After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 211

“Claude, calm down for now. Do you really think I did this thoughtlessly?”

“…You’re not planning to forgive them, are you?”

“No!”

“Hmm.”

Crossing his arms with a smirk, Claude lifted his chin as if daring her to explain.

“Then tell me exactly what you’re thinking. Why send a petition to the imperial family and write a letter asking to cover this up instead of pressing charges?”

Sebelia almost burst into laughter but stifled it with a cough. Composing herself, she clasped her hands and looked serious.

“As I heard at dawn, Father needs me to set up a substitute for the Emperor. And that means using my ability to make the Crown Prince the heir without messy political schemes.”

“That sounds likely. A clean transfer of royal power is exactly what they want.”

Sebelia nodded deeply, took a deep breath, and clenched her fists.

“That’s why. I don’t want to alert them that I’m a threat over such a small matter. Their thinking should end at ‘we just got lucky to land one on Dehart.’ They must not suspect that I see through all their schemes.”

“So you want to be underestimated to the very end. That’s the same reason you want them to believe the kidnapped one is the real you, right?”

“Yes.”

Claude narrowed his eyes at her blunt reply. Sebelia looked resolute.

“As long as my father needs me for this succession battle, he will do whatever it takes to get me back. So I have no intention of confronting him just yet.”

“…”

“My father is backed by the first queen and her faction. This isn’t just a one-on-one fight. Even if I defeat him, someone else will take his place and target me differently.”

“That’s reasonable.”

“So I need time to prepare, don’t I?”

Claude’s eyes flickered with an unreadable emotion. Sebelia found it odd and was about to ask when a familiar voice came from behind.

“We’re the ones you should talk to, Bella.”

“Dehart.”

Dehart had returned, looking slightly sullen as he looked at her.

“So you were thinking alone. No wonder I felt uneasy when you suggested covering this up.”

He sighed and continued.

“You’re not alone in facing them.”

Sebelia was taken aback. Dehart squinted and swiftly knelt at her feet.

“Again with the kneeling?”

Embarrassed, Sebelia blushed and covered her mouth. Dehart narrowed his eyes and took her hand.

“Bella, if I weren’t any help, I wouldn’t say this. But think—wasn’t I useful this time?”

“…”

“I won’t shamelessly ask you to rely on me. I know I’m not in a position to say that.”

Sebelia met Dehart’s deep, lake-blue eyes, and he said:

“Use me as much as you want today. Treat me like a tool you can stain with blood anytime.”

“Dehart.”

“But don’t forget this.”

Dehart cupped her cheek with his hand and whispered:

“I’m a sword in your hand—no one else’s.”

So don’t ever think you’re alone. Dehart’s cool resonance pierced Sebelia’s heart.

* * *

Marquis Wheddon’s mansion, once charred black and with its gate half-destroyed, had been restored to its former glory with money and manpower.

But no amount of money could heal a wounded pride. Nathan, having come to his senses, lay on his bed throwing a tantrum and soon received a cold glare from Silas, who had arrived late.

“Pathetic.”

“Father.”

“Did you lack the courage to sacrifice yourself and hold the Duke back?”

Silas looked down at Nathan with cold eyes. Despite Nathan’s outwardly intact appearance, Silas felt disappointed.

At least one limb should have been lost to cling to the matter.

Clicking his tongue, Silas gave Nathan a cold glance before leaving the room.

Such a fuss means he must have learned Sebelia’s true identity.

Whether Dehart knew about Sebelia’s identity was answered by the day’s commotion. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have dared do such a mad thing.

“What now?”

Silas stroked his chin and narrowed his eyes as he stared out the window. The splendid palace of District 1 in Lang Elisa shone proudly in the sunlight.

“Hmm.”

As if struck by an idea, Silas turned away.