I Picked Up My Amnesic Ex-Husband - Chapter 4

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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 lost his memory.
Chapter 4

The Elysion Empire.
The primary setting of “How to Live as an Irresponsible Crown Prince,” it was a nation wielding enormous influence across the continent.
As mentioned in its Founding Mythology—which recounts the tales of dragons, fairies, and Draeken—it was an empire blessed with the eternal protection of dragons through generations.
The Founding Mythology told of how dragons, fairies, and humans had joined forces to battle Draeken, a malevolent being, and restore peace to the world.
And it was against the backdrop of that sealed Draeken beginning to awaken, with all manner of monsters under its influence beginning to rampage in earnest, that the original story commenced.
Only the direct lineage of the Imperial Family, blessed with absolute protection from dragons, possessed complete immunity when facing monsters. It was also the reason the male protagonist had hidden his status and feigned idleness while resolving incidents.
“As I thought, the information I remember is correct after all.”
I snapped shut the thick history book that had been sitting on the table arranged in the Grand Duke’s Castle Library.
Over the past fortnight, through diligent verification, the worldview itself largely matched the settings I remembered.
I couldn’t recall every single date, but I’d organized the major events before they slipped my mind entirely. Of course, they were all information that wouldn’t be useful for another decade.
I leaned back in my chair and tilted my head upward, gazing blankly at the ceiling as I murmured to myself.
“Ten years… that’s ages away.”
The thought of not knowing what would become of my life in just three years made it even more daunting—and I couldn’t rule out the possibility of dying from illness.
But really, in a world where magic had advanced this far, did it make sense that a person would die from mere sickness? Especially in a noble family that wanted for nothing?
Honestly, it didn’t feel entirely real, but I did want to live.
I didn’t know why memories from my past life had suddenly returned, but looking at it another way, this was an opportunity.
It wasn’t anything grandiose—just preserving my own life. What was wrong with that?
First, I needed to find the cause of death, then figure out some way to prevent it. And…
“What are you doing over there?”
“Oh my goodness!”
The sudden voice made me jump and let out a startled cry. I whirled around to find myself face to face with a handsome man of imposing stature, his arms crossed as he leaned against the bookshelf.
“Your Grace?”
I quickly rose from my seat and bowed respectfully as Kaien approached me with long strides.
“Welcome back. Did you have a pleasant outing?”
I’d heard he’d returned four days ago.
“It was manageable.”
True to his taciturn nature, he offered nothing more. His sharp gaze, sweeping from top to bottom, prompted me to add another question.
“Did you have business in the library?”
“Well…”
His words trailed off as his lips closed, his face striking and elegant. It was like admiring a work of art.
In any case, no sooner said than done—I began organizing the books on the table. At that, Kaien voiced his bewilderment.
“What are you doing?”
“Ah, well, you said you’d prefer not to run into each other except in front of others, didn’t you?”
I’d honestly expected not to see his face for several months, but I hadn’t anticipated meeting him this soon.
“Come to think of it, do you have any set time when you visit the library?”
Kaien’s eyes narrowed as though gauging my intentions.
“Why do you ask?”
“Why? Obviously so I can avoid you during those times.”
I had no desire to clash with him, and besides, his presence in the library would prevent me from conducting my investigation freely.
It was a blessing I’d only taken out history books—if I’d been leafing through materials related to the Imperial Family, it would have been disastrous. It would have looked terribly suspicious!
“…I hear you’ve been roaming through the castle lately without end.”
“Oh? Yes. I simply have many interests.”
“The servants say you’re interested in all manner of trivial tasks as well.”
How should I explain this? Worried it might seem suspicious, I chose my words carefully.
“I’m not sure what Your Grace thinks, but I do find meaning in learning itself.”
In any case, the time I can spend in this castle is likely no more than three years at most, and if that’s so, isn’t it better to learn as much as I can while I’m here?
In my previous life, I was always too busy working, coming home exhausted from overtime only to collapse into sleep—I’d barely pursued any real hobbies.
Just as studying becomes enjoyable when there’s no exam looming, everything felt delightful when I stopped thinking of it as work.
Who knows? Perhaps if I kept learning these various things, I might discover something that felt like my calling.
I scratched my cheek awkwardly as I added,
“And truthfully, I don’t have much to do, so I was getting rather bored.”
I may have the title of Grand Duchess, but in reality, I’m essentially unemployed.
In the modern world, idling away might have been busy enough if there were things to enjoy, but that’s only possible if you have something to eat. And since I can’t stay in this castle indefinitely anyway, there was no harm in learning what I could.
“Wouldn’t you prefer a hobby that’s a bit more, well, respectable?”
“Noble pastimes tend to require company, and I’m afraid I have absolutely no talent for embroidery and things like that…….”
Not long ago, I’d attempted needlework with all the enthusiasm I could muster, only to nearly stab my hand five times before giving up. The maid who’d been teaching me had asked if I was all right multiple times over—that says everything.
As I answered in a deflated tone, the realization of something suddenly struck me, and I clapped a hand over my mouth in alarm.
“Wait—surely you didn’t mean I should stay locked in my room and live like a ghost?”
I’d thought wandering quietly through the castle was fine!
I widened my eyes in question, and Kaien fell silent for a moment before speaking.
“No, that’s not quite what I meant.”
“Thank goodness. And would it be all right if I went to see the city near the castle soon?”
…….
“I’m absolutely not trying to make an official visit as the Grand Duke’s wife! I just thought I saw a city near the castle and wanted to have a look around.”
Besides, it wouldn’t hurt to scout for information while I was at it—and perhaps find an escape route in case something went wrong.
After all, my house was tied to the shadowy powers that pulled the strings, and it could collapse at any moment.
And in the first place, I was the only one in our family without a Magical Talent, just an ordinary human sold off to the Grand Duke as a connection—so I felt no real attachment to this new family.
If anything, life in the Grand Duke’s Castle was far easier on my heart; while they watched me warily now and then, no one here scorned me.
The family Ju Hayeon had been part of was long dead.
A thought struck me as absurd: was there some cosmic rule that only doomed orphans could possess bodies and be reborn?
“Then feel free to do as you wish. Though…….”
Those clear golden eyes fixed on me as if seeing right through me.
The intensity of his gaze made it feel as though everything I was hiding was being laid bare, piece by piece.
Tense with anticipation over what he might say, I watched as Kaien let out a sigh and spoke.
“I’ll need to visit the Capital soon.”
“The Capital?”
“His Imperial Majesty wishes to know what sort of person my bride is.”
I’d wondered why he was bringing this up so suddenly, but the context became clear at once. I pointed at myself with one finger and asked.
“You mean you have to take me with you?”
Looking at Kaien’s expression—one of clear annoyance—I’d clearly hit the mark.
After a moment’s hesitation, I asked earnestly.
“Then, what kind of person would you prefer?”
“……I beg your pardon?”
“I’ve never been a Grand Duke’s wife before.”
I could wander freely within the Grand Duke’s Castle, but out in the world—especially in the Imperial Palace—it was a different matter entirely.
Since we were married, after all, it would serve us both well if I helped preserve his reputation.
“Should I be a refined lady? Ah, but you said to live like a ghost, so perhaps a timid demeanor would be better? Or would you prefer we appear close? I did receive a good education in etiquette…….”
As I offered my various opinions, Kaien gazed at me with an unreadable expression, then touched his chin and answered softly.
“Just be ordinary.”
Ah, the hardest request of all.

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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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