I Became the Wife of the Hero Who Killed Me - Chapter 90

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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 90

“I’m sorry! Have you been waiting long?!”

“It’s dangerous, so please come down slowly.”

Edwin tried to stop me, but I hurried down the stairs feeling apologetic.

It seemed like at least four or five hours had passed – just how long had I left him standing on the streets?

“Your conversation looked so enjoyable that I didn’t want to interrupt.”

He then explained that he had called a cargo carriage to send the books home first.

I had been worried sick about how to carry all those books, so this was a huge relief.

As I repeatedly apologized to Edwin, Madam walked over to us.

“Miss, today’s conversation was truly delightful. I can’t remember the last time I talked so long without noticing time pass.”

“I was the one honored to learn from your deep insights. I truly mean it.”

“Since we’ve met like this through fate, may I at least know your name?”

“….”

Despite our long conversation confirming how well our thoughts aligned, her refusal to remove her mask showed she had noticed I had no intention of revealing my identity.

I answered with a regretful heart.

“My name is Elze, Madam.”

“Elze… It’s a name that carries the scent of books. It suits you very well, Miss.”

To think she could express being bookworm-like so elegantly.

As I was genuinely admiring this, Madam continued speaking.

“Please call me Lizzy. All my friends call me that.”

“Thank you, Lizzy.”

I carefully clasped the hand she extended to me.

Now it was truly time to part ways.

Since it was too late for a woman to return alone, I suggested guards for Lizzy, but she declined, saying her house was nearby.

In the end, Edwin and I left the bookstore first.

Even in the Southern Region, the dawn air was still a bit chilly.

Concerned about my thin clothing, Edwin immediately took off his coat and wrapped it around my shoulders.

“You should wear this.”

“Won’t you be cold?”

“I’m fine.”

Then he very slowly and carefully took hold of my fingertips.

When I looked up at him without saying anything, this time he was a bit bolder, intertwining his fingers between mine.

“…”

The air that had felt chilly just moments before now felt warm.

We didn’t let go of each other’s hands until we reached the mansion.

* * *

Young lovers walk harmoniously through the darkened streets.

The middle-aged woman who had been watching their retreating figures with satisfaction slowly removed her mask.

The face of Isabella La Perang, called the greatest intellect of the Imperial Capital, was revealed.

‘Lizzy’ was her childhood nickname, and only close family and friends could call her by this childhood name, showing just how favorably she viewed ‘Elze.’

A bookstore employee approached Isabella from behind.

“I’ve prepared a carriage for your return to the mansion.”

“Did my husband send it?”

“Yes, the master is worried about Madam’s well-being.”

“That man really…”

Unknown to anyone, the owner of this bookstore was the boss of an independent printing house she sponsored.

She had felt sorry that so many good writings in the world were being lost due to lack of printing capability, when through an acquaintance’s introduction, she connected with a printing house boss.

After various processes, Isabella and the boss felt the need for distribution as well as printing and established ‘Bookworm’s Paradise.’

Since they thoroughly hid their relationship, no one in the Imperial Capital knew this fact.

Only Marquis Perang, her husband who had supported her writing activities from closest proximity, and her most trusted close retainer who had followed her from long ago knew.

“Madam, the dawn air is cold.”

“Thank you.”

Isabella, who had slipped out through the back door to avoid people’s eyes, boarded the carriage.

She closed her eyes briefly from fatigue, but sleep wouldn’t come.

It was because of today’s special encounter.

“She looked very young. Could she even be twenty?”

Although she couldn’t see the face due to the mask, there were enough clues to guess her age.

Her social status was the same.

Unlike Isabella who wore gloves, the young lady was barehanded, with smooth skin and long, neat fingernails.

Her dress also looked plain at first glance, but anyone with a discerning eye could tell immediately.

It only lacked decoration – the fabric’s luster was quite luxurious.

“There’s no way I wouldn’t recognize that level of intellect… Is she a lady who just debuted this season?”

That would make sense.

If she was a young lady who had just come to the Imperial Capital to debut in society, it wouldn’t be strange for her to secretly slip out of the mansion with her lover while hiding her identity.

Isabella herself had been an unstoppable tomboy in her youth that even her parents couldn’t control.

“I hope we can meet again.”

* * *

Several days later.

Lombard Mansion in the Imperial Capital was bustling from early morning.

Since it was customary for the Imperial Couple to personally announce the opening of the first ball of the social season, any noble invited by the Emperor had to attend.

I was no exception, so I was dragged out of bed without even properly rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

I soaked my body in a bathtub with warm steam rising from it. I seemed to have dozed off for a moment, and when I came to my senses, the servants were applying perfumed oil to my hair.

I fell asleep again and woke up to find they were now doing skincare.

“What time is it now…”

“It’s eleven o’clock, Madam!”

Finally, it was close to my usual waking time.

While the servants would prepare my body, I also needed to gradually prepare my mind before entering the Imperial Palace, so I stretched and straightened my back.

I praised Berry, who had been supporting me the whole time, and asked the servant in charge of makeup.

“How much longer will it take?”

“I just finished your hair, and makeup will be completed soon. Only putting on the dress and accessories remains.”

“I see…”

Beyond the mirror, I stared at the dresses hanging in a row on the mannequin.

This was the result of Edwin’s efforts in various ways, replacing me who had no talent for dressing up.

Before departing from Lombard, he had first sent people to recruit several famous designers and delivered my measurements in advance to have dresses and shoes made.

Actually, if it had been a ball held in Lombard, I would have nagged him not to waste money unnecessarily.

But this was the Imperial Capital, and I had a duty as a duchess to uphold Lombard’s prestige.

Of course, I could have worn ‘Elisia’s’ dresses, but her taste was too terrible.

To my eyes, they looked like nothing but naked clown outfits, and I couldn’t believe she had paid money for them.

‘Elisia… This, dress, is, um…’

‘You don’t need to try hard to say something nice. I know my taste is terrible too.’

It was through roughly this process that Edwin came to be completely involved.

For me, who had no eye for precious clothing, this was actually fortunate.

“Madam, your makeup is finished.”

“Well done.”

While I was lost in thought, the servant bowed and stepped back a few paces.

With Berry’s support, I rose from the vanity and slowly looked around at the dresses.

Each one was beautiful and dazzlingly brilliant, showing how much expensive silk, lace, and gems had been lavished upon them.

Yet they weren’t excessively ornate either, harmonious like works of art.

“I’m not sure which dress would be good.”

“Whatever you choose will suit you well, Madam.”

“That’s true.”

I stopped in front of the water-colored dress.

On subtle blue silk, vine patterns were embroidered with silver thread, and flower buds bloomed with crystals, pearls, and all sorts of colored gems.

It seemed like a good choice that wouldn’t stand out too much—I preferred to stay tucked away in a corner if possible—while still displaying Lombard’s dignity.

“I should try it on first and ask Edwin if it looks alright.”

“Oh my, Madam…”

“The master would say you look pretty in anything you wear!”

“Th-that’s not what I meant?! I just want Edwin to look and see if it’s suitable for my first banquet since he has good taste!”

Despite my earnest explanation, the servants turned red and squealed with delight, somehow misunderstanding my words completely.

Even when I shouted at them to be quiet, I could see the servants were still trying to hold back their laughter.

“Are your hands idle? Can’t you move faster?!”

“Yes♡”

Now they don’t even pretend to be scared.

My image as the tyrannical mistress of terror is completely ruined.

While I grumbled inwardly, the quick-handed servants dressed me in the gown, put on matching shoes, and neatly arranged my appearance.

“Madam, would you like to look in the mirror now?”

“I think these accessories would suit you, but what do you think, Madam?”

The servants were showing me various jewelry boxes when I heard a knock-knock from the connecting door to the bedroom.

There was only one person who could knock on that door. When I told them to come in, the door opened immediately.

“Elisia, about today’s banquet schedule, there are some things it would be good for you to know in advance…”

Edwin, who had entered while explaining his business, stopped moving completely.

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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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