Contract Marriage: Rewritten - Chapter 22
Chapter 22
Translator: Yonnee
—
Shortly after, the empress’s palace sent a small additional budget along with new cleaning tools. It was an unmistakable act of mockery.
‘Not that it particularly hurt me.’
At the time, Laniakea distributed the money from the empress among Lucy and the other attendants.
Compared to other palaces, she had rarely been able to offer them any additional wages, so she was relieved to be able to provide for them in even this small way. The tiny sum that remained, she tucked away in a drawer.
She had saved so diligently, yet it still wasn’t enough to rent even a modest house.
Laniakea glanced at Hyperion, who had fallen silent again, and hurriedly spoke.
“I didn’t spend recklessly, I promise! I really tried my best to be frugal…”
“I know. The empress allocated you an utterly unreasonable amount.”
Hyperion rose from his seat and walked to his desk. He picked up a stack of documents before returning to sit in front of her again.
“I’ve reviewed everything. Your budget was set according to standards from decades ago, and the additional quarterly funds were never properly distributed. Frankly, I’m astonished that you managed to maintain the annex at all.”
His voice carried a note of exasperation as he clicked his tongue.
Laniakea found his words puzzling.
He had only arrived at the imperial palace yesterday. He must have been busy with the funeral arrangements, not to mention dealing with the flood of ministers seeking an audience with him.
He likely hadn’t even had time to sleep—so when had he managed to review those documents?
“I was able to make do. It wasn’t comfortable, and there was nothing left over, but… that’s why I’m in a bit of a pinch now that Your Highness are about to separate. According to our marriage contract, I would leave with nothing but what little I’ve saved. That’s why, though I hesitate to ask, I was hoping for some assistance after the divorce.”
“……”
Hyperion remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking.
“How much support were you hoping to request?”
“Well…”
She hadn’t decided on a specific amount. She had only thought of asking for enough to get by until she could secure a place to live.
As she hesitated to answer, Hyperion set the documents down and spoke.
“If we don’t divorce, you won’t have to worry about this at all.”
He wasn’t wrong. If they didn’t divorce, she would become empress. The empress of the empire would never have to concern herself with finding a place to live.
“…But I still think I am far too inadequate to become empress.”
She understood why he wanted a powerless empress. However, no matter how she looked at it, she simply wasn’t suited for the position.
Neither the empire nor Hyperion would gain anything from her.
“Why do you think that?”
“What do you mean, why? What could I possibly offer? To be blunt, my kingdom offers Your Highness no advantage. And compared to the other noble ladies, I lack far too much.”
It wasn’t humility—it was simply the truth.
As a royal, she had received basic education, but only at a rudimentary level.
Unlike the daughters of noble families who had been rigorously educated from childhood by renowned imperial scholars—preparing either to inherit their houses or to engage in governance—her knowledge was severely lacking in comparison.
Even after marrying the prince, it had been the same. The other princess consorts had actively pursued social engagements and learned much, dreaming of one day becoming empress.
Meanwhile, Laniakea had spent her time dusting furniture, tending to her tiny garden, and reading books within the confines of her annex.
To imagine herself as the empress—it was suffocating. That position was never meant for her.
Perhaps noticing the stiffness in her expression, Hyperion picked up the documents again and said,
“I understand your position. But I still ask that you reconsider, just once more.”
“……”
“I have no intention of forcing you to stay. If you truly wish to leave, I will respect that decision.”
At his words, Laniakea’s expression brightened slightly.
“My feelings won’t change, but… I would like to request only the bare minimum for myself. Instead, could you ensure that my lady-in-waiting and the other palace attendants are well provided for?”
“I have no intention of withholding anything from those who have served you. I will ensure they receive ample compensation so that no one is left wanting.”
His response eased Laniakea’s worries even further.
“Then, I should take my leave now. I’m sorry for taking up so much of your time when you must be incredibly busy.”
“There is no need to apologize. I was the one who requested this meeting. And I appreciate you coming despite everything—you must still be overwhelmed.”
Just then, a knock came at the door, followed by an attendant’s voice.
“Your Highness! His Majesty the Emperor requests your presence!”
At the mention of the emperor, Laniakea quickly stood and bowed her head.
Hyperion glanced at her briefly before setting down the documents and excusing himself.
Laniakea also hurried to leave, making her way back to the annex.
Once she returned to her familiar room, she let out a sigh of relief.
‘I’ll be able to leave the palace sooner than expected.’
But that night, as if to mock her expectations, an unexpected event occurred.
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