Hiding My Identity From My Husband - Chapter 40

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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 40

I recalled the information Pinky had shared with me.

[Montalte Duchy: Stepdaughter of the Duke went missing during a recital
Howard Barony: Carriage bombed — no fatalities, but the Baron sustained severe injuries
Belmore Marquisate: Outbreak of food poisoning]

And incidents I had become entangled in, though unintentionally.

[Floria Earldom: Giant wasps invaded
Rockwood Earldom: Assassination attempt on the Countess
Rosfeldt Barony: Assassination attempt on the heir, Theo Rosfeldt]

These incidents could be dismissed as mere misfortunes that happened to occur by chance.
But when I gathered the nobles from this list, one conclusion became unavoidable.
‘Imperial-Aligned Nobility.’
All of them were supporters of the current Emperor, lending him their strength and influence.
Which meant they were wary of the Crown Prince ascending to the throne and the Empress wielding even greater power.
Yet all at once, calamity struck these very people.
Did that not seem suspicious?
And beyond that.
‘The Modified Aura…’
It meant addicting young nobles who loved parties, using them as hostages.
Attacking the Imperial-Aligned Nobility,
distributing Modified Aura.
When I combined these two facts, there could be only one conclusion.
“Is this to stage a coup d’état?”
A coup d’état.
To usurp the Imperial Throne.
I knew Baylor wanted distance from the imperial family, but seeking usurpation was an entirely different matter.
‘…….’
I desperately hoped I was wrong.
I prayed my conclusion was mistaken.
I wished he would tell me there was a separate plan in motion within Catacle, and that these unfortunate incidents were merely side effects of that larger design.
But.
“To have deduced this much — impressive. Truly worthy of the elite operative Charles.”
Baylor’s response confirmed my suspicion was correct.
Yes. Baylor genuinely intended to seize the throne.
“You must have learned of this from operative Pinky.”
I flinched.
My shoulders trembled ever so slightly.
But I kept my voice steady.
“You mean someone under Deputy Commander Henry? I have met them, but only to gather intelligence on the Deputy Commander — nothing beyond that.”
Baylor fixed me with an unwavering stare.
“Don’t you wonder what became of Henry?”
He posed the question.
I curled my fingers into fists, steadying my breath.
“Is he dead?”
“Perhaps.”
Baylor blinked slowly, then asked again.
“Do you wish to know?”
I sensed that if I admitted I wanted to know, Baylor would undoubtedly grow angry.
I was merely an operative meant to execute orders, nothing more.
‘…….’
So I gave no answer. Then the corner of Baylor’s mouth curved upward.
I could not begin to fathom what he was thinking.
I couldn’t even begin to guess.
I wasn’t capable of it, and it wasn’t the kind of thing I was meant to do.
So I simply waited in silence for Baylor to speak again.
“Charles. My daughter.”
I nodded slowly. Baylor continued.
“I must know everything—what you think, what you intend to do, what plans you’ve made.”
Yes.
I was Baylor’s instrument.
My thoughts and my actions both had to move according to his will.
But asking this question now contradicted that will.
Of course it made sense that anger flickered across Baylor’s face. I understood.
“And so I ask.”
Baylor spoke.
“What is your intention in asking me this?”
I tightened my clenched fists.
“Catacle is an organization for the Empire, is it not?”
This was the crux of my doubt.
From the start, when Catacle was first established, it was an organization meant to preserve order within the Empire and protect it from external threats.
In other words, an organization for the Empire’s sake. Like a guardian.
But then why did it only ever seem to gnaw away at the Empire itself?
If it were truly for the Empire, wouldn’t it be better to strengthen Imperial authority rather than attempt a usurpation?
But then why…….
“That Catacle is an organization for the Empire.”
At some point, Baylor had poured whiskey into a glass. He swirled the ice and gave a soft chuckle.
“That’s wrong.”
He savored a slow sip, then spoke again.
“Catacle is an organization for me.”
And he looked around the space.
The underground chamber was so vast and sprawling that it seemed impossible to call it a basement. He took it all in with his eyes.
“Everything here exists for me. Even you, sitting in this room, exist for me.”
……
“Do you understand what I’m saying?”
In other words, Baylor intended to use Catacle for his own advancement.
Which meant the coup d’état was inevitable.
My breath grew heavy. My chest tightened.
“Why…….”
My lips opened of their own accord.
“Why?”
Yes.
I wanted to know.
Why he would do such a thing.
Why he wanted to orchestrate a coup d’état.
What connection the coup d’état had to the Sacred Object’s disappearance.
“I need to understand the reason.”
I wanted the answer.
Only then could I…….
truly comprehend Baylor’s commands.
At my words, Baylor took another measured sip of whiskey and tilted his head.
A gulp—I watched his throat move.
“I don’t understand why you’re curious about reasons.”
“I only wish to understand.”
“Charles.”
Baylor set the glass down quietly. It landed on the wooden table with a heavy, deliberate sound.
“My affairs require no understanding from you.”
His eyes didn’t waver.
Cold and piercing in the darkness—a gaze that seemed to see through everything.
It wasn’t the look of someone trying to explain.
It wasn’t the look of someone trying to persuade.
It was simply,
“Do not question me.
“……”
“Don’t even ask.”
The gaze of one who looks down upon a fate already written.
“You exist to live for me.”
A faint smile played at the corner of his mouth—but it was not tenderness. It was the smile of cold certainty.
Baylor turns to face me again.
The eyes of someone regarding me as nothing more than a ‘tool’.
“You need only do as I command. Why would there be any reason to think beyond that?”
“That’s—”
“Haven’t you lived your entire life following my orders?”
As if he’d never shown me that coldness, Baylor’s face softens in an instant, his hand cradling my cheek.
“Charles, it’s true you surpass everyone in ability.”
And he speaks.
“But that’s only because I made you that way.”
The hand gripping my cheek was warm beyond measure.
“You were designed as a child to live for me.”
Just as it had been the first time I took his hand.
“Don’t let your eyes wander toward any other choice.”
Unconsciously, I understood.
Until now, Baylor had……
Never once explained his reasons to me.
“I don’t wish to see you leave me as Asmerald did. Please understand this heart of mine.”
I understand, and yet I cannot refuse.
To Baylor, I am guilty.

* * *

Tap.
I emerge from Baylor’s room and simply collapse where I stand.
All strength has drained from my legs.

—You were designed as a child to live for me.
—Don’t let your eyes wander toward any other choice.

I bite the inside of my mouth, saliva pooling.
I know.
I’m not Baylor’s ‘true daughter’.
I know.
I’m a ‘tool’ useful for Baylor to wield.
That’s why I must not be abandoned by him—must perform whatever he commands.

—I don’t wish to see you leave me as Asmerald did. Please understand this heart of mine.

Deep guilt settles within me.
And yet……
‘It doesn’t add up.’
Baylor is not of imperial blood—even if he stages a coup d’état, seizing the throne would be nearly impossible.
So why does he mean to attempt it at all?
‘He wouldn’t give me an answer even if I asked.’
Just as I’m muttering that I couldn’t possibly know myself, something catches my eye.
“Hm?”
The mailbox, where letters coming to Catacle are kept, stands open.
I move toward it instinctively.
But I don’t touch it. Baylor might notice even the slightest shift in position.
So with only my eyes, I scan the letters—and something unfamiliar appears.
An envelope, distinctly different in color from the rest.
Gold thread is embroidered on the paper, and a subtle fragrance emanates from it.
This is……

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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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