Why Is My Husband the Villainous Schemer! - Chapter 44

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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 44
When I looked up at him with the question, Carcel covered his nose with his left hand and shook his head.
“It’s nothing, truly nothing.”
I caught him muttering under his breath something that sounded like, “Thank goodness she ate something.”
And so I found myself cadging another meal from Carcel.
* * *
Meanwhile, at that very moment, Urigella was still seething with indignation.
“Mary, if only that hadn’t happened, that dress would already be in my hands!”
Had it been, I would have ground Countess Annexa’s nose in the dirt at tomorrow’s dinner party.
Urigella’s rivalry with Countess Annexa stemmed from a simple reason.
Both of them were born into lower nobility—specifically, baronet families.
Yet Countess Annexa enjoyed considerable favor.
If only she had obtained that dress.
As Urigella turned this over in her mind, her thoughts drifted to Linea.
‘Come to think of it, Linea’s been acting up lately, getting all defiant because of that woman.’
It seemed time to reassert discipline.
In any case, having invested the inheritance she received to grow her wealth, Urigella could not simply seize that money.
‘Originally, part of my son’s inheritance should have gone to her.’
Although Asha and Count Delmore had been married for barely a month and had no children, as a legal spouse she nonetheless had legitimate rights to the inheritance.
Though most of it had gone to Delmore, her second son and the current Count, according to inheritance law.
‘If I rattle on about cutting off funds and she starts demanding the remaining inheritance, it’ll become a nuisance.’
Urigella did not know that Asha had already judged the money impossible to recover and had deliberately avoided the matter.
‘I need to drive a wedge between Linea and that woman.’
Frankly, this time she had entertained clever thoughts, but in the end nothing had come back to her.
‘Was I ever planning to give her the dress in the first place?’
Urigella’s brows rose sharply.
“That woman may have deceived me, so I should catch her off guard and show her who I am.”
After all, Asha Delmore had no respectable family to return to.
Urigella made up her mind firmly.
‘While I’m at it, I should see if I can squeeze some of her money out in the name of living expenses.’
With that decided, Urigella struck Countess Annexa’s dinner party from tomorrow’s schedule.
Going would only make her heart ache more, watching Countess Annexa in that dress she herself could not have.
“Tomorrow, I won’t let either of them off easy.”
With that thought, Urigella finished her preparations and headed to the tea party.
* * *
The next day, I prepared to complete my business with Isaar and return home straightaway.
“Linea, since I’m going out on business today, will you be able to stay home?”
At my concerned question, Linea nodded and held up the book I had bought her.
“I’ll study with this. And I’ll ask the kitchen for supper.”
“Dear, I’ll be back quickly, so do study, but take some time to play as well, all right?”
“Yes!”
As expected, my mother-in-law had gone to her luncheon gathering and had not yet returned.
Even if she did, she would have to leave soon for the dinner party, so I was unlikely to encounter Linea.
Reassured, I left the house and arrived at Carcel’s Marquis Residence.
“You’ve come?”
Beyond Carcel, who spoke those words, I could see Isaar.
And just like before, there was a carriage laden with all manner of baggage, as if they were about to go on a picnic, along with servants.
“The contract?”
“I’ve revised it and brought it. We’ll confirm the rest once we’re there.”
“Good. Did you sleep well, Isaar?”
As Carcel spoke, I nodded and acknowledged Isaar as well, but instead of answering, he simply pointed to the ground.
“Hm?”
And in that moment, a blue light rippled, the surrounding landscape shifted in an instant, and I felt my body lurch into the air.
It was a Teleport.
“Kyaaah!”
“Asha!”
Carcel had apparently not anticipated this spiteful move from Isaar either.
I barely managed to steady myself, grasping the hand he extended.
Coming to my senses and looking around, I realized we had arrived at my land.
The carriage appeared behind us as well, and finally Isaar emerged, looking utterly composed.
Carcel rebuked him.
“You could have given warning! Asha nearly got hurt.”
“No time. I need to check things quickly and then move on to my next appointment.”
Isaar swept his hair back carelessly and brushed past us.
“While I’m checking things out, stay here.”
With only that instruction,
Isaar’s body rose swiftly into the air.
He wielded advanced magic with ease, without even chanting an incantation.
‘Truly, he’s worthy of the title Tower Master.’
Without my having to say a word, he seemed to sense instinctively that something lay on that mountain.
As I watched Isaar disappear, rough, ragged breathing sounded from above me, and I lifted my head absently.
“Carcel?”
“Yes.”
“Oh!”
Only then did I realize I was half-cradled in his arms, and I hastily stepped back.
“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to.”
And we’re not even alone here!
“That’s not… it’s all right.”
Carcel shook his head, his face flushed with what looked like cold sweat.
I noticed the tips of his ears had turned crimson.
‘Did he blush like that because of me?’
Watching him shift awkwardly backward in embarrassment, I found myself grinning mischievously.
The way he stood there with that sensual expression, one would almost think he was lost in thought about someone he wanted to scold.
‘Yet here he is, a fool who gets this flustered just from brushing against me.’
Finding him endearing as he struggled to avoid my gaze, I mischievously drew closer to him.
“Carcel.”
“Is there something you need?”
“No, I just… like being near you.”
I rested my head lightly against his arm, and Carcel’s entire body stiffened further.
Giggling, I leaned against him like this, and after a long moment of deliberation, Carcel seemed to steel himself and opened his mouth with resolve.
“Actually, Asha, I’m… I’m Carcel.”
“Honestly, I’m so glad you have the same name as Duke Rakan—just the name!”
“I’m absolutely not Khan.”
Carcel’s voice that followed was too quiet for me to catch, and I continued speaking.
“Ugh, if you were that frightening man, I’d have already died of a heart attack. I like you, Carcel, because you’re gentle, kind, and considerate of others.”
It was something I wanted to tell him about our deepening relationship.
I drew back slightly from where I’d been leaning against him and looked up, smiling brightly.
“So please, let’s continue to be good to each other.”
I fidgeted with my hands a bit, showing my embarrassment.
Had my words just caught him off guard?
Carcel seemed to avert my gaze and break into a cold sweat, then he answered me.
“…I’m looking forward to it as well.”
I did not yet know at that moment.
What he had meant to confess, and what he would have to hide until after the wedding.
I was simply content, feeling that my bond with Carcel had grown deeper.
* * *
Meanwhile, Urigella returned from her luncheon earlier than scheduled.
‘I should search Linea’s room a bit.’
It was obvious without looking how spoiled the girl had become.
She’d only fill her head with vanity over all sorts of expensive things.
Surely both of them were out gallivanting as usual, so now was the perfect opportunity.
With that thought, Urigella stiffly raised her head and opened Linea’s door when—
“What?”
“What, you were in your room?”
Linea was in her room, contrary to usual.
“Yes.”
The moment Urigella’s eyes met hers, Linea’s words became sparse, and she quickly shut the book she’d been reading.
“What were you reading?”
“J-just a book.”
In fact, Urigella had never approved of Linea reading anything beyond fairy tales and etiquette books.
She believed that learning anything more would only make the girl louder.
She checked first what subject the book was.
“Mathematics?!”
“Th-that is—”
“Did that woman buy you a Mathematics Book?”
“No! I, I begged her to buy it!”
Linea quickly pulled the Mathematics Book to her chest and shook her head vehemently.
“I was the one who pestered Mother about it, so please don’t say anything to her.”
“Ha!”
Already taking that woman’s side?
“All right, let’s see just how many things you’ve begged for in your room.”
For Urigella, it was an unavoidable course of action.
She began tearing Linea’s room apart.
What she found when she searched was even worse.
Urigella snorted as she saw all manner of dresses and jewelry pins.
“Having gained a bit of money, buying such expensive things. In just one season they won’t even fit anymore.”
She shook her head disapprovingly.
That wasn’t all.
With rough hands, Urigella pulled out snacks and books that Linea had hidden away in corners, things she’d tried to conceal.
“Teaching a girl such things is pointless anyway.”
Urigella suddenly noticed that Linea grew visibly flustered whenever she approached the wardrobe alone.
‘There’s something more hidden in the wardrobe.’

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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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