The Husband I Thought Was Dead Has Returned - Chapter 38

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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 038
I couldn’t prevent the war, and I couldn’t go to it myself—I was utterly helpless.
“I have something to say too, Cherez. I think Mother might be planning to kill Hayden.”
Cherez’s eyes darkened.
“It’s just a suspicion, but… something tells me it’s true. And from the way she mentions meeting a friend in the Southern Region, it seems Hejest has an accomplice there.”
Cherez nodded. He didn’t look particularly surprised.
He already knew?
I blinked.
“I’ve been tracking the Duchess. And I’ve found a connection between House Yotlrey and Hejest.”
This was shocking. House Yotlrey? The family that devoured Bereidan after Cherez died?
Wasn’t it completely cut off when Diane was exposed and driven from High Society not long ago?
I heard Diane is in a convent now. Why is her name surfacing here again?
Wait, so my suspicion was right? Behind those who tormented and exploited Hayden, there might be Hejest?
As I reached that conclusion, my mouth fell open and I covered it with both hands. It felt like I’d uncovered the identity of the massive conspiracy that had been writhing in the original story!
My heart pounded.
“We have to find that friend…!”
“We’re suspecting House Caslit. It’s a noble family that recently relocated to the Southern Region. They might be communicating with Hejest through the Caslit family.”
“Gasp.”
I inhaled sharply without thinking.
Caslit! I’ve heard that name! When Hayden eventually grew up and wandered the Battlefield trying to reclaim his family, they were the ones who told him to trust only them!
The family that Hayden suspected but ultimately earned his trust through relentless patience!
They were traitors?
My heart pounded. It felt like blood was rushing through my entire body.
I couldn’t tell where the connections began and ended, or how far the rot spread. I couldn’t distinguish between enemies and allies.
There was so much that remained hidden.
I swallowed hard.
It felt as though fate itself was whispering to me.
‘Don’t even think about saving Cherez.’
I began to wonder if Hejest might not be the end. In the original story, weren’t there many obstacles in Hayden’s path?
It really seemed like only the female protagonist mattered to Hayden. There had to be a reason the keyword “salvation” existed.
Gripped by inexplicable dread, I couldn’t speak, and Cherez continued.
“You’re quite shocked. But I hear Countess Yotlrey only appears at Kaslit’s Tea Party. That’s the day after tomorrow. If you don’t mind…”
“I should attend. I think I could get a sense of both Kaslit and Yotlrey.”
Cherez nodded.
“These aren’t times when we can charge in recklessly and overturn things. Unfortunately.”
“Pardon?”
“Sometimes I think the past, when there was no law and might made right, was more just.”
“What?!”
Cherez brushed his lips with a finger. His expression showed he’d revealed his true feelings without meaning to.
Cherez composed himself and spoke.
“It’s nothing. Anyway, I was hoping you’d help me. I know I’m being shameless again.”
What was that just now?
“Roana.”
“Ah, yes. I can do it. I actually received an invitation myself. But since it was sent as a formality, if I suddenly say I’m going, they might raise questions. Hmm, what if we used Chloe?”
“Chloe?”
“Yes. With her wedding approaching, she’s apparently attending every social gathering there is. I’ll ask Chloe to accompany me.”
“You think that’ll work? Roana, you can’t stand Chloe.”
Of course I dislike her. That type of person. She’s genuinely irritating. But if there’s a purpose, I can endure it as much as needed.
I nodded.
“It’s fine. I can manage.”
Cherez looked at my resolute expression and let out a short laugh. What’s so funny? I’m being serious.
“Then I’m counting on you. I’ll definitely repay this….”
“In exchange, you might have to do me a favor later.”
“A favor?”
“I’ll tell you about it later.”
Cherez tilted his head in confusion before nodding. Watching him, I smiled ambiguously.
“I’m curious.”
I haven’t completely decided yet myself. But when the time comes to speak of it, it will mean that Cherez’s death is drawing near as well.

* * *
The next day.
“W-why is the Duke of Bereidan here?”
“Shh!”
The sudden appearance of Cherez sent the Annex Building into turmoil. Since the Duchess of Hejest had made her surprise raid on the Bereidan Duchy, Cherez had not once appeared here.
“It’s my house. Does it matter where I am?”
Cherez shot a cold glare at Hejest’s servants before stepping inside.
Petunia, who had been preparing to go out, reluctantly received Cherez.
“I never expected you to visit so rudely, Duke.”
“It seems you don’t understand the meaning of rudeness.”
Cherez leaned back in a chair. His lean yet muscular frame made even the smallest movement appear grand.
Petunia’s eyes narrowed.
“I don’t tolerate such behavior in my house.”
Cherez’s tone grew sharper.
“I’m done treating you as a guest.”
“Duke of Bereidan! Show me proper respect. I came here with the Imperial Court’s permission…!”
Cherez tilted his head, his eyes flashing with lethal intent. His gaze, gleaming with murderous intent, fixed upon Petunia.
“Shall we see who’s closer—the Imperial Court or me?”
“…Duke!”
“Go to the Imperial Court and complain that I was rude, that I threatened you. See what happens.”
Petunia trembled violently. She had never expected to be treated this way. Hejest preferred elegant, quiet methods.
“I’m quite curious what the Imperial Court will have to say about this. Do as you wish.”
Cherez pressed his palm against the table.
My gaze was drawn to that gesture. It was a movement weighted with authority.
“The laws of my house are mine to set. Consider yourself fortunate that you still draw breath after daring to harm the heir of House Bereidan.”
Petunia found herself cornered with no words left to defend herself.
Was Cherez truly this kind of man?
“What harm have I caused—!”
“There are witnesses who claim you attempted to strangle him.”
Cherez spoke with a mocking sneer.
“You struck the child as well, didn’t you?”
Petunia’s face flushed crimson. She couldn’t fathom what slander this was. She had checked on the child, but she had never laid hands on him in such a manner.
“Who in blazes spread such nonsense!”
“You should know well. Does such a thing matter to creatures like us? Fabricating it is child’s play.”
“Your Grace!”
“If you wish to live, I suggest you depart as swiftly as possible.”
Cherez paid no heed to a single word Petunia uttered. All she could do before his insolence was tremble.
At the waist of Cherez, renowned among knights, hung a sword in its scabbard.
‘Which is closer—the Imperial Court, or me?’
That threat proved devastatingly effective.
“A savage without shame. A barbarian!”
“Is that all you have to say?”
Cherez flicked his sword with a sharp metallic ring. The blade gleamed as it caught the light, revealing its lethal edge.
“Go ahead. Try.”
No one dares open their mouth before a blade emanating killing intent. Goosebumps crawled across Petunia’s back.
She understood it anew.
This place was a den of beasts.
‘I underestimated him far too much.’
She had thought him a naive boy who knew nothing of the world, yet Cherez was a beast who knew how to bare his fangs.
She had grown complacent, dealing only with the children she had trained. He was a predator raised in the wild.
Petunia bit down hard on her lower lip. This was why one should never associate with those from the Southern Region. Uncouth savages, the lot of them!

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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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