Karl's decision was like a boulder hurled into a tranquil lake, stirring waves of disbelief through Carnford's upper circles.
They had heard of lords marrying; noble couples being outwardly harmonious while each went their own way was hardly rare. But such a formal, public "divorce," and with a princess as the other party—this was simply unheard of in everyone's understanding.
When Edgar, wearing an incredulous expression, relayed Karl's order for all important officials, military officers, and the castle's resident priest to gather in the main hall the next day, speculation and whispers spread like wildfire.
The next morning, the atmosphere in Carnford Castle's main hall was extraordinarily strange. The long table had been moved away, leaving an open area in the center. More than a dozen high-ranking civil and military officials stood in rows on either side, every face solemn as they exchanged baffled looks.
The elderly resident priest clutched the holy emblem against his chest, sweat beading on his brow as he muttered under his breath. He seemed to be praying for divine guidance—or perhaps he was simply nervous. He had presided over weddings, funerals, even confessions, but what was the procedure for a "divorce"? The holy canon had never written one!
Karl and Louise stood in the center of the hall.
"Everyone," Karl's voice rang through the hall, "I have gathered you here today to announce an important matter and ask you all to bear witness."
Every gaze snapped toward him and Louise.
Karl paused, his eyes sweeping over the faces present—some puzzled, some astonished, some thoughtful—before he continued in an even tone. "Her Highness the Princess and I have given this careful consideration. We both believe that our... feelings are not in harmony. To continue maintaining this marriage would be a restraint and torment for us both,