was why I became a divorce lawyer.
I didn’t believe in love. Happy marriages, eternal love—those things didn’t exist.
But there was no reason to tell the Emperor all that.
“Yes. That’s about it.”
“Then what about marrying a young, rich man?”
“…….”
“With power, too.”
“Don’t tell me that young, rich, powerful man… is Your Majesty?”
“Yes.”
I stared at him in disbelief.
“You’re already married.”
“Why do you think I came to a divorce lawyer?”
“Are you saying… you want to divorce Her Majesty the Empress?”
He nodded casually, his handsome face moving easily as he smiled.
He really is handsome.
His face was beyond description. It was almost strange that my so-called father hadn’t recognized him.
“So? What do you think?”
The Emperor’s divorce.
“……I don’t like it.”
“I knew you’d say it was go—what? Why not?”
He looked completely confused, his handsome face turning round with surprise.
I calmly explained why I couldn’t take the case.
“I think I’d lose more than I gain. No matter how much money you offer, I don’t want to put myself in danger. I already have many enemies. If I take Your Majesty’s divorce case, I’d gain an enormous one.”
“So you don’t like it because it’s dangerous? No other reason?”
“Is there any other reason a lawyer would refuse a client?”
“Then fine. I’ll protect you.”
“……No, thank you, Your Majesty.”
“I’ll protect you for life. Your father already bothers you, doesn’t he? You might avoid him by running away now, but you know that’s not a solution.”
He wasn’t wrong. I couldn’t run forever, and my father would surely block my path when I already had few clients.
But I didn’t want to live safely inside someone else’s arms.
“Why must it be me? Aren’t there many other lawyers?”
“You’re the only woman who is a divorce specialist. If you succeed with my divorce, I’ll make you Empress. Then your father will never be able to touch you again.”
“……What?”
So that’s what this was. All that talk about marriage and young rich men—it led to this.
“Why? Can’t you do it? Are you less capable than I thought?”
I sighed deeply. He was clearly provoking me on purpose.
No. I can’t fall for this.
Jumping into fire just to avoid immediate danger made no sense.
“Your Majesty, I—”
“Then let’s do this. I’ll give you another request. Also related to divorce. If you handle that well, I’ll allow you to take my case.”
“I said I’m not taking it.”
Why was he talking like I needed his permission?
But he was firm.
“Now then.”
Ignoring my words completely, he began explaining the case.
“You’ve always helped people divorce, right? This time, defend someone so they don’t divorce. The person who wants the divorce is named Roseni Taylor. She wants to divorce her husband, Baron Taylor. Baron Taylor does not want a divorce.”
“…….”
“Your client is Baron Taylor, who is being pressured by his wife to divorce.”
Why was I listening to this?
Still, it was interesting.
Until now, I had always stood on the side of those who wanted divorce. Stopping a divorce was new.
Usually, the one who doesn’t want divorce is the one at fault.
“Is there something wrong with him?”
“With Baron Taylor?”
“Yes.”
“No. The problem lies with the wife, Roseni.”
“So the one at fault wants the divorce.”
I slowly stroked my chin. I couldn’t fully trust the Emperor, but this case was different enough to shake me.
“Interesting, right?”
“……Not really.”
“Your eyes are sparkling with curiosity. Like a puppy seeing snow for the first time.”
“…….”
He caught me.
This was professional curiosity. Nothing more.
“Go and meet him. Baron Taylor was once my close companion. He still visits sometimes, and this issue seems to trouble him greatly.”
“Well… this is absolutely not to accept Your Majesty’s request. I’m just checking.”
“Of course.”
“I might go and decide not to take it. I’m a lawyer who makes people divorce.”
The Emperor’s lips slowly curved upward.
His face looked like a perfect statue made by the gods. Even his smile drew attention. When he noticed my gaze, he blinked slowly.
Come to think of it, I’ve heard rumors about the Emperor. That his personality is terrible.
I looked at him again.
Doesn’t seem wrong.
“Still, the more I look, the more I want to look.”
“Haha… then, Your Majesty, I’ll take my leave.”
“When will you visit the baron?”
“Probably tomorrow.”
I didn’t want to go today.
This body was acting up again.
Raviel’s body had always been weak. Before adulthood, she was even told she wouldn’t live long. Doctors couldn’t diagnose the illness. Yet as she grew, her health slowly improved.
Still, she wasn’t normal. She tired easily, and small wounds took a long time to heal. Recently, after pushing herself too hard, her nose tingled like blood would start flowing any moment.
“Hmm.”
“Then I’ll be going now, Your Majesty.”
I couldn’t bleed in front of the Emperor.
I will live. On my own terms.
