I Became the Wife of the Hero Who Killed Me - Chapter 107

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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#Episode 107

 

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In the dead of night when few people were around.

 

Rosalind headed secretly to the Imperial Palace stables with only one attendant.

 

Thanks to slipping bribe money to the manager in advance, the shift schedule had been changed, leaving only one stable keeper standing alone at the stable entrance, unlike usual.

 

He remained silently at his post as if he couldn’t see Rosalind and her attendant at all.

 

The two people walked inside without hesitation and arrived at their destination.

 

“This is Sister Elisia’s horse?”

 

“Yes, Lady Rosalind.”

 

It was in front of the stable bearing the House Lombard emblem.

 

Sensing their presence, a pure white horse woke from sleep and perked up its ears.

 

“Hmm…”

 

Rosalind squinted her eyes to make out the horse’s form in the darkness. She could have had her servant do it, but there was a reason she had come personally.

 

Recently, an unpleasant rumor had spread through the Imperial Court.

 

Duke Lombard had supposedly given Elisia a truly magnificent horse as a gift.

 

Moreover, it was said to be a famous horse of the Empire’s finest bloodline, personally bred by Grand Duke Heidelberg himself.

 

At first, Rosalind didn’t believe it.

 

Everyone in the Imperial Court knew how much her great-uncle, Grand Duke Heidelberg, cherished and loved his horses.

 

As such, he was extremely selective about where he sent his horses.

 

In the Imperial Family, only His Majesty or Elder Brother could ride the Grand Duke’s horses, and occasionally one would be given when very important state guests visited from foreign countries.

 

Even Rosalind had begged many times but was never granted permission.

 

‘Is it true that Lady Elisia received a Heidelberg horse as a gift?’

 

‘Duke Lombard supposedly went to great lengths to get permission from His Grace the Grand Duke. They say he wore down the threshold of the Grand Duke’s residence with his visits…’

 

‘I guess all those rumors about their bad marriage were false after all. What man in the world would go this far for a wife he dislikes?’

 

That can’t be. It must all be false rumors.

 

Rosalind chewed her lips nervously and gestured to her attendant with her chin.

 

“What are you doing? I can’t see well, so raise the lamp higher.”

 

“Yes, Lady Rosalind.”

 

The attendant immediately brightened the flame and held his hand up higher than before.

 

The moment the horse’s full form, which had been hidden in darkness, was revealed, Rosalind’s face contorted with displeasure.

 

“Ha, so the rumors were true? Duke Lombard really gave this horse as a gift?”

 

“…”

 

“Great-uncle cherishes his horses so much… When I begged him so desperately, he wouldn’t give me one, but Elisia received one this easily?!”

 

She could tell at first glance. This was a horse with much better bloodline and excellence than the one she rode.

 

Its solid muscles, long and smooth mane, and well-proportioned build were as perfect as if sculpted by the Holy Capital’s finest artist.

 

These were the typical characteristics of a Heidelberg horse.

 

‘Then surely the other rumors too….’

 

In fact, there wasn’t just one reason why Rosalind’s mood had soured.

 

Recently, she had heard a certain rumor from her lady-in-waiting.

 

The story was that Duke Lombard and Elisia had originally been lovers, but they deliberately pretended to be on bad terms because they feared Imperial Father would forbid their marriage.

 

She had scoffed when she heard it, but with things as they were, she had no choice but to believe it was true.

 

‘The fact that Duke Lombard gifted his wife a Heidelberg Horse has already spread throughout the entire Imperial Capital.’

 

But if Elisia really appeared riding this horse at the tournament, it would be like pouring oil on the already rampant false rumors.

 

“I was right to come see for myself. A branch family member shouldn’t ride a horse more precious than what the direct line rides.”

 

“If we’re talking about hierarchy, this horse should rightfully be ridden by Lady Rosalind.”

 

“What? Are you telling me to inherit a horse that Elisia rode? Do I look like that woman’s subordinate to you?!”

 

The irritation that had risen to the top of her head finally exploded.

 

The attendant immediately knelt and bowed his head.

 

“I apologize! I will discreetly dispose of the horse.”

 

“That won’t do. You know how much Great-Uncle cherishes his horses…. If he finds out that a Heidelberg Horse died suddenly at the Imperial Palace Stables, he’ll definitely search for the culprit and turn the entire palace upside down.”

 

Even Imperial Father couldn’t treat Grand Duke Heidelberg carelessly.

 

One of the three Royal Guards protecting the Imperial Capital was under the Grand Duke’s command, and part of the Heavy Cavalry that deployed in emergencies was also under his jurisdiction.

 

Among the Former Emperor’s brothers, he was the only one to live long and establish himself as a political heavyweight.

 

Provoking the Grand Duke just to humiliate Elisia would be burdensome for their side too.

 

‘What would Elder Brother have done?’

 

As Rosalind pondered deeply, the corners of her mouth suddenly curved upward.

 

“Switch the horse right before the competition. And put it back before the competition ends. This should be enough to make Elisia look like a pathological liar.”

 

A Northern Horse would be perfect.

 

Unlike Heidelberg Horses, they had rough temperaments and were monstrously large, making them difficult for first-time riders to handle properly.

 

“If only she hadn’t dared to challenge me despite being from a branch family, this wouldn’t have happened….”

 

It would be nice if she fell from the horse and became permanently disabled.

 

Rosalind’s eyes curved with pleasure as she looked at the horse.

 

* * *

 

Finally, the morning of the competition day dawned.

 

Having woken up several hours earlier than usual, I left the lodging with Edwin’s enthusiastic cheering.

 

It was a rule for riders to personally check their horses’ condition on competition day.

 

I trudged toward the stables with listless steps.

 

“Good morning, Lady Elisia!”

 

“Ugh, Lady Caterina, you’re so energetic from the crack of dawn….”

 

“Hmm? The sun is high in the sky though.”

 

I silently shook my head.

 

Looking at the same cup, some people say it’s half full, while others say it’s half empty.

 

Everything in the world is a matter of perspective. Whatever.

 

Whether Caterina was deeply moved by my philosophical nonsense—or had lost the will to argue—she didn’t challenge me further and naturally continued the conversation.

 

“I happened to see you practicing with your husband last time. Your horsemanship skills were quite impressive, weren’t they?”

 

“You’re the one who’s a strong candidate for victory, Caterina.”

 

“That’s not true at all. I’d just be happy if I don’t bring shame to Pavia’s name.”

 

Who would have thought I’d be using this girlish way of complimenting each other with “you did well,” “no, you did better.”

 

I thought I’d never have anything to do with such cute things in my lifetime.

 

It was the moment I entered the stables with this strange feeling.

 

Caterina, who was walking ahead, stiffened her expression.

 

“It seems like there’s a problem.”

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

“Lady Elisia’s horse…”

 

The moment I turned my head following her gaze, I couldn’t help but widen my eyes in surprise.

 

“Good heavens.”

 

The beautiful and delicate Pijuki was nowhere to be seen.

 

Instead, a Northern Horse with impressive muscles and a massive build that could easily pull three cargo carriages was standing boldly in the stables.

 

Caterina muttered in a bewildered voice.

 

“It seems someone played a prank. We should inform the tournament officials and take measures…”

 

“No.”

 

I had fallen in love with that horse.

 

It was exactly the kind of horse I had wanted.

 

“But Lady Elisia!”

 

“I think I know who the culprit is.”

 

It was Edwin. There was no doubt about it.

 

When I first saw Pijuki, I tried hard to pretend I was really happy, but my facial muscles weren’t very cooperative.

 

I thought I had smiled brightly in my own way, but it seems Edwin’s eyes couldn’t be fooled after all.

 

‘Because he likes me.’

 

Suddenly my cheeks burned hot.

 

Seeing my expression, Caterina seemed to sense something and poked my side repeatedly.

 

“What? What’s with that look?”

 

“Actually, Edwin said this morning that if I finish today’s tournament safely, he’d give me a gift…”

 

“Ah, yes, how nice for you.”

 

She had that characteristic expression that seemed to say newlyweds dripping with honey were being lovey-dovey.

 

At first she pretended not to care for the sake of my dignity, but now even that was gone.

 

I immediately called for a messenger.

 

I could have told Edwin directly after the tournament ended, but my heart was floating with excitement and I wanted to send him some message right now.

 

He must be waiting for my reaction.

 

“Go to Duke Lombard right now and tell him I received the gift he sent well. Also add that I was very happy.”

 

“Yes, Duchess.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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