Hiding My Identity From My Husband - Chapter 23

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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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Episode 23

What is a Sacred Relic?
It is a divine artifact that the Primordial God is said to have gifted to the Primordial Pope.
Only the highest priests of the Holy Kingdom know what abilities the Sacred Relic possesses, or what form it takes.
‘That’s what makes it so difficult to find.’
It’s as good as a mirage—something that scarcely exists at all.
Some would argue that there’s no point in expending effort to search for an object whose appearance and abilities remain unknown.
But from the Holy Kingdom’s perspective, the Sacred Relic must be found.
It is the very proof that God has chosen the Holy Kingdom.
‘And the Empire wants nothing more than to destroy that honor.’
In this context, the Sacred Relic must exist.
If it didn’t, there’s no reason both the Empire and the Holy Kingdom would be moving at the same time.
“No. The Sacred Relic definitely exists.”
Ru presses the question further.
“How can you be so certain?”
“Because the Empire seized the Sacred Relic.”
I answered with conviction.
“That’s why the Holy Kingdom and the Empire are still locked in conflict.”
The carriage lurches, and my body sways with it. I steadied myself by gripping the window frame.
“If the Sacred Relic didn’t actually exist, then this conflict would be false too—and there’d be no reason for that, would there?”
“I suppose that’s true enough.”
Ru’s expression suggested some measure of acceptance, though it didn’t quite look as though he’d fully conceded the point.
So I drove it home once more, like driving in a nail.
“Whatever shape it takes, the Sacred Relic absolutely exists.”
“But if we don’t know what it looks like, how are we supposed to find it?”
“You’ll know it when you see it, isn’t that what they said?”
Both Katakl and the Guardian said as much.
That the moment you lay eyes on the Sacred Relic, you’ll know it for what it is.
That’s what I was relying on, but instead of answering, Ru simply stared at me intently.
I couldn’t tell what he was thinking.
But I could tell, at least, that he didn’t entirely agree with me.
Stubborn as they come.
I shook my head slowly.
“Fine. It’s a question with no answer anyway.”
“It does have an answer.”
“So you’re right, Charel. Your word is always correct.”
There was something mocking in his tone.
I narrowed my eyes and gave him a sidelong look.
“Why look at me like that? I’m being sincere.”
“You don’t sound sincere.”
“Oh dear. To think you don’t understand my feelings—it’s rather sad.”
“Wipe that smirk off your face before you speak.”
Ru laughed, wrinkling the bridge of his nose.
It was such a bright smile that even I couldn’t help but let out a quiet laugh.
As he smiled, the carriage slowly came to a halt. We had arrived at the Rockwood Estate.
“Well then, shall we give it our best effort today too?”
Ru rose lightly and extended his hand to me.
“To find out where the Sacred Relic is.”
Though we each carried different goals, our purpose was the same.
So I had no choice but to take his hand.

* * *

The outdoor garden blazed with lavish illumination and soft candlelight.
Crystal glasses brimming with fine wine gleamed elegantly, and at the center, a sommelier—one who had been expressly recruited from the royal household of the Duchy—was carefully selecting and pouring wine.
The nobles savored the precious wine at their leisure, enjoying the party.
“Then I’ll go pay my respects.”
Lugh said.
“Go on. Do well.”
“See you later.”
Lugh pressed a light kiss to the back of my hand before slipping away.
I knew it was all for show—to convince the onlookers we were lovers—but my hand tingled anyway, and my shoulder trembled slightly.
Ahem.
I cleared my throat and glanced around the room.
‘How do I cause a scene that people will actually talk about?’
My goal was to cause a spectacle here and then be thrown out with Lugh.
That way, he wouldn’t be able to gather information, and the Rockwood Estate would view us so poorly that any future word of the Sacred Relic would never reach their ears.
‘Hmm.’
I surveyed the clusters of people standing together or seated around circular tables.
There were hundreds of ways to cause trouble, really.
But I had to choose a method that wouldn’t raise Lugh’s suspicions.
‘What would work best?’
I was deep in thought when—
“Charel!”
A familiar voice rang out. I turned to see Everlyn Florian rushing toward me.
“If you run like that, you’ll take a tumble. Be careful!”
I quickly caught her arm to steady her.
“It’s such a lovely day—I’d hate for you to get hurt.”
Everlyn blinked several times.
“I—you don’t need to worry about me, you know? Besides, you look far more delicate than I do!”
Hardly.
Among everyone here, I was the second strongest.
First was Lugh, of course.
“Anyway, come here. I’ve made sure there’s a seat for you over there.”
My eyes widened.
I’d assumed that once Lugh left the party, I’d be stranded like a forgotten sack of grain with no one to talk to.
But she’d prepared a place for me.
This actually made causing a scene easier!
I was genuinely grateful.
I smiled sincerely and thanked her.
“Thank you so much for looking out for me.”
Everlyn’s expression stiffened slightly. She quickly fanned herself and covered her face, exclaiming, “It’s only because Agatha invited you—I didn’t want you wandering about. Don’t misunderstand!”
“Of course. I won’t.”

“I don’t like you or anything—I just think you’re cute!”
Isn’t that the same thing?
Everlyn’s gruff tone wrapped around kind words, and now I found it endearing.
I let out a soft laugh and followed her.
“Here, sit down!”
I looked at the table she’d led me to.
It was a round table that seated eight, and already present were Agatha Rockwood, who’d invited me here, and Catherine Winslow, whom I’d seen during that wasp tea party incident.
And…
“The Countess of Rockwood?”
Seated there was unmistakably the mistress of this household.
No! What was I thinking accepting a seat at the Countess’s table?
And yet…
‘Maybe this is better?’
If I caused trouble in front of the Countess, wouldn’t I be thrown out immediately?
My eyes sparkled.
“Good evening, Countess. I’m Charel Cortney. I wanted to express my gratitude for this honored invitation. I’m truly grateful.”
I offered a polite bow with a smile, but something felt off about the Countess’s reaction.
………
Despite greeting her directly, she wasn’t even looking at me.
Well. That’s…
I scratched my cheek awkwardly.
I knew exactly what emotion a person was feeling when they behaved this way.
I’d had plenty of experience with that sort of thing in Katakl.
‘She dislikes me.’
Well, that made sense. It was odd to expect warmth from someone we’d never met.
And…….
‘She might resent a country girl at a gathering like this.’
The Rockwood Estate was a house distinguished enough to count as a Founding Meritorious Subject—ancient, deeply rooted in nobility.
They lived with the grace and refinement that set the standard for all the aristocracy, so it was hardly surprising that someone of my humble station would be beneath their regard.
‘But honestly, having her dislike me now works in my favor.’
So I smiled easily and settled into an empty chair beside the Countess of Rockwood.
She glanced sidelong at me then, her eyes flickering across my face.
“What a journey you must have had getting here. I imagine traveling by carriage was entirely unfamiliar to you.”
Then she gave a soft, dismissive laugh.
“Do drink plenty of wine. A vintage like this is something you’ll never taste again in your life.”

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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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