The Husband I Thought Was Dead Has Returned - Chapter 9

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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 009
Led by Yureain, every maid in the Bereidan Household gathered in one place to adorn me. They had carefully selected and retrieved items brought from House Hejest, and I found myself feeling rather overwhelmed.
Really, why go to such lengths?
Yureain spoke with a solemn expression.
“This is not the style currently fashionable in the Southern Region. It seems the climate differs from that of the Capital. However, I have selected what appears to be the most suitable dress among them. And shoes as well. As for the jewels, I obtained the Duke’s permission and carefully chose only the finest pieces from the heirlooms that have been passed down through the Bereidan line for generations.”
Ugh.
I thought my eyes would be blinded. The moment Yureain opened the jewelry box, a dazzling brilliance assaulted my vision.
Such jewels exist in this world?
I never imagined I would ever lay eyes on something like this in my lifetime.
And I’m supposed to wear this around my neck? I thought only celebrities did things like this!
“…Don’t you think this might be a bit excessive, madam?”
“Not excessive in the slightest. In fact, the Duchess never held a wedding ceremony and began her life in the Southern Region without proper ceremony. If the Duchess wears jewels passed down through generations in the Bereidan line, it will widely establish her position.”
In other words, it means I’m a Duchess recognized by the Duke. She’s speaking in roundabout terms, but the message is clear—I alone lack sufficient authority.
“…What if the string breaks while I’m wearing it? What if I lose it?”
I had prepared several scenarios to punish Countess Yotlrey, but the moment I stood before these jewels, all that courage evaporated. Yureain must have hoped these jewels would allow me to overwhelm the villains, but instead, I found myself overwhelmed by them.
Ugh, our eyes met again. So dazzling!
“They were not crafted so carelessly. In any case, should such an incident occur, it would be the fault of the craftsman. Or perhaps they had simply grown too old. The Duchess need not worry about anything.”
How can I not worry? These are certainly worth more than my own life.
Yet I understand the point that I need something to prove myself as the Duchess. I could see this truth simply by recalling how the Nanny had shown me such disrespect.
They look down on me.
“Very well, let’s do this!”
“…Duchess.”
Be brave. Even if I lose them, it’s not my responsibility.

* * *
I’d heard that typical bridal makeup takes over three hours. Today, I spent approximately that much time on mine.
The ornate dress I wore for the first time was adorned with considerable embellishments, though I had replaced the Hejest jewels with those of Bereidan.
‘Hejest primarily uses green gemstones, but Bereidan favors blue ones. To integrate yourself into Southern society, it would be wise to wear blue jewels instead.’
I completed my preparations while absorbing Yureain’s invaluable advice. Around my neck hung that magnificent necklace.
Goodness, the weight is no joke.
‘Countess Yotlrey holds a firm position within Southern High Society. She has lived as a Southern noblewoman for quite some time, after all. Moreover, I hear her sons have recently taken up business ventures.’
Those blundering business ventures again—apparently conducted with funds the Nanny had embezzled.
She’s been draining Bereidan’s lifeblood for far too long.
‘The social gathering you’ll attend today is the Southern Ladies’ Society meeting. By coincidence, it’s being held at Countess Yotlrey’s mansion. Influential figures from Southern High Society will be present. Begin by earning their recognition.’
Yureain distilled everything to its essence and taught me well.
‘How can I earn their recognition?’
‘Display compassion toward the war orphans of the Southern Region.’
Yureain was truly seasoned in these matters. The techniques she had honed while serving past Duchesses were remarkably effective.
‘Countess Yotlrey may broach the subject first, or she may not. If she does, request that she summon the woman directly so you can confront her.’
‘What is the Nanny’s name?’
‘Diane. She comes from a fallen house, so you may emphasize that point. She is unsuited for such circles, and certainly unsuited for the position of Nanny in Bereidan—especially one from a family ruined by gambling. However, if Countess Yotlrey does not broach the subject first….’
Yureain was no longer at my side. Now came the real test.

* * *
Countess Yotlrey clicked her tongue discreetly in frustration. She had never anticipated that Roana would attend today’s Southern Ladies’ Society meeting.
To think she had come in person to express her intention to participate.
In truth, Roana had become a frequent topic of conversation in society circles lately—the bloodline of Hejest, trapped in Bereidan Castle without even a proper wedding ceremony.
Some were wagering on when Roana would be cast out, while others anticipated conflict between Hejest and Bereidan.
The ladies discussed Roana’s pitiful circumstances at length.
‘Tsk, tsk. One should have been born into a respectable house. Hejest, no less. Where could such base blood possibly go?’
‘She deserves to be cast aside! I find it remarkable she hasn’t been expelled yet. It must be entirely due to Bereidan’s mercy, surely?’
‘If it were me, I would have cast her out long ago.’
And there was the subject of their gossip, arriving in person. Under normal circumstances, it would have been intriguing, but the problem was Diane, who had been cast out not long ago. She was currently staying at Countess Yotlrey’s mansion.
She had been told to wait for a decision, but there had been no word in the past five days. It could mean the matter would be covered up, or it could mean she would be forgiven.
Perhaps it was due to Yotlrey’s long years of devotion to the Bereidan Duchy.
Diane had become nothing but a headache, growing increasingly irritable and weeping daily.
‘This is clearly a conspiracy, Aunt! What could I possibly have done? That amount of money was nothing to Bereidan! Send me back to Bereidan, Aunt. Throw out that woman who calls herself Duchess! Don’t you remember how much better things were when I was at the Duchy?’
Her whimpering grew worse with each passing day, and it was truly exhausting.
In truth, the best course was to let this matter fade away quietly. Why did she keep stirring it up? Had she developed some princess complex during her time at the Duchy? Or did she imagine herself to be something she was not?
In any case, Roana’s visit could hardly be welcome under such circumstances.
“To grace such a humble place with your presence. I confess, I never expected you would accept the invitation, Duchess.”
“So you’re not suggesting I leave now, then?”
A gentle reply came back. Her face was full of a soft smile, revealing no particular intent. Thanks to Diane’s endless curses about Roana, she could recall no useful information about her.
A thief who had stolen Hayden, or so she claimed.
Moreover, all I heard were whispers that the daughter of House Hejest would ruin Bereidan, that Hejest was nothing but filth—nothing but such vile gossip.
Of course, Countess Yotlrey was equally curious about Bereidan’s true intentions in parading forth the daughter of House Hejest.
‘The daughter of House Hejest in Southern Society? So even a mere boy cannot escape his foolishness.’
My assessment of Cherez, Duke of Bereidan, plummeted further. A mere boy who became duke overnight upon his brother’s death hardly inspired fear.
Even such a boy had cast aside the daughter of House Hejest. Roana posed no threat whatsoever.

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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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