MHC 17

Chapter 17

“It’s okay, Chloe.”

For the past six months, Chloe had endured Calis’s insulting words with steadfast composure. Nothing had changed now. Like before, all she had to do was bear it.

The traces left behind by the one who had left were messy. Chloe, with no time to clean them up, quietly moved to her bed.

After slowly lying down, she stared at the empty ceiling, lost in thought.

“…Maybe this is for the best.”

After all, everything had returned to square one. All they could do to her now was low-level harassment. There was no need to mourn too much.

What troubled her was that they had discovered her sooner than expected. On the other hand, that meant she had already inflicted some damage on them—so it wasn’t entirely bad.

“I need to find another way to get a divorce.”

In the kingdom, there were only two ways a divorce could be granted: either by the kingdom’s sovereign, King Valont, or by the head of the church.

The former was impossible. The latter was also unlikely to succeed. In the end, all her grand plans had fallen apart.

“Do I really have to continue living like this?”

Knowing that Chloe had no escape, Calis would become even bolder. He wouldn’t stop at petty harassment; soon, he would likely reveal Helena’s existence to the world.

“I have to find a way somehow.”

So Chloe needed to find a way to divorce as quickly as possible.

“King, king… who else could have the authority besides them?”

A sudden, brilliant idea struck Chloe’s mind. Wasn’t there someone who ruled above all, with authority over everything?

The Emperor.

The Emperor of the empire was the sovereign of the world. Moreover, the empire had an alliance with the Kingdom of Valont, meaning he could freely intervene in the kingdom’s affairs.

“…At least the final option is still there.”

The only one left to appeal to was the Emperor.

“…But it’s obvious whose side he’d take—between the husband who persuaded him and a wife he hardly knows.”

Realistically, the Emperor wouldn’t side with Chloe against Calis. After all, Calis had already influenced him to achieve his own ends during the war.

But she had to try. Anything was better than the current situation or the final fallback of going into hiding.

Chloe’s last resort: vanish entirely.

In the kingdom, if a person disappeared and was unseen for two years, they would be officially declared dead. The husband, now widowed, would then naturally file for divorce.

It was a convenient but extremely risky method. Without a legal identity, Chloe would be unable to earn a living or reside as a citizen in any territory. She wouldn’t have food, shelter, or work.

It was truly a “last resort.”

The next day, as Chloe had expected, no maid came to help her prepare. She was glad to avoid the tedious task of rejecting their fake offers.

Having grown accustomed to dressing herself alone, Chloe skillfully changed clothes and went down to the first floor.

She ate her meal under the gaze of contemptuous eyes. Word traveled fast in this place—it seemed even the head chef had been informed.

No matter where she went, it would be futile. Chloe decided to return to her sanctuary, where no one could watch her.

While resting in her room, the late lunch break of the maids approached. Taking advantage of the reduced security, Jane entered Chloe’s room.

“So, you were resting here after all.”

Jane looked around nervously, letting out a deep sigh.

“What happened? Just a few days ago, the atmosphere seemed better, but suddenly everything changed! Actually, it’s worse than before. What are we going to do now?”

Then she began an uninterrupted torrent of complaints. To summarize, Calis and Helena had summoned all the household staff and ordered them not to help Chloe.

Jane was anxious, fearing that something terrible might happen.

“Yes, everything has returned to how it was overnight.”

“…Are you okay, Madam?”

“I’m fine, so don’t worry. If you stay too close, you might get hurt, so don’t come by my room for a while.”

Chloe advised Jane to step back for her own safety.

“No.”

“Jane?”

The Jane who had been anxious moments ago was suddenly resolute. She refused Chloe’s suggestion.

“How can I leave you, Madam? Even for a short time, I really don’t want to.”

Even if it was just for a brief period, Jane had already grown attached to Chloe. To her, Chloe Arjen was distant and unfamiliar. Even under the same sky, they were completely different existences.

Though she remained a mere servant in the duke’s house, Jane felt like a secret friend to Chloe. They spent several days together, sharing countless conversations. Their friendship, kept secret, existed only for specific moments when it was just the two of them.

“I’ll always be on your side, Madam. So don’t say things that make me feel bad. Right now, you should worry about yourself more than me!”

Jane’s devotion, despite her menial work and modest wages, terrified her. If she misstepped, she would not only be fired but would also face punishment.

Still, she could not leave Chloe alone. Even if others mocked her, Jane’s loyalty never wavered.

“Thank you… even just saying that means a lot.”

Chloe smiled faintly at Jane’s bold declaration.

The smile captivated Jane, but then she noticed Chloe’s gaunt shoulders and exhausted face. Without hesitation, Jane embraced her. Worries about dust and dirt from laundry could wait.

“You have to stay strong. Call me anytime you need me. I live to help you, Madam.”

Chloe, initially stiff with surprise, gradually relaxed into Jane’s embrace. Jane whispered softly.

“Lately, seeing you has been my joy too.”

“Hehe… that makes me proud.”

An awkward exchange. Jane felt a strange, enchanting emotion—perhaps the most mysterious and captivating feeling she had ever experienced.

“Oh, the assembly is almost starting. I should go.”

Time ticked by without consideration. Looking at the clock, the appointed hour had arrived.

“I feel bad for using up your precious break. Go carefully.”

Jane left Chloe’s room, resolving to return later to assist with dinner.

As most of the staff were still on the lower floor during the break, Jane dashed down the stairs when she confirmed she was alone.

“Jane?”

Suddenly, her shoulder was firmly grabbed.

“Why are you coming out of the princess’s room?”

“Yes. This insolent maid actually went into the princess’s room,” Helena said, feigning shock. Her cold gaze swept through the empty air.

The maid brought in by Shane knelt at Helena’s feet.

“You—”

“Y-yes…!”

“Why did you disobey my order? I made it perfectly clear this morning.”

Helena had assembled the household staff in the morning to enforce discipline, only to have one small “fish” ruin her plan.

The fury in the eyes of the woman, praised for her beauty, deepened.

“Do you think I’m a joke?”

“No, of course not!”

Jane bowed repeatedly, fear overwhelming any shame. The warning Chloe had given her—that she might be in danger—flashed through her mind.

“Forgive me! I must have forgotten!”

“Hah, you dare forget my orders and those of the Duke?”

“I-I’m sorry! I’ve committed a grave sin…!”

“You should at least try to make a believable excuse. Do you think I’m that foolish? There was no one else there, and yet you helped the princess without suspicion?”

Helena was no fool. Yet here was someone who had both disobeyed her and lied—an act beyond simple defiance.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”

Seeing her pray so earnestly, Helena’s anger slowly softened. She had made an example—enough for now.

“You’ve been friendly with the princess, haven’t you? Those who reported it said so.”

At that moment, Shane whispered into Helena’s ear. Apparently, Jane had been sneaking into Chloe’s room before—this wasn’t the first offense.

Helena’s anger flared again.

“You’ve been scheming with the princess all along?”

“N-no! Absolutely not!”

“So, the others must have lied.”

Helena pointed out the informants—Jane’s usual companions.

“Then a simple punishment won’t do. Shane! Take her to the dungeon.”

Shane looked at Jane in shock, but Helena gave no correction—she just signaled Jane to follow.

Hesitant, Shane grabbed one of Jane’s arms. Another maid was called to hold the other arm, and they began walking.

Jane’s cries of despair brought Helena satisfaction. How much more exciting it would have been if this had happened in front of the haughty princess.

‘And she even makes allies on her side again… so annoying,’ Helena thought. She imagined Chloe rising repeatedly, unbroken, and it infuriated her.

“Shane, wait. I just realized… mere exile is too mild a punishment.”

Helena stopped Shane at the door.

“Fetch a bucket of water. As much as possible. And add plenty of salt.”

She planned to completely crush the haughty woman who thought herself a graceful swan. If Chloe didn’t flinch at harm to herself, Helena would show what happens when you harm those around her.