The Husband I Thought Was Dead Has Returned - Chapter 114

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

The Husband Who Should Have Died Returns – Episode 114
It was the morning of our departure. Was it merely an illusion that Carencia felt somehow more intimate and beautiful today? We were leaving behind everything we had cultivated and built together. I felt such profound regret. I found myself longing to return again someday.
I was surveying the dawn of Carencia, glistening with morning dew, when figures emerged from the mountain path, having climbed through the early light. They were the same people I had encountered during our time at the Duke’s Castle.
“Duchess.”
Upon the shadowed path, they simultaneously lowered their bodies in respect.
“It has been far too long. Your efforts over these extended months have been immeasurable. I cannot express how delighted I am to see you in such good health.”
A middle-aged man lifted his head, his expression trembling as though he might weep.
“…It truly has been a long time. Did Sir Borgus send you?”
“Yes, Duchess. He instructed us to ensure that your esteemed return journey would lack nothing in dignity.”
It was precisely the sort of thing Borgus would say. The reality was beginning to settle upon me—that I was returning to my role as Duchess once more.
There were three wooden chests in total, each bearing the crest of the Bereidan Family upon its lid.
“Thank you for coming to escort us like this.”
“…It is the honor of our House, Duchess.”
They personally carried the chests inside.
Yureain had already risen. She opened one of the chests. Within lay a gown crafted from deep navy silk. The dress was adorned with golden thread embroidery—the Bereidan Family’s insignia was densely stitched across the sleeves and hem. The golden threads glimmered beneath the dawn light.
Yureain lifted it carefully with both hands.
It was the formal ceremonial gown of a Duchess of the Southern Region.
The bodice was fitted snugly to the form, while the skirt flared generously below the waist. The high collar proclaimed the Bereidan Family’s prestige, and the broad sleeves expressed magnanimous grace. The flowing fabric itself captured the warmth of the Southern climate.
Lace adorned the sleeve edges, and golden threads were embedded even within the white lace. A line of jewels encircled the waist—sapphires, the precious stones of the Bereidan Family.
Yureain’s hands trembled.
“Heavens… I have never seen such a magnificent ceremonial gown.”
Each golden thread was so densely placed that it seemed to possess its own vitality, just as Yureain had said.
Beneath it lay the finest silk undergarments, corset, and petticoat. Along with a complete set of cosmetics. There was even bath oil included. Borgus’s meticulous attention to detail shone brilliantly.
The second chest contained items for Hayden, and the final chest held things for Cherez.
“We must begin our preparations now.”
Yureain spoke with eyes that gleamed with anticipation.
“It is equally important to conduct ourselves with propriety befitting this gown. Let us begin with a bath using this bath oil made from dawn roses, Duchess.”
I smiled awkwardly as I looked at Yureain.

* * *
The doors of the Lord’s Castle swung open.
The cobwebbed entrance, now oiled and smooth, yielded without resistance, and throughout the desolate Mansion where footsteps had long ceased, lights flickered to life one by one, breathing vitality back into its halls.
And the gilded carriage bearing the crest of the Bereidan Family crossed the grand avenue. The four-horse coach, drawn by magnificent steeds, commanded attention by its very appearance.
Their return shone with such brilliance, as though announcing a new renaissance for the Southern Region.
People lined the courtyard of the Castle.
We had returned. I fidgeted awkwardly with my dress. Yureain drew a deep breath. A smile settled upon her weathered face.
Unlike Yureain and me, lost in sentiment, Hayden seemed uncomfortable. He wrapped his arms tightly around me.
“Where is this?”
“Your home.”
At my whisper, Hayden’s eyes widened. Wonder bloomed in those round, blinking eyes.
“It’s huge!”
“It is.”
“Acho said we could raise deer here! And, and—bears too!”
“Bears are out of the question.”
What on earth had that woman been filling his head with?
Hayden bounced on his feet, snorting with excitement.
“Big animals! Deer and, and—bears! Leopards!”
“No.”
I wasn’t about to turn our home into a menagerie. I pressed my lips to Hayden’s forehead and whispered.
“Perhaps later.”
“But what about tomatoes? And apples and, and peaches…?”
Hayden counted on his fingers, murmuring. Some things he had grown in the mountains, others in the village.
He listed all his favorite fruits. The Bereidan Duchy could procure such things without cultivation.
His entire life was about to change.
“We’ll have everything, Hayden.”
Yet I did not wish to rob him of what he had known—the happiness found in nature, the lessons learned from it. Ahead lay greater duties and responsibilities for him than he had ever known.
I hoped he could preserve the joy of childhood as he had known it.
‘That darkness consumed him.’
I would not allow it. Not a shadow of darkness would seep into Hayden’s heart. I wanted his spirit to grow strong and resilient.
As I steadied myself, the carriage door opened. Cherez, who had been riding ahead, waited for Hayden and me. He extended his hand toward us, lifted Hayden into his arms, and grasped my hand as well.
And Borgus stood at the very front, awaiting our arrival.
“Your Grace, Your Duchess, and Young Master. To see you again like this… it is truly an honor. Thank you for returning safely.”
Borgus’s jawline had grown sharper than when I last saw him. He alone had kept this place standing, and it showed.
Borgus’s face contorted. He was fighting back tears. Yet silent tears streamed down his cheeks, dampening his collar.
“…You’ve endured much, Sir Borgus.”
Borgus nodded like a child. He wiped his face with his hand.
Cherez, watching him, let out a soft laugh. He patted Borgus’s shoulder and moved past him.
Borgus dried his tears and followed in Cherez’s wake.
Inside, countless people awaited our arrival.
Among those who welcomed us were those who feared us, and those who envied us—all mingled together in one place.
Hayden buried his face against my shoulder.
This would be his first time witnessing such a massive crowd.
“Your Grace, the Southern Region offers its salutations. May the glory of the azure sea accompany you.”
“The Southern Region offers its salutations! May the glory of the azure sea dwell with Your Grace!”
At the lead chant of Countess Caslit, those standing behind her responded in unison.
“We also offer our salutations to the Duchess. May the radiance of the azure sky be with you.”
The voices of those who followed grew even louder.
A cold smile spread across Countess Caslit’s face. Her gleaming gaze had grown deeper than before, now carrying both murderous intent and blatant hostility directed at someone.
“We also offer the Southern Region’s salutations to the Young Lord.”
“May the vitality of the azure sprout take root within him!”
Those following her lifted their heads in unison.
Among them were those I had never doubted were loyal servants of the Southern Region. Even Butler Oliver was among them.
Cherez laughed coldly.
Behind us, sunlight poured into the courtyard. The sun hung high above the castle walls. It shone with such brilliance that it hurt to look upon. After the red moon had vanished, the sun burned particularly bright.
And with the sun, we had returned.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————