When I Asked My Husband for a Divorce, He Said He’d Be Bringing Home a Young Woman, So I Left - 18
“Charlotte, are you really okay with this?”
My sister-in-law asked softly. She had an uncanny ability to get straight to the heart of matters.
There were actually countless things that needed discussion and adjustment regarding my divorce from Ixel. My family would undoubtedly clamor to secure the most favorable terms for me, but above all else, they cared about my feelings.
The only thing that truly concerned them was whether I would be alright with this decision. Whether I chose to forgive or not, as long as I was at peace with it, that was enough. The rest would simply be formalities to be handled dispassionately.
I realized then how deeply cherished I was.
Why had I never noticed how much I was loved until now?
Perhaps it was because I had never truly valued them in return… Had I been unconsciously taking their love for granted? Assuming that even if I didn’t reach out, my father would always be my father, my brother always my brother.
Now that I’d realized it, I felt almost adolescent in my embarrassment—ridiculous for someone my age—but the feeling wasn’t unpleasant. Warm and tingling… not bad at all.
“Yes. Because Father… While it’s true His Majesty essentially dumped the entire Ecklund territory on him, Father genuinely considered my happiness… He must have concluded that I could be happy with Ixel before arranging the marriage, right?”
“…That man has known hardship, but he’s sincere. I thought… you two would be well-matched. That you could be happy together. Had I known it would come to… this…”
His trembling shoulders seemed so small as he bowed his head, and regret washed over me in waves. What had I even seen in my father all these years?
It was true he’d essentially passed Ecklund to me, but he’d done so believing in my happiness.
“…And you trusted that I could rebuild Ecklund territory together with Ixel, didn’t you?”
“Charlotte…”
“My brother and sister-in-law too… They believed in me, which is why… even when frustrated, they held back and watched over me, right?”
“Shal.”
My brother’s voice calling my name felt comforting.
Ixel hadn’t been the only one to call me “Shal,” yet somehow my thoughts had narrowed until he was all that remained, and I’d begun despairing that no one would ever say my name again. How terribly limited my perspective had become.
“I was happy, truly. After our engagement, Ixel and I worked tirelessly together for Ecklund. Even after he became a duelist, protected by him, I never wanted for food, clothing, or shelter. Supported by everyone, I could devote myself fully to my duties. I’ve been fortunate.”
I straightened proudly.
“Father, I rebuilt Ecklund. Even if multiple major disasters struck now, the territory is stable enough that no one would starve.”
“…Indeed, Charlotte. Well done. You’ve accomplished magnificently.”
Being acknowledged and praised by my father filled me with unexpected pride.
Clenching the hands still holding mine, I declared:
“I wish for Ecklund continued peace.”
This wish would remain unchanged—even if I were gone, even if Ixel returned to live there with someone else (Charlotte).
I felt no hesitation.
My sister-in-law moved behind me and embraced me tightly.
“The same goes for everyone in this land. May it remain a place where beloved families gather and laughter never fades. And for all those in this country that Ixel and other cherished people are still fighting to protect.”
Though my heart had once been a tangled, frightened mess, now I could sincerely believe in this version of myself that wished happiness for everyone.
As I smiled through tears, my brother embraced both me and my sister-in-law, then my father joined the embrace.
A faint presence, slightly different from spirits, seemed to envelop us too.
My father and brother gasped slightly but said nothing, simply holding each other tighter.
Ah… so warm.
The scent of sweat. The rhythm of breathing. The beating of hearts.
I’m alive.
Dying is still frightening… but I’ll probably be alright. I’ll keep living without giving up, right until the end.
Though I’d planned to spend my remaining days at a physician’s branch clinic on Ecklund outskirts after announcing my travels, my family insisted I stay home instead.
Numerous doctors and spirit mages examined me repeatedly, but their diagnoses of my illness and remaining lifespan remained consistent.
Neither father nor brother could accept it, attempting every expensive treatment money could buy—until I asked simply for more time together at home, which calmed them somewhat.
They rearranged their duties to stay at the estate as much as possible.
Even during our peaceful family meals, we’d sometimes lapse into silent “…”, which struck me as so absurd I’d start laughing. These moments of shared laughter and trivial conversation became more precious than anything.
Thus I spent my days intoxicated by this unexpectedly warm time, playing with my nephew… until one day my throat began hurting, and by evening I had a fever.
The fever never broke.
Without waiting out my predicted lifespan, I passed away quietly.
Just two weeks after returning home to stay.
As I exhaled my last breath in a haze of fading consciousness, I heard the voice of someone who shouldn’t have been there.
The voice of my beloved who had left my side, calling my name.
Whether dream or hallucination… it didn’t matter. Accepting this as life’s final gift for my efforts, my story came to an end.
Or so I thought.
I never imagined that having reached the end, the curtain would rise again so soon.