The Husband I Thought Was Dead Has Returned - Chapter 22

—————
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 022
Chloe had poured all her fantasies and dreams into this banquet. Using House Bereidan’s coffers, naturally.
I hadn’t bothered to stop her, since Cherez had given his approval.
‘If you think of it as the last time, it’s bearable enough.’
Chloe, oblivious and thrilled, began prattling on about the banquet she’d prepared.
“The food, the decorations, the music, the flowers—everything is of the highest quality. It’s only natural for the prestige of Bereidan. Fortunately, I possess an aesthetic sensibility that the Duchess lacks.”
As Chloe spoke, her gaze swept dismissively over the dress I was wearing.
“Southerners despise drab banquet halls. They prefer vibrant, refreshing colors like the azure Laybeck Sea that stretches across the Southeastern Region. Since I’ve used copious amounts of blue silk symbolizing Bereidan, those who love Bereidan will surely adore it.”
My dress wasn’t drab—it was understated. For caring for a child, simplicity served better than garish ornamentation. And the excessively puffed gown Chloe wore now, laden with ribbons, lace, and jeweled embellishments, wasn’t to my taste either. It looked like someone had simply placed a human face atop a cake.
Everything should have moderation to be truly beautiful.
The dresses I’d worn at the Ladies’ Gathering before, or those I’d donned for outings, had all emphasized refinement and elegance in their design. Those kinds of gowns seemed fit only for children.
Looking at that dress, I grew increasingly concerned about the banquet hall itself.
After dismissing Chloe, I’d need to inspect the banquet hall. Listening to Chloe’s prattling was far inferior to seeking Lady Yureain’s counsel.
“Are you listening to what I’m saying? You’ve never experienced such a grand banquet before, Duchess, have you?”
“Chloe. You seem to have forgotten that I’m from Hejest.”
Hejest was also a ducal house, and naturally I would be equally accustomed to such grand affairs. Of course, that applied to my true self.
At my words, Chloe let out an awkward cough and quickly added more.
“…What I meant was Bereidan’s grand banquets. Everyone knows that parties in Bereidan and the Southern Region far surpass those in the Capital.”
Only you know that. Only you.
It seemed nothing penetrated Chloe’s self-absorbed world, but I wouldn’t have to endure such nonsense much longer.
I’d bear with it a bit longer today.

* * *
Still, I couldn’t entrust the banquet hosted by House Bereidan entirely to Chloe.
Yureain and I conducted the final inspections ourselves.
I transformed Bereidan’s Banquet Hall—which Chloe had decorated like a dollhouse for little girls—into something at least tolerable to look at.
As it should be.
‘…If we proceed like this, the Bereidan Duchy’s dignity will end up looking like that ribbon rolling across the floor, Duchess.’
Yureain was right.
I’d told her to do as she pleased to avoid arguing, but I’d planned to touch things up before the final day.
What could I do once the banquet had already begun?
With Yureain, myself, and all the veteran maids and servants occupied with the Banquet Hall, Hayden had been left temporarily with a novice maid—and the moment I returned at 2 a.m., she came rushing at me with a pale, haggard face.
“Y-Young Master won’t sleep.”
“He hasn’t slept at all this whole time?”
“No, ma’am. He keeps calling for Mama, so I thought he might be hungry and tried giving him goat’s milk and other foods he usually enjoys, but he wouldn’t eat any of it.”
The maid’s face flushed red, and she could no longer hold back—tears came pouring down.
“He kept throwing spoons at me… and all the while, he just kept calling for Mama.”
It seemed the “Mama” Hayden was looking for was me. The child clearly saw me as his food source.
I pressed a handkerchief into the maid’s hand.
“Leave him with me now and go rest. You’ve worked hard.”
“Th-Thank you so much, ma’am!”
The maid clutched the handkerchief and fled as if escaping. In my bedroom, only Hayden remained, sitting on the rug with drowsy eyes drooping precariously. Goodness, he was about to topple over.
If I were that sleepy, I’d just go to bed. Why was this tiny thing fighting it so hard?
I approached Hayden and scooped him up into my arms.
“Dada-dada-dada, baba.”
Hayden whimpered and nuzzled against my neck and collarbone. The way he irritably tugged at my ear suggested he was already quite drowsy.
“Mama… myamya.”
Feeling his warm body burrowing into me, his small bottom squirming slightly, all the exhaustion from today seemed to melt away. Knowing he’d been waiting for me made my heart feel warm. I’d barely patted Hayden’s bottom a few times before he fell fast asleep.
I laid the softly snoring baby down in his crib.
He must have been truly exhausted—even as his body temperature dropped, he didn’t wake.
“If you were this sleepy, why did you torment the maid so much?”
I rested my chin on the crib railing, gazing at Hayden. He looked so peaceful.
How long had I been here? And already Countess Yotlrey had appeared, followed by Lady El.
Beyond them, countless other traps surely surrounded this mansion and Bereidan. The moment Cherez disappeared, they would emerge to torment Hayden. This small, precious child.
Hayden poured unconditional love upon me. How could I not know? His entire being was crying out that he loved me.
I carefully touched the sleeping child’s cheek.
I felt his warmth. The tiny front teeth visible between his parted lips were absolutely adorable.
How much time had passed since we met, and yet I’d grown so attached. The thought came again: was it right for me to leave Hayden behind and go alone?
When I already knew what he would have to endure.
I wished he could always fall asleep with such a peaceful expression.
“You’re going to drive me absolutely mad.”
I had a premonition that my future, which I’d thought simple, was becoming complicated. I’d planned to live quietly for six months and then leave, but somehow I’d already twisted the original narrative twice. I don’t know what impact my actions will have on Hayden.
New villains might emerge to replace the ones that disappear.
And I won’t be here then. There will be no one to protect you.
“…Would you come with me?”
I swallowed the words the moment they left my lips.
What was I thinking! Suggesting I take the original story’s male lead and leave?
No, why doesn’t that make sense…?
I could raise him well and send him back.
But what if the original story collapses because of it? What if Hayden’s life is ruined as a result?
I stared blankly at Hayden for a moment, then let out a sigh and pressed my forehead against the railing.
I truly didn’t know. What was the right choice.

* * *
The next day, the Mansion began bustling with preparations for the banquet. Chloe sent word that she couldn’t work due to the banquet preparations and would come directly to the Banquet Hall today.
Fine, your absence is the best help anyway.
Besides, I had someone I absolutely had to meet before the banquet began.
Today, Hayden would spend time with Yureain while I was away. Cherez was also attending the banquet, so he was waiting in the Lobby to escort me to the Banquet Hall.
He stared at me with surprised eyes.
“That dress….”
It was different from the dresses I usually wore. My collarbone was exposed elegantly, and I wore a necklace adorned with teardrop-shaped sapphires. The dress had a silvery sheen throughout. Thanks to the soft chiffon fabric, the necklace stood out beautifully. I had selected this dress from the ones I’d brought from Hejest and had it tailored.
“It looks uncomfortable, doesn’t it? They say beautiful clothes are always uncomfortable.”
“…No, not at all.”
Cherez turned his head away, his expression oddly troubled.

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