The Grand Duchess Escape - Chapter 130.1
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As Calix read through the documents he had received, Asella’s pupils vibrated intensely.
“If only you had signed the divorce papers peacefully when I was asking nicely…”
At that moment, memories of the man who had given her a poisoned cup flashed through Asella’s mind. An indescribable fear seized her. A deep terror pressed down the nape of her neck, causing her heart to pound as if it would burst out of her chest.
“Not bad.”
Calix handed the documents to Ryzen.
Shortly after, Asella’s teacup was pushed aside, and the same papers were placed in front of her. However, she couldn’t bring herself to check the contents. Ryzen, who neatly placed the documents, spoke up.
“This is for Your Highness’ personal use.”
Finally, Asella’s head drooped down. Her eyes widened as she read through the neatly organized documents one by one, and when she reached the total amount at the bottom, it loomed large.
“You mean this is my allocated budget?”
“Is it insufficient?” Calix asked.
Asella quickly shook her head; not only was it not insufficient, it was far too much. It was an amount comparable to the annual budget of most noble families.
“No, it’s not that. It’s too much. I’m supposed to spend this in one year only…”
“It’s not an annual budget.”
Ryzen corrected her.
“It’s for one month.”
Asella gasped for breath.
“Why would you give me such a large sum of money…”
It was excessive, beyond measure.
“I’ve set up a separate vault for you. I’ve put a year’s worth of budget there for you to use as you please.”
With that, Asella realized something wasn’t right and urgently signaled her refusal.
“No, Your Grace.”
She was not oblivious to the power of money. She knew how people’s personalities would change in the face of money. Just look at Philip. He had no affection for Rebecca, yet he had pretended to be her lover for years just because of the wealth of the Vallouse family.
“You don’t need to give me such a large sum of money.”
She simply didn’t want to be caught up in anything.
‘I didn’t even bring a dowry…’
Not only did she come to this marriage empty-handed with nothing but herself, but also brought Mariel along. She could not– and should not make any demands to the Grand Duke.
His incomprehensible actions frightened her because she couldn’t fathom what ulterior motives might be hidden behind them.
“After all, I won’t be able to use it all.”
The conversation she overheard during her outing came to mind.
‘Have you heard the news? About Vicount Yulpien!?’
‘Oh, you mean the story on how he gifted the Viscountess a land along with the villa in Piron?’
There were cases where the head of the family would provide substantial compensation to their spouse for bringing an illegitimate child into the family or when they bring a mistress into their house.
‘…It doesn’t look like there is a child involved…’
But it could be something else entirely. Although her experience in high society was limited, Ase;la knew that there were many women who admired Calix.
He was a key figure in the Empire. Whenever there was a need for war or there were demons on the loose, the Emperor relied on the Grand Duke. From his noble lineage and immense wealth to his powerful private army and the Duke’s own outstanding abilities, he lacked nothing. Calix Benvito’s influence was already comparable to that of the Emperor.
In hindsight, it was naïve of her to assume that such a man would not have a mistress, and with that, the possibility of there being a child seemed more than plausible.
‘If he wants to formally accept a child into the family, then…’
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