The Husband I Thought Was Dead Has Returned - Chapter 103

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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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The Husband Who Should Have Died Returns Episode 103
Countess Caslit’s eyes snapped open.
“I want to do the same!”
Countess Caslit’s voice rose sharply.
“I want to kill that bastard just as much! But do you know where he is? I still have no idea!”
Count Sirion spewed curses without restraint.
“And you’ve been doing what all this time without finding out? What exactly have you been doing here!”
As the two hurled accusations at each other, the executives of the Liansherus Society could only exchange nervous glances. Their quarreling drowned out everyone else’s voices.
“…If the Duke returns, are we really finished? Haven’t we done nothing but make donations?”
“That’s what I’m saying. Well, wasn’t it Countess Caslit who orchestrated everything anyway?”
“Are you really saying that now? Have you forgotten what you’ve pocketed all this time?”
The executives fell silent. It was true that the Liansherus Society, led by Countess Caslit, had collected money from nobles and commoners under the guise of donations and committed tax evasion. They could not claim they had gained no financial benefit.
And they could not deny their hunger to climb higher.
Anxiety dissolved into the air like poison, piercing through their lungs. Even the fortress they had believed unshakeable was beginning to tremble.
* * *
Cherez’s morning began early.
Having slept deeply, my body felt refreshed without a single ache, and my mind was sharp. It would have been a truly invigorating morning if not for the voice chattering away in my head.
Cherez turned his gaze toward Roana. She lay curled up in sleep.
Her slender arm extended beyond the blanket.
Cherez let out a soft laugh.
Seeing Roana made my return feel real. The warmth that flooded my heart at the sight of her peaceful face was undeniable.
Cherez pulled the blanket up to Roana’s neck. Then he noticed her bracelet.
‘She’s still wearing it…’
His expression softened. The matching bracelet they had shared still gleamed on Roana’s wrist. During all the time Cherez had not forgotten her, she too had been thinking of him.
What profound comfort that was.
“You’ll never know.”
Cherez brushed her cheek gently before rising. He intended to leave the room before waking her from her peaceful sleep.
Cherez was not the only one awake early. The three Knights who had come with him were also up.
“Have you all rested sufficiently?”
“Yes, sir. Ha, I suppose hardship becomes habit. We’re so comfortable that our bodies can’t adjust.”
The Knights scratched their heads. Cherez chuckled softly. He felt the same way.
“I’ll be staying here for a while. You three will head down the mountain today.”
“You’re telling us to leave you behind, sir?”
The corners of Cherez’s mouth lifted. His eyes gleamed with a crimson light once more.
Cherez spoke softly.
“Dorpin and Mila are here, so it’s fine. After breakfast, you’ll leave Carencia and spread rumors that I’m here.”
Cherez gazed into the forest still shrouded in darkness. He was looking beyond it, at the world beyond.
“Wills will have returned to the Palace by now. Those restless fools won’t stay still. They’ll think this is their opportunity.”
Cherez uncrossed his arms and continued leisurely. There was not a trace of fear in his tone.
“I need to open the path for them to come. It’s a mousetrap. Let’s see who gets caught.”
No matter how many assassins came, they were all mere puppies before Cherez’s blade. He had confidence he could face them alone.
Then, a sound came from the kitchen. It seemed Yureain had already risen and was boiling water.
Ordinary life was beginning. Cherez’s eyes warmed with tenderness.
* * *
A day here was nothing but peaceful. Though the sensation of the sword still lingered in my hands, Cherez’s everyday existence was nothing but warm.
By afternoon, children from the town came up. They were not unfamiliar with Cherez and chattered away while peering around him.
“Hayden, who is this?”
“An uncle visiting our place!”
Cherez covered his mouth and let out a soft laugh.
“I’m Uncle Hayden. Who are you all?”
Cherez asked as kindly as he could.
“I’m Toby! That’s Luke, and that girl is Anna!”
The oldest child spoke clearly. He seemed to be Hayden’s friend.
That was when Hayden shouted.
“You’re it! Come on!”
Toby nodded and ran off. Toby was the seeker. Luke hid behind a tree, and Anna crouched behind the field. Hayden stood in the middle of the front yard, looking around.
“Hayden! You have to hide!”
Toby shouted.
“Aaaah!”
Hayden screamed and ran away. He dashed toward Dolphin and squeezed between his legs.
“Dolphin! Save me!”
Cherez let out a soft laugh. And I was watching all of it together with him.
“Are they children from the town?”
“After Carencia fell, only those three children remained. The people living in the town now are taking care of them.”
Cherez and I sat side by side on a bench in front of the villa.
Cherez slowly surveyed the villa’s landscape. Whether he was here or not, the villa continued its daily rhythm. Just as it always had.
“Who is that person?”
Cherez gazed at Sena, who was by the field.
Sena was weeding the field.
“Ah. That’s Sena. She’s been held here in place of Ryukan….”
I explained to Cherez about Ryukan and Sena. In doing so, I ended up talking about the mission Ryukan had undertaken.
Today Ryukan was scheduled to go to the Black Market with Mila. Over the past few months, Ryukan had faithfully carried out his assigned task.
He had already collected seven noble registers and seals.
Cherez looked at me with eyes full of wonder.
“…You were doing such things while hiding here?”
“I did it only for Hayden’s sake. Without you, I’m Hayden’s guardian…. I hoped that when he returns, things would be a little easier for him. It’s good to have many people who will stand by Hayden’s side.”
At my words, Cherez let out a soft laugh.
“…You always accomplish more than I anticipated.”
Isn’t that a compliment?
“…But we’ll have to leave soon. Hayden might miss his friends.”
Going back. The word felt strangely unfamiliar. I had never imagined it would happen so quickly.
Cherez’s gaze upon me deepened. My heart beat slowly, deliberately.
“Me too?”
“You don’t want to go?”
Cherez narrowed his brow and asked.
“That’s not it.”
“Then what is it…?”
The truth was, it felt strange that I was naturally included in Cherez’s life as though it were obvious. Unable to find words for this emotion, I murmured softly.
“…I’ll miss this place. It was good here. Though I nearly starved to death at first.”
Cherez turned his gaze to watch the children.
Hayden was caught by Anna, shrieking as he tumbled backward. Anna sprawled over him, crying out “Got you!” Hayden lay on the ground, laughing with pure delight.
“Thank you, Roana.”
Cherez spoke softly.
“I truly am grateful. I know it hasn’t been easy.”
Our eyes met. Cherez possessed a quiet gift for moving people’s hearts.
“Because of you, Hayden looks truly happy. It would have been impossible without you. Roana, if you’re willing, would you spend the rest of our lives together with me?”
I never could have anticipated hearing such words in this moment.
Cherez laughed openly. His eyes curved with captivating charm. With that enchanting smile, he added:
“Come back with me. To our home.”
I’m really not someone so easily swayed.
“Yes, Cherez. Let’s go together.”
But with that face, that expression, speaking with such sincerity—I crumbled helplessly. Cherez’s face was truly unfair.

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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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