38 - The Son-In-Law Of A Prestigious Family Wants A Divorce

The Essence of Interrogation What really comprises an interrogation? Isn't it the act of investigation, applying pressure and conduct reviews to uncover the truth that is commonly embedded in people's minds? Silvanna, too, expected something along those lines when she stepped in. Instead, she found a warmly lit room with candlelight, the scent of a cool breeze, and a sturdy wooden table. On it were simple snacks and bottles of liquor. Lastly, cards splayed out haphazardly. “…….” Silvanna pursed her lips in silence, observing this unconventional interrogation scene with bewilderment. Wuldilan, who could be blamed for this situation, coughed awkwardly before dismantling the setting. “Well, I think that's enough of a game.” The others also began tidying up the cards, but it was Isaac's skill that was remarkable. He gathered the cards with the proficiency of a professional gambler and shuffled them with finesse. “Ah, it's just a habit,” he chuckled nonchalantly, explaining that shuffling was second nature to him, before handing the cards back to Wuldilan. During his time as a boatman, one of Isaac’s main ways of earning extra money was through card games. He would gather with local farmers, passing travelers, and other boatmen to play frequently. “You’ve taken care of what needed to be done, right?” Silvanna eyed him suspiciously as Wuldilan rose from his seat. “If you’d like, you can read the investigation report. It’s all been organized.” The report handed over by Wuldilan was written in a very elegant script. Recognizing Isaac’s handwriting, Silvanna put the report down with a look of disbelief. “Is there such a thing as getting the witness to write their own report?” “A-ah, miss.” Anna, who had been standing behind, gently called out to Silvanna. Even if she was the daughter, it was too much to press the duke in front of outsiders. “…….” As Silvanna silently resumed perusing the report, Wuldilan stood up to determine their status. “Both of you are cleared of charges. However, I will ensure that both of you are placed under your command during the next major conflict to serve the kingdom.” “What? Including Rihanna Helmont?” “She seems like a valuable asset not to be overlooked.” “…….” Unable to respond, Silvanna remained silent as Wuldilan exited. Judging by the report, it seemed he had done his due diligence and was leaving. “Isaac… was it true that a transcendental being raised you when you were young?” Silvanna looked at him with eyes widened in surprise. “Yes.” “…….” She didn’t probe further, sensing he had no intention to elaborate. “So you know about transcendental beings and their magic?” “That’s correct.” “The explanation seems rather insubstantial, doesn’t it?” “But the duke accepted it.” “Don’t transcendental beings kill humans on sight?” “They were a hybrid.” Silvanna’s expression indicated her difficulty accepting it, yet Isaac had an ally present. “I’ve heard it from way back as well,” Rihanna chimed in, raising her hand. “Isaac, when he was young, received guidance from a remarkable mentor. That’s why he knows various things.” “…….” Sitting as she stared up at the couple, Silvanna felt uneasy. “They also mentioned he learned about alcohol from him?” “Right, when he was just a child.” “Was it beer?” “Wine.” “Correct, wine.” They nodded, once again glancing at Silvanna. ‘Why do I feel like they’re both lying?’ The feeling was undoubtedly of deceit. However, since they were saying it together, it was difficult to call them out. “Feels like watching a con artist duo,” Anna remarked, hitting the nail on the head for Silvanna. However, the duke had already made his decision. All she could do was comply with it. * * * Upon exiting the interrogation room, Isaac walked the castle corridors, the chill pervading the air. He followed the path illuminated by the lamps hung along the side. ‘I’m astonished.’ Frankly, Isaac was caught off guard. ‘I never imagined Rihanna would sync with my story like that.’ She naturally followed his lie, even adding flesh to it, which surprised him. Rihanna undoubtedly harbored questions about Isaac. For instance, regarding his demeanor, his extensive knowledge about diverse swords, and more. Yet, her alignment with his story helped smooth things over. “That was clearly a lie earlier, wasn’t it?” Silvanna's voice came from behind him as he continued walking towards a clear destination. She had been trailing him, and at some point, Anna had vanished. Isaac halted abruptly and turned to face Silvanna. “Is this an interrogation room now?” “I’m not interrogating you. Nor am I questioning.” “Then why ask?” “You could be honest with me.” Her words sounded almost like a plea, causing Isaac’s expression to harden. “What am I supposed to be honest about?” “We’re comrades, putting our lives at risk together.” “Comrades don’t share everything.” Even between spouses, there are things kept hidden from one another. Silvanna clamped her mouth shut at Isaac’s curt reply. “The duke trusts me. You should do the same.” “He’s focused on the immediate threat. Despite the flaws in both your stories, he wants to consider you as assets.” “…….” Silvanna’s observation hit the mark. Isaac took a breath before responding. “Regardless, it’s the choice he made.” “Are you really going there?” Silvanna stepped closer. Her prominent bust was almost brushing against Isaac's chest. “Silvanna, enough.” “What?” Finally, Isaac couldn’t hold back and issued a warning. “I understand the North holds camaraderie in high regard. But as I mentioned, we don’t disclose everything to one another.” “…….” “Just as you have secrets, so do I. Just trust that it doesn’t harm anyone.” After saying so, Isaac began walking down the corridor once more. One step. Two steps. On the third— “I-” Silvanna's voice pierced through the air like a straight arrow from behind Isaac. "I have feelings for you." "……." Even within the castle, it suddenly felt as though a fierce wind was blowing around. Isaac stood frozen, before shakily turning his head to see Silvanna standing with her arms crossed, nodding. "So, how is it? No more secrets now." Blushing, Silvanna pointed her finger as she spoke. Seeing her like that, Isaac couldn’t suppress a chuckle. It was a laugh born out of disbelief. Returning to face Silvanna, Isaac slowly reached out and buttoned up the loose shirt she was wearing. "You should dress properly. What are you doing, going around like this at your age…." "Now tell me your secret. It's only fair, right?" The truth was out, and though Silvanna was being upfront, Isaac simply shook his head nonchalantly. "That's not a secret." "What?" "I already knew." "W-w-what…?" Now it was the reverse. Silvanna stood stiff, her face turning as red as a beetroot, as she flusteredly waved her arms like a fish gasping for air. "You, you knew? How? Since when?" "It's been a while." Even Anna, the deputy, had approached Isaac with a request to keep some distance between Helmont and Caldias. "W-what?! Hold on a second!" Silvanna hurriedly turned her back, her face so hot it felt like it could be used as a furnace in a blacksmith’s forge. "But Silvanna—" "Wait! Don’t talk to me right now!" "……." Deciding to wait, Isaac looked on as Silvanna crouched down, making various movements with her shoulders and muttering to herself, seemingly coming to terms with her feelings. After a deep breath— She turned back to face Isaac. “Ugh, seriously.” But meeting his eyes again flared up her embarrassment, causing her to cover her face with her hand and step back. "Let me be clear. I'm a married man." "Heh." "……Did you just laugh?" "No, no, I didn't laugh." Seriously? Even with her hand covering her mouth, he thought he saw a hint of a smile. ‘Surely she’s not into married men or anything like that, right?’ Was she laughing because that would be great for her? Regardless, Isaac continued speaking. "Being a married man, there’s no need for me to give you an answer or anything." "……." Silvanna crossed her arms and stared at Isaac. Her face was still bright red, but it seemed she had given up on hiding it. "Why?" "It's a bit unfair. I was honest about my feelings." "I've been honest, too. I can’t accept them." "That's something you have to say because of your situation." Silvanna was a born genius. Teach her one thing, and she'd grasp ten. "Of course, as a married man, you wouldn't be able to accept it. I’m not that stubborn either." Anna's advice—that it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance—had sparked a flash of inspiration in the genius. "Forget all that and just tell me personally what you think of me." "Is there any point in that?" "Can't you cut me some slack? I had my heart race for the first time because of a man. Let me end it on a good note." "……." Knowing full well the importance of a first love’s closure, Isaac hesitated for a bit before speaking frankly. "Yes, you’re an attractive woman. It's something to be proud of, having you admire me." "If you didn't have Rihanna, would you have chosen me?" The sincerity in Silvanna’s expression as she placed a hand on her chest compelled Isaac to nod, almost against his will. "Y-yes. I suppose so. But what does it matter? I'm married regardless." "Heh." Did she just laugh again? Isaac, flustered, was about to inquire, but Silvanna just nodded broadly and smiled brightly. "Thank you, Isaac." "…Silvanna." Sensing something amiss, Isaac carefully asked. "Do you know something?" "Hmm?" "It’s just… you seem like you’re hiding something." With caution akin to crossing a precarious bridge, Isaac asked, and Silvanna answered with a mischievous smile. "Comrades have their secrets too, Isaac." * * * Silvanna’s steps were light as she exited the building. Though Isaac had mentioned he had somewhere else to visit in the castle, she was eager to find Anna and share the good news. Then she saw it. A woman with striking red hair stood waiting at the entrance. Her gaze was directly on Silvanna. ‘They say those of Helmont have keen ears.’ Sharen's words must not have been a lie. Everything about the woman's demeanor suggested she already knew everything. Silvanna didn't stop as she passed by Rihanna; instead, she declared, "I'm not going to apologize or feel guilty." "……." "The one who missed out is you." As Silvanna continued outside, Rihanna kept her silence. Or rather, she couldn’t bring herself to say anything. At this point, what could she possibly do? Responsibility for her choice. Regardless of the reason, she had maintained her silence in the manor. And here, too. All she did was remain silent. Because that’s what Isaac would want.