Chapter 21: My Ex-Husband Has Appeared!

“—Brave and valiant defenders who protect the town of Diudo!
Together with our monster-subjugation corps, let us drive out the beasts and restore peace to this land!”

Standing on the dais, delivering his resounding speech, was the strikingly handsome man clad in black—General Adolphus Duer.

His deep blue eyes had not left me for even a moment.

Cold sweat would not stop trickling down my back.

(He absolutely recognizes me, doesn’t he—!?)

And that glare feels incredibly intense!

Is he angry?
He’s angry, right??
Why??
Well, actually, I can think of plenty of reasons!

I mean, I was the incredibly inconsiderate woman who was forced into marriage with him, then disappeared after only five days, leaving behind divorce papers!

If he were smiling sweetly at me after that, that would be even scarier!

(Ahhhhh! And what is wrong with me at a time like this, but Adolphus is ridiculously handsome—!?)

Glossy black hair.
Gem-like blue eyes.
A tall, lean yet powerful frame that looks far too perfect in that black military uniform.

I had wondered if memory had beautified him, but the real thing is even more handsome!

No—hasn’t he grown even more dangerously attractive over the past three years!?
Even the crease between his brows is somehow… alluring!

While my thoughts spiral uselessly—effectively shutting down my brain—Adolphus finishes his speech and begins walking toward me.

One step.

Then another.

His sharp gaze remains locked on my face.

I can’t flee now.

Over my clothes, I clutch the ring hanging at my chest.

(Ah… up close, he really does look like Lowell…)

Lowell is undeniably his child.

I knew that from the start, yet my chest tightens painfully.

“…Strong, handsome, an ice-attribute noble…
Could it be…”

Beside me, the young lord murmurs in stunned realization, glancing between Adolphus and me.

Before I can react, Adolphus stops directly in front of us.

For the first time in three years, our eyes meet at close range.

I can feel my racing heartbeat through the hand gripping my ring.

His frown deepens.

His lips press into a firm line.

Then he parts those well-shaped lips.

“Rosal—”

“Waaah! General Duer, it’s a pleasure to meet you! I’m Logy! Just Logy! Full of energy! A bright and shiny commoner! Please feel free to call me Logy! Logy!”

“…Ah?”

I blurt out my introduction at full volume.

Adolphus blinks, visibly taken aback.

That was close—!
He was about to say “Rosalind”!

In the end, I probably just looked like some overly enthusiastic woman aggressively promoting her own name to a handsome general, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

If my real name were spoken aloud, someone might realize I was the former princess.

And if that happened, Lowell and I would lose everything.

I even emphasized that we were meeting for the first time.

What do you think!?
Won’t you just assume I resemble your ex-wife by coincidence!?

At that moment, someone smoothly stepped between us, breaking the awkward tension.

“It is an honor to meet you, General Duer.
I am Philip Barrow, captain of the Diudo Defense Force.
We are deeply grateful that a hero of your renown has personally come to our aid.”

“Adolphus Duer.
Captain Philip, your valor has reached even the capital.”

“Truly?
I am honored.”

The young lord smiles amiably.

Adolphus’s expression returns to its composed severity as they shake hands.

Finally freed from his piercing gaze, I breathe in relief—

For about three seconds.

“And this is Logy…”

The young lord gently draws me to stand beside him.

Adolphus’s eyes return to me.

“She is our defense force’s saint.
She awakened to holy magic just recently and has since been assisting our medical team.”

“Holy magic… so it was you…”

“Thanks to Logy, ninety percent of our injured soldiers have returned to duty.
She is the savior of our defense force—no, of Diudo itself!”

“Young lord, please stop exaggerating!”

I nudge him lightly in the side.

Adolphus narrows his eyes at us, clearly displeased.

See!?
You’re making it sound suspicious!

Still fixing me with a stern look, Adolphus steps closer.

“Rosa—… Logy.
There is much I must ask you.
When did you awaken to holy magic?
What triggered it?”

“Um…”

Another step closer.

“How long have you lived in this town?
Where do you reside?
Is it a secure area?
How many guards protect your home?”

“W-wait—”

Another step.

“What was your occupation before joining the defense force?
Did you encounter any danger?
No—before that, do you live alone?
Or perhaps—”

“Please wait! I can’t answer all of that at once!”

I thrust both hands forward to stop him.

Only then does he halt.

His brows lower slightly, as if embarrassed.

“…Ah.
Forgive me.
I became hasty.
I—”

“Adolphus-sama, who is this?”

At that moment, a sweet, bell-like feminine voice rings out from behind him.

A woman steps up beside Adolphus, resting a graceful hand upon his arm.

I inhale sharply.

Golden hair that catches the light like flowing silk.

Rare pink eyes.

A slender, elegant figure.

A breathtakingly beautiful young woman stood there.