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chapter 17
It was obvious that his wife had closed her heart to him. He could clearly feel her icy hostility.
But at this point, his pride was hurt too, and he was angry.
Hadn’t he done what she asked?
The compromise had been two months.
Yet because she kept protesting and demanding it back immediately, he had returned it—fully aware that Blanche would resent him for it.
“It seems you don’t consider how difficult this situation is for me.”
“Wow, you really are a man who grew up being spoiled. Why don’t you try considering my situation first?”
“…This is something between two people. You could at least say thank you.”
Instead of greedily demanding more, he meant.
But Iona showed little difference from before he returned the painting.
He wasn’t someone who enjoyed regretting things already done, but Blanche’s crying still echoed in his ears. Honestly, he felt a slight regret.
“There’s no point in talking further.”
“Good. Then move.”
Iona closed the door coldly and stepped inside. Looking at the painting filling her small bedroom, she finally felt her body and mind settle.
I got it back. I reclaimed one right that was taken from me.
It felt like standing in the sea as the tide slowly rolled in—pleasure soaking from her toes upward.
Like summer waves drenching her whole body, it was refreshing and exhilarating.
Now I can receive my reward.
[Congratulations♡ on completing the First Trial!]
[Calculating trial rewards…….]
Her heart pounded as she stared at the message before her—when a thoroughly unwelcome name intruded.
[Constellation ‘Master of Lies’ points out that it has not been completely reclaimed.]
[Some constellations are listening to ‘Master of Lies.’]
What?
[Constellation ‘Master of Lies’ says that the people of the world still believe the painting belongs to Blanche Teresia.]
[Constellation ‘<Urgent> My Husband Has Been Shattered Into 14 Pieces, What Do I Do?’ defends you, saying it has at least been partially reclaimed.]
[Constellation ‘Old God’ and Constellation ‘Ra’s Family’ glare at each other!]
Clang!
A sharp pain struck her head as if someone were performing a sword dance inside her skull. Her body went numb.
Collapsing to the floor, Iona panted as she watched the fighting messages.
Only after the cat-headed mediator stepped in did her mind finally calm.
[A conclusion has been reached. The First Trial is deemed partially cleared, and the reward will be partially granted.]
[Reward: Star Shop Feature Unlocked!]
[You may now enter the Star Shop without paying an additional fee.]
Shhhhhh.
Light swirled from somewhere in the air and wrapped around Iona’s hand.
Looking closely, it was shaped like laurel leaves—the symbol of victory.
Moments later, she raised an eyebrow at the faint pattern engraved on her palm.
“Is this like an entry ticket?”
[Constellation ‘<Urgent> My Husband Has Been Shattered Into 14 Pieces, What Do I Do?’ answers yes.]
“Whew… anyway, thank you.”
At least she received something.
It was disappointing not to get diamonds… but she just had to show the world who truly owned the painting.
The imperial palace banquet is in about a week.
The day for her performance was already decided. What she lacked was armor.
Just then—
“Unnie! Sister-in-law!!!”
Blanche screamed outside, pounding on the door as if it would break. Even though someone was trying to stop her, she sounded almost hysterical—clearly deeply resentful.
“Stop it, Shu. You’ll hurt your hands.”
“But Mother! They said the Grand Duke Kaelas went to the gallery today! You should have left it until this morning at least. Of all times… to have it taken just before that!”
Even so, she wouldn’t have been able to marry that so-called Grand Duke anyway.
Because in my memories, Grand Duke Kaelas disappeared. Without marrying anyone.
Swallowing a quiet sigh, Iona waited until Blanche’s voice faded away before opening the Star Shop.
She planned to pick a suitable dress with the diamonds she had.
* * *
Inside the Star Shop.
This time, Iona headed down a path she had ignored before.
[Outfits Guaranteed to Command Perfect Attention]
Countless dresses hung there, each one magnificent.
“These dresses were once worn by constellations and have been resized for human proportions.”
Reading the sign, Iona muttered to herself.
Like dressing up an adopted cat…
[Constellation ‘Sincerely Devoted to Punishing Cheaters’ recommends a deep crimson dress.]
[Make a grand entrance and captivate everyone!]
It was certainly tempting. She had never worn red before.
[Constellation ‘Revenge Service Industry No.1’ suggests showing yourself as a pitiful victim instead.]
[A white dress would be better. Win public sympathy.]
She agreed to some extent—but she wanted more attention. After all, she was going there to put on a show.
The problem is, they’re all expensive.
Prices started at 1,000 diamonds.
The cheaper ones had questionable designs.
Just then—
[Constellation ‘<Urgent> My Husband Has Been Shattered Into 14 Pieces, What Do I Do?’ suggests displaying the presence of a sovereign.]
[Look for a golden dress.]
“Golden?”
Such dresses weren’t commonly sold. Fabric woven with gold thread was rare—and extremely expensive.
[Constellation ‘<Urgent> My Husband Has Been Shattered Into 14 Pieces, What Do I Do?’ shows you the way.]
[Aren’t you someone who has returned from death? It wouldn’t be bad to celebrate your resurrection.]
“Resurrection…”
In a way, that was true.
Nodding, Iona followed the golden owl that appeared before her.
[Constellation ‘<Urgent> My Husband Has Been Shattered Into 14 Pieces, What Do I Do?’ is pleased.]
[I used to wear it. It should suit you well.]
“……!”
The dress that appeared was majestic, almost ceremonial.
While other outfits hung casually on racks, this one stood alone, displayed like a sacred relic.
“Beautiful…”
The fabric flowed softly along the body’s curves, revealing the silhouette naturally without being excessive.
There were no frills or lace, but a translucent drape fell over one shoulder with incredible elegance.
A brooch fastening it in place held a deep blue gemstone, mysterious and rich—like clear river water captured inside.
A long slit ran up to the thigh, naturally drawing the eye. Yet delicate silver chains connected the opening, so despite the exposure, it didn’t feel provocative.
“But it’s too expensive. A billion diamonds.”
It was worth that much—almost a work of art.
[Constellation ‘<Urgent> My Husband Has Been Shattered Into 14 Pieces, What Do I Do?’ points below the price tag.]
“Rental? You can rent it?”
But even the rental price seemed outrageous.
One day for 100 million diamonds.
Just then—
Ding!
A brilliant message window appeared.
[This dress is a ceremonial garment of the ■■■ God. You qualify for a special lifelong-believer discount!]
[Limited-time super sale!
1-day rental
100,000,000 diamonds ▷ 500 diamonds!]
A lifelong-believer discount?
The only god she had ever believed in was Isis…
Wait. Don’t tell me—
Was that why she had been taken such good care of? Why subtle help kept appearing?
Even defending her against the Master of Lies…?
Suddenly, all the puzzle pieces in her mind clicked into place.
But Iona didn’t speak recklessly.
She was a toy of the gods. Watching her growth through the channel was their amusement.
Perhaps helping her was only possible because it was “anonymous.”
Otherwise, why use such a nickname?
“I want to use all 500 diamonds to rent that dress.”
She wasn’t sure if she could afford matching accessories—but the dress itself shone so brilliantly that she probably didn’t need anything else.
She’d just rely on her face, then.
