The Husband I Thought Was Dead Has Returned - Chapter 57

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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 057
“The Duchess of Hejest has returned to the North, but her influence still lingers in the Southern Region. Countess Caslit, hidden behind the name ‘Harmony Society,’ is at the center of it all. However, nothing has been revealed yet.”
“The name Kaslit. I’ve heard of it before. But will Kaslit accept us without suspicion?”
“I’ll cast you out. The Count and Countess will say that Linnen is being held hostage, and they must retrieve their daughter by any means necessary.”
Count Bruarte’s eyes gleamed. He was absorbing every word I spoke, committing each one to memory.
In the meantime, Yureain and I had been investigating Countess Caslit’s movements and habits—what captured her interest, what she favored, and what her triggers were.
“When you left the North, how did things end with the Duchess of Hejest?”
“There was no time for anything. The North is their lair.”
“Then that’s fortunate. I can play the villain for you. And tell them you’re searching for a way to take your daughter back to the North.”
“You’re asking us to walk directly into their web.”
This was a dangerous gamble. If they were discovered to be working with me, the Bruarte Couple’s lives could not be guaranteed.
Yet they nodded without hesitation. Perhaps what they desperately needed now was the comfort of knowing they were doing something—anything—to take revenge on Petunia.
“Thank you for giving us this chance at revenge, Duchess. If we can only tear out their hearts, we would walk through the flames of hell itself.”
“When more information surfaces, I’ll find a way to tell you. You won’t see Linnen for a while, but don’t worry. I’m fully aware that I bear some responsibility for Linnen’s misfortune, so I will help her as much as I can.”
“Thank you, Duchess.”
The Bruarte Couple gathered their daughter and left. After they departed, only silence remained in the Reception Room.
“Sigh.”
I exhaled a long breath. Yureain smiled bitterly.
“I don’t regret what I’ve done.”
“You’ve done nothing wrong.”
Yet the guilt that lingered must stem from Yureain being a good person. I wonder if Petunia is even thinking of Linnen right now?
Yureain cleared away the cold teacup and sat down.
“Still, I’m sorry to Linnen.”
“If not for you, a poisoned needle might have pierced Hayden’s tongue.”
At my words, Yureain’s pupils dilated. She laughed bitterly. It’s truly unfortunate that such a person shares my blood, but it’s the truth.
“What is Countess Yotlrey doing these days?”
“I hear she hasn’t budged from the Mansion.”
“I’m thinking of using her. I want to know what Countess Caslit likes.”
“I’ll meet with her. It feels like I need to do something.”
I nodded. If that’s Yureain’s way, I respect it. But to face evil, we cannot afford to be only good ourselves. How wonderful it would be if no one had to be hurt.
It was a lamentable situation.

* * *
The next day.
I was organizing invitations with Linnen in the First Floor Sunroom.
Linnen possessed a better memory and sharper eye than I had anticipated. Yureain certainly had an eye for people. She seemed like a suitable successor to leave behind after we departed—we were already completely aligned now.
Yureain had stepped away briefly to prepare refreshments for the Knight Order. She believed it would be better to maintain regular support for the knights rather than treat it as a one-time event.
‘Wouldn’t it seem like we’re bribing them with food?’
‘That’s the simplest and easiest method. There’s a next stage as well.’
‘There is?’
‘A knight’s greatest anxiety is his family. The families left behind after he departs—or after he dies.’
‘…Ah.’
‘I believe it would be wise to establish welfare policies for them. That would provide them with the greatest satisfaction. And I would appreciate it if you could speak with Sir Borgus to ensure these policies are maintained.’
‘Practically speaking, what they need most is money. When war takes their husbands, sons, or brothers, their income inevitably decreases.’
‘Exactly.’
‘It would be good to establish revenue sources—ones that Countess Caslit and her circle could absolutely never touch. And we mustn’t let those revenue sources grow too large.’
‘That’s also correct. When money stagnates, so do people.’
‘…When war breaks out, the most essential supplies are medicine and food. It would be good to purchase something like a medicinal herb garden under the Bereidan name. We could employ people there. If several such enterprises accumulate, it would help sustain their livelihoods. And the Bereidan Duchy would provide their wages. In return, the Duchy could achieve self-sufficiency in supplies.’
Yureain said she would convey this opinion to Sir Borgus. After all, executing these detailed matters was his responsibility. Ideally, Linnen should be capable of this too, but she was just beginning. I glanced at Linnen.
“I think this should be sufficient, Linnen.”
Linnen glanced at me and nodded.
“I’ll discard these and deliver this to the Duke.”
Linnen bowed and left carrying the items to be discarded. After she departed, I stepped outside as well. I was thinking of visiting Hayden. Would he have woken from his nap by now?
That’s when I heard the sound.
“Young Master! Y-Young Master!”
A maid’s scream pierced the air. Stepping outside, I was struck with horror. Hayden was hanging from the Second Floor Railing.
“Hayden!”
The distance to the second floor was too great to reach in time. Hayden would fall faster than the maid could arrive. His body tilted further downward with each passing moment. He must have found it amusing to look down from such a height. Young Hayden, still so small, knew nothing of fear.
My heart felt as though it would burst.
Hayden reached his hand toward me.
“Mama! Mama! Mama!”
Hayden tumbled forward with a bright smile.
My body moved faster than thought.
My knees struck the floor, but I had no time to notice. I stretched my arms as high as I could. Hayden fell through the space between the pillars. Fortunately, I managed to catch him as he plummeted. A sharp pain shot through my wrists, but in that moment, all I felt was relief.
I caught him.
Hayden’s weight had already reached thirteen kilograms, and the impact sent my body sliding backward.
Both our combined weight shifted backward simultaneously. I’m falling! As I squeezed my eyes shut, I felt warmth from behind.
Strong arms embraced me as we fell to the ground. The impact was completely absorbed by that embrace surrounding me.
“Ugh.”
I opened my eyes slightly. Those familiar eyes looking down at me.
It was Cherez.
I was sitting between Cherez’s legs. Fortunately, Hayden was safe in my arms, and Cherez appeared to have no serious injuries. We remained in that position for about three seconds.
“C-Cherez.”
“Are you hurt?”
I nodded reflexively. My wrist throbbed, but that was all. How fortunate that the damage was so minimal.
Hayden burst into tears, oblivious to my shock.
“Waaaaaah!”
“Hayden, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?”
I checked Hayden’s limbs. Mercifully, there were no wounds. Relief drained the strength from my entire body.
“Roana!”
Cherez caught me again, his body supporting mine. His face drew near—close enough that I felt his breath. His scent flooded my lungs with overwhelming intensity. He seemed to pour himself entirely toward me.
I was reflected in the depths of his eyes.
“You’re alright.”
“…Yes, I’m fine.”
I answered in a trembling voice. Even at this distance, his flawless features were undeniable. My heart raced wildly.

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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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