Chapter 1: That Bastard Isn’t the Male Lead, Right?
Year 812 of the Cecillika Empire.
Duke Pelliert Chambers, who ruled the northern region of Cecillika, was infamous for being cold and ruthless. There wasn’t a single person who hadn’t heard the rumors—that he could cut someone down with just his gaze, or that merely meeting his eyes could cost you your head.
Two years ago, another title was added to his name:
“The groom who ran off to the battlefield immediately after his wedding.”
When news spread that the long war had finally ended and that Duke Pelliert Chambers was returning in glory, the once desolate northern territory—nothing but barren forests and frozen lakes—buzzed with unprecedented excitement.
And for me, it was also incredibly good news.
The very next day after transmigrating, I had no chance to run and ended up marrying him. After that, I rotted in this prison without bars for two whole years. At just twenty-one years old, no less!
Two years was far too long.
But now, it was finally time to put an end to it.
So no matter what—
I’m getting a divorce.
* * *
– 24 hours before the Duke of the North arrives at the estate –
“Duchess, Her Ladyship is calling for you.”
At the news I had been waiting for, I silently rose to my feet. I had expected her to summon me around this time.
Following the servant into the study, just as I thought—
Emma Chambers, the Duke’s mother, was waiting for me.
“Mother, you called for me?”
I greeted her politely, carefully gauging her mood. The elderly woman, her hair completely white, set down her teacup with a cold expression as soon as I finished speaking.
Without a word, she abruptly pulled out a pouch about the size of a baby’s head.
Thud!
The moment it hit the table, a heavy sound echoed through the room.
“Lorella, I’ll be direct. As soon as my son returns, divorce him.”
“…Pardon?”
Yes! I’ve been waiting for this!
I bit my lip hard and quickly raised my head, widening my eyes as I stared at the bright blue sky outside the window. Apparently, this helped bring out tears. After holding it for a moment, my eyes began to sting.
Seizing the chance, I spoke, my voice trembling without effort.
“W-What… do you mean by that…?”
“My son is now a hero who saved the Empire. Even the Imperial Family has promised him a great reward! His future is bright—are you planning to hold him back?”
“But…”
Ignoring me, she continued.
“Don’t cling to him. Leave quietly. Think of this as your compensation.”
A golden gleam flickered through the slightly loosened pouch. Gold coins.
The moment I saw them, my heart started pounding wildly. I bit my lip even harder, trying to suppress my surging emotions. Otherwise, I might blurt out, “I was planning to divorce him anyway—thank you so much!”
“You were always such an obedient and quiet child. I trust you’ll listen to me this time as well.”
“…Mother.”
“Shall I be more honest? From the start, you never matched our family’s status.”
“Sniff…”
At her icy words, I quickly covered my face with both hands. I tried to squeeze out tears, but it wasn’t easy—mostly because I was getting irritated.
Hey, you shameless old woman!
She hadn’t kicked me out before because she was afraid her son might die in the war, leaving me as a loose end. But now that he was coming back, I was no longer needed?
Well, excuse me, Grandma—maybe you don’t know this, but Dukes of the North don’t die easily. It’s practically a rule that they come back alive even from hell!
I wanted to snap back, but I held it in. Seeing my shoulders shake as if I were crying, Emma clicked her tongue. Through the gaps between my fingers, I saw her turn her head away.
“You tell him yourself. It’ll be better for you if this ends cleanly.”
I bowed deeply.
“Thank you… for everything.”
Then I slowly stepped back—
hugging the pouch of gold coins I had swiftly snatched up.
* * *
– 12 hours before the Duke arrives –
In my dimly lit room, I grinned like a madwoman.
“Nice. This is perfect.”
Stacks of gold coins, neatly piled in tens, covered the table. Just looking at the shimmering gold made me feel full without eating.
I had expected things to go somewhat like this—but not this smoothly.
A mother-in-law asking her son’s wife to divorce him after his triumphant return.
A meek wife leaving in tears without protest.
Before transmigrating, I had consumed countless stories like this—novels, comics, games… dozens, maybe hundreds.
But no matter how often I had seen it secondhand, experiencing it myself felt completely different.
Ahh! So thrilling! This is the best!
Seeing this mountain of gold, I didn’t even feel that bitter about the two years I had quietly wasted in this cold, shabby estate.
Of course, I had considered running away many times during those two years.
But Emma Chambers and the people she hired to watch me were terrifying. They were basically prison guards.
And now, that same mother-in-law had not only asked for a divorce but even given me money for it. How could I not be thrilled?
Thank you, Mother. I’ll make very good use of this money.
After bowing sincerely in the direction of her room, I picked up the paper lying on the table.
It was filled with plans I had prepared in advance, dreaming of the day I would be free.
“First, I should go to Hotel Delfino. They give a 30% discount for long-term guests. And there’s Gerard Restaurant next door that offers meal subscriptions every three months.”
With this, I could live comfortably for two and a half—no, even three years.
Living a carefree life at a hotel for three whole years? Amazing.
…Of course, I didn’t plan to just spend recklessly forever.
“I can’t just live idly like that.”
Even though I now had red hair and red eyes, before transmigrating, I was just an ordinary Korean.
The kind who feels anxious if not working—even in games.
After enjoying some freedom, I’d use this gold as capital and grow my wealth. No matter what.
After stuffing the coins back into the pouch, I flopped onto the bed with a light heart.
“Tomorrow’s finally the day.”
When I wake up, I’ll escape this dreadful estate.
Just thinking about it brought a smile to my lips. Soon, I drifted off to sleep.
* * *
– 10 seconds before the Duke arrives –
A large carriage stopped in front of the estate. The waiting servants stiffened with tension.
I was no different.
Seeing him again after two years since the wedding made me strangely nervous.
The carriage door opened, and a man stepped out.
Tall, pale-skinned, with neatly combed black hair.
Even if you were flying in a jet, you’d still know he’s the Duke of the North.
Watching him walk between the knights, I understood why “Duke of the North = black hair” was practically a formula. His cold, aloof aura fit perfectly.
And his face—like a sculpture.
If not for the situation, I might’ve been stunned speechless.
“Welcome home, my proud son…!”
Emma rushed forward and hugged him tightly, crying.
He simply bowed slightly, expressionless—then walked toward me.
The clinking of the sword at his waist grew closer.
“…Welcome back.”
I greeted my ‘husband’ politely. My voice was flat, making me seem timid and withdrawn.
Now he’ll look at me like I’m a pebble on the road, right?
Glance.
Just as expected, his cold gaze swept over me indifferently.
“I’m glad you returned safely.”
I added another line for appearances.
Of course he won’t respond.
“….”
As expected, silence.
After a brief, tense moment, he turned away and walked past me.
“Phew…”
Only then did I loosen my scarf and exhale.
“Well, there’s no character easier to understand than the Duke of the North.”
* * *
That night, a grand banquet was held in his honor.
But the star of the event showed no interest, gave a brief greeting, and left for his study.
Taking the opportunity, I slipped away and followed him upstairs.
Standing before his study door, I took a deep breath and knocked.
“Come in.”
Inside, he sat behind a desk—neat and composed, like a painting.
“How can I help you?”
“I… well…”
“Don’t tell me you came because you missed me.”
Wow. That cold, biting tone. Truly the perfect Duke of the North.
“I have something to say.”
With trembling hands, I held out a paper.
“…Please divorce me.”
“…Divorce?”
“Yes. I want a divorce.”
“…Why?”
“Because I don’t love you—and you don’t love me either.”
Silence fell.
“Lorella.”
His voice turned icy.
“…Do you know why you’re still the lady of this house?”
“….”
“Because I allow it.”
He smirked arrogantly.
“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that nonsense.”
Nonsense?!
I steadied myself.
“I just think… you should marry someone more suitable.”
He snatched the paper and read it. His expression darkened—
Then—
Rip. Rip.
He tore it to shreds.
“I have no intention of divorcing. And you will never leave.”
At that moment, my anger exploded.
“Just what do you think you’re—!”
Ding-dong!
A loud chime rang out of nowhere.
A glowing, palm-sized window appeared before my eyes.
“W-What is this!?”
Text rapidly filled the screen:
[“That bastard isn’t the male lead, right?” has opened your stock account.]
[50 shares, 100 shares, 200 shares… instantly surpassing 300 shares!]
I collapsed onto the sofa in shock.
“Now you’re pretending to be insane?”
He grabbed my arm roughly.
“Go back to your room quietly.”
Another message appeared:
[“That bastard isn’t the male lead, right?” is extremely angry and hurling insults.]
The window moved, covering his face, and displayed—
[“Stop talking nonsense, you rotten bastard!”]
