After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 299

Dehart fixed Rossel with a cold, unwavering stare as he continued.

“So this was your reason for wanting to see Bella today, Ambassador? Rather than wishing her happiness after she finally found peace, you’re planning to take her to a land she’s never even seen, just to make her start all over again?”

“….”

“A new beginning in a new land. Have you ever considered how much of a burden that would be on her after she just found her place?”

Rossel remained silent, and Sebelia gave a silent cry of disbelief.

I can’t believe it…

While Dehart questioned Rossel, Sebelia retrieved the letter from his hand. Sure enough, just as he’d said, the letter was filled with glowing promises of a dazzling new future in Lockwood. They were full of flowery language to convince her to leave everything behind.

He hasn’t given up after all.

It wasn’t just Balak, but Rossel too, Sebelia realized, and somehow, her cousin didn’t feel quite so unfamiliar anymore.

Meanwhile, Rossel returned Dehart’s intense glare with a faint, cynical smile.

“I must say, this is a bit absurd. Let me repeat myself, Duke—this is a family matter. I respect your devotion to Bella, but you’re still an outsider.”

“I didn’t come here to be told that.”

“Anyone would think I was dragging her away against her will. Well, I’m sorry, but unlike some people, I don’t mistreat or shun family just because they don’t suit my taste.”

Rossel added, alluding to Dehart’s own troubled past with Sebelia. The pointed remark made Dehart’s expression pale.

“I intend to respect her wishes. But I do wish she’d come with me now, if possible.”

He caught Sebelia’s uncertain gaze.

“Bella, you heard about Marquis Wheddon being sent to Lockwood, didn’t you?”

“…Yes.”

“He’ll pay for what he tried to do to your mother and you. I want you there when it happens.”

Sebelia’s lips parted in shock. Rossel’s voice softened, coaxing like he was speaking to a child.

“Lockwood’s laws are far harsher than those of the Empire. Some call us barbaric, but for men as vicious as the Marquis, they’re very effective.”

“Oh…”

“But that’s not the only reason I want you to come. Think of Aunt, who’s been waiting for you all her life.”

Sebelia’s body tensed as she unconsciously fidgeted with the letter. Dehart, watching the tense conversation, looked equally anxious.

“It’s all over now. Isn’t it time to come home, to your Mother who’s waiting for you?”

Just as Rossel’s gentle words brushed past her ears, Sebelia suddenly felt the world tilt as her perspective shot upward. Startled, she cried out, and Rossel shouted in outrage as well.

“Duke, what do you think you’re doing!”

But the culprit simply scooped up his most precious treasure and made a break for it. Rossel tried to chase after him, but Eli and the knights suddenly appeared, blocking his way.

“Bella!”

Rossel’s eyes blazed and he caught a glimpse of Sebelia waving back at him to show she was fine. Even as she was being ‘kidnapped’, her cheeks were red and there was the hint of a smile. It was hardly the look of someone unwilling.

With a heavy groan, Rossel dropped into a chair. It seemed there was no way he could take her with him today after all.

* * *

After some time running, the place Dehart brought her was the rear garden of the estate.

Wait a second…

Sebelia tilted her head, puzzled by the unfamiliar landscape. Her soft hair brushed against Dehart’s neck in the breeze, though he had no idea his heart was about to burst from the contact.

Something’s different…

Just two weeks ago, the rear garden had only a small flower bed and the private greenhouse that only Dehart used. But now, all she could see were sprawling rose bushes, taller than she was.

The lush lawns and beautifully arranged roses, with a vast blue sky beyond, felt both stunning and strangely familiar.

It’s as if she has seen this scene before…

“Ah.”

A sweet fragrance filled her nose, and with it, understanding struck her like a bolt.

It was just like the dream she’d conjured in the tent at the canyon, the night she clung to Dehart.

“Bella.”

When she came back to her senses, her feet were on the ground. With the dizzying scent of roses behind him, Dehart clasped both of her hands tightly.

“There’s something I want to show you.”

Still holding her hand, he led her through an arch made of rose boughs. The overwhelming fragrance and his warm touch nearly made her dizzy as they stepped through together.