Chapter 9: Grandfather’s legacy(4).

“I wonder what happened with that divorce form I left behind?”

I became curious whether Adolf had obediently agreed to the divorce. I hadn’t gotten his verbal consent; I’d just unilaterally left it there.

“…He has that lover, Olivia, after all. Her family rank is a count’s, slightly below mine, but she has alchemical mage abilities, too. No issues for remarriage…”

Given his simplistic thinking, he’d probably rushed to file the divorce and immediately submit a marriage notice. If so, that would put my mind at ease.

But perhaps it was too soon to assume. Though I thought that, the “what if” nagged at me enough to want confirmation.

“Besides, the storage units are empty, which is a problem. I need to go shopping. I can’t make dinner tonight without it, so I’ll have to head out anyway.”

The Cait Siths, being a type of fairy, didn’t need to eat. But when Grandmother or I cooked, they could join us—and they always eagerly did. I’d need food for one person and two Cait Siths. Plus, staples for the future.

Incidentally, they could eat things normal cats couldn’t, like chocolate sweets, devouring them without issue. That made menu planning easy. Whether they actually had stomachs and digested food was unclear.

“Those two love meat and fish, so I’ll pick some up at the market.”

And while I’m out, I can check my household registry at the registry office. If the divorce is finalized, my name should have moved back.

“Yes, let’s go out.”

I said aloud.

Cain, who had started arranging flowers in the room now that I was back, paused and looked at me.

“Going out, nya?”

“Yes. To the registry office and the market. Oh, for dinner—will you two join me like always?”

“Of course! Abel would be thrilled for your cooking after so long, nya!”

His response made me so happy that my eyes naturally crinkled and my lips curved up.

“Then I’ll be off.”

I slung the Magic Bag for carrying things over my back.

“Take care, nya.”

“Yes, I know. I’ll be back.”

With Cain seeing me off, I left the house.

First, to resolve my main concern, I headed to the registry office.

I walked to the central registry office in the capital. Befitting the capital, the building was grand. I found the household registry section. Luckily, there was no crowd; no one waiting. I approached the clerk right away.

“Excuse me. I’d like to view my household registry.”

“Yes. Your name?”

My name. For a split second, I hesitated between the ducal Bloom or my natal Veilmar.

“Well, I should be divorced… That’s why I’m here to confirm.”

“Oh dear, that’s unfortunate…”

The female clerk’s expression shifted from businesslike to sympathetic.

—Actually, it’s a joyous divorce!

Though I thought that inwardly, I kept a troubled face to avoid dampening her sympathy and proceeded.

“So, please check both Christina Bloom—pre-divorce—and Christina Veilmar, where my registry should return if it’s finalized.”

“Understood. Could you place your hand on this magical device?”

It was probably for identity verification to prevent impersonation. I complied.

“Now, please wait in the seating area.”

After authentication, she directed me there. I sat down.

From the waiting area, I could see the clerk operating the device, printing documents with a clatter.

—Please, let it be back at the Veilmar marquess house!

Watching her work, I closed my eyes, clasped my hands tightly in my lap, and prayed silently.

“—Miss Christina.”

My name was called. I snapped my eyes open.

“Yes!”

Heart pounding, I hurried to the window.

“It seems the divorce has been finalized. Your name has returned to the marquess Veilmar household and is listed in their registry.”

She informed me pityingly, handing over the Veilmar household registry as proof.

“I see. Thank you.”

While she looked sympathetic, my heart soared with joy.

—Yes! Finally free from that rotten tie to Adolf!

I felt sorry for our grandfathers who wished for our union. But I’d fulfilled my duty. The betrayal came from Adolf and Olivia.

I told myself that to quiet the faint guilt within.

—From now on, I’m Christina Veilmar. A marquess’s daughter, but living among the common folk— no, with one person and two Cait Siths!

So I resolved.