After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 287

When Ludmil approached, Dehart spoke quietly to him.

“Go to the estate and tell the knights to leave only the minimum required guard behind—the rest are to report to the palace immediately.”

“Yes, sir.”

Once Ludmil had turned and disappeared, Dehart let out a low sigh. He almost believed things were finally over—but then.

“Ugh…”

Sebelia clutched her head, letting out a pained groan. Dehart rushed toward her, only for Claude to raise a hand to stop him.

“Don’t interfere.”

“What? What are you—”

“She just connected. She said there was no need to watch, but in the end she couldn’t help herself. Let her be, Dehart.”

That’s when Dehart finally understood. Sebelia was in the middle of a last communication with the spy illusion she’d left on Nelia.

But was it really necessary? With Silas now captured, the Wheddons were as good as finished. What was the point of sharing senses with the illusion in this situation?

“She said she heard Rosalyn’s name.”

“…What?”

Dehart froze on the spot, staring at Claude in disbelief. Without looking away from Sebelia, Claude went on.

“She heard Mrs. Gren mention Rosalyn’s name while speaking to Nelia through the illusion. It looks like Gren is plotting something again.”

Dehart’s face twisted in dismay. Only yesterday, after learning that Gren was in the capital, he’d set people to follow her trail.

I didn’t think she’d move this quickly…

He clenched his fists, blaming himself.

Meanwhile, Prince Shateian’s dry voice broke in.

“What a mess. Is it some kind of family curse that you all take turns getting into mortal danger?”

Dehart shot him a glare fierce enough to kill, but Shateian just shrugged and gestured toward the carriage.

“Ooh, scary. But think about it, Duke. How do you think we managed to arrive right on time? Because we figured out Marquis Wheddon’s plan in advance?”

Was it possible? Shateian let out a cynical laugh.

“Lady Rosalyn wasn’t at Prince Hares’s side, where she was supposed to be.”

“…”

“Strange, isn’t it? This would have been the perfect chance to introduce her to His Majesty. And yet, something else bothered me.”

He referred to a report from the head chamberlain—apparently, a carriage had quietly left the Silver Lily Palace at dawn.

“So, I left the banquet myself to help search for Lady Rosalyn. That’s how I ended up here, just in time to help you out after hearing the noise from the tower. You may express your gratitude now.”

He had other reasons for leaving, but saw no need to explain further. Shateian gave a playful smile, while Dehart scowled.

Meanwhile, Sebelia was desperately clinging to the fading connection with her spying illusion, straining to catch one more word of Gren and Nelia’s conversation.

[You should go back now.]

[Ha, I don’t think so. Now that I know why you snuck off here without me, I have a duty to observe everything and report back to Father.]

Nelia shot back at Gren, who turned to her with a look of utter annoyance. As the two argued, Sebelia quickly glanced around.

It’s so dark…

Everything was shrouded in shadow, making it impossible to figure out where they were. The only reassuring thing was that, far behind Gren, she could see the fireworks exploding above the imperial palace.

At least they haven’t left the capital…

As Sebelia allowed herself a moment of relief, the two women’s argument hit its peak.

[Sylas really did have a daughter just like him. Always eavesdropping like a little mouse, always clinging like a leech.]

[My, do you really have time to be saying that right now?]

Nelia laughed, then pointed off in another direction.

[If Lady Rosalyn leaves before you do anything, all your plans will go up in smoke, won’t they?]

What?

Sebelia felt her heart drop. Since she hadn’t heard Shateian’s news, she’d simply assumed Rosalyn was attending the welcome banquet as planned.

No way…

Her heart pounding, Sebelia forced herself to focus again. If Gren was moving against Rosalyn, she had to find out where she was….!

But luck wasn’t on her side. The connection to her spying illusion started to fade; the spell was reaching its limit.

“No, please… Ugh…!”

When the link finally snapped, the backlash hit her like a wave. Sebelia gritted her teeth against the pain that ripped through her body, struggling to stay conscious as cold sweat ran down her face.