I Woke Up from Hibernation and Found a Husband - Chapter 61

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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 61
Within the Empire, all abilities are valued, yet certain noble houses possess particularly exceptional powers.
The Imperial Family itself—Berus—wielders of the force that commands the very climate.
House Voltier, blessed with the ability of ‘abundance’, guards the Border against hordes of monsters.
Temper, whose formidable ‘crimson flame’ eternally stands at the Emperor’s side, maintains order within the Convent.
Duke Everett, a founding contributor who laid the foundational framework of the Empire through the power of ‘decomposition’.
Unlike House Voltier and Temper, whose strength manifests through raw military might, Duke Everett’s circumstances were somewhat unique.
‘When the First Emperor halted the tempest and first took root in this Barren Wasteland, there was an extraordinary amount to process.’
The remains of flora and fauna that perished in the torrential downpour—a deluge so devastating it earned the name ‘death rain’—debris from constructing and expanding buildings, and countless contaminants born from foolish attempts.
‘Duke Everett was originally a merchant who traveled alongside the Emperor. Through his decomposition ability, he aided in processing that waste. Combined with his merchant’s acumen, it’s no exaggeration to say he established the very foundation of early administration.’
As time passed and the Empire gained its footing, Duke Everett ceased decomposing waste directly and withdrew entirely into administrative affairs. Yet those who had witnessed his ability in action were gripped by a primal terror.
An ability where mere contact caused forms to collapse and crumble gradually—in close combat alone, its destructive power rivaled that of Temper and House Voltier.
‘Why is that table the only one empty?’
Upon entering the Pavilion, Claire’s gaze was drawn to the solitary table conspicuously devoid of company.
The interior of the Pavilion was far too elegantly appointed to be called merely a tent. Carpets lay meticulously across the floor, concealing bare earth. Various ornaments hung naturally despite the temporary walls. An antique tea table and sofa completed the arrangement.
The four tea tables were each distinct in atmosphere.
‘Ah, I see how it is.’
Melissa swiftly assessed the interior dynamics. In social circles, perception was paramount.
Seated alone at the isolated table was an elderly woman—Ilya, the sister of Duke Everett. Like the patriarch himself, she possessed the decomposition ability and had devoted her entire life to serving the house.
‘Though she retired in her later years to live quietly, rumors persist that she was cast out by the family.’
Whispers even circulated that the death of her only son was her fault.
Bearing the decomposition ability—an unwelcome power to touch—and possessing no further political leverage, Ilya’s table was desolate beyond measure.
‘I should sit beside her.’
Melissa regarded Ilya’s location. The other tables were occupied by noblewomen who relished gossip or engaged in factional games—people best avoided. Ilya’s table, by contrast, offered no political advantage, yet promised freedom from the vicious undercurrents of hidden conflict.
‘And with Ilya present, the curious hangers-on won’t dare approach.’
Just as Melissa reached to take Claire’s arm, Claire whispered first into her ear.
“What do you think of the table on the far left?”
That was precisely where Ilya sat.
‘Could she have read the atmosphere so quickly?’
Melissa’s expression brightened as though witnessing a child’s first steps. She nodded readily and moved with Claire.
As they drew closer to Ilya, Claire reflected.
‘A true powerhouse indeed.’
Much to Melissa’s delight—though for different reasons—Claire’s choice of Ilya’s table stemmed from a single factor: the subtle aura of strength emanating from the elderly woman.
A refined, tempered strength flowed from her, the kind one might sense from Ludwig himself.
‘Looking closely, she seems quite muscular too.’
Having spent her childhood under Veronica and Angela, Claire found far greater comfort beside someone naturally imposing like Ilya than beside the delicate, fragile-seeming noblewomen who appeared as though a breeze might sweep them away.
When Melissa politely greeted Ilya and asked if they might sit, interest kindled in her green eyes.
“Of course. Please, be comfortable.”
“Thank you.”
She offered the seat directly beside her to Claire. Melissa witnessed those green eyes, which had seemed dim moments before, now gleaming with vitality.
Was she enjoying herself?
The atmosphere surrounding Ilya differed from the rumors I’d heard, but I couldn’t yet determine whether that was good or bad.
“Please, enjoy yourselves freely.”
After some time had passed, the table where Ilya and Claire sat filled completely. Most of the table’s occupants were those who had arrived late and failed to secure better seating, or individuals whose standing in society remained ambiguous.
‘Yet Claire is still Theodore’s fiancée, after all!’
Melissa struggled to conceal her indignation.
The reactions from those I’d exchanged greetings with throughout the day were uniformly lukewarm. Rather than treating me as the future Countess Voltier, they extended only the bare minimum courtesy one might show to someone destined to be cast aside.
‘Has some rumor been spreading?’
Though only a short time had passed, Melissa had grown fond of Claire through her guidance, and this situation displeased her greatly. Even now, she could hear occasional snickers from other tables, their mockery directed at Claire.
“Mm.”
But Claire, the subject of their attention, remained unbothered. Upon discovering that no one from House Lloyd occupied this pavilion, her interest had rapidly waned, and she simply savored the refreshments laid before her.
‘I was worried, but fortunately few people are approaching me. I’d like to just eat cake and head home.’
The cake, adorned with thinly sliced chocolate and berries, was exquisite. Though I typically disliked tea, the Imperial Palace had selected varieties that paired so perfectly with the refreshments that even the tea tasted sweet today.
“Oh.”
The cookie I reached for next possessed an equally delightful texture.
The other guests watched Claire with curiosity as she contentedly consumed her portion of desserts with an expression of pure happiness. No matter how much Ilya had encouraged them to eat comfortably, they could never have imagined anyone eating with such ease.
“Claire…”
As Melissa’s anger evaporated in an instant at the sight of her cheerful demeanor, she called out her name softly, and innocent eyes turned toward her.
‘Would you like some?’
As if speaking those very words, a cookie was extended toward Melissa, and she offered a somewhat resigned smile before shaking her head.
“Just enjoy as much as you’d like.”
Yes, in society, such an untroubled temperament would actually be stress-free and advantageous. Melissa decided to let her concerns go.
“Hehe.”
Watching the two of them, Ilya let out a soft laugh.
“Ah, forgive me. The sight of you two is simply too endearing.”
She wore an expression tinged with nostalgia, yet surprisingly, she didn’t engage Claire further in conversation. A peaceful silence settled over their table for a time.
* * *
It was tedious.
The hunt proceeded from nine in the morning until three in the afternoon. Even after finishing lunch following the refreshments, I still had to endure another two hours.
‘My eyes keep closing.’
Glancing around, I spotted people dozing in various spots. Though everyone was clearly struggling to stay awake, their efforts seemed to produce little effect.
‘I need some fresh air.’
For someone like me who rarely used perfume or cosmetics, the air within the pavilion felt foreign and stale.
“Would it be alright if I stepped outside for a moment? I’ll just get some air in front of the pavilion and come right back.”
When I asked Melissa, she wore a troubled expression, barely suppressing her own drowsiness.
She was concerned about my acting alone, but she thought—what could possibly go wrong if I only stepped just outside?
In the end, drowsiness won out.
“You’ll come right back in a moment, won’t you?”
“Yes, of course.”
As I rose from my seat with a brightened expression, having received permission more easily than expected, that was when it happened.
“Be careful.”
Ilya spoke quietly, savoring her tea.
“Pardon?”
The warning came without preamble. I was merely enjoying the breeze just ahead—what could possibly warrant such concern?
The Hunting Grounds, where dangerous beasts roamed free, were sealed by a barrier, and Imperial Knights were stationed throughout to ensure security was beyond question.
Yet Ilya set down her teacup entirely and met Claire’s gaze, repeating herself with unmistakable clarity.
“Be careful.”
Her eyes gleamed with crystalline intensity. At her cryptic words, I nodded first.
“Yes, I will keep it in mind.”
A peculiar certainty settled over me—this was no mere warning for the present moment.

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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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