After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 332

It was Balak.

“Balak?”

“Bella.”

He looked a bit startled by the unexpected encounter, but that surprise faded quickly. Rossel, letting out a brief exclamation, called out,

“So this is where you’ve been hiding!”

“Oh, Brother.”

“The head butler’s been looking for you. Seems there’s a piece of jewelry mixed in with your luggage, and they weren’t sure what to do about it.”

At that, Balak made an “oops” face, waved a hand, and hurried off.

“See you at dinner, Bella!”

His exit was as chaotic as his arrival. Sebelia just shrugged as she watched him dash away before she could say a word.

“Let’s keep going.”

She started to turn away, but her gaze landed on a building with gray brick walls. Sebelia paused with Rossel.

There was something strangely compelling about that building—as if she’d visited it in a dream. Before she could dwell on it, Rossel gently guided her onward, arm in arm.

“Come on, let’s go. If we don’t hurry, it’ll be night before we know it.”

“Ah, right.”

She nodded, though for some reason, her feet felt reluctant to move. She couldn’t shake the sense that something was waiting there. But in the end, it was just her imagination. Forcing herself onward, Sebelia finally left the place behind.

After their tour, she was ushered into the grand dining hall, where a lavish feast had been prepared.

“We’ve been waiting for you.”

Standing up to greet her, looking smart and elegant, was Claude. Beside him was Watts, and opposite them, Balak. Blushing, but clearly pleased by their welcome, Sebelia took her seat.

The meal was a bit lively and disorganized, but the excited mood was infectious. Perhaps anticipating this, Rossel had sent the servants away after setting the table.

“Do you like the food?”

“Yes, it’s delicious!”

The zesty salad, the unusual fruits with snowy white rinds and sweet flesh, and the meat, marinated in a rich sauce until it melted in her mouth—everything suited her taste perfectly, even though she’d never had any of these dishes before.

Sebelia enjoyed every bite without hesitation. Even Dehart, sitting beside her looking a little less cheerful, still managed to finish his meal without much trouble.

“Bella, your room is this way.”

After dinner, as they made their way to their rooms, Balak stopped her. Sebelia had assumed she’d share a room with Dehart, just as they did at home, and was caught off guard.

“I can’t let an unmarried couple stay in the same room. The Duke’s quarters are in the building across the way.”

“Um, well…”

Technically, they’d already had a wedding once, and they’d slept in the same room together more times than she could count, but…there was no way she could say that to her cousin’s face.

Just then, a heavy sigh escaped nearby. Turning her head, Sebelia saw Dehart grinning deliberately.

No way.

She was a little nervous that another argument was about to break out. But Dehart just spoke with a tone that sounded almost indulgent.

“If you’re so concerned, I wouldn’t dream of refusing.”

“Really?”

Even Balak seemed surprised by how easily Dehart agreed. When Balak asked again, Dehart replied smoothly,

“It’s only natural for the family to hope the bride and groom remain pure in both body and spirit before their marriage—especially after everything the two of us have been through. I’ve always known how much you care.”

Balak stared at him blankly, as if wondering what he was talking about, but Dehart just gave a sly smile and went on,

“As you wish, I’ll do my best to remain chaste and virtuous, just so Bella and I can have a properly passionate honeymoon.”

Before Sebelia could react, Dehart pressed a kiss to her forehead—she reached up in surprise, but he was already stepping away, leaving only his teasing smile behind.

“Try not to be too disappointed, Bella.”

“What are you saying…!”

Balak, finally catching on, raised his voice, but Dehart had already sauntered off, waving his hands in farewell.

“I’ll see you in the morning, Bella. Of course, if you suddenly get unbearably lonely in the middle of the night, you’re welcome to come to my room. I hear we’re the only guests here, after all.”

At his shameless remark, Sebelia burst out laughing.

“Is it alright if I come by if I get scared?”

“Of course. If thunder keeps you up, I’ll cover your ears for you.”

She laughed even harder at his boldness, while Balak, finally giving up, signaled the butler to show Dehart to the building across the way.