The Husband I Thought Was Dead Has Returned - Chapter 14

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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 014
Borgus’s brow furrowed.
Chloe exhaled a sigh. Cherez, who had been listening to her words, spoke with a chill in his voice.
“You’re lamenting the Vassal Houses that have been bleeding Bereidan dry? And they tormented Hayden on top of it.”
“Oh, come now, that’s impossible. The Countess truly didn’t know! How could you doubt my word? That day, Countess Yotlrey wept so pitifully in my arms. Given our long friendship, there’s no way she would do such a thing.”
Utterly emotional and entirely illogical.
Cherez glanced at Borgus—as if questioning whether Chloe was truly the best choice.
“The Duchess must have slandered Countess Yotlrey. She wanted to torment Bereidan.”
“Do you have evidence for that claim?”
“No, but it’s obvious just looking at her. I can tell everything at a glance.”
And now, conspiracy theories that made no sense whatsoever.
What was truly remarkable was that Chloe harbored not a shred of guilt while spouting such nonsense. She carried herself as though she were an apostle of justice, compelled to speak only what must be spoken. As though she were absolute goodness incarnate. Her expression remained unchanged. She’d been like this since childhood, and clearly she still hadn’t learned better.
‘I should have known better.’
Had I realized Chloe still hadn’t come to her senses, I would never have summoned her in the first place.
I grew exhausted within a single day of calling Chloe here.
“And you’re pawning off your own responsibilities onto Yureain? The care of Hayden, I mean. If you said you’d do it, then you do it. What’s so difficult about looking after one child that you have to shirk it? And with that attitude, you expect to properly fulfill your duties as the Duchess’s attendant?”
Cherez responded, his fatigue laid bare.
“It seems you’re neglecting your own duties right now. If you came as a maidservant, shouldn’t you be attending to the Duchess’s side?”
“Oh, am I the same as the Duchess? I’m someone special to Cherez.”
Chloe blinked her expressive eyes.
Cherez raked his hand through his hair roughly, as though irritated. He wanted to throw her out immediately, but he held back once more for Countess Malate’s sake. He simply could not forget the warmth of her embrace when she had comforted him in his youth.
It was Countess Malate who had caught me when I lost my parents all at once and wandered lost. Because of that, I could not help but be lenient with Countess Malate. And this was the result—Chloe.
Cherez murmured softly.
“The Duchess must be far more special.”
“That’s too much! If you keep doing that, I’ll pout! I’m going to tell Mother everything!”
Borgus suddenly recalled Countess Malate’s expression—the hazy look on her face when she had asked to send Chloe as a maidservant. So this was what she meant.
“….”
“Anyway, since it’s your request, Cherez, I’ll keep a better eye on the Duchess. Though things are already quite a mess.”
Chloe waved her hand with a bright smile.
“I’ll come visit again, Cherez!”
Watching Chloe come and go entirely as she pleased, I ground my teeth.
My sharp gaze turned toward Borgus. Borgus shrugged.
“Do you truly still believe Chloe was the right choice?”
“Yes. Today only confirmed it further.”
Borgus smiled wickedly—an expression that suited his face perfectly.
“Young Lady Chloe possesses a natural talent for driving people to madness. I believe no one is better suited than Young Lady Chloe for exposing the Duchess’s true nature. People reveal themselves completely in extreme circumstances, after all.”
Cherez sighed. Was it merely his imagination that Borgus, speaking thus, also seemed to have lost his mind?

* * *
“A yawn escaped me.”
I rose from bed, my body feeling considerably lighter.
Though I hadn’t slept for an extraordinarily long time, the deep rest had left me thoroughly refreshed. Perhaps I should visit Hayden now.
I wondered how he was getting along with Yureain.
Since he was in the phase of practicing to walk, his range of movement expanded daily. I’d informed Yureain of this fact, and she was currently overseeing the installation of rugs across the entire floor of Hayden’s Room—a safety measure that would allow him to tumble and roll freely without consequence.
Carpets were also being laid throughout the marble floors of the Mansion. Cherez spared no expense when it came to Hayden’s welfare.
“Did you sleep well? Your complexion looks much improved, Duchess.”
“Thanks to Yureain’s care. I rested wonderfully. How is Hayden?”
“He ate well, played contentedly, and then fell asleep.”
Hayden lay peacefully in his crib, swaddled in blankets. Seeing that serene face, my heart softened. Yes, you must have been exhausted from waking so early. It’s not as though you chose to wake.
“I’ll take care of him now.”
“Since Chloe is also here at the moment, please don’t hesitate to call upon her should you need assistance.”
“Oh, that would certainly make things more convenient!”
So I finally have a lady’s maid of my own. I hope she’s someone trustworthy to rely upon. Though I haven’t quite formed an impression of her yet. I recalled her fresh, youthful face.
In any case, as long as she treats my Ttolmang well, that’s what matters. The child is what’s important now.
“You must be hungry? The hour is a bit awkward for a proper meal.”
The clock had just passed eleven.
“I’ll wait a bit and have lunch instead. I should enjoy some leisure time while Hayden sleeps.”
“Very well, Duchess. I shall take my leave now.”
Once Yureain departed, I found myself alone in the room, accompanied only by the soft sound of Hayden’s breathing. The rug installation in Hayden’s Room had been completed.
I picked up the books I’d brought into Hayden’s Room over the past several days.
【The Art of Mastering Childcare】
【Secrets to Raising Your Child as a Genius】
【Today, Too, I Practice Childcare】
Most were parenting-related texts.
I sometimes wondered if I should pursue this path seriously. It seemed to suit my aptitudes.
I also wanted to study how childcare practices differed between Korea and this world. Of course, I’d also gathered quite a collection of books that would help me survive in this realm.
Among them were agricultural texts as well. If all else failed, I could always resort to farming for sustenance. Childcare was important, but I also needed to worry about supporting myself once I left here. The Duke’s Library was practically a bookstore.
As I was absorbed in reading, the door opened slightly.
What was this? Not even a knock.
“Oh my, you were here?”
It was Chloe.
“Ah, yes. Chloe, where have you been?”
Chloe smiled brightly. She’d slipped away without a word, and now returned equally without announcement. Was this simply her nature? Or was she receiving special treatment?
“I was speaking with Cherez. It’s been ages since I’ve seen him, you see. I’ve been away staying at Grandmother’s House for some time.”
“I see.”
A slight discomfort tugged at me, though perhaps I was being overly sensitive.
“But you’re reading books?”
“…Yes. Hayden is sleeping.”
“Isn’t it the Duchess’s duty to care for Hayden?”
Chloe tilted her head with an innocent smile.
“Then why do you keep getting absorbed in other matters? You criticized Diane for the same thing. Isn’t that neglecting your duties?”
In that moment, I understood.
The maid I served was absolutely not on my side.
Were you my mother-in-law?
She was a different breed from Diane, who had complained about overstepping and crossing lines.
I couldn’t see myself getting along with her.
Besides, wasn’t it Chloe who was crossing the line right now? I snapped the book I’d been reading shut.
“Because Hayden is sleeping.”
“I was under the impression that Yureain has been keeping him entertained all this time.”
“And does Chloe spend time with Cherez without my permission? I thought a maid’s duty was to fulfill my responsibilities when I step away.”
You’re not the only one with something to say.
I’d tried to be careful because she was Cherez’s friend, but this wasn’t acceptable. In that moment, Chloe lifted her chin and spoke.
“I’m special, so it’s fine.”

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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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