After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 251

It was said that her artistic talent had led her to the capital as a patron’s guest, but clearly there must have been other motives as well.

“A prince and a country girl—what a romantic story.”

In the capital, stories like this—sweet and tinged with just a hint of scandal—were as popular as the juiciest gossip. Dehart nodded, joining in the conversation.

“People had been hoping for something like this all along, so the atmosphere is actually quite welcoming. The Third Prince has always been known for having no ambition for the throne, so it’s almost a relief for everyone.”

“Oh, so people were already guessing about their relationship?”

“Yes. There are plenty of rumors about the Second Queen herself personally looking.”

“Oh my.”

Sebelia was genuinely surprised. After all, the Second Queen was known for her lack of ambition and reserved nature, rarely appearing outside the palace. For such a woman to openly show favor to the daughter of a country baron and take her everywhere—she must have truly taken a liking to her.

“I’m looking forward to their wedding. I can almost guarantee that after the ceremony, the bookstores will be filled with storybooks starring the two of them as the main characters.”

Dehart found himself checking the clock as he watched her.

“It’s almost time for the guests to arrive.”

“Is it that late already?”

A banquet hosted by the Emperor was no small affair, and having new clothes made was the least of it. Sebelia got up from her seat, feeling a little weary just thinking about it. At least Denisa was absent for the moment—one small blessing.

As she left the parlor, Sebelia hoped Denisa would stay away as long as possible. Dehart watched her go, only to be interrupted by a strange tug at his sleeve.

Peep—.

“…?”

It was Sebelia’s illusion-bird, Etira. Despite being given a name, the little bird still hadn’t spoken yet. Dehart frowned, watching it hop across his hand.

“What’s this about?”

The tiny bird stretched its wings and, with its usual boldness, perched on top of Dehart’s head. Before he could react, Etira tugged insistently at his hair—pulling him toward the door.

“Ow!”

Resigned, Dehart followed the insistent direction and opened the door, finding himself face-to-face with Eli, who had a tense expression.

“My lord.”

“What’s the matter?”

Dehart asked, now holding Etira captive in his hand. Eli still looked stiff as he stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.

“Lady Gren has made an appearance.”

Until now, Gren had hidden away in Marquis Limms’ estate, refusing to step foot outside and gathering key members of the Inverness family for her own dark schemes.

For her to suddenly emerge from hiding meant something serious had happened. The face that flashed through Dehart’s mind was Roden’s.

“We haven’t confirmed anything for certain since we can’t watch her up close, but… perhaps she’s realized Roden has been captured?”

Eli had come to the same conclusion. Dehart paused, turning the facts over in his mind.

If that’s the case, it means her network reaches all the way to the capital. Did she really have that many people working for her?

A calm, golden gaze disappeared under lowered lashes as Dehart remembered the half-burnt envelope. The letter Gren had tried to send to the underworld to hire assassins for Sebelia.

I’ll need to keep an even closer eye on Gren’s surroundings. And…

Abruptly, Dehart looked Eli up and down, as if weighing something. Eli tilted his head curiously, and Dehart finally spoke.

“I’ve heard you’re rather skilled at riding.”

“Ah, was that Sir Ryan who said so? I’m a bit embarrassed, but yes—I do have some skill.”

Eli accepted the sudden compliment with good humor, and Dehart nodded.

“Good. Then four days to Hillend Hall should be enough for you.”

“…Excuse me?”

Dehart looked steadily at Eli’s now-pale face.

“Didn’t you just say you were skilled?”

Eli hesitated. His superior had a knack for assigning him exactly what he could handle—nothing more, nothing less. Four days to Hillend Hall was doable for someone of his abilities, but only if he rode hard, eating and sleeping in the saddle the entire way.

“This is something only you can do. Ride to Hillend Hall and have Ryan begin investigating the underworld group that was colluding with Sir Lash. There’s already evidence secured—it shouldn’t be too difficult.”

With a decisive step, Dehart put a reassuring hand on Eli’s shoulder, not allowing any argument as he strode off toward his office.

“Uh, my lord—”

“I believe in you, Eli. Ryan wouldn’t have sent me his own cousin if you couldn’t manage this much. Right?”

He really was in trouble now. As Dehart’s lips curled at Eli’s pale face, Etira fluffed its tail on his shoulder in what could only be called delight.

* * *

A few days later, at last, the long-awaited day of the imperial banquet arrived. Dehart was waiting by the carriage for Sebelia. Soon, the sound of birdsong and light footsteps approached.

The moment Dehart looked up, Sebelia’s blue eyes froze in shock.

“……!”