The Husband I Thought Was Dead Has Returned - Chapter 116

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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 116
The confinement of Countess Caslit became yet another signal flare. The wavering factions began to crumble rapidly from that moment onward.
Cherez issued decisive measures. He sealed off Southern Nobility society and strictly controlled those whose names had been registered under the authority of the Grand Lord, preventing their defection.
In the end, the traitors could not flee—they were trapped like insects in a well.
Those who had merely probed Borgus until now began to completely shift their allegiance to the Duke.
Through Borgus, Cherez summoned those who had expressed their intention to surrender. It was merely the third day since his return.
The sun set, and a new sun rose—it did not take long for the transition.
Borgus slowly surveyed the assembled crowd and opened his mouth.
“Raise your hand and obtain the right to speak after that….”
“Your Grace the Duke, I have something to tell you! I know everything! Regarding the donations to the Rianshus Society…!”
Cherez pressed his hand against the table. A dull sound echoed through the chamber.
“Did you not hear what my aide just said?”
Only two had their noble titles stripped for failing to arrive within the designated time. Cherez’s conduct was more than sufficient to instill fear in them.
The Southern Nobility had also been gossiping that Cherez had changed since returning from war. That the corruption of demonic magic was not merely reflected in the color of his eyes.
“From now on, those who carelessly open their mouths will pay the appropriate price.”
Only then did the nobles stiffen with tension, every sense heightened. Now it felt real.
The possibility that the next one to be confined might be themselves.
The first to raise his hand opened his mouth with a nervous expression.
“…We have confirmed that money is flowing into Hejest. Some of it is genuinely being donated, but we understand that dual ledgers exist.”
“Money collected in the Southern Region is flowing into Hejest?”
“Yes, Your Grace. During your absence, the exploitation became more severe. Under the pretext that such devotion was necessary for salvation, the Priests led the way in plundering the people.”
“You would also know of the Priests who participated in this.”
At Cherez’s words, the nobles raised their hands one after another, heedless of their aching armpits. They stretched their arms upward, desperate to catch Cherez’s attention even slightly.
Cherez smiled at them.
“My, how righteous you all are. My mood improves considerably.”
Cherez’s crimson eyes gleamed with an icy light.

* * *
Yureain bowed her head before me.
“Two people were beheaded at the execution ground today, my lady.”
Her words made my breath grow heavy. This place was unmistakably different from Carencia. People were dying almost daily.
“What were they accused of?”
I clicked my tongue sharply. Since the crimson moon had set, the earth and river had been stained red. Even those who had once looked down on Cherez before the war were now paralyzed by fear.
Cherez was solidifying his position in the Southern Region.
“…They were accused of locking five innocent farmers in a warehouse and starving them to death for failing to pay taxes. A husband and wife went to the guillotine together.”
“They belonged to the immigrant nobility.”
“Yes.”
I exhaled softly.
“Because of this, the immigrant nobility are requesting an audience with you, Duchess. Just the letters that arrived today….”
Yureain gestured subtly toward the table. Invitations were overflowing across its surface. In truth, unifying the fractured Southern Region did require strength.
Cherez had bound them together through fear. As a result, the terrified nobles were all now pursuing me.
Was this the form he desired?
‘Cornered rats will always search for a hole to escape through.’
Cherez’s words came back to me.
‘I intend to follow the crumbs they drop and climb up to where they are.’
His crimson eyes had left an indelible impression on my memory.
‘You must become that escape hole for them. When they have a place to breathe, they won’t entertain other thoughts.’
I scratched my chin. I agree with those who say Cherez has changed. But has he truly changed?
‘…Thank you, Roana. Without you, I might still be wandering in darkness. I wouldn’t have known what to do or where to go. I might have simply been floundering under guilt and responsibility.’
‘I haven’t done anything, Cherez. You found the path through your own effort….’
‘No, Roana. You think too well of me. I want only one thing. To be a good person to you, and an uncle Hayden need not be ashamed of. For you and Hayden to remain at my side.’
I gripped my head between both hands. He’s confusing me. On top of everything else—the world’s destruction, the Demon Lord, the corruption—my head is already pounding. Yet Cherez stands before me, perfectly composed.
“…It seems best to resolve this situation quickly.”
“I agree entirely, Duchess.”
Yureain smiled faintly as she spoke.
“Count Sirion from the Imperial Court also wishes to meet with you, Duchess. He mentioned wanting to discuss the current situation.”
“…We cannot meet with them first. We should meet with those who have supported Bereidan and waited for us all this time.”
Cherez had said he wanted me to become that escape hole for them. If so, making them desire it even more desperately wouldn’t be unreasonable.
“Prepare a banquet for us, Yureain. Make it as modest as possible, yet without losing dignity. And invite those who have supported Cherez to the very end.”
When there is darkness, light shines all the brighter. I intended to become that hope for them. If this is what Cherez desires.

* * *
It took merely a fortnight for rumors to spread through the back alleys that Ryukan had formidable backing.
The fact that he had subdued Sesef and seized control of the Market was already the talk of the town, but the events that followed gave those rumors wings.
From a certain point onward, new capital began flowing in. The goods moving under Ryukan’s name exceeded half of the entire Market’s inventory.
Money bred money, and where money flowed, people gathered. Through that gap, new forces streamed in.
It meant that more unsavory characters were lurking in the underworld.
Mercenaries were flowing into Bereidan Territory, drawn by whispers of wealth. Ryukan had extended his hand to dangerous men who would do anything for coin.
Ryukan swallowed hard, his face tense. These were clearly dangerous individuals. Day and night, clashes between mercenaries created a menacing atmosphere.
“Why? Are you frightened?”
Ryukan’s head snapped around.
A woman with a radiant smile came into view. An air of nobility emanated from her. Beside her stood Sena, wearing an awkward, subdued expression.
Roana spoke in a voice brimming with amusement.
“So that’s why visible threats are more terrifying. You were so bold when you were playing the lord of Carencia.”
“Y-Your Grace, really—!”
Ryukan fumbled for words.
“You keep bringing up old stories like this. Please forget such mistakes.”
Roana’s eyes narrowed as she smiled.
“Compared to then, this is nothing at all, Ryukan. Still, you have those who protect you now.”
Mila, who escorted Roana, let out a low chuckle.
“Ahahaha….”
Ryukan laughed awkwardly.
“I’m here.”
Roana tilted her head slightly.

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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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