About Becoming My Ex-Husband's Mistress - Chapter 106

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 106. Not Prettily
An order had been issued to annihilate his entire family.
However, his family had all died of plague long ago, so there was no one left. Though his status had been completely erased, they would still send someone to the Salon. It seemed they would arrive in about three days.
The objective was an invitation, but if that failed, it would change.
Brissel Mohr.
Though much was omitted, it was a report Luderne Sellen could fully comprehend.
Eclite had attempted to harm Priscilla’s family, whom he believed to be in Necari Territory.
Given his nature, it was obvious he had planned her family’s annihilation simultaneously with issuing the banishment order against her.
That way, Priscilla—unable to enter the country—would suffer unbearably, unable even to attend her family’s funeral.
The plan had fallen through, ultimately ending with only the erasure of her status, but he must have been deeply frustrated.
So now it appeared the plan was to send an Imperial special agent to the Salon to abduct her.
Not prettily.
What Eclite likely wanted was a hostage play directed at me.
Of course, if abduction proved impossible, he would kill her.
His intent was transparent, and Luderne Sellen let out a soft scoff. Then he unfolded the creased portrait.
The subject of the portrait had a somewhat fierce expression, with a large mole beside her nose and red hair braided in two plaits.
‘Whether fortunate or unfortunate.’
Priscilla had already boarded the Quindel. Given the distance, the Salon would have to remain vacant for some time.
One corner of Luderne Sellen’s mouth lifted as he gazed at the portrait.
“Walter.”
Luderne Sellen extended the portrait to Walter.
“Guard the Salon starting two days from now.”
“Sir?”
“They intend to abduct her. If abduction goes poorly, they plan to kill her.”
A glint of murderous intent flickered in Walter’s eyes.
“Should the person in this portrait appear at the Salon and engage in suspicious behavior or threaten anyone, cut her down immediately.”
“Understood.”
“And regarding the disciplinary matter—it was not your incompetence, so I’ll overlook it. Stand by in your quarters ready to move at any moment.”
“Understood, Your Highness.”
Walter bowed more respectfully and was opening the door to leave the study when—
“Ah.”
Outside stood Anne, her hand raised as if she had been about to knock.
Walter stepped aside, and Anne entered, bowing her head.
“Your Highness, Madame Laber requests an audience.”
It seemed the time had come to receive the operational report from the Salon.
“Have her come in. Bring tea.”
“Yes.”
Shortly after, Madame Laber entered and offered a respectful bow.
“Sit.”
Luderne Sellen and Madame Laber sat facing each other across a tea set.
Anne filled the teacup and stepped aside, ready to serve.
The moment Madame Laber lifted her cup, Luderne Sellen gestured to Anne.
“I’d prefer Lesha to handle the rest of the service. Summon Lesha and Walter.”
“….”
Anne struggled to conceal her bewilderment at his words.
Whenever a female guest visited Luderne Sellen’s study, it was customary for her, the head maid, to serve tea.
Yet he was asking her to bring Lesha, who couldn’t speak?
Anne wanted to question his reasoning, but she knew better than to ask.
A maid must obey her master’s commands without question.
Swallowing her irritation, Anne fetched Lesha and Walter.
She longed to tear out every strand of Lesha’s hair, but with the girl needed immediately, she couldn’t lift a finger against her.
The moment Lesha entered the study, she bowed respectfully to both Luderne Sellen and Madame Laber before beginning her service.
Walter positioned himself squarely before Luderne Sellen.
Anne left the study first, grinding her teeth inwardly.
Whatever they meant to discuss, she would station herself at the door and eavesdrop.
But soon the study door opened, and Walter emerged to take his post at the entrance.
Standing at attention, he fixed Anne with a furrowed brow.
“What are you doing here? Surely you understand what my presence means?”
His tone was unusually sharp and forbidding.
It was Luderne Sellen’s instruction—no one was to approach.
Intimidated by Walter’s warning, Anne hurried back to the servants’ quarters and tore off her apron, flinging it to the floor.
“What secrets could Luderne Sellen possibly share with Madame Laber?”
Her mood was thoroughly soured, but there was nothing to be done. Later, she would press Lesha for details of their conversation.
Anne sat on the edge of her bed and began changing her clothes.
She intended to visit Melissa Bilsty.
Better still if Melissa wasn’t there and only that man was present.
Meanwhile, Madame Laber watched Walter exit the study, a slight smirk playing at the corner of her mouth.
“What wind blew in? You’ve switched out your serving maid today.”
“You know the reason better than anyone, Madame.”
At Luderne Sellen’s reply, Madame Laber let out a soft laugh.
“Well, she does frequent our establishment. But whom she meets is a matter of business confidentiality, so ask no further. That said….”
Madame Laber began speaking of Priscilla.
She had traveled to the Marquis Daicer’s territory to scout locations for the Salon’s expansion, and while there, she planned to take a holiday at the nearby Ropel Count Estate.
Whether it was truly a holiday or rather a homecoming remained uncertain.
The latter seemed more likely, but in any case, another possibility had emerged.
“There’s no danger in this?”
“There shouldn’t be.”
Madame Laber shrugged.
“I initially planned to send seven servants and ten swordsmen, but I added three more, dispatching a retinue of twenty in total.”
“!”
In that instant, Luderne’s eyes widened without his realizing it.
At his expression—as though he were beholding a savior—Madame Laber broke into a radiant smile.
“How could I possibly have sent the Grand Duke’s mistress alone?”
* * *
I washed, applied cosmetics, and changed my clothes within the cabin, turning over in my mind the conversation I’d had with Sir Jester the previous day.
That Luderne could not have failed to recognize I was Priscilla, and that he too must have known at a glance—such was the substance of our exchange.
Sir Jester’s assertion remained difficult to credit even after a full day’s reflection.
Yet Sir Jester had recognized me instantly.
To that extent, I could no longer be certain his claim was false and my own reasoning sound.
Moreover, he had said he would follow me.
Of course, I had said it was inconvenient, that I would contact him again later.
But Sir Jester had been obstinate, insisting that if I truly regretted my sudden departure, I should allow him to accompany me.
While I could not deny my remorse, I had refused—yet he would not relent.
I had used my affairs as a pretext, but the truth was I had another destination in mind. Moreover, it was a journey of uncertain duration, and yet he insisted on coming along.
It seemed his emotions had overtaken his reason, so I had asked him to consider it further for another day before returning to my cabin.
‘By now, he should have made some calculations.’
Sir Jester surely had his own business to attend to. If I could persuade him properly, we could part ways at Roban Harbor.
He would return to the Capital, and I would proceed to my destination.
After resolving firmly to tell him we would meet again once I had reclaimed my station, I stepped outside the cabin.
The moment I opened the door, the morning sunlight pouring from all sides seemed particularly brilliant.
I closed my eyes briefly and created shade with my hand.
As I slowly opened them, sapphire-hued bound hair fluttered in the breeze.
“Sleep well?”
A figure gazing at the morning sea, shimmering with light, turned and smiled broadly.
It was Sir Jester.
A smile escaped me unbidden.
“Did you sleep well?”
“Yes. And I’ve thought more about what we discussed yesterday….”
I studied his expression. He appeared far more composed than yesterday.
“I’m going to follow you, no matter what.”
….
“Actually, before I reboarded, I sent an urgent letter to His Highness. I told him I’d seen you, Priscilla, and that I would follow.”
….
He gestured with his chin toward attendants at some distance and chuckled softly.
“And seeing those broad shoulders you’re bringing along, it seems there’s something dangerous ahead.”
“They’re guards Madame assigned to me.”
“Madame?”
“Yes. She works at the Salon.”
Sir Jester regarded the attendants for a moment, then nodded.
“Fine. In any case, I’m going to follow, so from now on I’d like you to tell me everything related to this journey.”
I met his gaze. His eyes held the unmistakable glint of stubborn resolve.
“I wouldn’t want to interfere with whatever you’re planning, so I’ll tell you everything without reservation.”
There seemed to be no way around it. My only option was to ask him to keep his distance while I executed my plans.
“That’s not a pleasant conversation, and discretion is necessary.”
“I promise to keep it secret. Since this needs to be discussed quietly, let’s go to my quarters.”
Sir Jester led me to the ship’s suite.
Save for the wooden construction of the walls, it felt as though the interior of a noble’s mansion had been transported wholesale into this space.
“This is….”
He seated me at the dining table.
Breakfast for two was already laid out on the table.
“When His Majesty doesn’t use it, his attendants do. Come, let’s talk while we eat.”
As we dined together, I revealed my true destination first.
“You’re going to Bilsty Estate?”
Sir Jester asked as he spread butter on his bread.
“Are you going to search for clues about the curse? There won’t be anything there to find.”
Something about his words struck me as odd, and my head tilted involuntarily.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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