The Husband I Thought Was Dead Has Returned - Chapter 23

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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 023
I shrugged and took Cherez’s hand. Several guests had already arrived at the Banquet Hall, among them the Baroness Oyster.
She had apparently been waiting for me the entire time, rushing over immediately. After greeting both Cherez and me in turn, the Baroness Oyster requested a private word.
“Cherez.”
Cherez nodded to me. His eyes conveyed understanding of the situation. The moment he stepped away, the Oyster Madam spoke as if she could no longer contain herself.
“Aisen is waiting for the Duchess right now.”
It was what I had requested.
“Thank you, Baroness.”
“Not at all. I should be the one offering my gratitude. Aisen, I truly entrust this to your care.”
I nodded lightly.
Aisen is an innocent and virtuous young man. He has simply fallen too deeply in love. It was not difficult to encourage Aisen to confess his feelings to Chloe.
After seeing the Oyster Madam out, I met with Aisen.
I called gently to Aisen, who gazed at me with innocent eyes. Meeting him for the first time today, he truly appeared gentle and mild-mannered.
“Oyster Young-sik.”
“Ah! No, that’s not right. Oyster Young-sik is my Elder Brother’s name, so please call me Aisen.”
In the original work, Chloe would have been the type to believe even the most absurd lies.
Perhaps because he knows nothing of the world’s hardships, he might be capable of loving Chloe with genuine sincerity. In any case, it’s a fortunate turn for Chloe. A blessing, really.
“Very well, Aisen. The reason I asked to meet you today is because I have something to discuss. I heard that you are currently seeking a match.”
“Mother said… that?”
Aisen’s face darkened immediately. According to the Baroness Oyster, he had made several advances toward Chloe, only to be rejected. So the Baroness Oyster had recommended that he consider a match with another young lady instead.
He must be thinking this is the same conversation.
‘She won’t even listen to what I have to say anymore. Perhaps I appear to her as an obstacle to my own love. I’m truly sorry, but would the Duchess be willing to meet with Aisen directly?’
Once a rift forms between parents, it is difficult to mend. The Baroness Oyster’s troubled expression came to mind.
‘He takes after his father—stubborn and single-minded. My words of concern may have become wounds to him. I do hope this matter will improve the relationship between Aisen and me.’
There was such a reason behind the Baroness Oyster’s enthusiastic approval of the marriage between Aisen and Chloe. Only Aisen, knowing nothing, wore the expression of one bearing all the world’s dark clouds.
“…What family is the young lady from?”
Aisen spoke with a resigned expression. Looking at his face, if I forced him into marriage with another woman, he would likely not survive even a year. Does he love her that much? Even knowing Chloe’s true nature?
In truth, one could not refuse a match arranged by the mistress of the Territory without good reason.
Aisen seemed to believe that this time, he would have no choice but to marry.
“She is a young lady from a good family. Before I tell you more, I would like to ask—is there a young lady you already favor?”
“I…”
Aisen spoke with a dreamy expression on his face.
“I have long admired Chloe with all my heart…! Though she has never once looked my way, such things matter not. Even her profile is truly beautiful. Even if I must spend my entire life chasing after her back, I would be content…!”
It is truly remarkable. Or perhaps he enjoys the image of himself pining away. Or maybe he finds beauty in watching Chloe care for another. Chloe is certainly lovely, with a bold, contrasting charm.
One is first startled by her appearance, and then startled again when she opens her mouth. How does one manage to live so differently from one’s outward appearance?
In any case, what matters is that Aisen is someone who would be satisfied with Chloe, no matter what kind of person she is.
“My, what a coincidence.”
“Pardon?”
“The young lady I was about to introduce you to is also Chloe. Since both families have already given their blessing, the match between you two should proceed smoothly.”
“Is that truly so?!”
Aisen shot to his feet, his face flushed crimson. Unlike Cherez with his robust, flawless features, Aisen retained the delicate beauty of a sickly youth. If anything, that look suited Chloe far better.
“That’s true. However, I haven’t yet asked for Chloe’s own wishes on the matter. From what I’ve observed, Chloe seems to be someone who adores romance.”
To be precise, she’s an attention-seeker.
The type who waits for a prince on a white horse who will one day recognize her. A woman who genuinely believes that prince will confess his love for her before everyone present. How do I know?
Because my lady’s maid has been clinging to my side, rattling off her hopes and dreams without end.
‘The fact that Cherez still doesn’t feel attracted to me as a woman is truly bewildering. It must be because Cherez still has some immaturity left in him. I’ve grown far too quickly compared to him. I think Cherez is the only one suited for me in this Territory, but destiny doesn’t always work that way, does it? People are swayed by fateful encounters all the time. And I’m certainly worthy of such a thing.’
It was exhausting to listen to, but at least I learned her preferences. I’d asked Chloe several questions to prepare for today’s gathering. Each time, I had to endure lengthy, elaborate responses.
When I asked what flowers she liked, she launched into a monologue about how roses were her favorite, explaining why she loved them and how perfectly they suited her. Truly, a mad woman.
“I know a way to make Chloe’s romance a reality. So if Aisen agrees, I’d like to show him that method directly and help him with it.”
Aisen nodded, tears streaming down his face.
“Thank you so much, Duchess!”
I should be the one thanking him, really. I feel a twinge of guilt, as if I’m manipulating an innocent young man.
Well, let’s call it fate.

* * *
Cherez’s gaze turned toward Roana. A smile played at the corners of his mouth—evidence that her conversation with Aisen had gone well. He watched her enter the Banquet Hall, conversing naturally with Baroness Oyster, and she immediately captured his attention.
He was astonished from the moment he saw her today.
Of course, he knew Roana was beautiful. She possessed features that objectively met the standards of beauty.
But Roana had always insisted on a modest appearance, saying it was far more practical for caring for a child.
While he sometimes worried he was burdening Roana too much with Hayden, he was genuinely grateful for her.
This was the first time he truly saw Roana properly adorned.
A sleek dress that subtly revealed the graceful curves of her body laid bare her straight collarbone. Blue jewels draped across luminous skin, with strands of hair cascading softly downward.
Moreover, whether from makeup or not, she emanated an alluring aura entirely different from her usual self.
Her clear, serene eyes made his breath catch. Her irises seemed to shine with particular brilliance. So he couldn’t speak. Like a naive twenty-year-old experiencing first love.

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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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