I Became the Wife of the Hero Who Killed Me - Chapter 83

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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 83

The Duke’s sudden statement plunged the conference room into brief silence.

Since they had just been discussing the succession issue moments before, they felt somewhat guilty, but they couldn’t help being curious when the Duke, who was still in his prime, was already mentioning succession.

Could it be that the Duchess had conceived in Bellamare? No, but we haven’t heard any such information.

In that brief moment, all sorts of thoughts flashed through the bureaucrats’ minds.

Just then, Duke Lombard opened his mouth.

“Elisia and I have not yet become a complete married couple.”

“Pardon?”

“What do you mean by not becoming a complete married couple…?”

Edwin silently nodded, confirming everyone’s doubts.

The bureaucrats naturally thought of Elisia. If there was a problem with the marital relationship, the cause could only be her.

But Duke Lombard’s next statement shattered everyone’s assumptions.

“I am the problem.”

“Pardon?”

“According to my personal physician, it’s likely a psychological issue. As you all know, I’ve avoided women my entire life, and because of that, my body’s balance has been disrupted.”

“Uh… um, yes? What kind of problem?”

Duke Lombard explained the cause of the problem in indirect but clear and unhidden terms.

However, the flustered bureaucrats couldn’t quite grasp the meaning.

Well, that was understandable, since Duke Lombard possessed an overwhelmingly imposing physique even among the robust northern men.

He was the Empire’s strongest warrior, a man among men with a tall, impressive stature and muscles as solid as a beast’s.

He was the idol and ideal of countless men.

But Duke Lombard had a problem too shameful to speak aloud? Was this really possible?

The flustered bureaucrats looked at the elderly chamberlain standing behind Duke Lombard.

“…”

Bertol was considered the closest among Duke Lombard’s close retainers.

The bureaucrats looked at Bertol as if grasping at their last hope, but he showed not the slightest change in expression.

Since Duke Lombard wasn’t the type to joke anyway, it meant this was really true.

‘Oh, dear God…’

Faced with this shocking truth they didn’t want to believe, the bureaucrats lost even their last remaining fighting spirit.

In geometric terms, they couldn’t see any way to defeat the perfect Duchess who was like a complete hexagon.

Now, instead of worrying about the Duchess or anything else, they had to worry about the perpetuation of House Lombard, and the only hope was the diagnosis of it being a ‘temporary problem.’

As people trudged out listlessly, Bertol, who had remained silent throughout, finally rubbed his face wearily.

“Master… was this really the only way?”

“I can’t stand by and watch Elisia be attacked, so it’s faster to blame it on me instead.”

They wouldn’t be able to speak of it anywhere else.

Since House Lombard needed to continue for them to parasitically fill their bellies for generations to come.

Edwin’s ‘temporary problem’ would become a top secret among top secrets, and even if the succession issue was raised externally, they would block it themselves.

But Bertol still looked like he didn’t understand.

“This may be presumptuous of me, but I find it difficult to understand why you two are postponing your wedding night.”

“I’m not mentally prepared yet.”

“Even if your hearts haven’t connected, it’s not strange at all for a married couple to have relations.”

Though Bertol was usually taciturn, today he seemed determined.

He continued speaking.

“Even considering Madam’s position. Ultimately, bearing an heir would make her position as mistress more secure, wouldn’t it?”

“…”

“Please consider deeply what would truly be for Madam’s benefit. This old retainer, whose days before departing to God’s embrace are numbered, humbly entreats you.”

“I’ll consider it.”

He knew Edwin’s answer was empty words.

Nevertheless, Bertol bowed his head without saying anything.

* * *

Edwin’s calculation was accurate.

The bureaucrats remained completely silent about the succession issue and no longer made it a public problem.

However, there was one variable: Administrative Chief Ramon, Elisia’s closest aide, had social skills that far exceeded normal levels.

Though Elisia’s display of outstanding ability had been the catalyst, Ramon had already succeeded in recruiting several capable high-ranking officials to his side.

Thus, Edwin’s ‘problem,’ which was supposed to be a top secret among top secrets, reached the Duchess’s ears in less than a day.

* * *

“…What did you say?”

The documents I was holding fell helplessly to the floor.

I had been receiving a report from Ramon about the spring planting situation.

Since Lombard suffered from chronic food shortages due to barren soil and frequent cold damage, I had been checking the progress intermittently since Bellamare.

“Did I hear that correctly just now?”

“This is truly shameful to report to Madam, but…”

Though he said it was shameful, Ramon’s tongue was unrestrained.

So when all the explanations were finished, I realized I had made a very big mistake with Edwin.

‘What kind of demand did I make of that poor man?’

And while drunk and making shameful advances at that…

I felt very sorry, but at the same time, honestly, it was confusing, so I needed some time to think.

“I understand, so leave for now.”

“I’ve been searching for a miraculous acupuncturist who they say can even make the lame walk. Though relying on dark arts isn’t good, since Lombard’s great matter is at stake, soon there will be good news—”

“I said get out!”

Has he gone mad? Make what stand up?!

Frowning with displeasure, I looked down at Nero to cleanse my sullied ears.

Actually, even after coming to Lombard, there were mountains of official duties to review immediately.

But since Nero refused to leave my side, I had no choice but to carry him tucked tightly under my arm.

It really couldn’t be helped.

“Nero, I think I made a terrible mistake with Edwin.”

“Meow?”

Edwin was a person with tolerance as deep and wide as the ocean, so even though I had wounded his male pride, he showed absolutely no sign of displeasure.

That made me feel even more sorry.

Even though this was a political marriage, I could feel that he was doing his best for me, which made it even worse.

“How should I apologize to Edwin?”

“Meow.”

“Stop talking and pet you?”

“Meow.”

As if that was the right answer, Nero rolled over and wagged his tail.

Of course.

I laughed helplessly and stroked him long and gently from his neck to his back.

Perhaps because I loved Nero so much, lately I sometimes felt like he really understood what I was saying and acted accordingly.

Just like a normal person.

But seeing how he only purred no matter what I worried about, he was definitely just a spoiled cat.

“I love you, my baby.”

I showered his cheek with a hundred kisses.

* * *

[Shit, I thought my ears were going to rot!]

Morcatus scratched his ears vigorously even though he didn’t have an ear infection.

Should a precious high-ranking demon like himself have to listen to such vulgar language?

Ramon or Lemon, whatever his name was—next time he saw that bastard, he vowed to smash his smug face first.

After fuming for a while, Morcatus belatedly muttered about the main issue.

[By the way, what the hell happened in the Western Region?]

“Meow.”

Nero, who had been lounging comfortably, suddenly raised his head.

Actually, Nero had been left alone in the castle for a long time and was thoroughly sulking.

He knew the reason why his mom couldn’t return, and Aunt Berry read him letters every day, but he still couldn’t help feeling hurt.

He had planned to give her the silent treatment for at least a week.

But he had received a hundred kisses and had monopolized his busy mom for a whole two days, so his heart had softened.

That’s why he had coolly let her go when she said she needed to discuss something briefly with Edwin just now.

Actually, Nero also had something to talk about with Morcatus.

“Meow, meow meow, meooow.”

[That’s exactly what I’m talking about. I covered everything with dark magic, but it’s all been wiped clean as if nothing happened, and even when I try to reapply it, it won’t stick.]

“Meow?”

[Are you asking if my abilities have declined? Don’t be ridiculous.]

Morcatus, who had seized control of the body, slowly walked toward the mirror.

The still-vivid purple eyes clearly displayed the high purity of his dark magic.

[Honestly, such an insolent little cat.]

“Meow! Meow meow meow!”

[My ears are killing me. Anyway, just wait. Ah, I said wait! Whatever the problem is, there’s never been an issue my dark magic couldn’t solve. Just you wait and see!]

But Morcatus’s boastful promise was never fulfilled.

No matter how many layers of dark magic he applied, Elisia’s body kept erasing it completely. Without a trace.

Thanks to this, Morcatus was on the verge of going crazy from stress.

However, Elisia, who knew nothing about this, was delighted that her baby was being affectionate and cuddly day and night, so it was a happy ending for at least half of them.

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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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