After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 160

Dehart, rubbing his throbbing head, crossed the hall and suddenly became aware of someone staring at him.

“Tch.”

Already irritated from dealing with the persistent people from Baron Suffredi, he couldn’t hide his displeasure and looked up. He immediately regretted it and dropped his hand that had been pressing his head.

“Bella.”

Her name escaped his lips, trembling as if in surprise. Across the hallway, Sebelia, standing among the blooming flowers, slowly approached him.

“You’re late.”

Her calm voice wasn’t reproachful or scolding, but it made Dehart’s chest tighten. Her composed gaze was waiting for fragments of answers from him.

Things like why he was so late and why his complexion looked so bad. Also, if he even remembered their dinner plans.

Damn it.

Dehart clenched his teeth, trying not to show it. He had promised to return before dinner and then broke the promise. Shame and guilt pricked at his chest.

“If you could just give me a moment…”

As Dehart struggled to pull his dry lips apart to offer some meaningless excuse, the blue eyes staring at him turned away without a hint of hesitation.

Sebelia turned her body and lightly brushed past him. Her clear voice rang through the hall.

“When I didn’t see you even by morning, I assumed you must have stayed at the Baron’s estate. You must’ve been busy, so go upstairs and rest.”

Her straightforward demeanor caught Dehart off guard. He thought she would say something, but instead, he froze in place, unsure of what to do. Eventually, he followed her.

“That’s not it. I didn’t touch the bedding at the Baron’s estate.”

“I see.”

“Why don’t you believe me? I really didn’t rest my head on the pillow. Of course, the dinner plans…”

As Dehart followed Sebelia, throwing out excuses, he saw Eli approaching from the opposite side and immediately shut his mouth. He lightly, almost imperceptibly, grabbed the sleeve of Sebelia’s arm with his thumb and index finger.

“Ah.”

Suddenly, Sebelia’s arm was caught, and she turned around with wide eyes. Just as she was about to call out Dehart’s name absentmindedly.

“Hey!”

Eli, spotting the two, ran down the hallway with a wide smile. His hollow eyes and rough cheeks made him look just as worn out as Dehart, who had spent the night being hassled by Baron Suffredi and Licia.

“Good morning, Miss Bella. And good morning, Duke. My, you really came back early! After we spent the night moving and organizing the luggage and documents from our lodging!”

“…”

Dehart’s golden eyes twisted. He could tell that Eli was deliberately spouting nonsense.

“Shouldn’t you check if I’ve properly organized your office, Duke?”

Seeing Eli’s eyes gleaming with the wild energy atypical of someone who’d been up all night, Dehart ran a frustrated hand through his hair. He was about to chase Eli away with a crooked smile when—

“Sir Eli.”

Sebelia stepped forward, blocking his path, and made eye contact with Eli. His tired, grayish-brown eyes stared back at her. He tilted his head, and Sebelia spoke with a soft smile.

“I’m sorry, but the Duke and I already have plans. I think it would be better to postpone the office inspection for later.”

Her soft and polite voice flowed gently into Eli’s ears.

“Looking around the office is something that can be done after Sir Eli gets some proper rest, isn’t it? By the way, I heard the kitchen is roasting lamb with butter for the knights who stayed up all night… haven’t you heard about it, Sir Eli?”

Half-conscious due to a lack of sleep, Eli’s eyes snapped open at her words. The hunger that had been gnawing at him only worsened.

“Roasted lamb? Goodness…”

“Everyone else is already waiting in the dining room for food. I think it’s best if you head over quickly.”

At that moment, a gust of wind swept through the hallway. The smell of sizzling meat from the oven reached their noses.

“Those bastards left me out…! Thank you, Miss Bella. Duke, I’ll see you in a bit!”

The now salivating Eli barely managed to greet them before marching down the stairs. Dehart stood speechless, watching his knight so easily controlled by Sebelia. As he turned to follow her, Sebelia spoke in a monotone voice.

“Come with me.”

“…”

“I had something I wanted to give you last night.”

When their eyes met, Dehart unconsciously pressed his lips together. For some reason, he felt his heart sink with a strange sensation.