Honey, Why Can’t We Get a Divorce? Chapter 175 - Side story 28 (END)

“The weather is nice.” 

 

I murmured as I looked up at the cloudless, bright blue sky. Then, Sylvester, who had been holding Ainiel behind me, approached. 

 

“It’s the perfect weather for our first outing together. The sun isn’t too bright, and the wind is cool.” 

 

“Ainiel seems happy too—just look at that smile. So adorable.”

 

I gently pressed Ainiel’s cheek as he lay in Sylvester’s arms and said, 

 

Today, we were set to attend the opening ceremony of the orphanage and school. It was something we had been preparing for a long time, and since it was also our first outing with Ainiel, we were making sure to be thoroughly prepared. 

 

“By the way, what about Mother? Is she done getting ready?” 

 

It was obvious, but Angela hadn’t returned to the Demon Realm. She had initially said she would leave once Ainiel was born, but now she claimed she would stay until Ainiel started speaking. 

 

At this rate, it seemed like Angela would stay until Ainiel reached adulthood, so Sylvester had already ordered renovations for the west annex in advance. 

 

“She said she’d come straight to the venue. Something about how the main character should always appear last. It’s strange—you’re the one who planned everything, and I paid for all of it, so why is my mother the main character?”

 

Like this, Sylvester and Angela’s relationship had gotten much better than before. They could joke around with each other.

 

“Even so, I’m glad that Mother is attending.” 

 

“Yeah. I’m happy.” 

 

Sylvester wrapped his arm around my shoulder and added, 

 

“But I’m happier being with you and Ainiel.”

 

“That’s the same for me.”

 

I gently stroked Ainiel’s cheek once more and stood on my tiptoes. Then, I wrapped my arms around Sylvester’s neck and kissed his cheek. Sylvester’s eyes widened in surprise.

 

“…Are you trying to seduce me? Should I put Ainiel to sleep for a moment?” 

 

“Please, stop.”

 

I playfully poked Sylvester in the side with my elbow as he smiled slyly. 

 

“Hurry up and go. We’re going to be late.”

 

“We can be very late. So let’s put Ainiel to bed first.”

 

“If you do this one more time, I’ll go alone.”

 

“You’re too much.” 

 

Sylvester pouted for a moment, then wrapped his other arm around my waist, kissing my forehead. 

 

“Still, since I love you more, I’ll let it slide.” 

 

That’s how we leisurely left the mansion.

 

*

 

“Hey, you finally came. I thought you wouldn’t attend the opening ceremony since you never showed up during the construction.” 

  

As soon as we entered the venue, Neil greeted us. Of course, it wasn’t the warmest of greetings.

 

“I’ve been to the school before to bring Rivert. Don’t include me in the ‘never came’ part.”

 

“Then, I guess I should only tell our amazing Your Excellency. A round of applause for Your Excellency who never showed up once during all this long construction!” 

 

Clap, clap, clap. Sylvester’s face turned slightly red as he looked at Neil, who was applauding.

 

“To be praised for something like this. It’s embarrassing.”

 

“…You really seem to be oblivious until the day you die.”

 

I clicked my tongue and turned my head. Then I looked around.

 

The hall rented for the opening ceremony of the orphanage and school was packed with people. 

 

There were many familiar faces. From Count Cardel and his wife to Jasmine and her family, as well as people who had previously had conflicts with me but had somewhat repaired their relationships. 

 

Aside from those who were close to me, they probably didn’t attend to celebrate the opening ceremony. They likely came just to make an appearance in front of me and Sylvester, who hadn’t been seen at official events for a long time.  

 

‘Whatever it is, I just hope they donated a lot before leaving.’

 

Shouldn’t it be fair to get back as much as we put in?

 

It seemed that Sylvester was thinking the same way, as at the entrance, Rivert was receiving checks from the visitors. It was a very satisfying sight. 

 

“Is that the child?”

 

A familiar voice came from above my head. When I looked up, Callian was standing there with a pouty expression. He was pointing at Ainiel, who was being held by Sylvester. 

 

“What do you mean by ‘that’? Please refrain from using such words when referring to our Ainiel.”

 

“Is the name Ainiel?”

 

Callian clicked his tongue briefly.

 

“I thought at least you’d name him after me.”  

 

“…How did you end up with such a strange thought?” 

 

I was so taken aback that I blurted out something harsh without thinking. Then Callian snorted and replied. 

 

“Don’t underestimate the camaraderie between me and Sylvester.”

 

“Oh my… I think you misunderstood the word camaraderie.”

 

“I won’t lose a single word.”

 

He muttered gruffly, casting a sidelong glance.

 

“It’s pretty, though. Looks like you.” 

 

“Everyone says that. Thank you.”

 

Callian stared intently at Ainiel. It wasn’t just a simple look; his lips twitched, as if he couldn’t stop the smile that naturally appeared as he gazed at the cute child. 

 

“Looking at the baby, I want to get married too.”

 

I responded to his muttering.

 

“With a married woman?”

 

“You really…!”

 

Callian gritted his teeth.

 

“I’m not into that kind of thing. It’s just that the person I liked happened to be married.” 

 

“Yes, yes. I won’t believe you.”

 

“Shameless couple. I’m leaving.”

 

I quickly grabbed Callian, who was about to turn around with a firm expression.

 

“Oh, Your Highness! Wait a minute!”

 

Callian’s face turned away, slightly flushed. Did he expect me to grab him?

 

But there was only one reason I grabbed him.

 

“Did you make a donation?”

 

“….”

 

How much money would Crown Prince Callian be putting down? The amount must be substantial. I couldn’t let that slip away. 

 

“You really… are not in your right mind.”

 

Callian shook his head and left the room, and I asked Irene to keep an eye on whether Callian would donate or not. If he didn’t, I’d be going after him to the Crown Prince’s palace later. 

 

It was then. 

 

“Now, it seems like enough people have gathered, so let’s start heading to the front.”

 

Neil pointed to the podium and spoke. Since it was the opening ceremony for the orphanage and school, it seemed like he was suggesting to give a speech about the purpose of the establishment and its future direction. So, I reached out to Sylvester, intending to take Ainiel and bring him up to the podium. 

 

“What are you doing?”

 

But Sylvester tilted his head with a puzzled expression.

 

“Why are you looking at me? You should go out.”

 

“Me?”

 

“Well, it’s something you’ve led and accomplished. So, it makes sense for you to give the speech.” 

 

I couldn’t help but glance around, wondering if it was really okay. Then I saw many people looking at me.

 

“Then… I’ll go up.”

 

Ahem. I slowly went up to the stage with a slight cough. At the same time, applause began to be heard.

 

It felt strange.

 

When I first arrived here, the result of my desperate struggle to survive was the establishment of the orphanage and school. Although a lot happened afterward, in the end, the buildings were successfully completed, and the children and students were able to enroll. My life had also become so stable compared to the beginning that it was almost embarrassing to compare. 

 

All of this…

 

‘Sylvester.’

 

It was also thanks to him.

 

If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be living the way I am now.

 

Sylvester, waving at me while holding Ainiel—my child, whom I loved so dearly—looked more lovable than ever. My friends, standing around him, also seemed affectionate, and I felt a deep sense of warmth from the gaze of those who no longer feared me. It was a comforting and pleasant feeling.

 

And… 

 

I could see someone standing at the far end of the hall. They were wearing a hooded robe, but their brilliant blonde hair was impossible to hide.

 

Fleur.

 

She was there too.

 

And she was applauding me, as if to say that my life had been the right path all along.

 

Now, I had nothing to worry about.

 

So, I was extremely happy.

 

“I.”

 

I stood on the stage and looked at everyone and smiled brightly.

 

“I stand here with the hope that everyone will be happy.”

 

-End-