The Husband I Thought Was Dead Has Returned - Chapter 45

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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 045
It had already been several days since Petunia was driven from the Mansion. With that sharp, venomous gaze gone, the estate had settled into an eerie tranquility, and I devoted myself to raising Hayden in that newfound peace.
Hayden, having recovered from the sudden illness, was growing robustly and in excellent health.
And Aisen and Chloe’s wedding was now just a week away. At last, Chloe was truly getting married.
It was the marriage of the Maleight Family—loyal servants of Bereidan and, personally, Cherez’s benefactors. Yureain was currently occupied with preparing gifts to send to Chloe.
Moreover, according to Chloe, she and I were the closest of friends. There was no choice but to pay careful attention to the gift.
Yet at the dinner table that evening, Cherez broached a subject I had never anticipated.
“What do you think about bringing Hayden to the ceremony?”
Startled by the unexpected suggestion, I stared at him with my mouth agape. Until now, Hayden had never appeared at any official gathering. Cherez elaborated on his reasoning.
“Most of the Southern Nobility still don’t know for certain of Hayden’s existence. I want to use this opportunity to imprint upon their eyes the fact that an heir truly exists. That way, even after I take to the Battlefield, this child’s position won’t be shaken.”
Even after I take to the Battlefield.
That casually uttered phrase drove a spike through my chest like a nail.
Right, of course. Cherez was facing what would be his final battle. And now, unaware that he might not return, he was thinking only of Hayden. The image of Cherez dying flashed before my eyes, and my throat constricted.
This crushing weight—a burden only I, who knew the original story, could feel—pressed down upon me.
“…You’re right, Cherez. I agree.”
“Do you think Hayden will be able to conduct himself well before all those people?”
“Of course. Hayden does everything well.”
I steadied my trembling voice and answered in my hedgehog mode.
I agree that Hayden must be revealed to the world. That way, no one would dare to make this child disappear without a trace or treat him as a phantom who doesn’t exist.
Not merely a heir in name, but a ‘living, tangible reality’ etched into the eyes of countless nobles. That was the first shield Cherez was preparing for the child.
Cherez exhaled a long breath.
“I’m anxious about it. Hayden mustn’t be hurt by any of this. Roana, I know you have much to attend to. I’m sorry for adding this burden on top of everything else.”
Cherez spoke matter-of-factly. His eyes were filled with warmth directed at me.
“…Don’t say such things.”
“What I said before still holds true. If you’ve decided what you want, tell me. Whatever it is, I’m fine with it.”
I nodded. But how could Cherez afford to look after me or Hayden now? He was the one with limited time remaining.
I carved generous portions of the roasted turkey from the center of the table and piled them onto Cherez’s plate.
“Roana?”
“Eat more. Much more. That way you’ll stay healthy and grow stronger.”
“…I’m not Hayden.”
Cherez spoke with a hint of laughter in his voice. Yet he didn’t refuse the food I offered. Watching him eat diligently, I nodded.
“Have this too. You’re eating well. You’re doing great. And this as well.”
“I told you, I’m not Hayden.”
“I know. Still, eat plenty. You’re several times larger than Hayden, so you need to eat much more.”
Cherez burst into laughter.
“Then Roana, you should eat too. That way you’ll stay healthy and grow stronger. Isn’t that right?”
I accepted the roasted turkey that Cherez held out to my lips. The rich meat filled my mouth. Thanks to the sauce with its savory and tangy notes, it was an exquisite roasted turkey with a complex flavor.
Yet why did tears threaten to spill as I ate this delicious food? After he was gone, I knew that every time I ate turkey, I would remember this moment.

* * *
With the wedding only days away, the formal wear I had painstakingly commissioned for Hayden finally arrived. It was the handiwork of the Southern Region’s most renowned children’s tailor, who had labored night and day to create it.
As I opened the large box, a subtle fragrance wafted out, revealing a dazzling ensemble. A pristinely starched white shirt, navy breeches and waistcoat reminiscent of the deep sea, and adorable leather shoes barely larger than my palm.
“Oh….”
I couldn’t help but gasp. Especially when I saw the Bereidan Family crest meticulously engraved on each waistcoat button—my chest swelled with pride.
“Once he wears this, our little Hayden will look just like a young Duke, won’t he?”
“Indeed. To think the day has come when our young master wears such finery.”
Yureain, standing beside me as we examined the outfit, dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, overcome with emotion.
But I knew the truth. Dressing this adorable outfit on a fourteen-month-old beagle-form human would be far more fierce a battle than any founding war.
Watching the shoes glimmer inside the box, I silently prayed. Please, let me fasten at least one button without incident.

* * *
The day of reckoning had finally arrived.
Hayden’s Room was already at capacity. Yureain and I exchanged glances like solemn generals preparing for a great campaign. Today’s target was a fourteen-month-old brimming with energy, fresh from his morning sleep: Hayden Bereidan.
We started with the white shirt. Getting his head through required strategy, but Hayden resisted with iron-clad determination, stiffening his neck. To draw his attention away from his resistance, I stepped forward.
“Hayden, come on, let’s put on this pretty outfit? Then you’ll look even more handsome! There we go, good boy, peekaboo! What’s this!”
I shook a rattling maraca enthusiastically while dancing with more fervor than a performer on stage.
Look here! Please, look here!
While I distracted him with every trick in my arsenal, Yureain slipped the shirt over his head.
But Hayden quickly flailed his arms and clung to me, clearly unwilling. Each time I managed to guide one arm through, he’d yank the other arm back out. By the time we finally got the shirt on, my hair was completely disheveled.
“Huff, huff. Phew. Thank you for your hard work, Yureain.”
“It was my pleasure, Duchess.”
“Shall we move on to the next stage?”
Yureain and I regarded Hayden, now absorbed in rice crackers, with grim determination. Why doesn’t this world have Po Tongyeong? I sighed, newly appreciating Po Tongyeong’s greatness in conquering the infant realm, and lifted the waistcoat. This part should be easier.
“Madam! Hold his hands! Now’s the moment!”
The instant Yureain firmly grasped both of Hayden’s hands, I moved with possessed dexterity, fastening button after button.
Ugh, why are there so many buttons! The admiration I’d felt upon first seeing the outfit was steadily transforming into fury.
“No! No! Ugh! No no!”
Hayden thrashed about. Now he was really exerting himself, wasn’t he? Cold sweat beaded on my forehead as I reached for the final button, when Hayden stretched out his hand and undid it.
You don’t even know how to undo buttons yet!
“…How did he learn to do this?”
I’m genuinely about to cry.
“No no no no!”
Delighted with his success, Hayden tugged at my hair and giggled. He seemed proud of his accomplishment.
Children grow faster than one realizes. Before you can even notice, they’ve learned something new. Each day they accomplish more than the last, and tomorrow they’ll accomplish even more.
Watching Hayden pull at the button with his fingers, I exhaled a long sigh.

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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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