Why Is My Husband the Villainous Schemer! - Chapter 43

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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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Chapter 43
“It’s something special.”
While Isaur and Carcel traded words back and forth, Kain returned and laid out a simple spread of refreshments on the table.
Then Carcel drew out the documents he’d set beside him.
“This is the contract—Asha, do read it over. I’ve already reviewed it on Isaur’s end.”
“Thank you.”
Carcel handed me the contract, then set down black tea and finger food in front of me.
Isaur watched intently as Carcel took on the role of servant.
I spent a long moment scanning through the contract before nodding.
“It’s a flawless contract.”
There was nothing to fault.
Every condition was written out clearly and precisely, and I could feel how carefully Carcel had attended to the details.
But Isaur interjected.
“We should add a special clause—if any unusual Magic Stone is discovered, I receive payment in kind for the duration of my employment.”
“I’ll mention that to the lawyer and have it modified.”
Hearing that, Isaur spoke up.
“I should go see it myself tomorrow.”
“The mine?”
“Shouldn’t I verify whether the Countess of Delmore was telling the truth? At first I planned to do the work half-heartedly and leave, but…….”
Isaur gazed at me with the sly, assessing look of a snow leopard and opened his mouth.
“I’ve changed my mind.”
“So you’re not saying you’ll decide whether to sign the contract after seeing the situation tomorrow, are you?”
“I’m going to use Detection myself to confirm, then decide. Didn’t the Countess of Delmore tell you directly that she has a Special Ability?”
Isaur smiled, raising the corners of his mouth as if to say “look at this.”
“I want to see that ability first. Whether I respect my employer—I’ll decide after that.”
Before Carcel could say anything, I answered first.
“That sounds right. I think that would be better. The contract modifications will take time anyway.”
“Asha, will you be alright?”
“Since I already know it’s a Magic Stone mine, I’m not anxious at all. Tomorrow……, can you come with me too, Carcel?”
Lately it seemed he was spending too much time on my account.
I asked with concern.
“Aren’t you losing a lot of time because of me?”
“Or did you perhaps want to go alone with Isaur, Asha?”
I glanced sideways at Isaur.
That snow leopard of a man with his expression of steadfast displeasure—with him?
‘If I go with him, I’ll just have to look at that bored face all day.’
I shook my head.
“Honestly, I much prefer it when Carcel is there.”
“Then let’s go together tomorrow. With him, we can use Teleportation, so it won’t take long.”
At Carcel’s declaration, already settled as if it were decided, Isaur grumbled.
“When did I say I’d do that?”
Carcel brushed off Isaur’s objection easily.
“He’s mostly useless, but he does have some skill in magic.”
They really did seem like true friends.
The way they traded jabs without hesitation made that clear.
In the end, Isaur tossed out a line.
“Then we’ll go at 2 PM tomorrow.”
“Teleportation.”
When Carcel made the demand flatly, Isaur swept back his long hair and grumbled.
“Fine. You’re such a pain.”
“Asha, does that time work for you? If not, we can change it anytime.”
I considered for a moment, then nodded.
“That should be fine.”
I watched as my mother-in-law, who had tormented Mary all night, threw her out of the house at dawn.
‘Not even writing her a letter of recommendation.’
Given my mother-in-law’s nature, she’d spend time spreading all manner of slander about Mary, so it would be difficult for Mary to find work as a maid in the Capital for at least several years.
Because of this, I’d brought Linea with me today, worried the backlash might touch me as well.
‘Tomorrow I’ll have to leave Linea at home, since my mother-in-law will be spreading all kinds of talk about Mary.’
From what I’d overheard, there was a dinner party being held by Countess Anexa tomorrow.
Countess Anexa’s gatherings were one of the hottest spots in the Capital, so there was no chance my mother-in-law would skip it.
So I nodded.
“Then tomorrow I’ll confirm the situation there myself, and sign the contract as well.”
Once all three agreed to Carcel’s words, we broke up the gathering.
* * *
After Isaur left, I went to pick up Linea.
“The servants have been taking care of her.”
“So there were servants after all.”
Last time I thought there weren’t any maids, since I’d only seen male servants.
“When I went to my mother’s house to receive the Ring, I mentioned that Asha has a daughter.”
“Ah, you mentioned that too?!”
“Of course. It’s not something to hide.”
“S-so, what happened?”
I was worried, since it seemed Carcel’s Mother’s reaction couldn’t have been very good.
But he answered matter-of-factly.
“She sent the daughters of the nursemaid and servants who raised me.”
“Their daughters?”
“Ah, the Marquis Estate is a place with ironclad security, so most of the employees work for multiple generations without fail.”
So the daughters of the people who raised Carcel had been dispatched to this house?!
“Could it be they came because of Linea and me?”
“I’ve struggled with dealing with women, so I only employed male servants before.”
Carcel nodded.
“Mother said that if a lady and a daughter were coming in, I would need someone to attend to the household beforehand…….”
“She sounds like a very thoughtful person.”
“I suppose.”
Carcel answered as if it were rather unfamiliar to him.
“But since they’re people who’ve served the Marquis Estate for generations, I do find it easier.”
“So the people taking care of Linea now are the same?”
“Yes.”
Then Carcel knocked on the playroom door and slowly opened it.
Inside, I could see Linea and the servants.
I called to Linea.
“Linea, sweetie?”
Contrary to what I’d thought—that she’d be scared—Linea was surrounded by the servants, munching happily on delicious fruit.
“Oh, how cute!”
“Her cheeks are like dough.”
“It’s so strange. Children are this soft and plump?”
Linea, petted and coddled by the unfamiliar older sisters, had melted into their touch.
“I never realized, because all the Marquis Estate’s children are like the Marquis, but she’s so adorable.”
So saying, the servants hugged Linea tightly and kissed her cheeks.
“She’s lovely.”
“She’s precious.”
“She’s so sweet.”
From the servants’ embrace, where they were pouring out only kind words, Linea’s eyes met mine.
“Mother!”
At that, the servants turned their heads toward us.
“Welcome.”
“We’ve just finished some fun play and were having a snack.”
Suddenly, as if the servants hadn’t just been hugging Linea at all, they withdrew with a smooth motion and became professional.
“Your daughter seems to have talent in drawing as well.”
The picture they showed me was geometric.
Linea scampered over and threw her arms around my leg.
“Did you have fun? What did you draw?”
“Guess!”
After a moment’s consideration, I gave my answer seriously.
“Um, red flowers blooming on a pile of earth, and sunlight?”
It was the best interpretation I could manage of this contemporary-art-style drawing.
But at my answer, a subtle disappointment flickered across Linea’s face.
Soon another answer came from above me.
“Isn’t it you, Asha, your daughter, and me?”
“Gasp!”
Linea drew in a surprised breath.
Then the servants began to clap.
“You got it right, Marquis.”
“Congratulations!”
Even as I stroked Linea’s hair, I began to seriously doubt whether there was something wrong with my eyes.
“Mother and the Marquis are standing together, and I’m playing back there.”
“I……see. You drew it so well though.”
“Hehe.”
Asha’s face flushed warmly with delight.
Her adorable expression made me take the drawing carefully from the servant.
‘Well, what does it matter. Linea is this lovable.’
And there was one more person who surpassed even me in their affection.
Behind me, Carcel gazed solemnly at the drawing and spoke.
“I think we ought to have it framed and donate it to the Royal Art Academy.”
“……Are you serious?”
No matter what, I still had a minimum of objectivity left.
“If you give me the drawing, I’ll have it framed.”
“No. Ugh, fine. Just keep it for yourself. Don’t donate it to the Royal Art Academy.”
“Very well.”
When I handed the drawing to Carcel, he smiled faintly.
“Asha, are you heading home right away?”
“Don’t you have things to do today too, Carcel?”
“I’m free. Why not have a meal before you go?”
“You’re not preparing a whole spread just for us again, are you?”
At my suspicious question, Carcel shook his head.
“My recent physician prepared a custom diet, so the table has become more elaborate than before.”
“Are you ill?”
“Not exactly…….”
Carcel fell silent, his expression troubled. I decided not to press further.
Instead, I accepted his invitation.
“Then let’s have a simple meal together before we go. Thank you again today.”
At my response, Carcel’s expression brightened in a way that was oddly endearing.
I leaned lightly against him.
His sturdy, timber-like body stiffened awkwardly.
“Why are you like that?”

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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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