Surviving as the Wife of the Swordsmanship Clan’s Troublemaker - Chapter 100

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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 100

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At that same moment.
Ludvin arrived at the Libra Guild in the Capital, rubbing his bloodshot eyes as he rushed inside.
Karl, the Sub-Master, spotted him and shadowed his every step.
“Did the business conclude successfully?”
“Perfectly.”
Despite his answer, Ludvin’s voice was hoarse and cracked.
“Everyone was prepared to wait, as we estimated it would take at least a week. To finish in three days—it seems your negotiations went remarkably well.”
I had judged that Francesca wouldn’t relinquish the building easily, yet I assumed the secondary objective at least had progressed smoothly.
“Karl. I didn’t get the building.”
“I see. That was likely difficult. But surely you obtained something of equal value in its place?”
“Yes. You know me too well. I brought back substantial information.”
“Information?”
Karl tilted his head at the unexpected answer. Ludvin then grinned widely and gestured for him to follow.
Upon entering his soundproofed room, layered with acoustic curtains, Ludvin unleashed the excitement he’d been suppressing.
“The Northern Emperor isn’t the biological son of the Previous Emperor.”
“Pardon? What do you mean?”
“The Empress bore a child fathered by another man.”
That’s what Hallara told me.
“Insane! Absolutely insane! I have goosebumps all over my body right now.”
Ludvin rubbed his arms vigorously, laughing uncontrollably.
“Is it factual?”
“I don’t know. We can verify it through proper procedures.”
“Did Francesca tell you this?”
Karl asked calmly.
“My sister is a delicate flower in a greenhouse. Though she doesn’t seem to be anymore.”
“Then who was it?”
“Docheop’s wife. That commoner woman told me. She’s quite the enchantress, that one.”
Ludvin laughed dryly, recalling his conversation with Hallara.
“Wait a moment. How can you trust information from that woman? How would a commoner even obtain such intelligence?”
Karl swallowed back the question of whether I’d lost my mind.
“I don’t trust the woman herself. Instead, I trust the information before my eyes. My precious lie-detection incense didn’t activate at all. It means her words weren’t fabrications to escape the situation.”
It wasn’t even truth mixed with minor falsehoods. Among those who came to sell information, such people were rare. Ordinarily, people exaggerated and mixed in lies to sell information at a higher price.
“If you act without precise verification, it will become poison instead.”
Karl maintained his composure as he spoke. Information related to the imperial family was a double-edged sword.
“Of course. Ah, what should I do? I’m even tempted to put on a maid’s uniform and sneak into the Emperor’s bedchamber. Should I take the lie-detection incense and ask him: ‘You’re not the Emperor’s son, are you?'”
“…Please, I beg you to restrain yourself.”
He spoke pleadingly.
“If you want to stop me, send people north at once! Karl, you know my temperament—let’s set aside everything else and confirm this first!”
But there was no stopping a horse that had already broken free from its reins.
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***
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In the end, I boarded the ship without obtaining cold medicine.
“Welcome aboard, my lord. It is an honor to serve you.”
The vessel we boarded was a merchant ship belonging to a major trading company. The merchant ship even had a dedicated attendant for attending to nobility. Dressed like a servant with a well-groomed beard, he guided us courteously.
“Though it is a merchant ship, the premium cabins are strictly separated from the common quarters and cargo holds. We also have exclusive accommodations for attendants. How many servants are traveling with you?”
Docheop answered that there were three. May couldn’t join us due to severe seasickness, so another maid came instead.
“Then please enjoy your voyage.”
The attendant who had shown us to the first-class cabin informed us of the bell pull’s location, instructing us to call whenever needed, and then departed.
The cabin was as luxurious as the rooms in the annex.
“I never expected to stay in such a fine room.”
I was genuinely taken aback.
This wasn’t the romantic journey depicted in novels—squeezed between people and cargo, sharing meals together. Though, come to think of it, the Docheop in the novel was a survivor of a fallen family who had to conceal his identity, so it made sense.
But I suppose I had harbored some hope. A chance to experience the romance of a fantasy world.
“The room is lovely, so why does your face look so disappointed?”
Docheop noticed and asked.
“You caught that?”
“A merchant ship, is it? Tell me if there’s anything uncomfortable. Just don’t mention separate rooms—I heard there aren’t any available.”
“No rooms available? But I saw almost all empty cabins earlier…”
Premium cabins should only be used by nobility. Were there really that many nobles traveling to the Southern Empire?
“There aren’t.”
Docheop said firmly.
“I understand. And sharing a room isn’t uncomfortable for me.”
We’d spent time together in my room at the manor despite having so many other rooms available. It felt strange to suddenly object now.
“Then I’m relieved. So what is uncomfortable?”
“It’s not uncomfortable so much as it’s too comfortable. There’s nothing missing from this cabin.”
They’d even prepared a three-tiered dessert set on the tea table, as if this were a space for nobility.
“I suppose I’m a commoner through and through. I can’t seem to adapt to such spaces.”
At that, Docheop’s eyes dimmed. I wondered if I’d dampened the mood of the honeymoon he’d arranged.
“Hallara.”
“I didn’t mean I disliked it at all.”
“Let’s go out.”
Docheop pushed himself off the wall and extended his hand to me.
“Now?”
“Do you not want to?”
“No. It’s a perfect time for a stroll.”
I quickly grasped the hand he extended.
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***
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The night sky shimmered like black silk scattered with silver dust, countless stars breathing quietly as they twinkled. The sea stretching beyond seemed to have no end.
As I climbed onto the deck while holding Docheop’s hand, the sea breeze swept through my hair with force. Below, on the lower deck, lights still flickered. Merchants, sailors, and passengers gathered in clusters, taking their late meals or raising cups of drink.
“Over there.”
I pointed with my finger.
People sat in a circle between ropes and wooden crates. The smell of grilled dried fish and alcohol pricked my nose.
“Sir, shall we grill some fish for dinner too?”
Docheop was silent for a moment. Then he chuckled softly.
“So this was the romance you yearned for.”
We descended the stairs to the lower deck. Unlike the noble’s deck, the wooden planks were old and creaked. I pressed my heel against the creaking boards several times.
Creak, creak.
Found it. My romance.
But then it happened.
Thud!
A dull collision sound rang out from somewhere. Docheop quickly wrapped his arm around my shoulders.
At the same time, the laughter on the deck ceased abruptly. One crouching sailor jerked his head up.
“…What was that just now?!”
A second impact followed immediately.
Boom!
This time the entire ship shook violently. Bottles rolled across the deck and crates clattered as they slid.
“W-what’s happening?!”
Everyone rose to their feet at once. That was when it came.
Screeeeeech!
A piercing cry that seemed to tear the sky split the night sea.
I instinctively looked up.
A massive shadow flew between the stars.
A bird.
But it was far too large to be called merely a bird—its size was half that of the merchant ship itself. Black wings spread wider than the mast. A beak curved like a hook and crimson eyes that gleamed as if swallowing light. A chill ran through me.
“A monster!”
“It’s attacking the ship!”
A sailor screamed.
The Giant Bird Monster dove directly toward the mast.
Crash!
The mast swayed violently and ropes snapped free. Several sailors tumbled to the deck.
People shrieked and scattered in all directions.
“R-run!”
“A monster!”
The enormous wings fluttered once more, and the sheer force of the gust sent people staggering backward.
I stood frozen, watching the scene unfold before me. The monster I’d only read about in books was now right in front of my eyes.
Docheop’s hand, which had been holding mine, suddenly tightened with fierce strength.
“Hallara. Stand behind me.”
His voice dropped low. The moment I pressed myself against his back, he slowly placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.
My heart thundered in my chest.
This was serious.
Dangerously serious.
‘I’m actually going to witness Docheop fight!’
My hands trembled with anticipation.
“Are you alright?”
Docheop glanced back. I gripped the fabric of his collar tightly and nodded.
“My lord, I do believe roasted bird would make an excellent dinner this evening.”

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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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