I Picked Up My Amnesic Ex-Husband - Chapter 11

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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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I picked up my ex-husband after he’d lost his memory.
Chapter 11

2. It Was Never My Intention

『Dear Wendy,
I’ve secured the item you requested from the Argon Ruins. Just as you instructed, I placed it near Alec’s quarters, and he’s taken to talking to himself more often lately. Is it safe to leave things as they are?
I’ve searched the Imperial Palace storage three times now, but found no swordsman carrying a Black Sword. However, I did locate a bracelet engraved with a dragon crest deeper within. After presenting it to His Highness, I’ve noticed he’s been sleeping soundly of late.
I’ve also found useful information in the imperial library and am sending you a Manuscript accordingly. Please take care that it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
P.S. Of late, Alec has been pestering me terribly about visiting the Duchy of Siegfried. I’m doing my best to discourage him, but it’s proving difficult. Might it help if you wrote him a letter?
– Sae』

『Dear Sae,
I received your report safely. I must confess, I was surprised your reply came back so quickly.
If the sword doesn’t exist, there’s nothing to be done about it. In any case, please see to it that Alec doesn’t access the storage if at all possible. As I explained before, those are extremely dangerous items.
The fact that he talks to himself is a natural phenomenon—there’s no need to worry. In fact, I hope it’s been beneficial to him. It certainly won’t cause him any harm. I’m sure you’ve already verified as much.
I’ll enclose instructions for what needs to be done next, written on paper as always. After you’ve read everything, dispose of it as you usually do.
I’ve looked over the Manuscript, and it certainly contains fascinating information. If you uncover more detailed findings, please let me know.
As I’ve told you before, I’m someone who shouldn’t be entangled with him. You know your correspondence with me cannot be discovered, yes? Don’t forget the purpose we came together for.
P.S. I’m enclosing some Tea Leaves that are excellent for insomnia. Brew the leaves, sweeten with honey, and drink before bed—you’ll find yourself drifting off in comfort!
– Wendy』

『Dear Wendy,
It appears Alec has made a new friend recently.
The second son of Marquis Blaise—since meeting him, His Highness has been burning with scholarly enthusiasm. He mentioned he’ll be staging a Magic demonstration soon. Should I simply allow it to proceed?
Also, I had the gardener plant those Seeds you sent in the outskirts of the Imperial City, and they’ve already begun to sprout and grow. An unusual fragrance is already emanating from them, and I’ve heard that even His Majesty the Emperor has taken interest, asking what they might be.
Furthermore, I continue to search for the person you requested before, but I’ve yet to turn up any leads. I’ll contact you immediately once I’ve learned anything of their whereabouts.
– Sae』

『Dear Sae,
Might the young friend be Prince Serhi Blaise? If it’s him, he’ll make an excellent companion for His Highness, so you needn’t worry too much.
You did plant them carefully along the palace walls, correct? Since they’re plants that purify Mana, they’ll prove useful to His Highness if circumstances require it.
As for that person—they visit Delcia once every three months, so if we place someone there, you should hear from them soon enough. Should negotiations reach an impasse, try asking if they need any medicine for the Full Moon.
And should Alec happen to walk the corridors in the dead of night, don’t wake him under any circumstances. Simply follow the path he takes. The creatures within the Imperial City pose no threat to him.
Beneath the shadow of the great guardian dragon, may the boundless sky forever watch over you.
-Wendy』

『Dear Wendy,
I’m enclosing something that might prove useful. I had to forcibly take it from someone rather troublesome, but it seems it will certainly serve some purpose between us. I’ve included instructions on how to use it.
I’ve visited the Azure Ruins. Seeing the Mana density undulating like waves, I now understand why this place is designated a Sealed Site.
In any case, I was fortunate enough to locate a large Claw buried within the ruins. I’m planning to have the blacksmith forge it into a sword.
I’m enclosing a detailed report documenting everything.
And this time, word reached me that I’ve made successful contact with the person you requested. I relayed your message exactly as you’d instructed and handed over the Potion Bottle. I’ll inform you if there’s further word.
And please, spare me the flowery language. It gives me chills. These aristocratic courtesies are nothing but uncomfortable platitudes, and they’re becoming quite the nuisance.
-Sae』

『Dear Sae,
I received the magical tool you sent—thank you! A Transmission Orb that can deliver items directly? This will make exchanging letters far more convenient, though it’s a shame it’s limited to smaller objects.
I’d been worried about you since you headed to the ruins, as there’s been no word from you. The Mana density there is so intense that most people would struggle even to breathe, but I suppose my eye for talent isn’t mistaken after all.
I’m so relieved you found that person! Please tell me immediately when you hear from them again. It’s the sort of matter that really should be discussed face-to-face if possible.
Flowery language is distasteful, you say? That’s rich coming from a mage. Though I suppose as a practitioner of Silent Magic, you might have different sensibilities.
Speaking of which, the timing is perfect! I have a favor to ask—I’d like you to visit the Duchy of Siegfried at your earliest convenience. Keep it quiet, and be as discreet as possible.
-Wendy』

『What’s happened suddenly?』

“There’s something I need to entrust to you. It’s very important, so you absolutely must come in person to fetch it!”

* * *

Inside the study of Siegfried Grand Castle.
“As you know, the Duchy of Siegfried encompasses vast territories stretching from the western border of the Empire.”
Olendo lifted his staff and tapped a large chalkboard where a map of the Empire hung.
“His Grace undertakes inspections near the borders twice yearly—in spring and autumn—with each expedition lasting roughly two to four weeks. During those absences, you will need to administer the Duchy.”
His gaze as he looked at me was quite pointed. I sat at the desk jotting notes in a book, then answered with a bright smile.
“Then that will be my chance to prove my worth—as the mistress of Siegfried Grand Castle.”
“You are too formal, madam.”
“As the mistress of the castle, I mean.”
Once I corrected my tone, Olendo at last appeared satisfied, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
After my conversation with Kaien in the Imperial City’s garden, I had returned to the Grand Castle and, following a discussion with him, drafted a contract.
A contract marriage—something I’d only read about in novels. I never imagined I’d become a party to one, but I suppose that’s just how life goes.

『Contract Duration: The period during which Kaien de Siegfried Elision (hereinafter Kaien) and Wendy Lemieux Dermis (hereinafter Wendy) remain bound in matrimony.』
『Compensation shall be disbursed monthly through the steward Olendo.』
『One week’s leave may be taken per seven days.』
『Wendy may not draw upon the Duchy’s funds without Kaien’s consent. However, should Kaien be absent, budget expenditures may be authorized in consultation with the steward Olendo.』

To be honest, it looked more like an employment contract than a marriage agreement.
In any case, I reviewed each clause meticulously and settled the terms. If I had to single out one of the most crucial provisions……

『Should either Kaien or Wendy be confirmed dead, or should either party breach any stipulated term, this contract shall become void and be nullified. In the latter case, the breaching party shall remit to the other double the sum exchanged under the contract as a penalty.』
『However, should Wendy pose a threat to Kaien’s safety or be implicated in the cause of his death, summary execution may be carried out with the approval of the steward Olendo and Knight Order Commander Rennan.』
『※ Wendy retains the right to mount a defense, with the allotted period not to exceed one month from date of accusation.』

That was it.
On the surface it looked disadvantageous to me, but considering the backbone of my plan, there was no condition more certain than this. Kaien could never imagine it.
And the moment I resolved to fulfill my duties as Grand Duchess rather than merely exist in shadow, the first thing that changed was Olendo’s demeanor.
‘There is no need for you to show deference to us, madam. Save for the master himself, there is no one in this castle of greater standing than you.’
From that point on, he began drilling me in every courtesy and protocol befitting a Grand Duchess—and his instruction in the weeks before my departure to the Imperial City, compressed as it was, felt tripled in its rigor.
Honestly, when he even took issue with the angle of my wrist as I cut meat with a knife, I wanted to throw everything down, but I held firm. I was an adult who needed to earn money for the future, after all……!
“Soon it will be time to collect taxes throughout the Duchy, so you shall be quite occupied for a while.”
“I’m not worried about that. Numbers are my strength.”
Olendo, who had been regarding my cheerful reply with a skeptical eye, continued.
“Late autumn will also bring His Grace’s birthday, so we must prepare a celebration banquet. It may well be your first occasion as its host.”

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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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