I Woke Up from Hibernation and Found a Husband - Chapter 54

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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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Chapter 54
Several months prior, when Claire had settled into her winter slumber.
Theodore ventured to the front lines at the Border to cast aside the ignominy of recent years and safeguard House Voltier’s destiny.
“Would it not be wise to rest for a moment?”
Hooper, who had taken Ludwig’s place in guarding the Border after the latter’s return to House Voltier, gazed with concern at Theodore’s cloak, stained with exhaustion.
“There is no luxury for respite.”
Theodore gazed upward from atop the Castle Walls at the pallid sky, heavy with the promise of imminent snow. Just as clouds laden the heavens, so too did anxiety settle within Theodore’s heart.
‘I must grow stronger before Claire awakens once more.’
Strength is necessary to protect another. He could not bear to taste that despair again—the helplessness of standing by, powerless to intervene.
“Haste does not always guarantee swift arrival.”
Hooper continued to regard Theodore with concern as the young man organized his weapons. Though Theodore had reached twenty summers and grew visibly with each passing day, traces of youth still clung to him—he was not yet a man in full.
‘This is all our karmic burden.’
What sin could the Young Master—a boy the age of his own son—possibly bear? Hooper squeezed his eyes shut.
Gregory’s influence had seeped into people over a vast expanse of time. Those who had been infiltrated without sensing it believed only what they heard and judged accordingly, turning their backs on Leopold and Theodore.
‘If only he would rage at them.’
They deserved to be pointed at and called traitors, to hear accusations hurled at them. Yet Theodore blamed no one and punished no one.
“The destination matters little. What matters most to me is becoming stronger.”
The boy who had known only weakness possessed in truth a spirit stronger than any other.
Rather than clinging to the wounds of the past and lamenting, he had wagered everything on moving forward, using those he loved as his guiding light.
One who grows strong to protect others—the Knights’ hearts had long since begun to incline toward that figure, a symbol of House Voltier itself.
“What is the status of the monsters?”
“The recent frenzies have stabilized, but the orc packs have starved for so long that they will soon turn their attention to the Border again.”
Beyond the Mountain Range that encircled the Western Border of the Empire lay a Barren Wasteland where monsters spawned without cessation. Through their steadfast defense of the Border against creatures that hunted humanity, House Voltier had earned the epithet of the Border’s guardian and an undefeated knight.
“Still, our preparations are complete. The other monster colonies remain stable. These past few years have been unusually turbulent.”
“These past few years?”
Theodore’s inquiry prompted Hooper to clear his throat several times before continuing.
“For the past four or five years, the monsters have been unnaturally savage—a persistent headache. Count Voltier has had to take to the Battlefield nearly every day to minimize casualties.”
The Border’s troubles were the reason Count Voltier could not return to House Voltier—such was the timid justification woven into Hooper’s words. Theodore’s expression remained inscrutable and composed as he turned to descend the Castle Walls without further comment.
‘I shouldn’t have said anything unnecessary.’
Hooper’s face burned with embarrassment as he wiped it. Following Theodore down the Castle Walls, he noticed the Young Master had halted midway.
“Young Master?”
Bewildered, he turned toward the Staircase and caught sight of Emilia ascending.
It was startling to see her at the Border when she should have been with Ludwig, but the moment Theodore heard Emilia’s whispered words, his eyes widened.
“Pursuers?”
“We should relocate our residence first….”
“But that Cabin….”
Hooper blinked.
The composed heir who moments before seemed ready to charge into battle and sweep away monsters had vanished, replaced by a visibly shaken young man standing on the Staircase.
‘Is this truly that Young Master Theodore?’
Since arriving at the Border, Theodore’s demeanor had remained consistent—courteous to all yet distinctly distant, his cool reserve and weighty bearing lending him an air of gravity.
“Let’s return to House Voltier for now.”
“Very well.”
As though the conversation had reached its natural conclusion, Theodore turned his head sharply toward Hooper.
“You mentioned preparations for battle with the orcs are complete? You’ll manage adequately without my ability?”
Though phrased as a question, his tone carried an urgent plea for affirmation. Hooper nodded emphatically and offered the reassurance he sought.
“The Knights alone will suffice. Go swiftly and return.”
At those words, Theodore’s expression brightened considerably. The weight of responsibility that had shadowed his features lifted in an instant, replaced by relief.
From atop the Castle Walls, he watched as Emilia and Theodore departed the Border in haste, and found himself turning over the expression that had crossed Theodore’s face moments before.
What could have unsettled him so?
‘Who else.’
That maidservant from the rumors—the one whom both Theodore and even Ludwig were said to favor with particular affection. Surely it was news concerning her that had stirred his heart so profoundly.
‘Looking at it this way, he still seems like an ordinary young man.’
The passionate fervor of youth in love—it pleased him, and the man’s lips curved upward in a satisfied smile.
* * *
Inside the carriage bound for the Convent.
Theodore pressed his weary eyes with his fingertips, recalling the dream he had experienced the previous night.
‘Dreaming of events from months ago. The journey must have exhausted me.’
He had dreamed of those days at the Border, when he had rushed to accumulate achievements and hone his combat abilities before Claire awakened.
‘I never imagined that Hooper’s wife would become Claire’s chaperone.’
Theodore addressed Claire, who sat across from him struggling to keep her eyes open.
“Lady Melosa will join us later, then?”
“Yes, she said she would rest for a few days since she exhausted herself completely.”
Melosa, who had overseen Claire’s instruction in social etiquette and dance, had collapsed into the carriage after her final lesson and been conveyed back to House Hooper.
Claire scratched her head as she recalled Melosa’s pallid complexion as she had boarded the carriage.
“And your instep—is it alright?”
Claire glanced down at Theodore’s black shoes. She could well imagine what color lay hidden beneath them.
“…It’s fine.”
His response came a beat too late. Had it been up to him, he would have invoked his Levitation ability throughout the entire dance—such was Claire’s remarkable talent for stepping on his feet.
‘As though she were doing it deliberately.’
Desperately pushing away the image of their future that formed in his mind, Theodore opened his mouth.
“By the way, Claire.”
“Yes?”
“Since we’re at the Convent now, it would be problematic if you called me Young Master.”
“Oh.”
Regardless of the contractual nature of their arrangement, they were betrothed to one another.
Given that rumors were already circulating about their difference in station, the thought of Claire accidentally using the title “Young Master” before others made him dizzy with anxiety.
“Just call me Theodore. Like this.”
“Very well.”
This time, Claire answered without resistance. Theodore’s expression grew eager, as though he might ask her to use his name immediately, but Claire pretended not to notice and turned her gaze toward the window.
“We’ve arrived.”
Theodore nodded weakly, unable to hide his disappointment. The two of them had arrived at Voltier Estate, prepared for them at the Convent.
‘I thought I’d only come to the Convent when pursuing Mother’s final traces.’
Claire gazed up at the luxurious Mansion, trying to calm her unsettled heart.
The Public Cemetery where Veronica’s final traces remained lay in a remote corner at the western edge of the Convent, making it difficult to visit immediately.
And if she went there at this moment when all eyes were upon her, it would be no different than confessing she was the daughter of Veronica and Ian.
Perhaps sensing Claire’s inner turmoil, Theodore approached and gently patted her shoulder.
“Let’s think of this as taking a brief rest. Since Ebon came with us, if you’re feeling too restless, we can always disguise ourselves and explore the surrounding area a bit.”
Claire nodded. Though it was her first time in a metropolis, rather than excitement, her heart had grown calm. Perhaps it was because she carried so many unresolved matters.
‘For now, I’ll just wait for the Hunting Festival to end.’
Claire resolved firmly within herself.
‘This time, I’ll let things pass quietly.’
Of course, it was a vow destined to be broken.

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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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