After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 308

“I suppose it’ll end up that way. They say they’re recruiting engineers from the capital, but I’m not sure how well it’ll go.”

“You’re already doubting them?”

“I’d call it concern.”

Their voices naturally faded as they reached the dining room. Sebelia, entering first after the servant opened the door, blinked in surprise.

“Oh?”

Rosalyn, who’d insisted on dining separately because she still felt uncomfortable around Dehart, was already there. Sebelia was a little surprised but didn’t mind much—after all, feelings could change at any time.

But Dehart seemed to take it differently. Following behind Sebelia, he paused with a stiff expression, then nodded slightly, clenching and unclenching his hand.

“It’s been a while, Rosalyn.”

“Yes, it has, brother. Sorry about earlier.”

“You don’t need to worry about it.”

“Alright.”

Sebelia couldn’t help but think, Could there be a more awkward pair of siblings? But shook her head after realizing her own family history. Even the most strained sibling relationship had nothing on a brother or sister who tried to kill her.

“Let’s sit down. The servants are getting nervous.”

With Sebelia’s gentle charisma guiding the atmosphere, everyone took their seats, and Rosalyn found herself a bit impressed by how naturally Sebelia took charge. Thus began a lunch that, while a little awkward, was undeniably warm.

Fortunately, the meal went smoothly. Dehart didn’t try to force conversation with Rosalyn, and Rosalyn didn’t break down with sudden guilt or tears.

She’s handling this better than I thought.

For someone who’d only visited the estate when Dehart was away, Rosalyn was holding up surprisingly well.

Was she just exaggerating?

Then again, the siblings had lived apart, barely seeing each other for nearly twenty years. Sebelia nodded inwardly.

She changed the subject completely, acting as if she was oblivious to any tension between the two.

“Did you hear they’re holding boat rides at the lake park in District Seven, Rosalyn?”

“Seina mentioned it. There’s supposed to be a kite festival at the same time.”

“That’s right! In the evening, they light up the kites and watch them float into the night sky. It’s supposed to be quite a sight.”

“I’m surprised the imperial family approved such an event.”

“Don’t be snarky, Dehart. The Crown Prince personally oversaw the safety inspections.”

“Hmph…”

The conversation, guided by Sebelia, flowed smoothly, and everyone seemed content to keep things that way. Sebelia had no intention of meddling in the siblings’ relationship, and neither did they want her to. So lunch remained peaceful.

The surprising part came as Rosalyn finished her meal.

“Brother.”

Rosalyn, having declined dessert, called out to Dehart as she stood. He looked momentarily startled, but then nodded.

“Yes?”

“I’m glad you came back safely.”

She shot the words like an arrow and tried to leave the dining room in a hurry. But Dehart wasn’t going to be fooled twice. He recovered quickly and spoke in a louder voice.

“There’s a present for you in your room.”

“…”

“Claude prepared it. I hope you like it.”

Rosalyn finally turned to glance at Dehart. Their eyes met for a brief moment before Rosalyn gave the smallest nod and hurried away—just as she’d bolted when they met at the entrance.

“Ha.”

Only then did Sebelia, who’d been holding her breath through the tension, exhale. Dehart pushed his water glass with his fingertips.

Taking a sip, Sebelia spoke with a sly tone.

“Claude didn’t really buy it, did he?”

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

“He’s not even at Hillend Hall right now.”

Claude had left for Lockwood with Watts, partly to visit his teacher and partly to study the local medicine.

Dehart smiled, neither confirming nor denying. It was a way of avoiding the question, but Sebelia urged him with an expectant look until he finally gave in, raising both hands in surrender.

“I was going through the merchants’ stockpiles looking for a gift for you, and ended up finding a lot of things I thought would make good presents—so I bought them all at once.”

Dehart added, telling her not to be misunderstood. But Sebelia laughed as if he’d said something ridiculous.

“What are you talking about? That’s nothing to apologize for. I think it’s admirable. I’m actually a little jealous—you bring gifts for your sister. Not everyone has a brother like that.”

She’d said it without thinking, but got a reaction she didn’t expect. After a brief silence, Dehart bit his lip and reached out to take her wrist.

“Whenever you say things like that, I never know how to respond.”

“Huh?”

“No matter how much you say you’re jealous, I’ll never be able to be your brother or your father.”

Sebelia was startled. Had she said things like that before? As she searched her memory, she realized Dehart had moved even closer, as if he didn’t care whether she remembered or not.