About Becoming My Ex-Husband's Mistress - Chapter 110

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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 110. Were You Perhaps Married?
Luderne Sellen answered with an impassive expression.
“I noticed the Bilsty Estate on the map, so I thought I might conduct some business here.”
“B-business, you say?”
“Are there any notable specialty products in this territory worth recommending?”
The Chief Administrator’s ears could hardly believe what he was hearing.
The Bilsty Estate was rural, so investors were rare. Yet here stood a Grand Duke of wealth and power, visiting in person to discuss business ventures.
Though the scale of investment remained uncertain, the fact that someone of such stature as a Grand Duke showed interest was undoubtedly an opportunity for the territory’s prosperity.
Even if he wasn’t the territory’s owner, its flourishing would benefit everyone living here. The Chief Administrator’s mind raced with possibilities.
“Public projects can certainly be initiated through the Government Administration.”
“That won’t turn a profit, will it?”
The immediate response caught the Chief Administrator off guard.
Naturally, profitable ventures required the territory’s rightful owner to step forward.
Count Bilsty.
Of course, a proxy could conduct such matters.
Yet unbidden, the Chief Administrator’s thoughts drifted not to Matilda Bilsty, but to Priscilla, who had visited moments before.
‘If the young countess met with Prince Wintem, that would be ideal.’
But Priscilla had not yet inherited the title. She remained officially unrecognized.
Though desperate to mention Priscilla, the Chief Administrator suppressed the urge and forced a smile.
‘I must buy time until the young countess completes her important matters.’
Lacking better options, he would have to make do.
He had no choice but to summon Matilda Bilsty.
Still, a woman of her ambitions would surely be tempted by talk of a Grand Duke’s business prospects.
“Well… I handle public administration and lack business authority. The Count is absent, but we do have a proxy.”
At this, Luderne Sellen crossed his arms and leaned back against the sofa.
“What do you mean? No Count, but a proxy exists?”
“There are circumstances. A proxy would be quickest to review the business proposal—”
Luderne Sellen’s brow furrowed as he cut the Chief Administrator short.
“I don’t care about circumstances, and I don’t need a proxy. Why would a representative, not the owner, handle business matters?”
He rose from his seat.
“I came wondering if this place had any value, but it seems there’s nothing here.”
The Chief Administrator felt a sinking despair.
“Then… could you wait a while longer?”
“Wait? Will a missing Count suddenly appear?”
He hardly knew what possessed him, but he nodded in response to Luderne Sellen’s question.
“Yes. He should return soon.”
One of Luderne Sellen’s eyebrows rose slightly.
The Chief Administrator, resigned to whatever came, pressed on.
“The Count is absent, but the heir is present. They are currently proceeding quietly with the succession process.”
The Chief Administrator rose and gestured toward the window, following Luderne Sellen’s lead.
“I had to attend to some matters and was away for quite some time, but I’ve recently returned. Do you see that forest over there?”
Luderne’s gaze also turned toward the forest.
Noticing his interest, the Chief Administrator continued speaking freely.
“Once you inherit the title, you’ll surely begin clearing out the packs of wild dogs living in that vast forest to develop the territory.”
“Packs of wild dogs?”
Luderne murmured as if speaking to himself, then moved to the window to gaze at the forest.
“Hmm….”
Seeing Luderne stroke his chin as if unfamiliar with wild dogs, the Chief Administrator clapped his hands together.
“Perhaps you arrived by ship? If so, you may not have seen them.”
Luderne shook his head.
“I used a spatial teleportation scroll. Looking at the map, the location seemed quite promising, so I decided to visit.”
The Chief Administrator marveled. So it was true that high-ranking nobles traveled by magic scroll.
Hearing such a grand duke say the location looked promising gave the Chief Administrator even more courage.
“Yes! The location is excellent, but those wild dog packs are quite troublesome.”
“If wild dog packs are swarming about, wouldn’t that be dangerous for people?”
“We hold periodic hunting festivals. Once the Count returns, he’ll handle the wild dog packs more aggressively and secure the overland routes safely. Yes, indeed.”
Luderne kept his gaze fixed on the window outside for a moment, his lips sealed.
The Chief Administrator also fell silent, waiting while observing his sharp profile.
‘He’s quite handsome.’
Before I knew it, I found myself asking.
“Are you perhaps… married?”
At that moment, Luderne’s cool gaze fell upon the Chief Administrator.
“Why do you ask?”
“Seeing such a magnificent grand duke, even as a man, makes me think of this territory’s heir. She’s quite a beauty.”
“A beauty? She’s female?”
“Yes, a very young woman. Truly beautiful. You’ll be astonished the moment you see her.”
Suddenly, the Chief Administrator indulged in an odd fantasy.
What if Count Priscilla and Prince Wintem sat across from each other at a business table and developed feelings for one another?
Though fanciful, it actually seemed possible now that he imagined it.
Priscilla was truly beautiful, after all.
The Chief Administrator knew that when she made her debutante debut, several nobles of considerable rank had sent proposals.
‘Wait… What if this works out and the grand duke falls in love with the young countess?’
Then the territory would strike it rich.
The Chief Administrator’s heart swelled with excitement at the mere thought.
But remembering Priscilla’s past, he soon sighed.
‘I’ve lost my mind….’
He immediately abandoned the brief dream he’d woven.
‘The young countess isn’t unmarried. She became a widow and suffered marriage fraud, but she still has a remarriage history.’
Of course, none of it was Priscilla’s fault. It was only his own imagination that lacked conscience.
Then Luderne nodded once.
“If she’s truly as beautiful as you say, I’d like to see her myself, assuming she’s worthy. When do you expect her to return after inheriting the title?”
The Chief Administrator’s mind raced quickly.
While it would take some time for word to reach the Capital, Priscilla’s status had already been restored under his guarantee.
Given Gillian’s efficiency, the annulment lawsuit would likely be filed at the Bilsty Estate Courthouse by day’s end.
Once filed, the Judge would spend several days reviewing whether there were sufficient grounds to proceed with the annulment.
If there were adequate reasons—and there certainly were—the Judge would issue a ruling in favor of the lawsuit, and the relevant documents would then be sent to that false husband’s territory.
Regardless of the lawsuit’s outcome, what mattered now was the annulment petition itself. Once the Judge approved it, Priscilla would no longer be in a married state until the final ruling was issued.
In other words, the title succession procedure could begin at that point.
‘If the administration cooperates, we could move even faster.’
Having completed his calculations, the Chief Administrator answered precisely.
“I’d estimate no more than three weeks. If we’re fortunate, perhaps a week. In the meantime, would Your Highness care to tour the Bilsty Estate?”
As he spoke, inspiration struck again.
“Ah! The Hunting Festival will be held shortly. It’s hosted by the Government Administration, and if Your Highness enjoys hunting, this would be an excellent opportunity to participate.”
Luderne Sellen, who had been contemplating, nodded in agreement.
“Excellent. Then I’ll remain until the Hunting Festival concludes. But tell me—would I be permitted to participate in it myself?”
The Chief Administrator found him radiant in that moment. Sensing that his sincerity had borne fruit, he couldn’t afford to miss this opportunity.
The Chief Administrator bowed immediately.
“Of course. You would be most welcome.”
“I’d like to hunt without restraint, but I’m concerned about appearing to enjoy hunting on another’s lands. Unless, of course, my identity remains secret.”
Catching the positive undertone, the Chief Administrator quickly infused his voice with conviction.
“Absolutely! I shall keep it strictly confidential.”
A smile graced Luderne Sellen’s lips.
* * *
After receiving my retainer fee, Gillian immediately began drafting two complaints.
One against Matilda Bilsty, and one against Count Veloda Genoma.
It pained me to exclude Melissa Bilsty from the lawsuit. But the moment a suit was filed against her, it would inevitably reach the King.
Gillian then brandished the documents he had prepared.
“Let’s go. The Courthouse is in the Plaza.”
We left the Lawyer’s Office and headed toward the Courthouse in the Plaza.
On the way to the Courthouse, I spotted the Communication Office.
Sir Jester’s face brightened as he altered his course.
“Would you wait a moment? I need to stop by the Communication Office.”
Gillian readily nodded his assent.
“Of course. Once you’ve finished your business, come to the Courthouse. I’ll go ahead and meet with the Judge.”
Sir Jester let out a hollow laugh as Gillian’s figure hurried away.
“I’ve noticed since earlier—he seems like quite an impatient man.”
“Indeed. I’ll wait here, so please go ahead.”
Sir Jester surveyed the surroundings. A large man was holding a newspaper at the corner ahead.
My escort, disguised as a passerby.
“They’re doing their job well. It’s reassuring. Then I’ll be back shortly.”
Sir Jester entered the Communication Office.
I remained standing, observing Bilsty Street. Whenever someone approached the Communication Office, I instinctively stepped further aside.
“Whoa, whoa.”
At that moment, a cargo wagon laden with hay came to a halt on one side of the road. The man who leaped down from the driver’s seat clutched a letter in his hand.
It was when I stepped aside, assuming he was heading into the Communication Office.
Our eyes met.
In that instant, his pupils trembled violently, and I too found myself doubting my own vision.

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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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