When I Announced A Divorce, The Obsessive Maniac Went Crazy Chapter 132 - Side Story Chapter 4

Chapter 132

 

Side Story

Fortunately, the whole Cesare is terminally ill rumors came to a quiet end.

Inviting the noblewomen had been worth it.

According to Shannet, the rumors about Cesare’s supposed illness had completely disappeared. Now, people were only talking about how ridiculously resilient Cesare and I were, like cockroaches.

Oh my, are they jealous?

The noblewomen even sent me gifts.

They said they were celebrating the birth of the Burstoad heir.

Right now, Cesare was gaining the Crown Prince’s favor as the Duke of Burstoad.

There were widespread rumors that Cesare and Gabriel worked so well together that the two of them practically controlled the political scene.

On top of that, Burstoad was highly esteemed among the nobility and possessed vast wealth, so naturally, everyone wanted to stay in our good graces.

“Make sure to keep a detailed record of who sent what, Shannet.”

“Yes, Madam.”

If something comes in, something must go out in return.

All of these would have to be repaid someday.

Shannet and I spent a pleasant time unwrapping and sorting through the gifts.

Meanwhile, Cesare had gone to the Imperial Palace again today.

At this rate, hadn’t I basically lost my husband? Tsk.

Then, the largest pile of gifts yet arrived.

A carriage adorned with the imperial crest passed through the gates of the Burstoad townhouse.

Shannet leaned in and whispered.

“It’s… from the Imperial Family?”

“Seems like it.”

Even without opening it, I could already guess who had sent it.

Gabriel.

He had sent a gift.

I stepped outside and watched as the carriage approached the entrance.

It came to a stop, and a royal attendant stepped down.

He bowed politely and spoke.

“Duchess of Burstoad, His Highness the Crown Prince has sent this.”

The first thing he handed me was a letter, placed atop a piece of royal blue satin.

The envelope, embossed with gold, bore Gabriel’s name in neat handwriting.

So very Gabriel.

 

[It’s been a while, Daphne.

It’s been too long.

I heard from the Duke that you’ve been doing well. And that you’re expecting a child.]

 

Gabriel…

Was he doing alright?

 

[Congratulations, Daphne. I truly wished for your happiness.

I don’t think I could bring myself to congratulate the Duke, even out of politeness, so I’m writing this letter instead.

I want you to know that my congratulations are meant solely for you.

Please don’t feel burdened. I’m writing as a friend.

Really, congratulations, Daphne.

I hope the little Burstoad arrives soon. And if possible, I hope they take after you.

—Your friend, Gabriel.]

 

To think a day like this would come.

I read Gabriel’s letter over and over again.

It seemed like he was doing much better.

Had he also found someone with whom he could be his true self?

“Send my gratitude to His Highness.”

“Yes, Duchess. Shall we move the gifts inside? We may need to borrow some of the household staff.”

“…Borrow the staff? Just how many gifts are there…?”

I stared, my mouth agape.

Good heavens.

The carriage was packed full—not just inside but even in the storage compartments.

The attendant smiled and handed me another sheet of paper.

“This is the inventory list.”

“A… list?”

“Yes, Duchess. His Highness mentioned that, since there aren’t any noblewomen in Burstoad to look after you, he would take on that role instead. He has sent everything needed for both you and the baby.”

“Oh…”

Gabriel, you’ve really gone big, huh?

I let out an awkward chuckle.

So this is why people say it’s good to have powerful friends.

“Bring everything inside, Shannet.”

“Yes, Madam! I’ll go fetch the servants.”

Shannet ran off, her face flushed with excitement.

Clearing my throat, I turned to the attendant.

“Are you one of His Highness’s personal aides?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Ahem. Is His Highness doing well?”

“Of course, Duchess. His Highness is in excellent health. His coronation is approaching soon… The only unfortunate thing is that his side remains empty. Other than that, he is doing quite well.”

“…That’s a relief. Please take good care of him.”

“Yes, Duchess!”

The attendant answered energetically.

It seemed that Gabriel had good people around him.

I hoped he would find happiness, just as I had.

 

 

****

 

 

“Daphne asked that?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Gabriel let out a soft chuckle.

Hearing that name no longer hurt.

There were still traces of his bittersweet first love, but now, he could smile with ease.

When he had heard that Daphne was expecting, he had been able to sincerely congratulate her.

Though, of course, Cesare was still as infuriating as ever.

Gabriel slowly crossed his arms.

Daphne was as kind as ever.

She still cared about his well-being.

It would be a lie to say he didn’t miss that kindness…

“I’m truly glad you’re doing well, Daphne.”

And that was the truth.

Daphne had been the person who had allowed him to grow into an adult.

He would never forget the warmth she had shown him.

“The Duchess will need a midwife or an experienced noblewoman to look after her. Discuss it with the Duke of Burstoad and arrange for one of the elders of the imperial family to visit. Lady Rebecca would be a good choice.”

“Understood, Your Highness!”

 

 

****

 

 

Daphne was satisfied, but Cesare? Not so much.

To him, it just seemed like Gabriel was still clinging to Daphne.

Yet, outright rejecting the crown prince’s gifts would only invite unnecessary rumors.

“Why are you sulking so much, Cesare?”

Daphne smiled sweetly and leaned her head against his shoulder.

“Hmph. I’m not sulking.”

“Liar.”

She interlocked her fingers with his.

“Think of it this way: you’re just getting repaid for what you did for Gabriel. Do you really think he’d have become emperor without you? Not a chance. He might’ve just died as a slave.”

“Well…”

Cesare’s expression softened.

More than her words, it was Daphne’s warmth and gentle voice that eased his tension.

Besides, he knew now—Daphne didn’t see Gabriel as a man in any way.

She patted his arm reassuringly.

“Don’t waste your energy on pointless things.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

Cesare’s aide watched the scene unfold with a peculiar expression.

Just moments ago, Cesare had been raging about midwives and royal elders.

But after just a few words from Daphne, he had turned into a giant, obedient puppy.

The aide let out a scoff.

“And if one of the royal elders delivers our baby, imagine the honor. People will be so envious.”

“That’s… also true.”

The aide’s eyes widened.

Clearly, there was someone in this room who had no idea what was happening.

“So, discuss it with Gabriel and handle it well. Honestly… I’m scared of giving birth.”

Daphne shivered ever so slightly, playing up her fragility.

When it came to moments like this, acting delicate always worked.

Cesare’s eyebrows drooped in concern, and Daphne smirked inwardly.

Cesare was ridiculously easy when it came to her.

She nuzzled against his shoulder like a cat.

“You won’t even be allowed in the birthing room, Cesare. What will I do? I’m already about to cry.”

“…I’ll discuss it with Your Highness, Gabriel. If we can find an experienced midwife, it’ll be a huge help. And from what I’ve heard, that Lady Rebecca from the royal family has a lot of experience with childbirth.”

“Really? Wow. Then she can even give us advice. I mean, we’ve never raised a baby before. What if they get a fever? What if they cry, and I start crying too?”

“…I’ll write to Lady Rebecca personally.”

“Oh my, thank you! You really are the best.”

“Hmph.”

Cesare was completely ensnared, and his aide glared daggers at him.

This was the same man who had been a fire-breathing dragon the entire way to the townhouse. Now, he was barking out orders like an entirely different person.

“Prepare for me to write a letter. And find an appropriate gift for Lady Rebecca. It should match her tastes.”

The aide gritted his teeth and forced out a reply.

“Yes, Your Grace. I will make the necessary arrangements!”

He had learned a painful truth today.

The real ruler of this household… was not the duke.