A Man Understood Another Man Best

Vivian almost let out a curse at Leonard's shameless act. Her entire body stiffened in shock, and she struggled to process what had just happened. Did he really just bite her ear, in public?

The audacity!

Her heart pounded as heat rushed to her face, a furious blush creeping up her neck. Her fingers twitched at her sides as she fought the overwhelming urge to slap him, to push him away, to demand an explanation for his absurd behavior.

Why?

Why was he acting like this? They were standing before the Pope, for heaven's sake, in the presence of nobles and priests alike. Yet Leonard had the gall to lean in so boldly and make such an intimate move just because she had glanced at Alexander a little longer than usual? Was he seriously jealous right now? The sheer ridiculousness of it made her want to laugh, except there was nothing funny about it.

They were on the verge of a divorce. It was finalized. Settled. He had no right to dictate whom she looked at, no right to act like a possessive husband when he had been the one to throw their marriage away.

Did he expect her to live like a grieving widow after their separation? To turn into some lonely, untouched woman simply because he would no longer be in her life?

Ridiculous.

Vivian clenched her fists and turned to glare at him, but the heat in her cheeks and the original host's shyness had betrayed her emotions. Instead of fierce anger, she could only imagine how she looked, flustered, flushed, and undoubtedly adorable.

And that infuriated her even more.

No one ever took her anger seriously in the first place even back on earth. Even now, despite the sharp glare she directed at him, Leonard's lips curled ever so slightly, his dark eyes gleaming with something unreadable. It was as if he were entertained by her futile attempts at intimidation.

She knew why.

Her beauty was both a gift and a curse. No matter how furious she became, people never cowered before her wrath. Instead, they softened, smiling indulgently as though she were a mere kitten throwing a tantrum. No one feared an angry kitten, they only wanted to pet it.

It had always been that way.

And judging by the way Leonard was looking at her now, she knew he was thinking the same thing.

Meanwhile Leonard,

His jaw tightened, his expression hardening. His thoughts must have taken a darker turn, because his grip on her wrist, though subtle, grew more possessive.

Leonard knew he needed to control himself.

But how could he, when Vivian was so effortlessly tempting? Everything about her, her beauty, her defiant spirit, the way her presence drew every man's attention, was enough to drive him mad. Even now, her unconscious allure was setting his blood on fire.

It wasn't her fault. She didn't even realize what she was doing. That was the most dangerous part.

How was he supposed to let a woman like her roam free, unguarded, knowing full well that men would line up to worship at her feet the moment he let her go? The very thought of it made something dark and dangerous curl within him.

If she were his, truly his, he would never let her out of his sight.

A flicker of possessiveness flashed in his eyes, and for a brief moment, it threatened to consume him whole.

Across from them, Alexander silently observed the exchange, his sharp blue eyes gleaming with interest.

Oh, he had caught every single detail.

Unlike the rest of the oblivious onlookers, Alexander was perceptive. He had seen the way Leonard had leaned in, the territorial glint in his eyes, the warning disguised beneath that seemingly casual act.

Leonard had just marked his claim, an unspoken command for Alexander to back off.

It was almost amusing.

A man understood another man best, after all. And Alexander had no doubt about what had just transpired, Leonard was sending a clear message. He might be letting Vivian go, but that didn't mean he wanted another man touching her.

But why divorce her, then?

That was the part Alexander couldn't quite grasp. It was obvious that Leonard was still attached to the duchess, so why push her away? Why go through all the trouble of separating from a woman he clearly couldn't bear to see with someone else?

Alexander smirked to himself.

It was no concern of his.

If Leonard was foolish enough to let go of a woman like Vivian, then perhaps it was a mistake he would live to regret. Because Alexander wasn't the type to let an opportunity slip by.

Especially not one as enticing as this.

Vivian might not have realized it yet, but he had caught the way her eyes lingered on him. Even if only for a moment, even if it wasn't intentional, she had looked. And that was enough.

She had noticed him.

And that was the first step.

Meanwhile, Vivian, having had enough of Leonard's antics, turned her attention to the figure before them, the Pope.

Unlike his tall and imposing nephew, the Pope was a shorter, chubby middle-aged man with soft features that made him look almost… cuddly. If she were being honest, he reminded her of a teddy bear, albeit a very serious and holy one.

Yet despite his normally gentle demeanor, there was a deep sadness in his eyes as he regarded her.

"May the glory and mercy of Leuhtaz be with you," he greeted solemnly, his voice warm yet heavy with emotion. His gaze lingered on Vivian, his expression full of concern.

"It pains me to hear of your divorce, Your Grace," he continued. "May the gods of Leuhtaz be with you and heal you of your sorrow."

His grip on her hand was gentle but firm, as if trying to reassure her that she wasn't alone.

"If ever you need someone to talk to, remember that I am here for you," he added softly.

To the Pope, Vivian was more than just a duchess or the archduke's daughter and the emperor's precious niece, she was like the daughter he had never had. He had watched her grow, guided her through life, and seen the kindness in her heart. The thought of her suffering alone was unbearable.

His gaze flickered toward Leonard, and for a brief moment, the warmth in his expression was replaced with quiet disapproval.

"I hope Your Grace is not making a mistake," the Pope said, his tone sharper than before. "I would tell you to reconsider, but I suspect your mind is already set." He sighed, shaking his head. "So I shall say no more."

He gestured to the waiting priest and priestess.

"Come. Let them escort you to change your clothes."

And with that, the ceremony that would sever their bond forever drew one step closer to completion.