After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 190

People prefer sensational stories over ordinary, boring ones—even if those stories are far-fetched. No matter how hard it is to accept the truth, they can’t help but be drawn to such tales.

And if those stories seem plausible, even just a little, hope starts to flicker. Just like now, with Eli.

This is driving me crazy.

After reading the letter from Ryan, Eli was overwhelmed with frustration. What he couldn’t bear was the impulse to rush to Sebelia and verify the truth.

Could it be real? If so, how did they get hold of an identical corpse?

“Gasp, no way…”

“Eli, stop muttering to yourself and focus! How many times is this now?”

“Ah, sorry.”

Eli apologized to his fellow knight and loosened the incorrectly tied strap. They were busy packing their belongings to leave Suffredi under Dehart’s orders.

I’m losing my mind.

Eli groaned and frowned, fully aware he wasn’t in the best shape. If he let his guard down even for a moment, he’d likely run straight to Sebelia, grab her, and ask, “Are you the Duchess who passed away?”

And then the Duke would have my head in an instant.

Just then, a knight approached and tapped him on the back.

“Ah!”

Startled by Eli’s abrupt reaction, the knight quickly informed him that the Duke was calling. Unable to calm his trembling heart, Eli rushed to the study.

Knock knock. With shaking hands, he managed to knock and then opened the door. Inside were not only Dehart but also Sebelia, Watts, and Claude. Surprised by the unexpected gathering, Eli’s eyes widened.

Not knowing what to make of the scene, Eli looked around. Dehart threw a question his way.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes, all the knights have packed. We only brought enough food for the journey, since resupply is possible along the way.”

Regaining his composure, Eli answered promptly.

The road north was long and treacherous. It was wiser to stop by large cities along the way to restock food and supplies rather than carry a heavy load from the start.

Seeing Sebelia, Eli suddenly exclaimed as if recalling something.

“Oh, I forgot to account for the others joining us. We should pack plenty of easy-to-eat food.”

Failing to stop in cities along the way meant inevitable sleeping outdoors—a hardship the Duchess surely couldn’t endure. As Eli wiped sweat from his brow and explained, Dehart surprised everyone with a sudden announcement.

“No need. Plans have changed. Pack roughly, and tell the knights we’re heading to the capital, not the north.”

“…What?”

Eli nearly asked again but caught himself just in time. The capital? What did that mean? Trying to keep calm, he spoke.

“With all due respect, Your Grace, Hillend Hall is in unprecedented chaos. Marquis Limms has brazenly invaded the estate with force…”

“If you know it’s disrespectful, don’t say it. Do you think I’m unaware?”

Dehart snapped sharply and glared at Eli.

“Leave. Departure is in one hour.”

“Huh? It’s not even dawn yet. We’re not thieves sneaking away under cover of night.”

This time, Eli couldn’t hide his doubt and blurted it out. He covered his mouth but it was too late, Dehart had clearly heard.

Fortunately, it was Sebelia who stopped Dehart from kicking Eli’s thigh.

“Calm down, Dehart. And there’s a good reason for this, so please don’t jump to the worst conclusions, Sir Eli.”

“Ah, I was hasty. My apologies.”

Eli bowed hurriedly. A strong premonition ran down his spine. Yes, no wonder Dehart treated her so generously for a commoner.

Is she really the Duchess?

If so, then who was the body in the coffin at the funeral? But that question was quickly solved. Hadn’t he seen the fake Sebelia jump from the inn balcony?

Clenching her fist, Eli bowed deeply.

“I will do my utmost to ensure we leave Suffredi within an hour.”

Having spoken sincerely, Eli left the study faster than the wind. After he left, a brief silence fell. Then Sebelia spoke.

“You really don’t have to go to such lengths.”

“Though the illness is nearly cured, you are still weaker than most in many ways. Besides, what kind of master would send an apprentice who doesn’t yet know how to control her strength into danger alone?”