The Husband I Thought Was Dead Has Returned - Chapter 54

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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 054
“I have no idea how this ended up in here. It must have gotten mixed in without my knowledge.”
That’s impossible. Paper doesn’t have legs.
“The Butler might have placed it there. Or one of the servants.”
Why would they put that document there?
No matter how I looked at it, Cherez seemed to be guarding it like something incredibly precious.
That’s when Borgus, who had been silently listening to our conversation until now, suddenly interjected.
“Do you know what that is, madam? You carry it around like it’s some sort of treasure. I’ve seen you take it out and examine it occasionally. It’s just a torn piece of paper.”
“Borgus. Don’t you have work to do?”
“So I wondered if it might be a photograph of a woman, but it wasn’t that either….”
“Borgus! Have you forgotten that silence is golden? If you keep running your mouth like that, you might find yourself in a dangerous situation where your neck could be…in jeopardy.”
Cherez glanced at me and changed the subject. I had a feeling I knew what he was leaving unsaid.
I couldn’t help but laugh.
I thought I understood what Cherez was so desperate to hide.
“It’s a gift from Hayden.”
Borgus’s eyes widened at those words.
“It’s a piece of paper he was playing with, but lately I’ve been enjoying receiving gifts and hearing his thanks and gratitude.”
Borgus’s expression suddenly turned serious. What was the problem?
“…How can I obtain such a gift?”
“Pardon?”
“A gift from young master Hayden. I would like to receive one as well.”
“That…?”
He wanted that piece of paper?
Cherez responded seriously.
“Do you think he gives them to just anyone? Hayden chooses his recipients carefully.”
That couldn’t possibly be true. Anyone standing nearby could have received one. For instance, even the Maid who cleaned Hayden’s Room.
“I see. So that’s how it is.”
Borgus’s shoulders drooped.
Watching Cherez lift his chin with smug satisfaction, I realized something.
Sometimes, silence truly is golden.
I kept my mouth firmly shut.

* * *
Returning to my room, I found Yureain and Linnen waiting for me.
“Ah, Linnen. Are you feeling better now?”
Linnen nodded. The Buarte Couple would arrive tomorrow, and it seemed that prospect had lifted her spirits. As we sipped our tea while observing Linnen, Yureain spoke.
“My lady, the heat of the Southern Region will soon intensify. But this is not merely a matter of weather.”
Her voice was pitched lower than usual.
“I speak of the Knight Order. They are currently engaged in rigorous training. The Southern Knights Order has concentrated their forces at the Coastal Base. Beyond recruiting new soldiers, the existing knights are immersed in practical combat drills day and night. The shadow of war draws near.”
I wondered what Yureain was driving at. I nodded, inviting her to continue.
“As you mentioned before, selecting trustworthy individuals is not difficult. A blade easily obtained breaks easily. I believe that earning their trust first will become a true shield.”
So Yureain did not wish for me to remain merely a figurehead in this Mansion. To gain the Knight Order’s recognition meant to be recognized as the true mistress of this household. To become a genuine Duchess.
“The men of the Southern Region are simple and passionate. When they roll in the dust beneath the scorching sun, they would stake their lives on a cool drink and a warm meat pie offered by another. What if you, my lady, became that meat pie?”
“You mean I should encourage the knights.”
Would my recognition as Duchess help Hayden? If we could secure even one ally before we left this place.
At least I could hinder those whose roots have not yet taken hold.
That alone makes this worthwhile.
I spoke with brightened eyes.
“Very well, Yureain. Make the preparations. I shall depart for the Coastal Base tomorrow itself. And I would prefer that Hayden accompany us.”
I accepted Yureain’s counsel. This might be the first brick in the castle walls I must build to protect Hayden.

* * *
The next day, I set out for the Coastal Base with Yureain, Linnen, and Hayden, timing our arrival for midday.
Even amid the carriage’s rattling, the savory aroma of meat pie permeated the air. A spring breeze tinged with the scent of the sea rushed through the window gaps, and as we drew closer to the base, rough battle cries and the dull thud of wooden swords drowned out the sound of waves.
The scene that unfolded upon our arrival was brimming with raw intensity. Hundreds of knights, bare-chested and bronzed by the sun, rolled across the Sandy Beach, their muscles gleaming. At that fierce and sweltering heat, I found myself gripping the carriage door handle tightly without thinking.
Even the spring breeze seemed to retreat. I squeezed my eyes shut, then opened them.
Damn, I’m going to get a nosebleed.
I swallowed hard.
“The Duchess has arrived!”
At the excited cry of a young apprentice knight, a hundred eyes fixed upon me at once. Those engaged in sparring halted their movements, as did those cleaning wooden swords. Their gazes held bewilderment—this was my first direct encounter with them. I drew a deep breath and exhaled.
I saw Cherez approaching us. Bewilderment flickered across his face as well. Hayden, cradled in his arms, squirmed restlessly.
“Dadadadadada!”
With him gripping my hair tightly and thrashing about, I had to grit my teeth. Just smile. Just smile through it.
“Hayden, are you trying to plant my entire head? Please, let go.”
So caught up in my struggle with Hayden, I hadn’t noticed Cherez drawing near.
“Here, give him to me.”
Cherez hoisted Hayden up and cradled him in his arms. With Cherez’s large frame, Hayden looked like a tiny hot dog. His sturdy little thighs, held at Cherez’s side, were particularly striking. So too were the small, adorable shoes he’d been wearing since he’d started walking recently.
I sighed and retied my hair.
“You have my sympathy.”
“It’s part of the duty. When Hayden grows up, he’ll replant my hair for me.”
I caught a faint smile crossing Cherez’s face.
“But what brings you here? I received no prior notice.”
“Ah, everyone’s been working so hard. I thought I’d prepare some refreshments for them.”
At my words, Cherez’s eyes lit up with interest.
“Well….”
Truth be told, this strays quite far from what I’d promised Cherez. I’ve tried my best to honor our agreement all this time, but looking back, I’ve essentially broken nearly every single one of those promises. The promise not to overstep, that is.
I’d said I wouldn’t act like the Duchess either.
I smiled quickly.
“It’s just a gesture of goodwill, so it should be fine, shouldn’t it?”
I cleared my throat and added hastily.
“…I’m thinking about it.”
But Cherez simply laughed openly.
“Everyone will be delighted. I was getting a bit peckish myself, actually.”
At Cherez’s approval, I exhaled with relief and signaled to Yureain. The servants who’d accompanied us bustled about, distributing the refreshments throughout the space.
“A break!”
At the cry from what appeared to be the Knight Commander, the knights erupted in cheers.
“Woo, wooooooo!”
Right. Rest and refreshments are things everyone welcomes, regardless of age or gender.
Hayden startled at their roar and burrowed into Cherez’s arms.
So he does have his fears after all.
The Hayden who’d been acting like a ruffian now had his eyes wide as a frightened rabbit’s.
The baby squirmed in the embrace, then stuck his bottom out. Hayden turned his head toward me.
“Gya.”
A drop of drool fell from Hayden’s open mouth. I smiled warmly watching Cherez wipe it away with his shirt sleeve.

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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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