I Wish My Husband Were Dead - Chapter 67



Only Krnovel

Husband’s Funeral
2024.01.06.

When she heard those words, she was a little happy. She shouldn’t be happy when she thought of Lydia, but for some reason, she felt a little relieved.

“I’ve said it many times, but magic is a subject that

you can’t learn in your entire life. Oh, it’s so boring. My ears are getting calluses. But what does that have to do with getting married?”

“What does it have to do with anything? If I get married, I’ll have a wife and kids, right?”

“Of course.”

“Then my priorities in life will change. I don’t like that.”

His answer was a little different from what she had expected. She thought he didn’t get married because he just didn’t want to be bothered by life.

“That’s surprising.”

“What’s surprising?”

“I thought you’d naturally put magic first and not care much about your family even if you got married.”

“Do you know what kind of heartless monster I am? My wife and my kids are my things, so of course I should spend more time on them.”

It was awkward because such perfectly normal words came out of Leonard’s mouth. Cordelia was embarrassed and kept quiet. She felt bad because she thought she had been meddlesome.

“I didn’t know you had no intention of getting married. I didn’t know that either.”

“… … Well, it’s not like you have no intention of getting married.”

“Our Master is the one who will dedicate his life to the world of magic while remaining single, and I’m presuming… … . I’m sorry.”

“Not to the point of remaining single for life. If a woman I love ever comes along… … .”

“No! I’ve made up my mind. I’m sorry to Lydia, but I’ll make sure that my Master never gets married. My Master is someone who will do great things, so getting married is out of the question!”

Leonard seemed a little taken aback by Cordelia’s declaration that seemed like determination. However, she didn’t see anything in his eyes.

“I’ll follow in your footsteps and live alone from now on.”

“You’re saying you’re living alone?”

“Yes. I’ve only ever experienced marriage once, and all I know is that it’s terrible. I have no intention of getting married again.”

“… … Really? “ Marriage isn’t always a bad thing.”

Leonard’s mind was conflicted. Would it be better for Cordelia to stay by his side for the rest of her life without getting married, or for her to become his wife…

“I’m crazy, I’m finally crazy.”

“Me? Not that bad yet.”

“I didn’t say that to you.”

For a moment, he imagined Cordelia and the baby in her arms, half Leonard and half Cordelia, and shook his head. He must have gone crazy because he hadn’t slept well recently.

Fortunately, the carriage arrived in front of the Atilei Townhouse just in time. He got out first, and Cordelia got out of the carriage, holding Leonard’s hand.

At that moment, Alex approached him with an unusually urgent expression.

“Master. There’s urgent news from the palace.”

“The palace? What’s going on?”

Instead of answering, Alex handed him an envelope with a silver deer engraved on it. Leonard read it without thinking, and then his face hardened. Cordelia, who was next to him, tilted her head and asked.

“Why? What’s going on?”

“Maximilian escaped from prison.”

* * *

“Lydia.”

Her only brother, Rosenblu, came into her room. The maids who were helping Lydia dress up naturally stepped back.

Lydia looked at Rosenblu through the mirror.

“Blay. What’s wrong?”

“I was worried because you seemed depressed these past few days.”

“Depressed. Just like usual?”

“You don’t play the piano, which you like, during the day, and just stay in your room all day. You skip meals.”

“I just… … have something to think about.”

Lydia smiled vaguely and rummaged through her earring case. Rosenblu slowly approached her and put a hand on her shoulder.

“What are you thinking? Is it because of marriage?”

“Huh?”

“Don’t worry, Lydia. Just like your deceased parents said, I’ll send you to the man who will love and cherish you the most. You deserve it.”

“Blay.”

“So please forget Leo.”

“… … .”

“Leo is your friend and mine, but you know he won’t be a very good husband. I want you to be happy. I want you to live without worries with a husband who loves you,”

Rosenbler said sincerely.

Like many noblewomen of Ershe, their lives were often determined by the kind of man their husbands were.

That was why Rosenbler could not approve of Leonard and Lydia even more. Leonard was not the kind of man who could make his sister happy, objectively or subjectively.

“How?”

“… … .”

“I’ve been in love with Leo for over ten years. If you’re a high society person, you’d think I’d marry Leo. Even His Majesty asked me when I’d get married. And now you’re telling me to marry another man?”

“Are you afraid of what other people might think and marry a man who makes you unhappy?”

I know Rosenblu’s words are right. But it’s still hard to admit.

Maybe her feelings for Leonard aren’t love but stubbornness. It might be a stupid stubbornness that she can’t admit because she can’t have what she thought was hers.

But knowing in your head doesn’t make your heart feel better.

“I’m going to marry Leo. I don’t care if she’s just a fake wife.”

“Lydia. You’re Elfenbaum. What’s so regrettable about making such a choice?”

Rosenblu’s expression clearly showed that he didn’t understand. Lydia clenched her fists so hard that her nails dug into them.

“… … Now Leo has Cordelia.”

“Cordelia? Why is that name mentioned here? She’s already married.”

“Leo, who said he would never take a disciple, took a disciple. What difference does marriage make? You want me to just watch Leo marry another woman because he changed his mind one day?”

“Ha.”

Rosenbler, who was standing behind him, let out a shallow sigh.

“Leo, no. Let’s talk later. Where did you say you were going today?”

“… … Go to Embly’s banquet.”

“Have a good trip. Don’t stay too late. You heard, right? Maximilian escaped from prison.”

“Yeah. But you still haven’t caught him? I heard Maximilian can’t even use magic.”

“That’s why I’m even more curious. How on earth did Maximilian, who lost his magic, escape the palace through that tight security, and how has he not been caught yet? There are already soldiers lined up on all the roads leading to the capital.”

“Don’t worry too much. How would I ever run into Maximilian?”

“But you never know.”

Rosenbler gave her a quick kiss on the head and left the room. After he left, Lydia’s maids came over and finished dressing up.

“You look so beautiful today, my lady.”

“Thank you, Lisa.”

Lydia arrived at Embly’s banquet alone, without a male escort.

Usually, when a woman enters a ball alone, people would gossip about how unpopular she is, but Lydia Elfenbaum was different.

People quickly gathered around Lydia.

Lydia, who had come of age this year, was the best bride on the marriage market. With her beautiful face, the noble blood of the Elfenbaums, and a dowry that was as generous as that of a noble family, it couldn’t have been more perfect.

Rumors were rife that she would marry Atilei, but since she wasn’t even engaged yet, it wasn’t like there was no chance.

“Miss Elfenbaum. Would you please share the honor of dancing with me?”

“I’m sorry. My head hurts a little.”

Lydia went out into the garden to avoid the swarming suitors. Embly’s garden was a complex maze, so once inside, people had a hard time finding it.

Lydia, who knew this well, went deep into the garden. The chattering voices and music of the people gradually faded away.

After walking for a while, she happened to see a man wearing a cloak passing by. She tried to ignore it, but realized that his gait was very familiar.

“… … Maximilian?”

Lydia had known Leonard for a long time, so she had a deep connection with Maximilian. Therefore, she could identify him just by his gait.

The cloaked man paused for a moment and then turned around.

“Oh my.”

The moon, which had been hidden by clouds, was revealed, and her face was clearly visible. Unlike the last time she had seen him, he was pale and had a bad complexion, but it was definitely Maximilian.

“How did you get here?”

“Lydia. It’s been a while.”

Maximilian slowly approached her with his signature smile. Lydia instinctively stepped back.

“Don’t come near me.”

“What a shame. I didn’t think we’d meet here.”

He naturally took out his sword from his bosom. The blade gleamed in the moonlight. Lydia ran backwards to escape, but was caught by Maximilian after only a few steps. She resisted with all her might, but it was difficult to overcome the strength of a grown man.

“I’ll scream. Even if you kill me, you’ll never escape from here.”

“Well, I guess I’ll try.”

Maximilian’s sword came close in an instant.

Lydia screamed with all her might. However, as if by miracle, no one showed up to save her. Lydia shut her eyes tightly against the pain that was to come.

“… … You have something good?”

Maximilian’s sword bounced off with a bang. She tried again, but it was the same.

Lydia exhaled sharply. The bracelet on her left hand glowed softly. It was a self-defense bracelet that Rosenblu had made.

Maximilian’s eyes were distorted with irritation and impatience. If he had magic, he could easily destroy this self-defense shield. He looked around.

If he couldn’t kill her and silence her, there was only one way left.