C22
"I conducted my own research on you before coming here, Sharon.
Even if I've read the original story, it's essential to conduct direct research.
"Why did you accumulate so much debt? You provided free representation to women who couldn't afford the fees but urgently needed a divorce on multiple occasions.
As many people as there were letters on that desk were freed thanks to it.
It is said that not only is the defense insufficient, but it also covers other litigation expenses, and if there is someone who has nowhere to go right now, you introduce them to a shelter prepared with your own money.
"I really respect you."
"It's all just self-satisfaction."
Sharon shivered and moved away from me as if she had been burned.
"Aha. It's self-satisfaction. Hmm, I see."
"It's true!"
"Didn't I say anything?"
Why are you suddenly yelling?
"No... Why do you keep looking at me like that...?"
Sharon tried to ignore my bright eyes, then pursed her lips, sighed, and sat back down.
For some reason, I couldn't help but smile.
"Yes. I suppose so."
"..."
Then she asked in a slightly different tone.
"Do you think I'll give up on the divorce if you don't accept it to the end? Is that why you refuse?"
There was no immediate response.
"As I said before, I will definitely divorce. If the only divorce attorney in the empire doesn't handle it, you will have no choice but to turn to a worse divorce attorney, and there is a high probability that you will lose the case."
Sharon's expression became increasingly tired.
"Then the news will be widely published in the newspapers, people thinking of divorcing will back off, the divorce rate will plummet, families will disintegrate, and society will collapse..."
"No, no, why did both of them collapse behind them? Are you scaring me?"
"I just made a reasonable prediction."
"In other words, if I don't want it to end like this, I have to cooperate?"
"Right."
I raised my index finger in front of the lawyer's eyes.
"This may be a risk, but it's also an opportunity. If I win, it will be a successful divorce case even against the Cassius family. It can be hope for someone suffering somewhere even now, at this very moment."
"...That's right."
Her expression became strange, as if she had also considered that possibility. Does it feel like a mixture of 90% resignation and 100% hope?
"Is it like hitting a stone with an egg?"
"...Yes, honestly."
The woman nodded calmly.
"Based on what Ethel Wallace discussed last time, I can't imagine winning the case."
"And what if what I told you back then wasn't everything?"
"Mmm..."
The worries didn't last long.
"If there's a reason that can make all the judges understand the same thing, the chances increase. Still, it's difficult because of the Duke's influence."
"There is a reason."
"Ah, there is no other answer for this than divorce. This should be one of the reasons why those voices naturally arise. I vaguely believe that it's worth enduring so much, right? Is there room for improvement? It shouldn't be like that."
"Listen and judge. I decided on Sharon anyway, so I'll say it as it is."
Sharon swallowed hard at my confident tone.
"We will protect the content of the client's consultation no matter what."
Now I could trust Sharon.
When I looked at the seat next to me, I noticed that Terence, who had been silent so far out of consideration for both of us, was also focused on me.
I made eye contact with both of them once and made a solemn statement.
"My husband, Leandro, is having a great problem in having heirs!"
A very heavy and cautious silence fell.
"Well, if it's an issue about succession... Are you saying there is a problem with young Duke Cassius in that direction?"
The lawyer was very surprised and confirmed the facts, and the Marquis kept his mouth shut.
"Certainly, if he were to marry while hiding such a serious problem, it would be grounds for divorce."
As a competent lawyer, Sharon immediately began a legal review.
"Couples have a duty to respond to sexual relations, and especially for nobles, siring heirs is the most important thing in life."
The eyes under the glasses began to be tinged with warmth.
"Really? Are you sure there's a problem?"
I started to feel my mouth itching when a hand grabbed my shoulder and shook it gently.
...Is it really true?
Unless the author was crazy, it was completely unfair that he had given such a scenario to the wonderful older brother of the heroine.
Although I didn't have the experience of witnessing it with my own eyes, Leandro's reproductive ability must be completely normal.
But for my primary priority, which is divorce, I had already decided what to say.