It was almost dawn the time we finished on doing it. And now I'm awake, looking at the beautiful sleeping face of the man who tirelessly took me last night.

I pretended to be asleep because he will do it with me again if I didn't. He's got a lot of stamina, probably because he is a knight.

His handsome face, I will not forget it.

I got off of the bed quietly and put on some robe. Pulling out the luggage hidden under the bed, I checked it and it's all of the things I needed.

Carrying it outside, I went to a vacant guest room to take a bath, even though my whole body feels so sore and heavy, I need to do things fast.

After changing into plain clothes, I made my way to Regan's office to find the contract papers. It was just right on top of his office desk so it wasn't that hard to find, I grabbed his quill and signed it.

Now, my stay here is all done. I know that the divorcement will be a huge issue, but, what can I do about it?

All that he needs to do is to pass this papers to the temple. Then I will be marked as divorce and a shameful woman in the whole Empire.

I don't care though, by that time. I'm already living my life by myself. As my true self and not as a villain character.

After signing the papers, I walked towards Calix' room. He's already awake on his bed.

"Mom?" I smiled and sat on his bed.

"Goodmorning sweetheart." I greeted, he returned the smile and then snuggled against me.

"Where are you going mom?" He asked

"I'm going to run some errands."

"But you can make the maids do that for you. Just stay here with me mom."

"I can't do that, this is very important and personal as well, so I cant let anyone do this for me."

He pouted his thin red lips. I touched his cheeks before leaning my forehead against his.

"Be a good boy when Mommy is gone, is that clear?" I back away wanting to see his innocent face. He nodded.

"Hm! Don't worry about Calix." I smiled and kissed his whole face which made him giggle.

As much as I want to play with him, I can't. My time is limited and I need to drop by the temple to hand the letter I made beforehand.

While walking down the hallways to get in the entrance of the mansion, I can see the look on the maids faces. It's probably because of what I'm wearing right now.

Why would a Duchess like me wear an outdated dress that looks like a commoner's.

Well why would I care now since I'll be a commoner sooner anyways.

"M-Madam?" Zehin, Regan's butler appeared while he's catching his breath.

"What is it?" I asked and smiled warmly. I want to give a warm impression before leaving.

"J-Just where are you going wearing such dress? A-And those luggage?"

"Hmm? It seems like Regan didn't tell you that we have agreed on divorcing after adopting Calix. You can see the contract in his office, also, when he wakes up tell him that I already signed the contract and he can send it to the temple without worrying. I'm heading towards the temple to give my statement that I agreed to be divorced and to be demoted into a commoner."

His face gave it all away, he was looking at me with such saddened eyes as if ready to cry in front of me.

"I-I don't think that His Grace would still agree on divorcing the Madame... He is such a rock for not realizing his own---"

"Shh, don't be like that. Yes I did loved the Duke. But after realizing that he cannot reciprocate my love. I think I woke up from my dream and decided to move on in my life. I'm still young and I'm sure that I'll be able to find someone who can love me the way I love him. So there's nothing to regret."

He sighed. "Then allow me to escort you inside the carriage."

I accepted his offer and held his hands, guiding me inside the carriage.

"Make sure that the Duchess arrives safely in the temple, got it?" Zehin said to the coachman.

"Yes sir!"

"Well then, farewell. I hope you all lead a good life."

Zehin just nodded and send me off with a sad look on his face. When he's too far, I decided to sit comfortably inside the carriage.

"Finally, I'll be able to live the life that I wanted." I muttered to myself and think of the things that I wanted to do.

Comparing nobility to commoners, Nobility doesn't have that much freedom because they're chained to the word responsibility.

However it's not like I'm saying that commoners are free aswell. Even without responsibility, they are chained to poverty and lack of support from the lords.

I don't want to live in poverty so...

I took out the jewelries that I stole in my jewelry box. This is mine, and I didn't took the jewelries that the previous Duchess had since they're heirlooms of the Duchy passed down to the Duchesses.

Those jewelries will soon be Czarina's...

But I don't care. I will live well with these goodies from now on. I'll probably build a book store in a nearby village. Where? North? East? West? Or maybe here in the capital?

Oh! Maybe I'll try to live in the Vatican?

I heard that it was a peaceful place ruled by a pope. As far as I can recall, there's nothing in the novel connected to the Vatican. Like a war or what. And it's a place that no one would ever think I'd go to. Since Cressida is a wicked woman. I can also remember the murmuring ladies when I was attending a mass with Regan and Calix.

' I'm surprised that Lady Cressida is not uncomfortable inside the temple. She's a wicked demon right?'

Everyone thinks that I am a witch or a demon. So they'll never find out that I went in the Vatican.

"My lady, we are here." The coachman informed. I fixed myself and went out.

The splendid white and gray walls of the temple greeted me. The atmosphere was soothing and friendly, it was a warm feeling. Maybe the Vatican also has this atmosphere then?

"We greet the only Duchess of the Empire."

I nodded and followed the Priest. I was thankful that even though bad rumors surrounds me, they are still polite sending a third rank priest to escort me.

While following the priest, he gives me a tour inside the temple, there I saw children that they call Initiates. They are the children who were in training to be a Novice.

Then we passed by the Temple's garden. It was such a sight to see. It's giving me the Eden vibes.

"We are here."

I thanked the priest and then I knocked on the door.

"Please come in." A male voice said on the other part of the door. I gulped and decided to come in.

A blue haired man dressed in a priest uniform was standing beside the table.

"What is the purpose of your visit Your Grace?"

I smiled "I greet the Archpriest." He just nodded and then he points at the vacant seat infront of him. I sat and he also did across me.

Handing out a letter, he eyed it suspiciously.

"Do not worry, it is not a money for bribe or anything, I won't have any money sooner or later so it's time to be selfish at these times."

He opened it and then he read it with his eyes only.

"Oh a divorce huh. I see, I can take care of this."

"Really? Are you sure you can do it?"

"Yes, I have your letter of approval to remove your name in both of your parent's family registry, and you also had a contract which you already signed on. There's nothing that will make my work hard thanks to this letter."

"I see, I'm glad. Then it's nice to meet you, I should get going now."

He offered to escort me out of the temple so I agreed. Turns out his name was Bellerick, he was fallen noble who decided to serve the temple as he grew up in the care of the previous High Priestess.

"May you have a safe journey."

"Thank you Archpriest, also. I would like to ask you a favor." His eyebrows arched slightly. Probably annoyed that I should just get going already.

"If... If someone comes and asked where I'm headed. Can you tell them that I don't want to be found and that I'm living a happy life on my own?"

The Archpriest just stared at me before sighing.

"Alright, I promise to keep my word and I shall not disclose your whereabouts."

For the last time, I smiled and thanked him before going inside the carriage.

"Are we heading back in the Duchy Madame?" The coachman asked from outside.

"No, let's go in the West port."

The ride was serene and peaceful. There's no sound at all. Yes I feel happy. But I also feel lonely all of a sudden. I'm not regretting. I'm probably just missing everyone in the Duchy.

I smiled but a tear escaped my eyes as I try to make myself happy...

Oh, I never thought that I'd feel homesick...

March 28 2022