Why Is My Husband the Villainous Schemer! - Chapter 74

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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 74
It wasn’t entirely impossible.
“What’s the latest development?”
“She purchased a plot of land on the outskirts of Selfix, though it’s said to be worthless. However, there is one puzzling detail.”
Tabes spoke carefully, broaching the subject.
“Her birth family is nearly ruined, and from what’s recently come to light, the Delmore household hasn’t treated the daughter-in-law and granddaughter particularly well.”
“She should have received an inheritance. Under Inheritance Law, the Trust Fund—everything beyond the mandatory bequest—wouldn’t it go to the wife and children?”
“According to our findings, she received nothing even of that from the in-laws. Yet somehow she’s obtained a substantial sum to purchase this land, which is rather curious.”
Her movements were suspicious from every angle.
Ultimately, the Emperor issued an order.
“Watch her. She may be plotting something in secret at that location.”
“Yes.”
“She might be a Spy. Or perhaps she’s been instigated by my younger brother.”
“I believe the likelihood of that is low, but we shall investigate just in case.”
Having said this, the Emperor pressed his fingertips firmly against his temples.
To the Emperor, who struggled against the rising tide of anxieties, Tabes posed a question.
“Forgive me, but are you still suffering from severe insomnia?”
“The medicine you gave me no longer works.”
“You’ve likely built up a tolerance. Above all, Your Majesty’s physical and mental rest would be essential for the insomnia to improve.”
Tabes was troubled by the Emperor, whose condition worsened with each passing day rather than improving.
The Emperor waved his hand dismissively.
Even Tabes, the person he trusted most, could not hear all his innermost thoughts.
“What does the former Duchess say?”
“She expressed her willingness to hold a wedding ceremony.”
“The haste of the marriage without even a ceremony is itself suspicious.”
“I believe that stems from the custody matter regarding the two children. Though I understand the source of Your Majesty’s concern…”
Even as Tabes attempted to soothe him, the Emperor waved his hand irritably.
“Never mind. Have the ceremony held at the Grand Temple instead.”
“Pardon?”
Tabes was bewildered by this sudden decision.
The Emperor furrowed his brow deeply, muttering with visible unease.
“He’ll certainly invite Lucian. Better to hold the ceremony at the Grand Temple, where I can maintain control, than to let them go to his residence.”
“Then, if you simply forbade the Crown Prince from attending in the first place…”
“Lucian told me something. For the first time in his life, he has a friend he can treat ordinarily, without worrying about anything.”
Though the Emperor bore the immense duty of the Empire, he was also a father.
And that was the sole trace his wife had left behind in this world.
“How could I, as a father, break his will when my son wishes to do something with genuine sincerity for the first time?”
“Your words are wise.”
Tabes nodded in understanding, comprehending the Emperor’s tender feelings toward his son.
“Let Lucian have what he desires, but safety must be the paramount concern. Convey this to the Ducal House.”
“You mean they are to hold the wedding ceremony at the Grand Temple?”
“Yes. The pretext should be that I grant them special permission to marry at the Grand Temple in commendation of their achievements—rescuing a child the state should have protected and bringing the truth to light.”
Tabes assented.
“That should provide sufficient justification.”
“The Imperial Court will bear all expenses, and the ceremony should take place as soon as feasible.”
“Yes.”
“Then you may go now. I must rest for a moment.”
When the Emperor said he needed rest, it typically meant he would visit the Imperial Chapel, where the Empress’s tomb lay enshrined.
Despite ten years having passed, his wife, whom he had failed to protect, remained as an indelible scar upon him.
Knowing this, Tabes said nothing further and quietly withdrew.
Yet there was no undoing the fact that the Emperor’s decision had become an Imperial Decree, and it had already flown to the Marquis Residence.
* * *
“What?!”
What in the world was this, waking up first thing in the morning to such news?
Before I could even have breakfast, Carcel had wanted to speak with me privately, and I thought it was about Isaar, but—
“In other words, His Majesty the Emperor has commanded that the ceremony take place at the Grand Temple without question?”
“We could refuse, technically.”
Carcel’s expression too bore the weight of discomfort.
I spoke in a dumbfounded tone.
“We could, sure! But falling out of favor is only a matter of time!”
According to the Imperial Decree, the Emperor had apparently been informed of the incident at the Ball. It says “rescued a child and brought truth to light,” but…
Anyone with eyes could see there was something else behind it.
With trembling hands, I held the Decree and stared at it for a long moment.
I couldn’t make sense of it at all.
‘In the original novel, the Emperor wasn’t the type to commend such trivial matters.’
In other words, it’s definitely not because he finds me praiseworthy.
There must be another reason.
‘Could I be under suspicion?’
That hypothesis felt far more plausible.
“Carcel, I think I’ve fallen into His Majesty’s disfavor somehow.”
“That’s impossible. How could anyone dislike Asha?”
Carcel wore an expression as though he’d heard something incomprehensible.
I shook my head and opened my mouth.
“I also know that His Majesty the Emperor…”
Even knowing we were alone, I glanced around before lowering my voice.
“…is rather suspicious by nature.”
“That’s true enough.”
“When news of the disturbance between my mother-in-law and me reached him, and he learned that you and I married without permission, I’m certain His Majesty must have thought—”
I sighed softly.
“—that I was something unusual.”
“Perhaps…”
Carcel trailed off, clearly well acquainted with the Emperor’s temperament.
“Besides, you already knew that Lucian is the Crown Prince, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
That day Carcel showed no surprise, but anyone with eyes would have recognized it too.
That Lucian, blending naturally among the others at play, was actually the Crown Prince—someone who normally never appeared except before those permitted to see him due to assassination threats.
“Think about it. How suspicious would it seem? Suddenly marrying Carcel, who is both Duke and Marquis of Libandel.”
“And for the Crown Prince and Linea to become friends as well.”
“A suspicious man like His Majesty would certainly be wary of me.”
At my words, Carcel nodded slowly.
“Please don’t worry. I’ve already requested an audience, and he’s granted it.”
“Just don’t mention it first to His Majesty, all right?”
“Should he ask first, then I shall tell him the truth.”
“The truth?”
Though I knew he handled such matters well, I asked again to be sure.
“That I fell for you at first sight alone and clung to the hem of your skirt so desperately that the marriage was barely arranged as a result.”
Wait, why does he wear that pitiful expression while saying such things?
Carcel laughed softly.
“In other words, I’ll say it was only my reckless judgment, fearing to lose Asha, that prevented me from obtaining marriage permission beforehand.”
“Will anyone believe that?”
“But is there a single falsehood among these words?”
“It’s… partially true, at least.”
He bowed his head to me.
Then he gently drew my chin upward.
“Asha.”
I looked up at him and slowly closed and opened my eyes.
“Yes?”
The crimson of his eyes gazing into mine seemed to deepen.
At that moment, with the distance suddenly narrowed, I couldn’t hide my momentary confusion, and then Carcel spoke.
“There may be many concerns, but please entrust this matter to me.”
Carcel seemed to read the anxiety reflected in my eyes and soothed me.
“You’ve done nothing wrong, and I’m here, aren’t I? Just think of it as something that will end once the ceremony at the Grand Temple is held.”
“…I suppose so?”
“Once I’ve drawn up the Contract with Isaar today, you and Isaar should leave for the venue first. I’ll go to have an audience with His Majesty.”
Carcel drew his lips into a languid smile toward me.
“There’s nothing you need to worry about.”
His face looked as though he were plotting a thousand schemes, yet his actions were focused on providing me with reassurance.
“I understand.”
So I too would trust him, and doing my part well would be my way of supporting him.
“You do your job well, Carcel. I’ll do my part well today too and return safely. Don’t worry.”
Thanks to that resolve, I could smile with greater ease.
Then Carcel gently released my chin and swept my hair behind my ear.
At the ticklish touch, I averted my gaze slightly.
‘This is such a soft, gentle mood—I can’t quite meet his eyes.’

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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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