About Becoming My Ex-Husband's Mistress - Chapter 7

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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 7. Luderne Wintem, Grand Duke
I have always favored quiet, tranquil spaces.
Yet my decision to venture into the Central Social Circle was simple in its reasoning.
I needed to keep my ear attuned to news from the Doerban Empire.
Should Prince Wintem—born of the Doerban Emperor and the late King Arde—ever appear, the Social Circle would be the first to stir with the revelation.
It might take four or five years, perhaps longer, but I could wait.
What mattered was that my husband lived, and that I would see him again, however distant that day might be.
The thought kindled hope within me, bright and undeniable.
Of course, word of my presence might reach Matilda, Melissa, or Count Veloda Genoma.
I disliked the thought of becoming their gossip, yet upon reflection, I saw no direct consequence or threat from their knowing.
They remained in the provinces, possessing no considerable wealth of their own.
Without Luderne’s fortune, they could never gain entry to the Central Social Circle.
It was then that the hotel attendant returned.
“My apologies, madam. There are mercenaries available, though…”
The attendant explained that those mercenaries who traveled long distances had already accepted other contracts and departed. Only those who worked within this region remained.
In other words, they could protect me only until I boarded the ship.
“What shall I do?”
“It cannot be helped. Shall I summon him instead?”
* * *
Deep darkness fell upon the small city of Roban.
A single vessel moored at the harbor blazed with light, its hold being laden with vast quantities of cargo.
The Quindel—the ship bound for the Capital tomorrow.
Luderne, the Quindel’s owner, stood alone upon the deck, his expression impassive as he observed the bustling workers moving about their tasks.
A salt-tinged sea breeze drifted across the water.
Though it felt somewhat sticky, tomorrow’s weather promised to be fair.
Then a middle-aged man with silver hair styled in a pompadour approached Luderne’s side and bowed respectfully.
“Your Grace.”
The man was Brissel Mohr, Luderne’s knight-protector and attendant.
After glancing about the surroundings, he lowered his voice further, wary lest anyone overhear their conversation.
“This is the place. The procedures will be completed tomorrow, or so I am told.”
Luderne gazed into the distant void for a moment before parting his lips to speak.
“Any other movements?”
“Nothing of note. I suspect this location is the safest option available.”
Brissel studied Luderne’s expression carefully. In eyes that did not turn toward him, he perceived quiet fury and razor-sharp intensity.
Luderne turned without further comment.
Brissel glanced about once more before hastening to follow in Luderne’s wake.
Upon entering the ship’s suite, Luderne removed his coat and draped it carelessly across a golden sofa, then reached for the bottle of rum resting upon the table.
“Sir Mohr.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Chart a course through Heril Island in the Oselia Archipelago.”
The Oselia Archipelago lay about four days’ journey by ship from here, situated adjacent to the Capital and renowned as a resort dotted with beautiful islands.
Heril Island, one of those islands, belonged to Luderne Sellen, and his villa stood upon its shores.
“I intend to stay there for a while. I’ll leave matters in your hands.”
A potent rum slipped down Luderne Sellen’s throat with a gulp.
Brissel Mohr bowed his head, his expression clouded with concern.
“Understood, Your Highness. May you have a peaceful evening.”
* * *
Morning arrived with vibrant energy, the city illuminated by the brilliant sunlight pouring down from above.
I awoke refreshed after a restful sleep and changed into fresh clothes with genuine pleasure.
It was an elegant, composed teal dress—far removed from the dingy green that had hung in Count Veloda Genoma’s wardrobe.
Though I’d selected it hastily yesterday, it proved an excellent choice. Even I could see how beautifully it suited me.
After combing my hair neatly into place, I draped a beige robe across my shoulders and placed a bonnet upon my head.
Once my preparations were complete, checkout time had already arrived.
As I stepped into the lobby, the hotel staff member I’d spoken with yesterday approached alongside a man.
“Miss, your mercenary has arrived.”
I studied the man the staff member had brought.
The man gave me a nod with a casual, unbothered demeanor.
“I’m Dawson. I’ve been hired to escort the young lady until you board the ship.”
Dawson, who appeared to be in his early fifties, possessed a massive, bear-like frame and rippling musculature.
His appearance was intimidating, yet as a mercenary, he was precisely what I needed.
With such an escort, no one would dare approach me carelessly or pose a threat.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Dawson. Thank you so much for coming.”
My gentle tone caused Dawson’s casual attitude to soften instantly, as though it had never existed. He scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed expression.
“Well, it’s only a few hours of work, but I’m a veteran, so… I’ll do my very best.”
His commitment put my mind further at ease.
I stepped outside the hotel with Dawson.
But fortune was not particularly kind to me. Within mere steps, I encountered a face I’d hoped to avoid.
The person whose eyes met mine smiled with perfect composure.
“So you were here.”
It was Count Veloda Genoma.
“I’ve been searching for you all day, madam. You must return home.”
My heart lurched violently.
The memory of when he had killed me before flooded back, and my fingertips began to tremble uncontrollably.
‘It’s fine. It will be fine.’
I steadied myself deliberately, concealing my trembling hands by grasping the hem of my dress slightly.
‘I have an escort, after all.’
So all I needed to do was lift my head and act as though nothing were amiss.
“…I was j-just about to return, actually.”
Count Veloda Genoma nodded with a satisfied expression.
“Then let us go together.”
It seemed she had misunderstood my words.
That’s when I heard Melissa and Matilda’s cries.
“Sister Priscilla!”
“Priscilla!”
Seeing them rush from different directions, it was clear they’d searched for me quite thoroughly—my heart sank once more.
I’d been caught attempting to slip away unnoticed.
The two of them stood before me, breathing heavily, their disheveled hair making them look rather unkempt.
I glanced back at Dawson.
Fortunately, his eyes held a cautious gleam as he observed the three of us.
‘I made the right choice hiring him. As long as I steel my resolve, it will work.’
Unlike before my regression, I simply needed to avoid acting foolishly.
I drew a quiet breath and released it slowly.
‘This is a crucial moment—I must remain composed. I cannot appear weak.’
Matilda’s eyes flashed sharply.
“How dare you sneak off without a word? When exactly did you leave?”
Before her words even finished, Matilda’s gaze swept over me from head to toe.
“And this… this dress… what is it? Where did you get it?”
Melissa’s eyes widened in astonishment.
“Sister? This dress…?”
Both of them had reason to be shocked. While the fabric of Matilda’s and Melissa’s dresses was fine, mine was far superior.
Only then did Count Veloda Genoma examine my attire closely.
“Your appearance has truly changed. It looks lovely… but where did you obtain it?”
I answered calmly.
“I purchased it.”
“You… purchased it?”
“At the dress shop around the corner.”
One of Count Veloda Genoma’s eyebrows twitched upward.
“That shop does sell ready-made garments, but they are quite expensive. Did you possess such funds, madam?”
I recalled my earlier resolve and steadied myself, determined not to tremble.
“Your words seem strange, don’t they? After all, expensive as it may be, it’s still ready-made…”
I spoke calmly, observing the three of them.
“I am, after all, the wife of a baron. Surely I would have money, wouldn’t I?”
This time, Count Veloda Genoma’s brow furrowed.
“The wife of a baron…? What do you mean by that?”
“Don’t you know? I am Priscilla Sellen, the wife of Baron Sellen. Therefore, I am a baroness.”
All three of them stood with their mouths agape.
Their expressions were quite amusing, and I felt my confidence grow.
“W-what on earth is this nonsense?”
Matilda was the first among the three to speak.
Only then did Count Veloda Genoma step forward.
“You… you agreed to remarry me, didn’t you?”
“That was my stepmother’s wish, not mine.”
“But you were about to sign the marriage contract, weren’t you?”
“I said I would think about it.”
I gripped the hem of my dress tightly and forced my voice to remain calm.
“I miss my husband too much—it’s unbearable. I’d rather become a ghost haunting the Sellen Barony. I’m going back there.”
“….”
Count Veloda Genoma stood flabbergasted, his mouth opening and closing soundlessly.
“Then… farewell to you all.”
I gave a slight nod and moved past the three of them.
But Matilda quickly rushed after me, her voice rising sharply.
“What kind of nonsense is this? You said you’d marry Count Veloda Genoma!”
Melissa and Count Veloda Genoma followed along, looking equally flustered.
“That’s right, sister. If you suddenly act like this…!”
Then Matilda strode forward, seized my wrist in a tight grip, and forcibly spun me around.
“Priscilla! Even after saying that, you’re determined to remain a widow and ruin Melissa’s marriage prospects?”
I was genuinely startled and nearly let out a terrified shriek.
“You’ve lost your mind—aaaah!”
But Matilda released my hand with a short cry.

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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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