The Fake Wife of the Strongest Husband Wants to Survive - Chapter 45

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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 45
When Pesha refused to concede an inch, the Duke of House Raidel—his nostril flaring—suddenly bellowed.
“Why do you resent Jeremy so bitterly? Because I sent him abroad for his studies? Did I not explain it to you? There is nothing good that comes from a woman learning too much. And that herb research you were so eager to pursue—it will do nothing but damage your reputation!”
So that was why he’d sold me to the Emperor. All out of concern for my reputation.
As I listened in silence, the Duke continued to shield Jeremy endlessly.
“There is no benefit to resenting your brother. Even commoners understand that the eldest son takes precedence. Jeremy is our house’s heir, the one to carry our name forward. Namoi, as a man yourself, I trust you understand my meaning.”
At that moment, Owen—who had been drinking water—set down his glass and opened his mouth in an offhand tone.
“Of course I understand. If the heir lags so far behind such a brilliant sister, concern is inevitable. I see your foresight in attempting to educate a son lacking in talent, for the very survival of the house.”
“W-what are you saying?”
Though his words were courteous and measured, their meaning twisted the Duke’s words beyond recognition and struck a blow to Pesha’s face.
That wasn’t what he meant at all. The thought had barely formed before Owen continued, even offering thanks.
“In any case, it is thanks to the Duke’s favorable regard toward me that I have gained a wife as wise as Pesha. My gratitude knows no bounds.”
“Ahem.”
The Duke of House Raidel cleared his throat uncomfortably.
Owen’s words were not the response he’d intended, but further disparaging Pesha now would only amount to spitting on his own face—damaging his own dignity.
Reluctantly, he had to retreat.
He smoothed over his displeased expression and changed the subject.
“Well, let us set that matter aside. There is something I’ve been curious about regarding my son-in-law.”
“You mean to ask me, sir?”
“Lately, the capital has been abuzz with talk of Count Namoi. They say you’ve moved beyond merely producing the medicine that eliminates Demon Contamination—now you’re dabbling in jewels as well?”
At that, Owen’s brow furrowed slightly.
It was Pesha who had gained renown for these ventures.
Though society praised the business acumen of the Countess Namoi, the Duke clearly believed it was Owen who had orchestrated these operations.
“I believe there has been a misunderstanding, sir. I have done nothing. All of these enterprises began under Pesha’s direction and remain so.”
At that, the Duke of House Raidel sighed as if vexed.
“Yes, I have ears, and gossip reaches them readily enough. But surely Pesha cannot be capable of such things? That girl spent her entire childhood confined to the estate. Everything she knows comes from a handful of tutors—nothing more. How could she suddenly distinguish herself in business? The only remaining explanation is that you, Count Namoi, are using Pesha’s name as a front for your own ventures.”
The Duke, having offered his own reasoning, wore an expression of supreme confidence.
“It seems you borrowed her name to avoid the pointed fingers that follow when a celebrated warrior turns merchant, but there is no need for such pretense before me. I understand perfectly.”
The Duke was locked in his own delusion, having reached his own conclusions about what he “understood.”
“However, you cannot indefinitely veil these operations under the Countess’s name, can you? I can help you with that. If you would simply reveal what business venture you are considering next, then I…….”
At that, Owen let out a short, derisive laugh.
“Your imagination is truly remarkable. And yet, despite your high praise, I possess nothing but skill with a blade.”
“I know you are a modest man. But that is not what we are discussing here!”
“It is not modesty—it is fact. Everything done under the name of Countess Namoi has been accomplished by Pesha herself.”
“What?”
The Duke had assumed that while the operations bore his daughter’s name, Owen was the one truly driving them forward.
After all his contempt, the reason he had abruptly changed his manner was simply that the ventures were prospering, and he hoped to secure some benefit for himself.
The Duke stared at Pesha, his expression bewildered and blank.
She smiled brightly and answered in kind.
“With that herb research you dismissed as trivial, I was able to create Sidoroca Medicine. Surprising, isn’t it?”
……
While the Duke’s words caught in his throat, Jeremy—who had been observing the situation—suddenly interjected and flared with anger.
“That’s absurd! Someone like you could never run such an operation!”
“If you doubt it so, go ask Duke Fontloy himself. Though you should prepare yourself to be taken for a fool. Not that you weren’t already. My apologies?”
Unable to bear Pesha’s mocking tone, Jeremy shot up from his seat and rushed toward her as if to seize her by the collar.
“You mad wench……!”
But before his hand could reach her, Owen stepped into his path.
His large frame and considerable height were menacing merely by standing still.
“Young Master.”
Jeremy was breathing heavily, appearing ready to hurl himself at her at any moment, but the sight of Owen’s coldly blank expression dampened his momentum somewhat.
“It appears you have had rather too much drink. Perhaps you should compose yourself.”
“What? I am not intoxicated!”
Jeremy shouted, but Owen paid him no mind, tilting his head slightly as he spoke in a low voice.
“If you are not intoxicated, then I fail to understand why you would treat your sister with such rudeness.”
“That is……among siblings, this much is…….”
“Is that so. But there is a problem. Pesha’s name is now Namoi, and she is my wife before she is the daughter of House Raidel. If you are not drunk, then I cannot allow anyone to lay hands on my wife.”
Owen spoke without yielding an inch, and Jeremy flushed with shame.
“Damn it, that’s enough. Let us end this meal here. The sword instruction has fallen through anyway, and watching that woman strut about makes my blood boil!”
Then Owen, who had been watching Jeremy, suddenly made a proposal.
“No. Emotions are too unsettled to end the meal now. Would it not be better if I were to observe the Young Master’s Swordsmanship instead?”
“Excuse me? Count Namoi is asking about me?”
Jeremy’s startled question hung in the air, and the tension that had pooled across the table began to dissolve, degree by degree.
House of Raidel’s master showed a bemused expression—as if he hadn’t truly expected Owen to accept—while the crimson flush that anger had painted across Jeremy’s face began to soften into something almost pleased.
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I can’t speak to other matters, but when it comes to swordsmanship, I believe I could offer some small assistance. And since you’ve spoken so confidently of your son’s skill, I confess I’m curious to see it for myself.”
Owen’s courteous tone worked its charm; Jeremy went meek as a lamb, his words tumbling out with a stammer.
“Yes, yes! You’re welcome to expect great things. I’ve always ranked in the top five of swordsmanship at the Academy, you see. Though lately it feels as if I’ve hit a plateau…….”
“Don’t talk like that. You can do it when you set your mind to it—the problem is that you haven’t. Your recent lack of progress? Count Namoi will clear away whatever’s blocking you.”
House of Raidel’s master nodded, encouraging his son.
Though the business venture hadn’t been Owen’s initiative, there was unmistakable relief in having someone of his exceptional skill offer to help his heir.
Owen’s mouth curved upward in a thin smile as he took a measured sip of wine.
“Indeed, I’ve observed many swordsmen troubled by the very same issue as your son, and I’ve found there’s always one method that works without fail. Allow me to share it.”

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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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