IMTVD| Chapter 14

Episode 14

Edwin stood in front of the glittering Peridot Palace, staring up at it.

Normally, the sight of the jewel-like building just made his eyes ache from how bright it was—but today, a different

thought was on his mind.

I still don’t know where that misunderstanding even started.

He had no idea where the rumor came from.

But the thought that Emilia might have heard it… and left because of it—that was what made his head spin.

He’d already told Chris to investigate who started it, but deep down, he had a feeling why such a rumor had spread in

the first place.

“Your Highness, I hear you wanted to see me.”

“Edwin… why are you calling me Your Highness?”

He’d spent more time here in Peridot Palace than at his own estate—of course people would talk.

He’d even thought once or twice that such rumors might pop up. But since he didn’t love Diana, and his feelings were

for Emilia, he’d dismissed it as nothing to worry about.

What he completely overlooked was the fact that, while he was certain of his love for Emilia, he’d never once given

her any real sign of it.

And because of that, all he had left now was a set of divorce papers.

Only after she’d left did the regret sink in.

“It’s your official title, isn’t it? Of course I’d use it.”

Edwin thought back—had he ever really been warm to Emilia after they married?

While he’d been sitting through uncomfortable dinners with Diana, he’d only thought about how he was suffering—

never about what Emilia’s evenings might be like. He’d just assumed she was fine.

As a husband, he’d been indifferent. And as he stood there now, he realized just how cruel he’d actually been.

His gaze dropped to the ring on his finger.

I can’t believe I’m only now remembering the look on your face when I gave you this.

Back then, her expression had been unreadable—not happy, not sad—and it had made his blood boil.

She’d run from him before, so maybe she’d been planning to run again. Or maybe… she already had another man in

her heart.

But lately, as he replayed the memories, he’d begun to see what he’d missed.

She hadn’t smiled that day because of him.

Was that the moment you started misunderstanding me?

He could picture her trying so hard to please him. He’d wanted to reach out, have an honest, gentle conversation with

her.

But the place had been crawling with prying eyes, and a single rumor could ruin everything. So he’d stayed on guard

until the moment the Hermann family fell. Even then, he’d avoided being too openly warm with her—any change

could tip off their enemies.

Even the last time they met, when she’d asked to talk, he’d avoided it.

The guilt of having destroyed her family made it hard to even look her in the eye. She’d been one of them, after all.

He’d told himself he’d go to the palace, get his head straight, and then speak to her. But she’d left before he got the

chance.

Edwin looked at Diana.

She seemed… nervous. So he cut straight to it.

“Your Highness, you must know about the rumors going around about us.”

“E-Edwin!”

“I’m a married man. Getting any closer to me won’t do you any favors either.”

He should have been this direct from the beginning.

Even if it took longer, he should have found a way to take down the Hermanns without rallying the royal family

around him.

It wasn’t too late now. He’d sever ties with Diana completely.

Realizing what he meant to do, she grabbed his arm in a panic.

“But she’s already gone!”

“…What did you just say?”

The sharp, dangerous look in his eyes made her flinch. But she knew if she hesitated, she’d lose her chance—so she

pushed on, even if it meant angering him.

“She was never right for you anyway!”

“Your Highness.”

“If you’d married me from the start, you never would’ve been tangled up with the Hermanns—”

“Your Highness!”

His voice cracked like a whip, startling everyone in the room.

“…Edwin?”

Her eyes filled with tears. If she showed weakness, he’d apologize, and maybe she could turn the mood back in her

favor.

But he didn’t apologize.

“Today will be the last time we meet. From now on, I ask that you not seek me out.”

He was ending it. And if he found Emilia, he wanted to be able to say he’d cut these ties clean.

Diana’s desperation flared.

“She’s a Hermann!”

That actually made Edwin laugh under his breath.

“Yes. She is.”

“You know how much that family has done—”

“What does that have to do with my wife?”

The word wife twisted Diana’s face.

“Have you already forgotten that the investigation found she had no connection to their crimes?”

“T-There must’ve been something they missed!”

Her words were ridiculous. Even a princess should’ve known better.

“So you’re accusing the Duchess of treason?”

Even if Emilia had left divorce papers behind, Edwin hadn’t signed them—she was still the Duchess of Casper. Not

even the Emperor could casually accuse her of treason without making an enemy of the entire house.

“I’ll take my leave now. And I won’t be coming back.”

With that, he walked out.

Left behind, Diana muttered through clenched teeth.

“You’re supposed to love me, not her. Why… why, why!”

“Y-Your Highness—”

The tea set she’d prepared for him crashed to the floor in a violent sweep of her arm, shards scattering across the

room.

Her attendants stared nervously, but her mind was fixed only on Edwin’s retreating back.

Why are you looking for her, not me? Why!

She wished she’d acted sooner—and hated Emilia all the more for it.

If you’re a villainess, then act like one! Don’t you dare try to be loved!

“Guess this is all I need for now.”

The morning after, Emilia went through her house.

She checked what she still needed, what repairs were urgent, and as she imagined her life here, a smile crept onto her

face.

Next time I go out, I’ll have to get these things.

She also had to figure out her future.

For now, she had enough money to live on, but not enough to spend her whole life without working.

“Looks like everyone here farms… maybe I should try it too.”

She knew farm work wasn’t easy.

In her old life, she’d helped relatives on their farm—it had been exhausting.

Still… at least back then, when the work was done, we’d sit together, eat, and laugh.

She missed that—sharing loud, silly conversations over nothing.

Now, there was no one by her side.

I want to go back.

She found herself staring blankly out the window, thinking about returning to her old life.

Then she spotted him—leaning casually outside, sunlight catching on his blond hair.

“What are you thinking about?”

Leo. Yesterday and today, he’d shown up again. And Emilia found herself glad to see him—talking to him made her

feel a little less alone.

She stepped closer to the window to greet him… and then froze.

“Why are you standing there? You’re hurt!”

“Emilia?”

Her eyes were fixed on his wrist—blood.

She rushed outside and pulled him into the house.

“This isn’t the time for questions. Let me patch you up first!”

“Calm down, Emilia! It’s not my blood!”

It took some stubborn resistance to stop her from stripping off his jacket to check for injuries—but eventually, she did

calm down.