The Husband I Thought Was Dead Has Returned - Chapter 42

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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 042
At the same moment. Kaslit Marquis Mansion.
While the tea party was in full swing, a woman dressed as a Maid slipped through the back entrance of the mansion. In truth, she was a Knight disguised in servant’s garb.
As the Knight moved deeper into the Mansion along the Corridor, laughter echoed from the Tea Party Venue. Chloe’s high-pitched voice carried clearly beyond the walls. The Knight adjusted her path to avoid drawing attention.
Fortunately, dressed as a Maid, no one she encountered gave her a second glance. Moving with deliberate caution, the Knight entered what appeared to be the Study. Most noble Mansions shared similar layouts. Her instinct had proven correct.
Documents lay organized atop the desk. The Knight removed her gloves and carefully examined the papers. Nothing remarkable. The drawers contained letters and various contracts.
‘This isn’t it.’
What she needed was evidence that Countess Caslit maintained connections with Hejest. The Knight’s fingers probed the underside of the drawer. Reassured by the laughter drifting from outside, she held her breath and lowered herself further.
‘Ah!’
A dull click sounded, and the drawer’s false bottom suddenly gave way.
The Knight withdrew the documents and unfolded them. The heading read: “Southern Immigrant Nobility Harmony Society.”
‘The Harmony Society?’
Founded barely two years ago. The stated purpose was to foster unity among immigrant nobility and conduct charitable endeavors. She scanned the membership roster. Indeed, only immigrant nobility names appeared—not a single native Southern noble.
Among the documents were records of membership dues. For a charitable organization, the sums were extraordinarily large. Yet nowhere was it noted where the money would go or where it had been spent.
No matter how thoroughly she examined it, the organization was merely a shell. Still, the fact that it was hidden surely meant something secretive lay beneath.
The Knight committed every detail to memory, meticulously reviewing the contents before returning each document to its proper place in order. A soft click sounded as the drawer resumed its original form.
Having accomplished her objective, the Knight pressed herself against the door, holding her breath as she focused on the sounds of movement from beyond.
‘Three people.’
She waited until they had completely passed, then, once silence settled, eased the door open slightly. Peering out to survey her surroundings, she slipped quickly outside and closed the door with care. Then she moved naturally along the Corridor as though she had been there all along.
The Knight emerged from the Mansion and took her place beside the Carriage, as if awaiting the Duchess.

* * *
Aisen’s pink-ribboned Carriage arrived at the Bereidan Household. As I descended, Chloe leaned from the window, waving with evident reluctance.
I turned to regard her with weary eyes. The exhausted Countess Caslit finally raised both hands to dismiss the gathering, but not before Chloe had rattled on obliviously. The Countess had even made a separate request of me.
‘Duchess, I beg you. Please take your friend home.’
I recalled the pale-faced ladies who had stared only at me. She had single-handedly felled so many people. Remarkable, Chloe. I bit back my tongue inwardly, yet still waved to her.
“Today was truly wonderful, Roana! Let’s go together next time!”
Next time? There would be no next time.
My ears felt as though they might bleed—a sentiment I shared entirely. I genuinely regretted encouraging Chloe throughout the gathering. I had learned the hard way that I must guard my tongue.
“Yes, thank you, Chloe. Give my regards to Aisen.”
“Of course! Next time, I think it would be even better if Aisen came too! I want to show him what kind of person you are!”
Please, no. I glared at the Coachman. Understanding my signal, he swiftly set the Carriage in motion. I exhaled deeply as Chloe’s Carriage receded into the distance.
The Knight standing beside me spoke.
“Shall we go inside, Duchess?”
“Yes. Did things go well today?”
“Thanks to you. Are your ears alright?”
“…No. Check them for me. Are they intact? Is there any blood?”
The Knight smiled faintly.
“Did you find anything?”
“It appears so. However, the judgment seems to rest with the Duke.”
I was grateful that what I’d done had been of some help. If I’d accomplished nothing, I would have felt utterly cheated.
As I exchanged pleasantries with the Knight and walked toward the entrance, a familiar silhouette appeared before the door.
“Cherez?”
Cherez had come to meet me here. He checked the time and spoke in a low voice.
“You’re late.”
“I know, I’m late. The sun’s already beginning to set.”
At my acknowledgment, Cherez tilted his head.
“Did something happen?”
“…It was a gathering I attended with Chloe.”
“I see.”
How could he understand so immediately? He should recognize that I’ve had an exhausting day.
“I know Chloe isn’t a bad person.”
How could he not notice the way I’m looking at him with such affection?
“…If there’s anything you desire, I will ensure it comes to pass. Whatever it may be.”
“Please do that for me, Cherez.”
“Are you injured?”
“No.”
Cherez exhaled. I could see the tension drain from his shoulders. It was such an unfamiliar feeling to have someone worry about me.
I had always been the one to worry about others. Without me, my nephews would have gone hungry. No one had ever concerned themselves with my meals or my health.
So this is what it feels like.
Spring rain falling gently upon parched earth.
Perhaps that’s why I found myself pouting as I spoke.
“My ears are a bit sore.”
“Your ears?”
Cherez’s expression became peculiar—a blend of sympathy and guilt. The sight of it made me laugh.
“That carriage was quite difficult too. Did you see? Just riding in that carriage felt like my mind was being bombarded.”
At my long sigh, Cherez let out a soft laugh.
Cherez pressed his hand to his forehead.
“You’ve worked hard.”
“It’s alright. I gained something from it myself. And the Knight here said he obtained something as well.”
“We’ll discuss the rest inside.”
Cherez extended his hand first.
Unfamiliar with this form of escort, I tilted my head in confusion, and Cherez spoke softly.
“The steps are high.”
The steps are high, yes. But these are stairs I climb every day, aren’t they?
Of course, that gave me no reason to refuse the kindness Cherez was offering.
I took his hand. It was large and rough, calloused fingers bearing the marks of a lifetime spent gripping a sword. I felt his hand wrap around mine with extraordinary care.
We ascended three steps together.
This is his way. Instead of eloquent words, he offers his hand. He lights the fireplace, drapes a fur coat around me on this spring evening. It’s all his language.
And there, I felt his sincerity. He released my hand slowly, his eyes never leaving mine.
That was a pity. A strange feeling stirred within me. The season when my nose would grow tender was approaching.
Between him and me, delicate flowers bloomed in profusion, swaying gently. The warmth lingering in my palm threatened to drive me mad.

* * *
The day was far from over.
Cherez’s study also held Borgus. We settled into our seats and immediately broached the main subject—it was time to report today’s accomplishments. I went first.
“I attended the gathering and approached Countess Yotlrey. When I emphasized that I was Hejest’s daughter, her eyes changed. She seemed to think she could reestablish her connections. It’s clear that Countess Yotlrey attended the gathering specifically to approach Hejest. According to the Countess, Countess Caslit participates in volunteer work with the Temple Priests, but I find that activity suspicious.”
Cherez folded his arms.
“Hmm. What were the other nobles gathered there like? Were they the sort who would align with such a cause?”
I recalled the introverts from today, their faces pallid and drained as they merely listened to Chloe’s stories. None of them had attempted any private conversation with Countess Caslit. Either they had nothing secret to discuss, or it was already concluded.

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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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