After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 203

“Oh, that’s enough praise. I was just doing what needed to be done.”

The carriage carrying the sedated Sebelia vanished quickly, as if in a rush. The ‘real’ Sebelia watched carefully until it disappeared, then left the lounge.

A staff member who saw this frowned and approached, as no one like that had reserved a private room today.

“Excuse me, Madam, but this lounge is for private room guests only.”

“Sorry, I have an urgent matter.”

“Hey, wait a moment…!”

The woman with striking red hair and black eyes ignored the staff’s objections and disappeared. The staff vowed to deal with her next time, entering the lounge to check the scene. Sometimes, unruly guests left the lounge in chaos, so they needed to check.

“What on earth is this?”

Sure enough, inside the lounge was a pile of burnt, unrecognizable paper scraps. The staff gritted their teeth and hurried out to fetch a dustpan.

It was an ordinary day at the bustling teahouse, packed with people as usual.

* * *

In Lang Elisa’s 5th district, on the area with the best views, stood Duke Inverness’s capital mansion. Once neglected, the estate had suddenly transformed remarkably since its owner started staying there a few years ago.

Expensive fresh flowers bloomed lavishly in the garden, and newly planted trees proudly displayed green leaves above the walls. Servants eager to increase their value lingered around the back gate with recommendation letters.

“Not a sign of him since the Grand Theater. Just a barbarian from the North. I wonder how long he can keep up that arrogance.”

Nobles peeked over the towering iron gates from their carriages, muttering harsh words before disappearing. Perhaps hoping the butler will hurry out and invite them in.

The mad northern duke was the hottest topic in the capital. If he wanted, he could easily captivate the city’s attention and dominate the social scene.

But the owner had no interest in any of that. He was anxiously pacing like a wolf waiting for his absent master.

“How long has it been since she left, and there’s still no word…”

Dehart anxiously paced by the fireplace. This was his repetitive routine every 30 minutes since Sebelia left, drawing a tired glance from Claude before returning to his book.

Even parents cheering on their child’s first errand wouldn’t be this frantic. And Sebelia wasn’t a child; she was strong enough to knock out a sturdy man like Dehart and run away.

And she had been honing that strength for the past three days—with Claude, no less!

But no matter how much he explained, it was useless. Claude had tried and failed to convince Dehart five times already.

Please come back soon, Bella.

Thinking of his disciple who had promised to return after hearing what her half-sister had to say, Claude prayed fervently. Perhaps his prayer reached the heavens, for soon the iron gate’s creak was heard.

Naturally, Dehart reacted first.

“…!”

He froze momentarily, having checked the window. Then, brushing his hair back and straightening his clothes, he scoffed.

“He’s doing everything.”

Ignoring Claude’s clicking tongue, Dehart hurried down the stairs like he was rolling, flinging open the hall door. Before the butler could even appear, Dehart was already holding the carriage door.

“Bella.”

Calling her name with all his strength, Dehart couldn’t contain his emotions. Sebelia heard his voice and pulled back her deeply hooded cloak. Dehart froze instantly.

“Oh. Right. You haven’t seen me like this before.”

Instead of Sebelia, a woman with long red hair down to her waist and black eyes appeared beneath the hood.

“Well, Dehart, could you listen to me first?”

Fortunately, the voice was indeed Sebelia’s. Dehart quickly gathered himself and asked,

“What’s going on?”

“I had to change my appearance. Claude can undo it, but… where is he?”

That damn uncle. Swallowing his curse, Dehart made Sebelia pull the hood back over her head and led her to the sitting room. Claude, leisurely flipping through a book, immediately grasped the situation.

“Ah. So Bella resorted to her last resort.”

“That’s how it is.”

Sebelia gave a bitter smile and removed her hood. Claude looked regretfully and pulled out a talisman, lightly tossing it to Sebelia. In the blink of an eye, the southern woman transformed into one with pale skin and blue eyes.

“So, what exactly happened?”

Dehart, who had been silently watching, asked in a low voice.