About Becoming My Ex-Husband's Mistress - Chapter 130

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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 130. Words With Clear Meaning
Luderne’s scattered mind finally returned when we arrived at the Count’s Residence and he set me down.
The moment we encountered the Butler and Head Maid, both unfailingly cordial to their master.
In that instant, Priscilla invited him into the Mansion.
Not out of love.
It was likely a calculated business move for the Territory’s development.
I considered letting it pass unspoken, but then the words came to me.
“My presence must make it difficult for you to rest.”
The moment those words left my lips, a brilliant thought struck me.
The Bilsty Estate welcomed Priscilla because they anticipated her development would bring prosperity.
Their support would fluctuate depending on how Priscilla conducted herself going forward.
But what if “Priscilla, whose influence had been verified as sufficiently significant,” were to face danger?
The Territory’s people would surely risk their lives to protect their Lord Priscilla.
‘The more protectors, the better. I should give them reason to do so.’
Until now, I had believed my station was an obstacle.
As a Prince of the Doerban Empire and a Prince of the Arde Kingdom, I could not share a peaceful life with Priscilla.
Yet now, for the first time, I found satisfaction in that very position.
Whether she loved me or not, my words carried such influence that she could never escape me, and the Territory’s people would become my allies while protecting Priscilla, who shared an extraordinary connection with the Grand Duke.
First, I would bind her securely so she could not leave, and then I would reclaim her love.
Priscilla, who would come to love me. My child, born breaking a curse.
Merely imagining a son or daughter who resembled Priscilla filled me with such happiness that laughter escaped me.
“Since you must be exhausted from my keeping you awake so relentlessly, rest well today. I shall contact you soon.”
The entire world now knew who Luderne Wintem was.
It was only natural that the Butler and Head Maid’s eyes gleamed with unusual intensity at those words, so laden with meaning.
* * *
When I opened my eyes, I felt remarkably refreshed. It was the first time in ages that I had slept so deeply and peacefully.
Since I had fallen asleep in the morning, I expected it to be afternoon or dusk, but the sun’s position through the window seemed barely different from when I had closed my eyes.
My recovery appeared remarkably swift, thanks to the bath that had eased my tension, the meal afterward, and the restorative medicine I had taken before retiring.
Yet when I checked the clock, it read 9:30.
That was strange.
‘This time cannot be right.’
I pulled the bell cord, and the Head Maid entered.
“Did you sleep well? Shall I bring your meal at once?”
I nodded.
“Keep the meal simple. And I should have the clock repaired.”
The Head Maid glanced at the clock, then asked with a puzzled expression.
“Why repair the clock? It seems to be working perfectly.”
“Working perfectly? It cannot possibly be 9:30 in the morning.”
At my words, the Head Maid’s lips curved upward gently.
“My Lady, it truly is 9:30 in the morning.”
“What?”
“It seems you were quite exhausted. You slept through the entire day.”
“That’s impossible!”
I was genuinely shocked. No wonder I felt so refreshed.
But then the mountain of tasks awaiting me came to mind, and my head began to spin.
Just then, I heard a knock from beyond the door.
“My lady, may I enter?”
It was the Butler.
Since I was still in my nightclothes, I instructed the Head Maid instead.
“Could you find out what he needs?”
“Of course.”
The Head Maid left to speak with the Butler and returned with a small note in her hand.
“Guests have arrived unexpectedly. They claim to have been sent by the Grand Duke, so they’ve been shown to the Reception Room.”
“Guests sent by the Grand Duke?”
“Yes. Four people came in total. They brought a letter bearing the Grand Duke’s seal.”
The Head Maid handed me the note she was holding.
“Three of them are apparently already acquainted with you, so the Butler took down their names to confirm.”
I took the note and examined it.
[Brissel Mohr. Junior Walter. Madame Laber. Bernard Heser.]
“Good heavens.”
The names written there were truly unexpected.
Moreover, the last name was Olivia’s father, which made it even more confusing.
Why would he be listed here?
In any case, this was no time to linger.
“Skip breakfast.”
I hurried to my feet.
“Tell them I’ll receive them with proper courtesy, and help me dress quickly. Just in case, prepare lunch for all of them as well.”
The Head Maid relayed my instructions to the Butler outside.
I finished preparing hastily and descended to the Reception Room with the Head Maid.
Those who had been seated on the sofa sipping tea with the Butler’s service rose simultaneously and bowed respectfully to me.
Just as the note indicated, they were all faces I recognized.
I took the seat of honor and observed the four of them first.
Walter appeared calm, while Bernard Heser, Olivia’s father, seemed tense. And Brissel Mohr and Madame Laber, who held an unlit pipe in her hand, could not entirely conceal their displeasure.
“Please, be seated. You’re not in the Capital, yet you’ve come all this way…”
Madame Laber answered immediately.
“A spatial transfer scroll makes it quick. Anyway, you…”
Madame Laber trailed off, closing her mouth. She had much to say to me, but she swallowed her words, restraining herself in the presence of others.
Brissel Mohr extended a letter and spoke formally.
“The Grand Duke has issued a command.”
I opened the letter to find a brief message in elegant handwriting, accompanied by Luderne’s signature.
‘He’s sending people I need and telling me to leave everything to them?’
When I lifted my gaze, Brissel Mohr introduced Walter.
“Junior Walter will serve as your escort, Count. And….”
What Brissel Mohr said next was startling.
“Should you require interrogation or related cleanup services, you may simply give the order.”
The moment he finished speaking, Walter bowed respectfully without meeting my eyes.
“This is Bernard Heser from the Heser Trading Company. He will oversee and manage all trade flowing through the Bilsty Estate.”
“?”
I was genuinely bewildered.
This was the man who reeked of alcohol at the outdoor café, asking his daughter if she had any money for a meal—and now he was to manage trade?
“I am honored to serve you, Count.”
Yet the Bernard greeting me now appeared remarkably refined. I found myself doubting whether he was truly the same man I had seen as Olivia’s father that day.
‘Perhaps it’s because he hasn’t been drinking at the moment.’
Brissel Mohr proceeded to introduce Madame Raber.
“This is Madame Raber. She will manage the facilities for mercenaries and, well….”
Brissel Mohr appeared to hesitate for a moment.
I couldn’t tell whether he knew of my connection to Madame Raber or not.
If he didn’t know, introducing her—a major player in the shadows—to me would be problematic depending on how he phrased it. Madame Raber was certainly someone who could appear entirely different depending on how she was presented.
“I’m already aware of which fields Madame Raber specializes in.”
When I spoke first, Brissel Mohr let out a small cough. He seemed somewhat relieved that I had eased his discomfort.
“Then.”
Brissel Mohr bowed respectfully.
“I am Brissel Mohr. I intend to assist you with the estate’s finances, management, and tax matters.”
He then mentioned that specialists to work alongside him would arrive shortly.
“Given the time constraints, I would like to assess the current state of the Count’s Residence immediately. Would it be possible to speak with the butler here? I’ll also need to understand trade-related information, so the head of the Heser Trading Company should join us as well.”
The butler appeared reluctant.
“Pardon? S-so suddenly?”
Even if Luderne had revealed his relationship with me, having an outsider suddenly demand to examine the mansion’s finances would hardly be welcome news to the butler.
But from my perspective, it was Luderne who most needed to understand the estate’s situation.
I wouldn’t even survive three years as Count Bilsty.
“They are trustworthy people. They will work alongside us for the estate’s development, so please share everything without reservation.”
“Understood, my lord.”
The butler bowed reluctantly at my instruction.
The butler spoke to the Head Maid.
“Then please see to serving the remaining tea.”
As Brissel Mohr was about to follow the butler out, I quickly spoke up.
“Brissel Mohr, Heser—would you join me for lunch?”
Bernard responded eagerly to my invitation.
Brissel Mohr’s eyes flickered slightly.
“…Thank you for the invitation.”
That was his answer, still unable to hide his reluctance.
From Brissel Mohr’s perspective, it was hardly unreasonable.
Ever since I first saw him on the ship, he had been the one who sharply checked my every approach to Luderne Sellen.
Beyond the dignity that emanated from him, anyone who constantly stood by Luderne’s side could hardly be of low station.
And yet such a man had bowed his head to me, who possessed merely a small fiefdom.
His feelings must have been complicated, and he could hardly be pleased about it.
After the two men left with the Butler, Madame Raber and Walter remained.
“How have you been?”
At my greeting, Madame Raber and Walter merely rolled their eyes instead of answering. They seemed to be wary of the Head Maid, so I laughed deliberately.
“You may speak freely. You’re welcome to smoke as well.”
Matilda Bilsty had often smoked within the mansion too, so it would be unreasonable for the servants to object.
The two of them heaved deep sighs and complained simultaneously.
“I mean, His Highness suddenly dragged someone out and issued a forced transfer order, so I wondered what was going on… Were you the lord of this territory? Did you take leave to manage the fiefdom?”
“And Priscilla, regardless of what happened, you should have brought me along that day too. Do you know how much my heart was pounding?”
“I’m sorry, both of you.”
“Ugh, really, because of you I’m just…”
Madame Raber lit her cigarette holder and spoke to the Head Maid.
“Open that window for me, would you? I was dying to smoke one because of all this stress. I couldn’t believe what was happening.”
The startled Head Maid widened her eyes and looked at me. She was probably more surprised by the tone than the cigarette itself.
“Go ahead and do that.”
With my consent, the Head Maid opened the window wide and placed an ashtray before Madame Raber.
Madame Raber exhaled long streams of smoke in succession, her eyes hardening, and after a moment, she opened her mouth.

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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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