The Husband I Thought Was Dead Has Returned - Chapter 51

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

The Husband Who Should Have Died Returns Episode 051
Linnen entered the reception room with her shoulders hunched and a cowed expression. Yureain stood beside her, serving as her guardian and protector.
“Please, make yourself comfortable.”
Linnen hesitated before perching on the edge of a chair. She clutched paper and pen in her trembling hands—a clear sign of her nervousness.
Yureain positioned herself at Linnen’s side. When Linnen looked up at her with those wide, doe-like eyes, she exhaled in relief.
“Eat something.”
Linnen stared at the table. She hesitated, then glanced sideways at Yureain. I’d heard she still had a sweet tooth. When Yureain nodded encouragingly, Linnen slowly began to eat the pastries.
Her chewing face looked gaunt. They said she’d lost considerable weight. The adorable freckles scattered across her cheeks and her hair braided into two neat plaits made her appear even younger.
Goodness. A child like this…?
How maternal. The saying went that the more helpless a child, the more harshly they must be treated to ensure obedience. I’d been equally cruel to my own daughters, so I’d be no different with a stranger. Disapproving of such cruelty, I waited for Linnen to finish eating slowly. When she wiped her mouth clean, I spoke.
“Linnen, how would you like to work as my assistant?”
Since Linnen had been a maid, she could certainly serve as an assistant.
Linnen stared at me in shock. It seemed Yureain hadn’t given her any hint. Linnen’s mouth opened and closed soundlessly as she looked at Yureain. Yureain slowly stroked her back.
Linnen lowered her head. The hand holding the pen remained still. But her ears perked up, suggesting she was listening intently to my words.
The pen tip, trembling faintly, began to move across the paper.
[Where would you find an assistant who cannot speak?]
The writing was forceful, the strokes leaving sharp marks on the paper.
[I won’t be any help. I’m completely useless.]
That was precisely how Linnen saw herself.
[If you’re doing this out of pity, I must decline.]
A single dot blotted the paper—a tear. Linnen wasn’t angry. She was defending herself before she could be hurt.
“Linnen.”
Linnen lifted her head and met my gaze.
“Do I strike you as someone who hires people out of pity? I am the Duchess. I have never forgotten what this position demands.”
Linnen’s eyes wavered.
“I don’t conduct my affairs through pity. I genuinely need you, Linnen. Someone who will never betray me.”
Her eyes trembled at those words.
“When two people share the same enemy, their alliance becomes stronger than ever.”
Linnen’s lips pressed together tightly.
“And though I apologize for saying this to you, people naturally lower their guard around someone like you.”
I saw tension build in Linnen’s hands.
“I want to use that advantage. Your unique circumstances are actually beneficial to me. When the time comes, you would make an excellent double agent.”
Linnen’s eyes widened.
“Your special situation is an asset to me, not a liability. You are my weapon—my shield to protect myself. Use me as you see fit. I can fulfill your requests. There is no one more suited for the position I’m offering than you.”
[Who is the Duchess’s enemy?]
My heart grew cold at the question. Though Roana’s family, we had long since crossed a bridge that could never be recrossed.
“Petunia Hejest. And Hejest, along with the North.”
At my words, Linnen’s pupils dilated. Hearing those names from my own lips seemed to ignite both fear and fury within her. She laughed bitterly. How lamentable that she carried the blood of such a woman.
After a long silence, Linnen’s hand finally moved.
[I’ll try. I’ll work hard.]
“Of course.”
In truth, I still don’t know if Linnen will truly become someone worth employing. Yet I trust that Yureain wouldn’t bungle things through misplaced compassion. And when people find work they must do, their very demeanor transforms. Perhaps what Linnen needs now isn’t pity, but a position—a place where she can stand on her own two feet.
In this Mansion, the useless receive no protection. That’s true everywhere.
Finding her place would be Linnen’s burden to bear.
I hoped she would succeed.
Somehow, I saw my past self reflected in Linnen—the woman who had cowered under her family’s weight, intimidated even in the outside world.

* * *
The Bereidan Knight Order’s headquarters stood separately along the Coastal Area. The Study on the second floor housed an enormous desk.
Through half-drawn curtains, morning sunlight streamed diagonally across the desk, bisecting the unfolded map below.
Cherez stood with his arms crossed, studying the map. It was a large military map showing the entire Southern Region at a glance. Red dots marked the coastline, while blue flag symbols dotted various inland locations.
Borgus stood alongside Wills, the Bereidan Knight Order Commander, and Temmer, the Vice Commander.
“Report.”
“Grain reserves currently amount to three months’ worth of territorial consumption. Medicinal herbs are less abundant, and iron supplies fall short of half our needs.”
“Insufficient.”
“Time is pressing. We’re gathering what we can.”
Cherez pointed his finger toward the coastline—the eastern edge of the Southern Region, closest to the Otherworld. His eyes grew distant as he studied the map.
“Two of the three defensive strongholds require repairs. The remaining one is operational immediately, though its scale is modest. I’ve ordered repairs to commence as weather permits—construction is underway now. Our direct Knight Order alone lacks sufficient manpower. We’re considering recruiting volunteers from the territorial population. Imperial Court support would be welcome, but…”
Borgus trailed off.
Red dots lined the coastline on the map—the path through which monsters poured forth when the Otherworld’s gates opened. A calamity that arrived without fail once yearly. And this year, their numbers were projected to double.
Borgus exhaled heavily.
“Don’t expect such support. The Imperial Court doesn’t meddle in Southern Region affairs.”
Cherez spoke coldly. Borgus continued, his voice tinged with resignation.
“The problem is that this time, the North and Central Region are stirring as well. It may not be merely monsters we’re facing. We have only months left, sir. This time will be different in scale.”
Silence descended.
It was a truth everyone present already knew. Borgus merely restated it to remind them.
Wills, who had been quiet, spoke.
“…Ten years ago, your parents perished in the war. Despite receiving Imperial Court support. If manpower becomes insufficient as well…”
Cherez laughed coldly.
“Perhaps they died precisely because of the Imperial Court’s support.”
“…Pardon?”
“Even if we receive external reinforcements, exclude Central Region forces as much as possible. Remember—there may be enemies within.”
“Ah…”
Knight Commander Wills fell silent.
Cherez gazed out the window. Through the curtains, the Garden was visible. At this time of year, roses bloomed profusely. Perhaps Hayden was strolling through that peaceful Garden with Roana.
Hayden, who had only recently begun walking, particularly loved treading on soft earth. That was what Cherez must protect—someone’s happiness, peace, joy. The burdens resting upon Cherez’s shoulders were so beautiful.
Cherez withdrew his gaze from the window.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————