Response of the universe

The disagreement was clearly depicted on her face as she narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips into a thin line. But the Duke was adamant to state the thoughts that had disturbed him these past few days.

"Don't be upset, Ann. Listen to Father first, as Father has reasons for this." With the attention of his daughter, he resumed speaking, 

"If we put a clear mind into this matter, you haven't met your husband in person yet. According to your share, what made you disappointed and unhappy with your marriage was the absence of your husband, the unfriendliness of your mother-in-law, and the unfamiliarity with your new environment," the Duke unraveled his analysis. 

"Father has carefully thought about this matter since we finished speaking in the garden a few days ago. You haven't known about your husband yet as he was away when you were there. You felt not respected because of his absence. But he was away on the battlefield, Ann. He was on the borderline of life and death," the Duke took another pause, observing his daughter if she was paying attention to his words.

He was relieved when he noticed that she didn't ignore him although she obviously looked displeased.

"And about your mother-in-law and foreign environment, have you ever thought that everything will be fine with the passing of time?" Joanna kept her lips sealed at her father's query, directing her eyes to the floor instead.

"Father wouldn't have suggested you give thoughts on your marriage if you returned home because of the unpleasant behavior of your husband when you were living under the same roof as him. It would also be a different case for how Father would behave and view this matter if he physically or verbally hurt you," the Duke kept on voicing his mind even though Joanna fixed her eyes on the floor, not him, as he knew that she was listening to him. 

"If that happens to be the reason for your intention to end your marriage, it will be the time when Father will bear the pain when watching you be mocked and your reputation is trampled under social judgment as a divorcee. But as long as it is not the case, Father couldn't bear to see you, my own blood and flesh, to face the cruelty of public judgment. Don't ever think that it is a simple matter to cope with. You may be ready as you said, Ann. But Father is not. However, please keep in mind that Father will not say anything if General von Rodega approves your marriage annulment as you wish and Father will always have your back," the Duke stated his sincere consideration.

Since he heard the share of his daughter's married life in Archess, together with the reasons that made her return to her home and wanted to end her marriage, the Duke had felt restless both emotionally and physically. He had tried to find the part that made him want to untangle the knot in this matter, the knot that made him feel not peaceful. 

His daughter had stated in her position that she was ready to face all the consequences that she would bear once her marriage was annulled. However, as a father, to see his daughter who had been raised by him wholeheartedly being mocked and disrespected because of her failed marriage and becoming a divorcee at such a young age, the Duke admitted that he was not that ignorant and strong.

Therefore, along with the suggestion of the King to have his daughter discuss the matter with her husband, he would also try to open her mind to embrace the marriage if the General refused to nullify their marriage.

However, if she had lived with her husband under the same roof but he had been proven to be not a good person, the Duke wouldn't have suggested his daughter have another try, as he would be the first person supporting her to end her marriage with that kind of man.

Regarding her mother-in-law and the unfamiliar environment, the Duke had also wondered if the General's presence as her husband would help her adapt to such a foreign environment and be the medium to change the attitude of his mother towards Joanna.

On the other hand, despite the disappointment that grew in her heart when listening to her father's suggestion, Joanna had made up her mind and didn't blame him as he didn't know the exact reason why she chose that blatant decision. 

She understood the feelings of her father when he found his daughter facing social judgment for the rest of her life. She was actually well aware that it wouldn't be as easy as she thought, as she had seen so many cases of divorced ladies in Terra who ended up being cornered and not able to mingle freely in society.

Most of them were also mocked for being worthless as they were dumped by their spouses. In other words, their value as a woman has been drastically plummeted by a so-called divorce or annulment.

However, Joanna was still unable to let go of her fear and anxiety every time she recalled the dream that she had that night. It was fragmented as she couldn't see the whole scene but she could feel that Joanna in that dream was not happy. 

She had seen the brim of her puffy eyes reddening because of tears that were hard to stop. She had seen her face turn haggard and her body became skinnier because of prolonged distress. She was suffocated but no one stood by her side to support her. She was alone, even until on the verge of her death.

And Joanna didn't want to be like that. Therefore, she still chose to be away from the General, the man who had ruined Joanna in that dream.

"Thank you for the suggestion and thank you for helping me in this matter, Father. It really means a lot to me. For the rest, I will talk to the General and try to resolve this matter myself. Please rest assured, Father," Joanna said in a calm voice with a reassuring smile, to which her father only returned the smile with a nod. 

She didn't want to burden her father with her personal matters anymore. Finding him restless wasn't the thing Joanna wanted to see. He also already had a lot of matters to handle in his role as a Duke. 

So, it was time for her to use her own methods to get rid of the General from her life. If one method failed, then she would do the other way, until she completely separated from him and avoided that nightmare. Joanna silently planted the determination in her mind.

As if the universe heard what was circulating in her mind, not long after, the commotion could be heard outside the drawing room. Then, there was a knock on the other side of the door.

"Come in," responded the Duke.

Soon after the response came out from the Duke, the door was pushed open and the butler made his way toward the Duke. He then relayed the message to his master.

"General Canillas von Rodega of Archess has arrived in the Duchy of Barasca, Your Grace."