I Am Trying to Divorce My Villain Husband, But We Had a Child - chapter 44

Episode 44

 

 

 

Early in the morning, Richard arrived at the branch of the Arden’s upper echelon.

 

 

 

The fatigue in Thomson’s expression, who followed him, was evident.

 

 

 

Upon hearing the news of Elisa’s disappearance, Richard had returned to the island with her for two days and nights.

 

 

 

Furthermore, he had tirelessly searched the island for Elisa throughout the previous day.

 

 

 

Although Agail, who had accompanied them the entire time, had a similar exhausted expression as Thomson, her demeanor was slightly brighter.

 

 

 

It was because she had hope that they could find Elisa here.

 

 

 

“She went to the Arden’s upper echelon.”

 

 

 

At dawn today, they found the coachman who had driven Elisa to the Arden’s upper echelon.

 

 

 

They came straight to the Arden’s upper echelon following that path.

 

 

 

“Your Highness, wait a moment.”

 

 

 

Thomson called out to Richard, who was about to enter the upper echelon with determination.

 

 

 

“If you meet Madam, just admit that you were wrong.”

 

 

 

The coolness returned to Richard upon Thomson’s words. His crimson eyes seemed to ask, ‘What are you talking about?’

 

 

 

“Even if you don’t know what it is, just admit that you were wrong. Even if you did nothing wrong, just admit that you were wrong.”

 

 

 

“…”

 

 

 

“Our Madam is always right, you see. Right, Agail?”

 

 

 

“You have spoken wisely for once, Sir Thomson.”

 

 

 

Richard glanced at the two nagging people with a disdainful look, then turned and entered the upper echelon.

 

 

 

“Welcome -“

 

 

 

The errand worker, who was running errands, stopped abruptly as he thought the visitor had arrived.

 

 

 

Seeing the knights trailing behind him and Richard’s cool gaze, it wasn’t the atmosphere of an ordinary guest.

 

 

 

Moreover…

 

 

 

‘Marquis Rubellin…!’

 

 

 

The crest on the knight’s uniform was the emblem of the famous Marquis Rubellin.

 

 

 

That meant the cool-faced handsome man in front of them was Marquis Rubellin.

 

 

 

The hero of Arencia.

 

 

 

But to enemies, he was a ruthless butcher.

 

 

 

That meant if one became an enemy of Rubellin, they would meet the same fate as the destroyed Pyran Kingdom.

 

 

 

Sensing this unusual atmosphere, all the workers stopped their work and looked at Richard.

 

 

 

The errand worker, trembling with fear, asked without meeting Richard’s eyes, “What brings you here…?”

 

 

 

“I would like to meet the chief.”

 

 

 

“I, I will go fetch him immediately.”

 

 

 

The errand worker, who was about to go to the chief, stopped after a few steps.

 

 

 

The chief was already approaching them.

 

 

 

The chief bowed his head to Richard respectfully.

 

 

 

“Nice to meet you for the first time, Your Grace. What brings you to our humble abode?”

 

 

 

“I’m urgently looking for someone. Has a woman with blonde hair and azure eyes come here?”

 

 

 

The chief’s expression wavered for a moment upon hearing the description of Elisa’s appearance, but he quickly calmed down.

 

 

 

“…I apologize, but it’s difficult to remember the faces of each passerby when hundreds visit here every day.”

 

 

 

However, in a fleeting moment, Richard witnessed the chief’s hesitation, and he demanded of him.

 

 

 

“I would like to inspect the upper echelon for a moment. Will you cooperate?”

 

 

 

Although he was asking for cooperation verbally, if they didn’t cooperate, it would be a forceful inspection.

 

 

 

The chief seemed momentarily embarrassed, but he soon stepped aside obediently.

 

 

 

“Gladly.”

 

 

 

As soon as the chief’s permission was obtained, Ruberlin’s knights began searching.

 

 

 

Richard also searched every room where the travelers stayed.

 

 

 

But Elisa was nowhere to be found.

 

 

 

‘Elisa…’

 

 

 

Richard recalled the letter Elisa had left for him.

 

 

 

[Reinhardt,

 

 

 

Wherever you are, whatever you do, I always wish for your happiness.

 

 

 

Sincerely, Elisa.]

 

 

 

How can I be happy without you?

 

 

 

How much do you intend to torture me?

 

 

 

“Your Highness.”

 

 

 

Tomson, who had just finished searching, approached.

 

 

 

“I checked the restaurant and warehouse, but there was nothing,” he said.

 

 

 

Richard clenched his teeth in frustration.

 

 

 

Since learning that Elisa had been taken by the carriage driver of Sammacha four days ago, he had given up hope. But now, facing the reality directly, he felt overwhelmed.

 

 

 

“…Should I threaten the district chief to make him talk?”

 

 

 

As he seriously considered extreme measures, a knight approached from behind.

 

 

 

He was a knight from the Duke’s mansion.

 

 

 

“Your Excellency, this letter arrived two days ago, but it was discovered and brought this morning.”

 

 

 

“After I return to the mansion, I’ll read it.”

 

 

 

As Richard was about to pass by the knight, he paused when he saw the name of the sender.

 

 

 

[Elisa.]

 

 

 

But the handwriting was not Elisa’s.

 

 

 

Richard suddenly felt a certain premonition and took out the letter. His expression gradually distorted as he read it.

 

 

 

—

 

 

 

“Since our daughter’s condition has improved significantly, shall we go to the monastery today?”

 

 

 

After finishing breakfast, Olivia suggested.

 

 

 

Elisa, relieved, began to prepare to leave. Since she was already prepared to leave at any time, there was nothing specific to take with her.

 

 

 

As she was putting on her outer robe for the outing, Olivia, who had also finished her preparations to leave, came to her.

 

 

 

“Elisa, may I have a moment of your time?”

 

 

 

Elisa sent Anne away and made room for them to be alone.

 

 

 

Olivia approached Elisa and put a necklace around her neck. It was a ruby necklace she had been wearing all along.

 

 

 

Elisa looked at her in surprise.

 

 

 

“Madam, what’s this for…?”

 

 

 

“It’s from my heart. If it had been a celebration, I would have bought some baby items or things needed for a mother. But there’s nothing else I can give you except this. Whether you sell it for funds or keep it, it’s up to you.”

 

 

 

“No, you don’t have to give it to me. I’ll just accept your feelings.”

 

 

 

“It’s really nothing to me, so don’t feel obligated. I just wanted to do something for you.”

 

 

 

Olivia gently held Elisa’s hand as she tried to take off the necklace.

 

 

 

“You look beautiful in it, as always.”

 

 

 

Her chocolate-colored eyes, which usually looked at Elisa casually, seemed to recall faded memories.

 

 

 

“A long time ago, I had a very close friend. She was pretty, smart, and lovely.”

 

 

 

“…”

 

 

 

“When that friend came pregnant to see me, I was inexperienced at the time and couldn’t take care of her properly.”

 

 

 

“…”

 

 

 

“If I had known that would be the last time I saw her like that, I wouldn’t have let her go like that… It haunted me for the rest of my life.”

 

 

 

Olivia gently held Elisa’s hand, similar in age to her friend from that time, and continued.

 

 

 

“Seeing you, Elisa, reminded me of that friend. Beautiful, smart, and lovely.”

 

 

 

“Shouldn’t I just accept it as a gift from a friend?”

 

 

 

Olivia’s gaze as she asked was earnest. Elisa couldn’t refuse that gaze.

 

 

 

After hesitating for a moment, Elisa smiled and took her hand.

 

 

 

“Then I’ll cherish your feelings.”

 

 

 

Only then did Olivia smile satisfactorily.

 

 

 

The two of them went down to the first floor together.

 

 

 

Valtain’s carriage, which was ready to leave, and the Arden carriage on which Elisa had arrived were waiting for them.

 

 

 

Before getting on the carriage, Olivia said to Elisa.

 

 

 

“If you ever need help, come to Valtain anytime. I’ll remember that name.”

 

 

 

“Thank you, Madam. I’ve gained a truly reliable ally.”

 

 

 

As Elisa replied, Olivia lightly kissed her cheek in farewell.

 

 

 

“May the goddess be with you.”

 

 

 

Olivia got into the carriage, and the door closed.

 

 

 

“Goodbye, beautiful sister.”

 

 

 

Elisa waved back at Olivia’s daughter, Liz, who was in her arms, waving her little hand outside the carriage window.

 

 

 

Elisa smiled and waved her hand back at the child.

 

 

 

Soon after, Lord Valtain’s carriage departed first.

 

 

 

“Well then, shall we go now, Anne?”

 

 

 

“Yes, madam.”

 

 

 

Elisa, who had been watching the carriage of Viscount Veltein move away, also got into the carriage.

 

 

 

Now it was truly time to leave.

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

“Hmm?”

 

 

 

The villa caretaker, tidying up the villa Elisa had left, found something on the table in the room where Elisa had stayed.

 

 

 

It was two small boxes and a short note.

 

 

 

“Thank you for your hospitality. I appreciate your kindness in many ways.”

 

 

 

In the boxes were cookies and gold coins respectively.

 

 

 

Though she had only done what was expected of her as the housekeeper, receiving a note and gifts acknowledging her efforts made her feel proud.

 

 

 

It was at that moment of gratitude towards Elisa that someone rudely knocked on the door from the first-floor entrance.

 

 

 

The caretaker hurried downstairs.

 

 

 

“Who is it?”

 

 

 

“I am looking for someone.”

 

 

 

The voice was chillingly cold.

 

 

 

The caretaker hesitated for a moment before opening the door.

 

 

 

Standing before the door, with the same cold gaze as his voice, was Richard.

 

 

 

Richard pushed past the caretaker and entered the villa.

 

 

 

“Where is Elisa?”

 

 

 

“Elisa… you say?”

 

 

 

“Pretending not to know won’t help. I know she’s here. Tell me. Where is Elisa?”

 

 

 

Only then did the caretaker realize that Richard was looking for Elisa.

 

 

 

“She left a while ago.”

 

 

 

Richard’s expression contorted at the caretaker’s words.

 

 

 

The caretaker feared that Richard, now visibly uncomfortable, might break something, but Richard only muttered curses under his breath and didn’t take any further action.

 

 

 

“…Do you know where she went?”

 

 

 

“I’m sorry, but I… I really don’t…”

 

 

 

The caretaker’s eyes, as they spoke, did not show the gaze of a liar.

 

 

 

Richard turned around and left the villa promptly. Then he flew off towards the southeast.

 

 

 

Fortunately, anticipating Elisa’s departure, he had already sent Rubelin’s knights, including Agyle and Thomson, down the southeast route.

 

 

 

So, they would be able to catch up with her soon.

 

 

 

Even if not, since he already had a suspicion of Elisa’s final destination, there was no need to worry.

 

 

 

However, not having her in his sight right now made him anxious and restless. He felt that his unease might dissipate once he saw her safe and sound, even for a moment.

 

 

 

When Richard arrived at the southeastern gate, he found several carriages waiting in front of the gate.

 

 

 

Among them, there was a carriage that caught Richard’s attention.

 

 

 

“The emblem of Arden’s upper class?”

 

 

 

The emblem of Arden’s upper class was drawn on that carriage.

 

 

 

Richard hastily got down in front of that carriage.

 

 

 

The coachman, seeing Richard descend from the sky, was astonished to recognize his identity instantly.

 

 

 

“Lord, Lord Rubelin?”

 

 

 

Richard opened the door of the carriage without giving him a chance to stop him.