I Became the Wife of the Hero Who Killed Me - Chapter 150

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

#Episode 150

 

At first, I thought he had come to see us off, but Brother’s next words surprised everyone.

 

“It would be troublesome if you left me behind, wouldn’t it?”

 

“Huh?”

 

My companions and I blinked blankly in confusion.

 

The priests that Cardinal Nonna had mentioned would accompany Caterina on her journey were already aboard the same carriage as her.

 

But the moment they spotted Vincent, all questions were answered.

 

“Brother Vincent! Aren’t you late? I thought you weren’t coming because you were being fickle again.”

 

“Sorry about that. I had some things to think about.”

 

“I didn’t hear that you were coming.”

 

To make matters worse, Edwin, who had been making a final inspection of the procession before departure, walked over to us.

 

Though he was pretending to look relaxed, his eyes already held a subtle displeasure.

 

Nevertheless, Vincent grinned smugly as if to show off.

 

“Life has its ups and downs, doesn’t it?”

 

“I only permitted His Holiness the Pope’s close retainers to accompany us. You’re not one of them.”

 

“That’s where you’re wrong.”

 

“What?”

 

“It feels a bit like bragging to say this myself, but His Holiness and I are quite close, you see.”

 

One of the priests stepped down from the carriage to explain.

 

“Brother Vincent speaks the truth. His Holiness and Brother have a deep friendship. They’ve shared a special bond since childhood.”

 

He meant they were childhood friends.

 

I gaped in astonishment.

 

I was amazed that Brother Vincent was actually friends with Leo II, and sadly, I still had a physiological fear of inquisitors, but aside from that—

 

‘The back of my head feels so hot. It’s burning me to death!’

 

I could feel the jealous king Edwin’s sulky glare.

 

This was ominous.

 

Thinking about whether we could have a peaceful and pleasant journey all the way to the distant north, it felt incredibly ominous!

 

“Duchess, have a safe trip!”

 

“Elze, take care!”

 

And so I left the Imperial Capital Bellenua while wailing inwardly.

 

* * *

 

At the same time, in the Emperor’s office at the Solar Palace.

 

Nigel glanced up at the Chief Chamberlain who entered with hurried steps.

 

“Has she left?”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

Though there was no subject, it wasn’t difficult to guess who they were talking about.

 

Nigel had always been watching her every move, as she enjoyed strong support from the people.

 

Learning that Elisia had completely passed through the gate, Nigel’s expression relaxed considerably.

 

“She left more quietly than I expected. I thought she’d be stirring up trouble here and there.”

 

“Except when mediating with the Holy See, Lady Lombard only met with a few noble ladies she had personal relationships with.”

 

“Good.”

 

After hearing the report, Nigel gave an order in a calm voice that didn’t match the weight of the content.

 

“Now release Marquis Andre from prison.”

 

“Ah, you mean Marquis Andre?”

 

The Chief Chamberlain asked in surprise.

 

He was Vittorio IV’s closest associate who had managed the private imperial funds, and was imprisoned awaiting trial for his deep involvement in the orphanage budget corruption.

 

The Chief Chamberlain, who knew the situation well, couldn’t help but worry.

 

“However, if we release the Marquis, public opinion that has barely calmed down might boil over again.”

 

“Who would know if we handle it quietly? Just wrap it up with an appropriate fine and make him refrain from public activities until the atmosphere settles down. When the time comes, I’ll naturally have him return.”

 

Nigel sighed inwardly.

 

The reality he faced as Emperor was more difficult than expected.

 

Due to the previous generation and Lady Perez’s excessive wasteful spending, the imperial private funds had hit rock bottom and debts had piled up instead.

 

‘I suspected it, but I didn’t think it would be this bad…’

 

He desperately needed political funds.

 

In truth, Nigel had no intention whatsoever of accepting parliamentary interference, contrary to what he had declared before the people.

 

He had yielded for now to calm the boiling public opinion, but once imperial power was stabilized, he planned to reclaim the rights that had been taken from them.

 

Until then, there were many things that had to be handled secretly behind parliament’s back.

 

All of this required enormous costs.

 

‘There’s no one as skilled at fund management as Marquis Andre.’

 

The Marquis was the person who had designed the foundation of today’s imperial slush funds.

 

There was a reason he had been favored since the previous previous Emperor’s reign.

 

‘Damn, to think I’d become Emperor only to be constantly worried about money.’

 

But this current humiliation would only be temporary. Someday he would definitely reclaim past glory.

 

Nigel repeated this to himself as he gripped the documents.

 

* * *

 

After crossing the central continent, we finally reached the Lombard gate.

 

Edwin and I would head to Lombard Castle, while Caterina’s party would move directly to Bellamare.

 

Originally, I had suggested that she stay at the castle with us for a while, but Caterina politely declined.

 

Considering the series of events unfolding in Pavia, it was only natural.

 

‘Nigel has ascended to the throne and Rosalind, who gained backing, is causing even more trouble…’

 

In the past, Caterina had succeeded in her rebellion and reclaimed the throne.

 

But now the situation was very different from then, so we couldn’t let our guard down. Since the current Pavian royal family had the Empire and Nigel behind them—

 

Once we parted today, we didn’t know when we would meet again.

 

“I truly received great help from Lady Elisia. You even took political risks to help us, so I don’t know if I can ever fully repay this debt in my lifetime.”

 

“We sincerely thank the Duchess.”

 

Caterina and her retainer, who had gotten out of the carriage, tried to kneel before me.

 

I hurriedly helped them to their feet.

 

“I’m the one who’s sorry for not being able to accompany you to the end.”

 

“What you’ve done for us so far is more than enough. And I received this too.”

 

Caterina carefully clutched the letter bearing my seal.

 

It was a letter to Gibson, Bellamare’s chief secretary and my representative, asking him to help Caterina’s party in every way possible.

 

I had already sent someone ahead to inform him, but it was better to be thorough in preparation.

 

“May God’s protection be with Lady Caterina on her journey.”

 

“May God’s blessings be with Lady Elisia…”

 

Actually, there was still much I wanted to say.

 

But from the gate to Bellamare, they would have to travel for a long time again. Since it had already taken considerable time just to cross the central region, we couldn’t delay much longer.

 

We parted at the gate, promising to continue our unfinished conversation at a later date.

 

The Holy See seemed to have decided to support Pavia, as Brother Vincent and the other priests would also head to Bellamare with Caterina.

 

I had been worried about what would happen if the priests stayed in Lombard like this, so it was fortunate.

 

‘Ed kept picking fights with Brother whenever he had the chance, making the entire trip quite tiring.’

 

Brother Vincent hadn’t done anything particularly special.

 

He just exchanged light greetings during meal times, participated when the priests discussed theology, and joined in when having casual conversations with Caterina.

 

Considering Edwin’s sensitive nature, I didn’t even create situations where we’d be alone together, yet Edwin seemed very displeased with Vincent.

 

Only Caterina showed her characteristic dreamy expression, saying that newlywed life was indeed wonderful.

 

“Lady Caterina, please write to me once the situation stabilizes…!”

 

“Stay healthy until we meet again!”

 

I was waving at Caterina’s group as they grew more distant, when suddenly Vincent turned his horse around and galloped back toward us.

 

I asked him as he stopped in front of me.

 

“What’s the matter?”

 

“Elisia. I don’t know when we’ll meet again, but when that time comes, there’s something I definitely want to tell you.”

 

“Can’t you just say it now?”

 

I was the type who couldn’t stand being curious about something. If he was going to say it anyway, wouldn’t it be better to say it now?

 

But Vincent chuckled and asked back.

 

“Are you curious?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Then keep being curious. And while you’re at it, it would be even better if you thought of me sometimes too.”

 

“…?”

 

What kind of random nonsense is this all of a sudden?

 

I knew he was originally a strange person, but after revealing his identity, he didn’t even seem to think about hiding his strangeness.

 

Perhaps reading my expression, he playfully shrugged his shoulders and then followed after Caterina’s group, who had already gotten quite far away.

 

“Seriously, what was that about? Ed, do you understand what Brother was talking about?”

 

“No, I have no idea at all.”

 

“Hmm.”

 

“Don’t worry about it. Isn’t he originally a strange person anyway?”

 

“That’s true.”

 

We crossed the gate and traveled much further.

 

Clear, cool air even in midsummer. Rough stone paths and a high, deep blue sky without a single cloud. Snow-capped mountains majestically spread out in the distance.

 

As we moved forward, gradually familiar scenery unfolded.

 

With my heart excited, I got out of the carriage and rode horses with Edwin, playfully racing ahead of each other as we rode side by side.

 

And so, as the sun was setting, we finally arrived at the castle.

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