After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 282

The sky was cloudless and stunningly clear. Rising early, Sebelia opened her window and let the morning breeze drift into her room.

The crisp wind and radiant sunlight—it sounded cliché, but the day really did feel like the perfect start to something good.

A perfect day for a second interrogation.

Today, she was determined to uncover her father’s darkest secrets. Drawing in a deep breath of the chilly air, Sebelia closed her eyes, only to be interrupted by a knock at the door.

The person who’d come to see her so early was none other than Watts. Of all people, not Denisa but Watts. Sebelia looked at him with surprise, and he gave her an awkward greeting before pulling something from his pocket.

“Claude left this in my care. I nearly forgot to give it to you.”

“Oh.”

Only then did Sebelia remember that Claude had departed for the Red Crystal Palace the day before, attending the event as Prince Shateian’s partner.

“Let’s see… Earrings?”

The gemstone, cut in the shape of a teardrop, was blue—just like her own eyes. Watts explained, watching the sunlight catch and scatter on the earrings.

“He said it might help with your interrogation. I guess it’s one of the items brought from Hillend Hall.”

He was talking about the items they’d gathered to try and persuade Rosalyn.

Maybe it’s something like Yuria’s bracelet.

If it was a one-use item, she’d have to be careful. Sebelia tucked the box away thoughtfully. Apparently, that was all Watts needed as he was ready to leave for his own room.

“Aren’t you going to have breakfast?”

“Oh, uh… Sorry. I was up late working, didn’t get much sleep. Enjoy your meal.”

Watts shook his head, looking like he’d love nothing more than to collapse in the hallway for a nap. Sebelia saw him out and closed the door.

On her perch, Etira was already awake for some reason. The little blue bird stretched her wings, fluttered over to the jewelry box, and pecked curiously at the lid.

“Hmm? Are you interested in this?”

Letting out a short cry, Etira bounced across Sebelia’s hand as if to say, “Open it, hurry!” Her antics made Sebelia smile, and she set the box on the table and opened it for the bird.

“Ah, but I can’t just play around. I should review the case files one more time before I go.”

The more she knew, the more thoroughly she could dig into Nathan’s memories. Once she’d finished getting ready, Sebelia sat down and began reading through the documents.

The blue light of Etira’s wings sparkled as she hopped over the jewelry.

* * *

What had seemed like it would be a perfectly sunny day soon changed. As the sun gradually slipped below the horizon, clouds gathered quietly across the sky as if they’d been waiting for that moment.

Yet the Red Crystal Palace still looked as if it would shine forever, no matter what. And it wasn’t just because of its opulent exterior.

“I never thought I’d experience anything like this in my life.”

Gems glittered everywhere, filling the reception room with light. The sheer volume and quality was overwhelming—up close, each piece bore the unmistakable touch of a master craftsman.

Claude had been feeling out of his depth for quite a while.

“Your Highness, is all this really necessary?”

Currently in the guise of a woman, Claude let out a sigh. Unable to ask for help from the maids, he had no choice but to entrust everything to the prince—and this was the result, all glitter and sparkle.

Shateian just chuckled.

“Do you know who I am in this country? I’m the Empress’s only child—and one of the legitimate heirs to the throne. My partner should have nothing less than this.”

“…”

“You’ll answer me, won’t you, Miss Carline?”

Despite his gentle tone, the prince’s eyes were sharp. It was clear Claude wouldn’t be allowed to refuse. Sighing, he surrendered.

“…All right. Understood.”

“Good.”

Shateian smiled, resting his chin in his hand. He was, in fact, thoroughly enjoying himself. He’d been debating which partner would most annoy the Empress, then this fascinating proposition had landed in his lap.

A mysterious woman, is it? Excellent. I can’t wait to see their faces.

While Ludmil was helping Claude try on dresses and accessories, the voice of the chamberlain came from outside.

“Your Highness, there’s something I need to report.”

He’d told everyone not to disturb him until called. Shateian frowned at the door. Ludmil looked up from attending Claude.

“Should I send him away?”

“No, take him to the next room.”

“Yes, sir.”

Once the two were gone, Shateian faced the chamberlain. The Red Crystal Palace’s chamberlain had cared for him since childhood—sometimes more like a father than the Emperor himself.

Perhaps that’s why he’d occasionally defy Shateian’s orders. Maintaining his displeased air, the prince asked,

“Well, what is it?”

“It concerns Silver Lily Palace.”

Shateian’s sharp expression cooled.