After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 169

‘I can’t believe this.’

After receiving the news sent by the spy from the center, Dehart felt as though he was collapsing from within. It would have been better if he could have just burst out his emotions like before. Instead, like a priest who had committed sin, he could only silently decay inside.

Just earlier, Dehart almost had another outburst. Through this incident, Eli had realized how terrifying an uncontrolled outburst could be.

Sigh…

Eli let out an irritated sigh and brushed his hair back. He had no time to deal with this noblewoman with a flowery attitude who was currently in his presence.

“If you think the Duke is some sort of monk who, whenever you wish, should always meet you and offer his blessings, you’re mistaken. If you want to meet him, you should make contact again…”

“If I thought he was a monk, I wouldn’t have lent him the estate.”

Licia interrupted with a smile.

Eli, who had been rubbing face, froze as his hand fell to his side. His dull gray eyes fixed on Licia with a subtle light.

“As someone who offered the residence, now you’re suggesting I shouldn’t even look after the well-being of those residing here? How should I interpret your attitude, Sir Eli?”

“…”

“Move aside, Sir. I won’t be holding you responsible for what happens next.”

Licia said coolly, though her gaze was chilling. She gave a slight smile, almost as if to signal a final warning before gesturing to the manager to proceed.

“Hah… You really didn’t have to take it this far. You’ll surely regret it.”

“You know, it would be a far greater regret for me not to see the Duke.”

Licia said with a smile, nodding for the manager to continue. Soon, the sound of a heavy doorknob turning echoed.

Creeeak. As the door opened, Eli crossed his arms silently, not looking back. He stood firm, not even turning his head. It was clear he wasn’t backing down from his position.

“The Duke must be fortunate to have such a loyal retainer.”

Licia commented at him refusing to change his stance or retreat with a chuckle as she passed by him.

Whoosh—!

And soon, a storm-like force overwhelmed her. The hinges of the wide-open door creaked, and suffocating air pressed against Licia’s chest.

“…Cough!”

She bent forward instinctively. She was unable to stand without bracing herself on the floor.

‘What… is this?!’

She couldn’t even speak. It felt like an invisible hand was pushing her to the ground. The sound of the door closing echoed. Licia, who was on her knees, turned her gaze with great effort, catching a glimpse of Eli’s face disappearing through the gap in the door.

‘I clearly warned you.’

Licia’s face turned pale as she read the words conveyed through his trembling lips. Soon, a chilling voice echoed in her ears.

“…I specifically told you not to let anyone in.”

A shadow fell ominously above her. Licia, barely lifting her head, trembled. In the middle of her pale face, the piercing golden eyes glowed with a terrifying light.

“Why won’t you leave me alone?”

Crack, hundreds of lights scattered through the air. The small explosions that followed seemed to blind her and rupture her eardrums.

Through it all, Dehart’s face as he stood still, was covered in dark, dried blood. Upon closer inspection, his entire upper body was drenched in blood. It was only then that Licia recognized the sharp scent of blood, causing her eyes to tremble in fear.

A dry voice fell upon Licia , breaking the silence.

“Lady, have you ever begged for forgiveness from someone who couldn’t be forgiven? Have you ever committed a terrible act in your arrogance, then casually offered an apology?”

Although she couldn’t understand all the words, one thing was clear: the Duke was not in his right mind.

“Th-the Duke! I… I misjudged the timing. I’m so sorry! I’ll leave right away!”

“Did she look at me like this too?”

Dehart muttered bitterly, his gaze fixed on Licia. Boom! A sharp burst of flame sounded.

“Did she want to crush me this badly? So worthless, so annoying, wanting to crush me right now, but also wanting to see me crawl beneath her feet.”

Only then did Licia recall the nickname often attached to Dehart’s name.

Yes, he was the cursed Duke. The insane Duke of Inverness who had locked his family in a tower and, in his madness, had nearly overturned the empire in his search for the murderer who killed his wife.

“Did you want to kill me too…?”

The cold voice fell from above.

* * *

Suddenly, the mansion became chaotic. The sound of people running in all directions and a scream echoed through the hallway.

Sebelia, who was inside her room, writing a letter to Denisa, looked up in surprise. Claude, who had been with her, stood up from his seat.

“I’ll go check.”

When he returned a moment later, his expression was strange. Sebellia tilted her head, noticing his slightly ridiculous look. Claude looked at her and shook his head.

“It’s nothing major. Apparently, everyone is causing a fuss because Lady Licia is leaving.”

“…Is that so?”

Though something felt off, Sebellia had no intention of going out to check herself. She picked up her pen again. Claude sighed and shrugged his shoulders.