My Husband is so carefree and constantly Cheats on me, so I Kept making him Suffer as Payback, but somehow, he’s started to seem Kind of Cute. - Chapter 2

“I’m setting off on a journey! Don’t bother looking for me!”

“Haah…”

Am I going to witness another theatrical performance this morning?

A few days ago, after confining my dear husband, I handed him a written summary of divorce laws and an outline of our household’s current state. Of course, he didn’t bother reading it.

So, I had the butler read it aloud to him.

When that didn’t work, I had the butler read it again—this time making my husband repeat every word after him.

And yet, when I asked him a simple question to confirm his understanding, he tilted his head in confusion on the very first question. I then had to console the butler, who had been utterly overwhelmed by a sense of futility.

And now, out of nowhere, this fool is talking about setting off on a journey?

Does he intend to accomplish something on this journey? That’s impossible. He wouldn’t even stand a chance against a child.

“Are you traveling with someone?”

“That’s none of your concern! I’m escaping from your captivity!”

Oh no.

This idiot is already convinced he’s the tragic hero of his own story.

Honestly, at this point, maybe I should let him go on this so-called journey—perhaps he’ll simply disappear.

Or better yet, if he were to become a sacrifice for the dragon that lives in our domain…

“Understood. I won’t provide you with any travel funds, but I do wish you the best of luck.”

“What?!”

What’s with that reaction?

Is he truly that shocked that I agreed so readily?

“I am about to embark on a journey, you know? For my safety along the way, you should provide funds for hiring guards, as well as money for food, maps, and other necessary supplies!”

… That’s what this is about?!

Is he truly this stupid?

For one, he already receives a generous allowance.

Then again, he likely spent it all on women or lost it to gambling.

I have my people monitoring him to ensure he doesn’t fall into debt, so at least there’s no issue on that front.

“If you wish to receive travel funds, you’ll first need to declare your destination and purpose. We will then calculate the required amount and determine whether it fits within the household’s budget. Since the money belongs to the Count’s estate, you do not have the right to use it as you please.”

“W-What?!”

Ah. He really is an idiot.

Did he think he could just use money however he pleased, like water flowing from a spring?

I’ve heard of foolish noble families where the head or their spouse ruins their estate through reckless spending—but such behavior is not tolerated here.

“Then let’s start with this: What is the purpose of your journey? Since you wish to keep the destination a secret, we’ll set that aside for now.”

“Guh…”

That’s what I thought.

Of course, he can’t answer.

Most likely, he just wants to chase after another woman—or go on a trip with one. If not that, then perhaps he’s planning to rescue some woman he fancies.

Those are the only realistic possibilities.

“If you can’t state your purpose, and you refuse to disclose your destination, then you cannot submit a budget request. Your proposal is rejected.”

“Are you kidding me?! You could easily make an exception if you wanted to!”

“Then by all means, feel free to fund your journey using the personal allowance you receive each month. That is the extent of my generosity. Beyond that, I will not indulge you.”

“Enough! I’ll figure it out myself!”

He stormed off in silence.

No doubt he’s thinking about taking out a loan.

That won’t work.

“Head Butler.”

“Yes, my lady?”

“Inform every merchant in the region that the Count’s household will not be guaranteeing my husband’s debts.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier to just lock him up somewhere?”

How frighteningly direct.

“If I keep him locked up too much, he’ll only come up with more idiotic ideas.”

“Understood.”

The butler gave me a look of deep sympathy before leaving the room.

I know that declaring divorce or running off on a journey are both ridiculous notions.

But at the very least, the only real consequences of his antics are the exhaustion and exasperation of my staff—and myself.

Evening.

“What the hell is this?!”

Ah, right on schedule.

The fool has returned.

No doubt he failed to obtain the funds he needed.

“Is something the matter?”

Feigning ignorance, I responded politely.

“Don’t play dumb! I was told that no one would guarantee my debts!”

“Of course. Did you forget your own words?”

“My words?”

“You declared that you would ‘figure it out yourself.’ And so, I made the appropriate decision: The Count’s estate will do nothing to assist you and has informed all merchants accordingly.”

“W-What?!”

Oh dear.

Watching him tremble in frustration is far too amusing.

I can’t help myself—I’m nearly laughing.

…But perhaps I should show some restraint.

After all, my dear husband lacks any understanding of noble responsibilities.

He is also infamously reckless, particularly when it comes to his vices.

If I push him too far, he might resort to something truly idiotic.

Honestly, I would prefer to send him back to the Duke’s estate at this point.

Unfortunately, I doubt that’s an option.

Perhaps I should have just accepted his divorce request and shoved him back into the Duke’s household.

Though that might have earned me the Duke’s ire…

This is proving to be quite a difficult situation.

I can tolerate having an idiotic husband for the sake of maintaining my domain’s stability.

But when he causes this many problems, even my patience has its limits.

“Are you listening to me?! You sabotaged me, so it’s your responsibility to fix this!”

“Silence.”

“Hii—!”

…Oh dear.

I let my murderous intent slip for a moment.

For now, I ordered one of the knights to pretend to attack him.

Unsurprisingly, he was completely incapable of defending himself.

After demonstrating just how hopeless he was, I calmly explained:

“If you were to be kidnapped, the culprits would undoubtedly demand a ransom from the Count’s estate. Of course, I would refuse.”

I explained the situation to him in painstaking detail.

However, he was so overwhelmed with shock that he had collapsed onto the floor.

I wonder how much of it actually sank in.