After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 206

Sebelia gathered her trembling body and headed toward Dehart’s bedroom. It was something she wouldn’t have done in a sane state, but she was now half-lost to reason.

She knew her family saw her only as a tool—using her at will, then discarding her, only to coax and manipulate her back again when convenient.

But to learn the reason was rebellion—to use her powers to place a fake Emperor on the throne and crown the First Prince as heir!

“They’re all insane…”

Cold sweat dripped down her cheek as she staggered down the corridor. Amid the pale dawn light, a sharp, glowing gaze flickered.

Before the illusion is exposed, I have to get the fake Sebelia out.

The first to witness this astonishing scene was poor Eli, standing guard outside Dehart’s room.

“Gasp.”

Eli’s boredom-ridden face turned to sheer terror. Instinctively clutching his waist, it was only when he heard the ragged breathing that he realized the figure was a living person.

Once he grasped who it was, his body trembled.

Duchess.

More precisely, a woman who might be the late Duchess, but in Eli’s mind, it was already certain. Since moving to the capital, Dehart had said to Eli:

[Make sure your attitude is clear, Eli Hursfield.]

[Yes?]

[If you know, at least show it. Don’t confuse her with ambiguous looks that frustrate people.]

[…]

Eli shivered, half-convinced Dehart possessed mind-reading. But that thought didn’t last—if he truly could read minds, he wouldn’t be carrying out such elaborate acts against the Duchess.

“Ah, Sir Eli.”

Sebelia’s voice interrupted Eli’s thoughts about Dehart’s tireless efforts. She had come close and was now looking at him with a curious gaze.

“Well… this is.”

It seemed she had finally regained some composure. She glanced down at her attire in embarrassment, then surveyed the corridor. Eli wondered:

Is this some kind of secret date?

Whatever the reason, to Eli, their gentle attitudes and kind words proved significant progress in their relationship.

So he was left wondering—was this arranged beforehand? Even if not, she was Dehart’s wife—or ex-wife—but still the only person he loved.

What if it were me?

Eli thought deeply. Meanwhile, Sebelia tugged at her falling shawl and tried to leave. Her promise to return after dawn was cut short by Eli’s urgent plea.

“Please, come in.”

“…Yes?”

Eli’s expression was not just firm but desperate. He had already run through scenarios in his head.

If the person he had lost through his own fault—the one he loved so much he knelt to hold onto—was sneaking into his bedroom at night? This was nothing short of a miracle.

“No matter what happens inside, I’ll pretend I don’t know.”

“…”

Sebelia eyed Eli suspiciously. Something felt off—she sensed he was thinking strange thoughts. But she had no choice.

Who knows when and how the illusion my father holds will be exposed?

The illusion she’d created was so refined it was indistinguishable from a real person. Still, there might be someone or something out there able to detect the difference.

Pressed for time, Sebelia suppressed her unease and nodded.

“Then, I’m counting on you.”

“Yes!”

Eli nodded firmly and opened the door. Guided carefully, Sebelia stepped into Dehart’s bedroom, letting out a soft breath.

“This is…”

A sharp scent pricked her nose. Simultaneously, blue and red smoke drifted past her eyes, emanating from beside the headboard.

She widened her eyes, casting aside her previous caution, and strode forward. Noticing an incense case, she gasped.

“Good heavens.”

It was an awakening incense made from the bark of Roadel. Sebelia had learned from Watts that burning this incense kept one conscious and awake, preventing deep sleep.

Highly addictive and disruptive to bodily balance, it was only used on battlefields. She eyed the burnt remnants before pocketing the whole case.

How long has it been since he got off sedatives?

Her already boiling insides exploded. Sebelia threw Dehart’s blanket under the bed and flung open all the windows. The fierce wind swept through, pushing back the incense smoke.

“Ugh…!”

The cool dawn breeze quickly cleared the incense’s haze.