When I Announced A Divorce, The Obsessive Maniac Went Crazy Chapter 129 - Side Story Chapter 1

Chapter 129

 

 

Side Story

A noble council held once every six months was one of the most important events that all high-ranking nobles of the empire were required to attend.

Moreover, this time, the returning crown prince would be attending for the first time, drawing even more attention from the public.

The emperor had also made it clear that any noble who failed to attend would face disadvantages. Not even the mighty Burstoad could escape this mandate.

Cesare had been staying in his territory under the pretext of overseeing it, avoiding the capital. But this time, he had no choice.

“Tsk.”

Cesare clicked his tongue in displeasure as the capital grew closer in view.

Unlike most high-ranking nobles who were based in the central region, Cesare remained in his territory, fully aware that the emperor found this displeasing.

On top of that, considering what had happened just six months ago involving Gabriel, the emperor had likely wanted Cesare to stay by his side and support him.

He should handle his own affairs.

Cesare resented the emperor’s selfishness.

Burstoad’s support alone had already overturned the power dynamics.

And now, the emperor wasn’t just expecting a prepared meal—he wanted it spoon-fed as well.

No, before anything else—

Why did Cesare have to go so far to help a kidnapper?

The mere thought of what Gabriel had done to Daphne still made his blood boil.

Besides, Gabriel wasn’t particularly pleased with Cesare’s presence either.

And why would he be?

They had once been rivals over the same woman.

To Gabriel, Cesare must have been a thorn in his side.

Know your place.

Gabriel wouldn’t be in his current position as crown prince without Burstoad’s contribution.

Cesare let out a short sigh.

Regardless, to appease the emperor, he was now stepping foot in the capital again after six months.

“Lighten up a little!”

Daphne burst into laughter.

“At this rate, people will think you’re being dragged to hell!”

“There’s no difference.”

“Oh, come on, of course there is.”

Looking at Daphne’s bright smile made all his concerns seem to fade away.

Honestly, if Daphne could keep smiling like that, what wouldn’t he be willing to do?

Even putting up with the insufferable imperial family was a small price to pay.

The real reason Cesare had stopped opposing the imperial family and was now marching toward the capital like a lamb to slaughter—was Daphne.

More than anything, he didn’t want to burden her with any more worries.

Daphne looked beautiful when she smiled.

“…Yeah, I guess there is a difference.”

A faint smile appeared on Cesare’s otherwise indifferent face.

Because unlike hell, this place had Daphne.

With that thought, Cesare turned his gaze outside, his smile lingering.

 

 

****

 

 

Daphne clapped her hands.

Cesare had set out early in the morning to attend the meeting.

It had been a while since he last visited the capital, and even the air felt different.

“As expected, it’s a bit different from the countryside of Burstoad, isn’t it?”

“Yes, my lady.”

The head maid smiled brightly.

A lot had changed over the past six months.

Burstoad had completely taken on Daphne’s colors—warmer, softer than before.

Daphne had gradually made Burstoad her own.

The same was true for Cesare. The sharp, cold man from before was long gone.

Now, it was common to see Cesare smiling.

“Well, since it’s been a while… hmm, should we start with a trip to the market?”

Daphne hummed a tune as she spoke.

The capital had things that Burstoad didn’t.

“No, my lady. You must pick out your dresses first.”

The head maid declared with a solemn expression.

“You have to consider the banquets you’ll be attending while in the capital. The dresses from Burstoad simply won’t do!”

Daphne flinched at the sheer intensity of her passion, then gave an awkward smile.

“No one will dare look down on you, my lady!”

Who exactly was looking down on her…?

She had heard that the maids had their own power struggles, and now she was witnessing it firsthand.

With a slightly exasperated expression, Daphne nodded.

Well, it wasn’t a bad thing.

Opulence was nice, and expensive things were even better.

And having a capable husband who could afford it all?

Absolutely perfect!

 

 

****

 

 

 

While Daphne was taking in the capital’s air after a long time, Cesare attended the meeting.

As he stood before the conference room, his expression hardened, making his already sharp features look even more intimidating.

The nobles who had been sneaking glances at him quickly cleared their throats and turned away.

It was better to avoid trouble than to get involved in something troublesome.

Everyone in this world knew that Cesare Burstoad was not someone to be taken lightly.

“It’s been a while.”

Of course, there were still those who had the nerve to approach him—Gabriel.

Gabriel smiled coldly at Cesare.

The tension between them was almost visible, sharp enough to make the surrounding nobles flinch and take a step back.

“Ahem! Let’s go in already!”

The others quickly retreated, leaving only the two of them standing in front of the door.

“It’s been a while, Your Highness.”

Cesare offered a deliberately insincere bow.

“Instead of standing here like a gatekeeper, why don’t you go inside? You’re making the others uncomfortable.”

“If that was a concern, you shouldn’t have summoned me in the first place.”

Gabriel’s eyes glinted coldly. Cesare hadn’t changed at all.

Gabriel brushed past him.

Cesare, too, took heavy steps forward.

Personal grudges aside, there were duties to fulfill.

Leaving behind the wary nobles, Cesare and Gabriel took their seats.

The most important agenda for today’s meeting was Gabriel’s coronation, scheduled to take place in six months.

The emperor had decided to abdicate.

Gabriel was truly going to become the emperor.

Cesare’s expression turned unreadable.

A man who was once sold as a slave to Burstoad was now about to ascend the throne. Life was truly unpredictable.

And… he never could have imagined things turning out this way between him and Daphne, either. The world was full of surprises.

Thinking of Daphne, Cesare let out a faint smile.

The tension in the room eased slightly because of it.

Soon, refreshments were brought in.

“Ahem. As Your Highness knows, the real challenge comes after the coronation. There will be those who, ignorant of their place, will test the new emperor.”

“Especially Odford Kingdom, which has been growing in influence lately. They’re making a fuss about lowering export taxes on certain goods.”

“Ungrateful wretches! There was a time when they couldn’t even dare to meet our gaze!”

“What are your thoughts, gentlemen?”

“If we set a precedent now, this will happen again in the future. We cannot appear weak. We should cut off trade with them entirely!”

“That kind of aggressive approach won’t work in today’s world. We need to negotiate a reasonable compromise.”

Gabriel listened to all the opinions with a composed smile.

Then, at the right moment, he turned to Cesare and asked,

“What do you think, Duke? About this matter?”

Cesare clicked his tongue.

The topics on today’s agenda had already been discussed long ago.

Just because Burstoad was far from the capital didn’t mean he was unaware.

He and Gabriel had exchanged hundreds of letters through their aides, debating these very issues.

“Lower the tax.”

“And?”

“Lower the tax, but ensure we gain more profit. Increase the range of export goods and declare that those additional items will not be taxed.”

“Do you think they’ll agree to that?”

“Our goal is to set the lowest possible tax rate, not to eliminate taxes entirely. They need our grain, and we need their high-quality salt. Make them back down on their own.”

“An interesting idea. If we offer them more, they’ll become wary and retreat.”

“Yes.”

Gabriel and Cesare locked eyes. They exchanged silent glances for a moment.

When it came to political strategy, the two of them worked surprisingly well together.

Gabriel had a better political instinct than expected, and Cesare had always excelled at strategic maneuvering.

But—

“How utterly insufferable.”

“I can’t stand the sight of him.”

At the same time, both turned away, harboring the exact same thought.

Their mutual dislike was simply unavoidable.