C6
In Leandro's hands, the divorce agreement, with one person's signature left blank, was torn to pieces.
"These documents are a mess."
He shrugged.
"There's nothing we can do, so let's go somewhere and talk calmly..."
"You're fine. I prepared another one just in case."
I pulled out an identical piece of paper from the document bag I was holding.
Leandro frowned, took it, and tore it up again.
"I have one more."
Rip.
"In fact, I brought three."
Rip.
"That's a lie; it was four."
Rip.
"Oh, here's another one."
Rip.
After a moment, he took all my envelopes and tossed them.
"Even if you prepare thousands of documents, I have no intention of divorcing."
His blue eyes burned silently.
"My wife must not leave me."
What is he saying now?
I clicked my tongue in anger and then tilted my head.
"Then I can't help it."
"That's right. Let's resolve it through conversation. If we open our hearts to each other and give in a little..."
"We're going to court."
"...What?"
"If I can't divorce you peacefully, is there anything else I can do? I definitely plan to divorce."
He made a strange expression as if he had heard something he couldn't hear.
"Do you really think you can defeat Cassius and me in court?"
I cleared my throat and shouted as loudly as I could.
"Of course! I will get a divorce! Leandro Cassius!"
It wasn't just about expressing a strong will.
"Cassius?"
A murmur was heard.
As I looked around, I saw people coming and going from City Hall for various matters, watching us closely.
We caused a scene over the divorce agreement in front of City Hall, one of the busiest places in the city, and even shouted.
It's impossible for them not to have noticed.
"Is it a Cassius...?"
Among them were nobles, and some recognized Leandro.
It's only a matter of time before rumors spread about the discord between Duke Cassius and his wife.
"Curse it."
Leandro covered his face with his hands, as if he had finally realized what was happening. I felt he couldn't even think about it because he was so agitated.
I curved the corners of my mouth.
This is the primary goal of sending him the divorce agreement and summoning him to City Hall today.
To make many onlookers realize that young Duke Cassius was on the verge of divorce.
If, by chance, Leandro agreed to divorce me, I would be lucky, and if he refused, I could make a scene and draw as much attention as possible.
This will make it difficult for him to continue burying this matter in silence.
Not even the great Cassius can control his family. Rumors will probably spread quickly.
"I have nothing to lose by fighting in the mud."
The following words were recited kindly near the man's ear.
"Unlike someone who has a younger sister who wants to marry His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
It was a declaration of war.
"Let's see who gets tired first."
An unemployed woman who has given up on being a lady has plenty of time.
I turned around to leave.
"I'll see you in court next time."
"...Do we really have to do that?"
"Yes. It has to be that way. Goodbye."
"Wait a moment, wife!"
I turned around, ignoring Leandro, and left the front yard of City Hall.
If you had any conscience, you would throw away the papers you tore up.
The people who had seen the commotion looked at me askance. However, maybe because they were overwhelmed by my momentum or the serious atmosphere, they slowly cleared a path for me.
My step through the crowd was very firm, but my heart wasn't.
"After all, there's no other option but a trial..."
Unfortunately, the future is bleak.
I told Leandro that he had an advantage in showing off, but the reality was quite the opposite.
Certainly, I have nothing to lose with such a divorce commotion.
In other words...
"Besides that, I'm at an overwhelming disadvantage!"
Even if Leandro cooperated, divorce was difficult and complicated.
Submitting an agreement to City Hall is just the first step of that long and arduous path.
Beyond the responsible official's extensive speech, preaching the importance of family, unnecessary bureaucratic procedures that consume a lot of time await.
Are you happy it ends there?
It's hard to get permission from the temple to double that amount.
Every couple swears eternity in front of a priest when they marry, so they require God's permission or something.
Furthermore, divorce among nobles is plagued with other issues like property division, the return of the dowry, and the succession of titles to the children.
Interference from the imperial family, concerned about power shifts among influential families, is an advantage.
I will be judged here too!
My shoulders are very heavy. Also, it's not clear whether I can win the trial.