Chapter 3

The Helmunth family rises early.

Everyone gets up at dawn to do morning exercises at the training ground, garden, or walking path.

After morning exercises, family breakfast.

It’s the only time of day when the whole family gathers.

The family head, Arandel Helmunth, values this time greatly.

“……”

Today’s breakfast is the same as usual.

Four sons and one daughter are seated at the table.

As they sit, an empty seat catches their eye.

The eldest daughter hasn’t shown up.

“Where’s Riana?”

When the eldest son, Loengreen, asks, everyone seizes the moment to mock her.

“She skipped morning training too.”

“Haha, is big sis skipping meals to support her husband now?”

“She must’ve had quite the wild night if she’s skipping breakfast.”

“Isaac must’ve worn her out.”

“……”

Everyone except Alois bursts into laughter, mocking Riana and Isaac.

“The family head is coming.”

A servant’s announcement brings silence.

A large man enters the dining hall.

His eyes, still sharp as if surveying a battlefield, never relax.

With red, mane-like hair and a beard, he strides heavily to the head seat. His name is Arandel Helmunth.

Arandel frowns at the empty seat of his eldest daughter.

“Where’s Riana?”

“She didn’t show up. She skipped morning training too.”

At Loengreen’s quick reply, Arandel’s eyebrow twitches.

Though it’s just breakfast, even this small rule being broken is a matter of the family head’s authority.

*Creak.*

Just then, the door opens, and Riana Helmunth walks in.

“I’m sorry I’m late.”

She bows her head and takes her seat.

Food is quickly served, but no one touches their utensils until the family head picks his up.

Arandel addresses his eldest daughter.

“Why are you late?”

It’s not a scolding.

The Riana he knows wouldn’t create such a flaw without reason.

He asks because he believes there must be a reason.

Riana, with dark circles under her eyes, hesitates to answer.

She knows once she speaks, it’s over.

After a sleepless night, she still hasn’t found a way to resolve the situation.

“Isaac—”

She closes her eyes tightly and exhales a bitter sigh.

“Wants a divorce.”

—

“Huh? Look at this guy. This is no joke.”

During the Helmunth family breakfast, Isaac, who bears the Helmunth name, isn’t allowed to join the meal.

The family head deemed him unworthy.

As a result, Isaac often eats breakfast alone.

“Wow, this is really… Haha, I can’t help but laugh.”

With his cheeks puffed out, Isaac eats in front of the kitchen.

He shoves a seasoned shrimp into his mouth and lets out a sigh.

“Haa, this is amazing.”

The kitchen staff, on a short break while the master eats, watch him intently.

“Me.”

Holding another shrimp, Isaac waves it around.

“I didn’t miss anything, except for one thing. The food. I couldn’t find anything this good anywhere else.”

“Miss it? You ate here just yesterday.”

The one who speaks to Isaac is Millie, a tanned-skinned woman his age.

Though the youngest in the kitchen, her skills are mature.

She’s the one who occasionally chats with Isaac.

“Ah, my mistake. I *will* miss it.”

He brushes off the slip and starts eating other dishes.

He thinks it’s extravagant to have meat on the table so early in the morning, but for a knightly family like the Helmunths, meat is a must.

“This is really good.”

“I cooked it.”

“As expected of Millie.”

“You were so quiet during meals before, but today you seem really cheerful. It’s like you’re a different person.”

“I’ve realized the value of a good meal. You only appreciate some things after you lose them.”

“Speaking of which, what did you mean by ‘will miss it’? Are you going somewhere? I heard there’s news from the Malidan Wall…”

“I’m getting a divorce.”

“What?!”

Not just Millie, but even the kitchen staff, who were watching Isaac eat, are shocked.

“I’m getting a divorce. Millie, you know how I’ve been treated here.”

“Well…”

“Not being allowed at breakfast means I’m not recognized as family, right?”

No one could deny it.

Isaac has been treated more like a servant than family for the past four years.

Because he’s family.

That phrase has choked him countless times over the years.

Everyone here has seen it.

“Ahem.”

A stout man wipes his hands with a towel and approaches Isaac.

It’s the head chef.

His thick hands fold politely.

“Is there anything you’d like to eat for dinner tonight?”

“Chef, are you trying to comfort me?”

“Ahem.”

The chef avoids eye contact.

“I didn’t know you had this side, Chef. I’d like to eat as much meat as I can. It’ll be hard to get once I leave.”

“I’ll prepare my best, Sir Isaac Helmunth.”

“I was thinking of leaving today, but I guess I’ll stay for dinner.”

Isaac stands and politely offers a handshake.

“I’ll never forget the meals here, no matter how many years pass.”

It’s not an exaggeration.

“It’s the only reason I’ll miss the Helmunths.”

He truly won’t forget.

Moved by his words, the chef and kitchen staff struggle to hold back tears.

“It’s been an honor to serve you.”

As they shake hands, the kitchen staff bursts into words of comfort and encouragement.

“You’ve gotten more handsome!”

“We had no idea you appreciated our cooking so much!”

“Congratulations on becoming a bachelor again!”

“With your looks, you’ll find a good woman in no time!”

“Haha, these guys.”

Isaac wipes his nose, feeling oddly touched.

In his past life, he never spoke to anyone here except Millie.

He never paid attention to the kitchen staff, too busy trying to escape.

Their support now fills him with pride.

*Clang!*

If Riana hadn’t walked in, the emotional moment might have continued.

The moment they see Riana, the kitchen staff’s expressions turn cold.

The atmosphere chills as if someone poured water on it. Riana approaches Isaac.

“Father wants to see you.”

“Already? He’s quick.”

Even after delivering the message, Riana remains standing there.

The silence is suffocating, like a thorn stuck in their throats.

The quiet becomes the heaviest pressure of all.

“You’re coming with me, right? You didn’t just call me alone, did you?”

“Yeah, I’ll come with you.”

“Let’s hurry. The master must be waiting.”

“You were in the middle of eating. Finish your meal, I’ll wait.”

Lianna is waiting for Isaac to finish his meal?

In the past, this would have been unimaginable, but now, no one has the time to be shocked.

“……”

Because Lianna has crossed her arms and started glaring at the chefs.

‘Heard it.’

‘Definitely heard it.’

‘Ah, shouldn’t have messed with her.’

‘Mother, I’m sorry. Your son might be done for here.’

‘What did I say earlier?’

Various whirlwinds of worry swirl in the chefs’ heads.

Helmunth’s great physique must have included good hearing, as it was clear he heard everything they were saying outside.

“……”

Otherwise, there would be no need to glare at the chefs so menacingly.

“I’m already full.”

But the torture didn’t last long.

Because Isaac left his food and walked away.

“……Alright.”

Lianna had a displeased expression but eventually followed Isaac outside.

Before the door closed, Isaac raised his thumb behind his back, reassuring her not to worry.

Thud.

The door closed.

Seeing the plate Isaac left for them after eating so heartily, the head chef clenched his fist.

“Tonight, we’ll prepare a truly luxurious feast!”

“Understood!”

Among the bustling chefs.

Only Millie, the same age as Isaac, watched the door he left through with concern.

* * *

The master’s office.

Located on the highest floor of Helmunth Mansion, this place, despite being filled with books, had a stronger scent of iron.

Master Arandel, leaning on a massive wooden desk suited to his size, stared at Isaac.

Personally, Isaac thought his father-in-law was the most mismatched person with the desk and chair in the world.

“It’s been a while, father-in-law.”

Though they lived in the same mansion, it had been a long time since Isaac was at the end of Arandel’s gaze.

“I want a divorce.”

Getting straight to the point, skipping formalities.

Isaac nodded slightly.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Denied.”

The expected answer.

“Father-in-law, I think there’s a slight misunderstanding.”

Placing a hand on his chest, he gently corrected the misunderstanding.

“I wasn’t asking for permission.”

Contrary to etiquette, the words that came out of his mouth greatly irritated Arandel.

“I’m informing you that it’s already decided. Since our marital relationship isn’t harmonious, it would be beneficial for both of us to find new partners.”

“……”

“Fortunately, we married young, so even if we divorce now, it’s not too late to find new spouses.”

“……”

“When you accepted me, a commoner, as your son-in-law, I know you were very uncomfortable. You weren’t wrong, father-in-law. I’ll find my place and leave.”

He didn’t mind belittling himself.

After all, he just wanted to leave here.

Arandel’s gaze shifted to Lianna.

With a look asking for her opinion, Lianna answered in a small voice.

“I’ll follow Isaac’s opinion.”

“Hmm.”

A short sigh.

Arandel’s look at his daughter was filled with affection.

Now, there was no reason to refuse.

He thought so, but.

“Denied.”

Arandel gave a consistent answer.

“The reason is the Sword Festival.”

The Sword Festival was a traditional event and festival of Helmunth.

A massive event attended by nearby villagers, friendly nobles, and even royalty.

“This year’s Sword Festival is special as it will announce Helmunth’s successor, so many will come to scrutinize Helmunth.”

Of course, they wouldn’t just come to celebrate but also to gauge the future successor of Helmunth.

Showing off to them.

It was a declaration of Helmunth’s confidence in itself.

“If you divorce now, Lianna’s divorce will be the talk of the festival.”

It would become a subject of ridicule.

‘Hmm, no problem at all.’

Isaac thought it wasn’t a big deal.

After all, he wasn’t the one being ridiculed.

“So, it’s possible after the Sword Festival?”

“Yes, after that. If your intentions remain the same, you may do as you wish.”

He got a confirmation on the divorce, but unfortunately, Isaac wanted to leave the mansion as soon as possible.

“Sorry, but I want a divorce immediately. So, I’ll make another proposal.”

“You want to negotiate with me?”

Negotiation requires a certain level.

With that meaning in his question, Isaac smiled.

“I heard that due to the recent surge in demon attacks, the Malidan Wall has requested support from the kingdom’s influential nobles.”

“……”

“Isaac?”

Arandel, resting his chin on the armrest, looked at him with interest.

And Lianna, calling from behind with a ‘no way’ feeling.

But he ignored her and made his proposal.

“I’ll go. Since I also bear the name of Helmunth, my going would mean Helmunth has sufficiently contributed to this request for support.”

In reality, he couldn’t even swing a sword properly.

But Isaac, bearing the name of Helmunth, going would mean Helmunth had done its part in this support request.

“You wouldn’t want the direct line to be here because of the Sword Festival preparations, right?”

The Sword Festival, where numerous dignitaries would visit.

There, Helmunth’s children have the responsibility to showcase overwhelming martial prowess.

“If sent to the Malidan Wall, I’d be flipping demon guts on the frontlines instead of preparing for the Sword Festival. I’ll take that role.”

He wasn’t asking for something grand.

He just wanted to leave this house.

And didn’t want to wait until the Sword Festival.

So, he’d take on the troublesome frontline dispatch before the Sword Festival.

“Huh.”

A smile formed on Isaac’s lips.

A sly expression, knowing what answer would come from Arandel.

‘Did he have this side to him?’

Arandel, honestly admitting that his son-in-law was a much more resolute man than he thought.

“Alright.”

Nodding, he allowed Isaac to leave Helmunth.