The Husband I Thought Was Dead Has Returned - Chapter 48

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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 048
Hayden fired the contents of his mouth like bullets, and thanks to that, rice grains mixed with green broccoli florets settled onto Cherez’s navy formal coat.
“C-Cherez! Are you alright?”
“…It’s fine. Continue.”
Cherez didn’t blink an eye as he flicked away the green rice grains clinging to his sleeve with his fingernail. Cherez steadied Hayden and spoke with his jaw slightly clenched.
“Now, Roana.”
It was as if we were executing some covert operation.
I seized the moment and thrust a spoon into Hayden’s mouth. The boy accepted the rice without thinking and began chewing contentedly.
Then, discovering that it tasted quite good, he began accepting spoonfuls again like a little bird.
The most powerful man in the Southern Region fumbling through feeding baby food—it was undoubtedly an unfamiliar sight for everyone. Even the nobles who had approached to greet us hesitated and retreated once more.
Hayden took twice as long as usual to finish his meal. It seemed his attention kept wandering elsewhere because there were so many people around.
So much he was curious about, so much he wanted to touch.
“Bwah bwah!”
Hayden beamed with his face covered in baby food. Watching him rub his eyes with those same hands, I burst into laughter.
“You’ve gotten absolutely filthy.”
The little prince I had seen this morning was already gone. The small shoe lying on the floor had been placed on the table.
Cherez chuckled at the sight. As he massaged the tiny sock-clad foot, he spoke.
“You’ve had quite the ordeal too, Hayden.”
“Dada! Bwah bwah bwah?”
The child turned his face and buried his head against Cherez’s chest. Then he began climbing up him.
Cherez quickly detached Hayden and held him.
“Quite the little bomb, this one.”
Cherez murmured.
Just as he said, Hayden’s mouth, the hem of my dress, and Cherez’s right chest were all decorated with green stains like badges of honor.
Cherez wiped Hayden’s mouth with a handkerchief as if nothing had happened. Then he spoke with a sigh-tinged tone.
“This is harder than war.”
His words, so full of sincerity, drew a small laugh from me. Yes, child-rearing has always been the most difficult thing in the world. How could raising one small person be easy?
“Congratulations on awakening to the truth of the world, Cherez.”
Cherez laughed softly as well. That laughter sparkled in the early spring sunlight.

* * *
As the banquet commenced, noble ladies lined up to see Hayden. I maintained my smile while greeting them, though my facial muscles were on the verge of numbness. Even so, my eyes darted about frantically, committing each face and family crest to memory. Somewhere among them lurked those who would surely torment Hayden. The problem was, I had no idea who they were.
After playing contentedly for a while, Hayden eventually grew tired and buried his face in my shoulder, drifting to sleep. The child’s steady breathing tickled my ear.
“Roana.”
Cherez appeared at my side—I hadn’t noticed when he’d arrived—and offered me a cup of water. The moment the cool liquid touched my parched throat, it finally found relief. I was thirsty. Now that I thought about it, I hadn’t eaten properly either.
“Thank you. I’m relieved Hayden managed so well.”
“…For a first outing, he held up remarkably. You worked hard too.”
His hands were careful and tender as he accepted Hayden from my arms, the child limp with sleep.
Cherez’s affection has always been like this. He never makes a show of it. Yet when I’m exhausted, he seems to sense it with uncanny precision, pressing a cup of water into my hands, taking the sleeping child from me. That subtle, quiet warmth keeps dismantling my defenses.
In the center of the Banquet Hall, Aisen and Chloe’s first dance was beginning. Even as he danced, Aisen continued to wipe away tears, while Chloe gazed at her husband with boundless affection.
Watching that scene, I felt the large shadow beside me, standing guard.
I silently wished that the tragedies of the original story would be washed away in this peaceful happiness of today.

* * *
After the whirlwind that was the wedding swept through, morning at the Bereidan Mansion began three times earlier than usual.
Today was the day Chloe and Aisen departed for the Evelik Kingdom, and we were moving early to see them off.
Today’s schedule was one I would attend with Yureain. I also had something to discuss with her.
Preferably somewhere without others present.
In the carriage heading to the Harbor, Yureain and I sat side by side, nodding off as our heads touched. By the time we arrived at the Harbor, it was already bustling with people. Countess Maleight, recognizing us, cleared a path.
Shortly after, the two principals arrived. Chloe’s attire was as ostentatious as ever. Though she called it traveling clothes, lace cascaded like waterfalls from every sleeve, and her hat bore three ribbons the size of fists. Chloe chirped like a bird as she approached.
“My goodness, Roana. You didn’t come here crying just because I’m leaving, did you? Your eyes are absolutely puffy.”
I didn’t sleep.
But I know that no matter what I say, Chloe won’t listen. So let’s just call it tears.
“Safe travels, Chloe.”
“Without me, Roana won’t have any friends at all, and I’m truly worried. Besides, your taste is so lacking. What are you wearing? Aisen’s standards will rise considerably living with me, but I wonder if the Trading Company people can keep up with our level. What a tiresome life it is.”
Normally my ears would have burned, but today, strangely, even those words felt endearing. Perhaps because I knew I wouldn’t see her for a while. Or perhaps because I noticed Chloe’s eyes were red and bloodshot.
I stepped closer and spoke with sincerity.
“I truly wish you happiness, Chloe. I hope you and Aisen live long and prosper together.”
Chloe’s eyes trembled visibly. Then she stared at me with a face ready to burst into tears at any moment. Chloe puffed out her cheeks, exhaled deeply, and spoke.
“…Actually, at first I really disliked you because you were from Hejest. But then I realized… you’re just a kind-hearted bear.”
Was that a compliment or an insult?
Doesn’t calling someone bear-like usually mean they’re dim-witted?
Chloe suddenly threw her arms around me. It was an embrace so intense it took my breath away. Then she released me, grasped both my shoulders, and added solemnly.
“Now I like you, Roana. I really do.”
Thank you. Come to think of it, Chloe has never been two-faced. She’s always consistent, which makes her easy to understand. It won’t be easy to meet someone so transparent again.
“Be good to Cherez. He’s a much lonelier person than he appears. I hope you both find happiness.”
The fact that Chloe had been Cherez’s longtime friend suddenly struck me anew. She must have been annoying and exhausting to him, but perhaps she was the only person who filled his cold silence with noise. Though I might be romanticizing it.
In any case, Cherez still finds Chloe troublesome, but he doesn’t truly dislike her.
“Cherez sent his regards.”
“He won’t even come see me off. Honestly, he’s so taciturn.”
Chloe let out a small grumble.
“I’ll go, Roana. Contact me whenever you need me! I’ll always be in the same place!”
I nodded in acknowledgment.
The ship departed, and the Countess dampened her handkerchief with tears, her sobs breaking free. I remained standing in that spot until the vessel vanished beyond the horizon. It was a grand farewell, befitting Chloe.

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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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