After I Died, My Husband Went Mad [EN]: Chapter 154

Side Story 1-2

“It’s been a while.”

“Oh my goodness, Lady Rosaline, welcome. But is it alright for you to be out like this?”

Seeing her, Sebelia rushed down the stairs, a surprised expression on her face. Rosaline had been seriously wounded by the knights Gren brought and was supposed to be recovering. Sebelia had heard that her condition had improved quite a bit, but not to the point where she could be moving around. What was going on? Seeing the worry on Sebelia’s face, Rosaline took her hand and said kindly.

“I’m much better, so don’t worry. And I wanted to thank you in person.”

Sebelia shook her head, as she had already received several thank-you letters. But Rosaline was firm. She turned to the Imperial Knights, who had been sent by the Crown Prince of Shateian as escorts, and gave an order.

“Bring all the items you brought. His Highness chose them himself, so be careful not to damage them.”

“Yes!”

The Imperial Knights were surprisingly obedient to Rosaline. Sebelia knew that Rosaline had been under the protection of the Imperial Family, but that alone didn’t fully explain the atmosphere.

‘It feels more like loyalty than simply treating the owner’s guest…’

Just as she was thinking that, Rosaline leaned closer and whispered with a shy expression.

“I’m sorry, but could we continue the conversation inside? I said I was better, but it’s actually hard for me to stand for long.”

Sebelia was startled and snapped back to her senses. She had been lost in thought in front of a guest, a negligent hostess.

“Of course. I should have offered sooner, I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay.”

Sebelia led Rosaline to the drawing room closest to the entrance. It wasn’t the drawing room facing the backyard, but it was a sunny and pleasant place.

The servants brought tea and refreshments, and the two enjoyed the quiet for a few moments. Then, suddenly, Rosaline let out a sharp cry.

“Ah!”

“Rosaline!”

Surprised, Sebelia was about to call for someone, but Rosaline waved her hand to stop her. Sebelia calmed her racing heart and approached Rosaline. Her complexion looked too good for her to have suddenly taken a turn for the worse.

“Rosaline, are you okay? If you’re not feeling well, let’s go back. We can meet anytime.”

“No, it’s not that…”

Rosaline’s eyes widened in embarrassment as she looked around. It didn’t seem like she had screamed because she was in pain. She hesitated, then bent down and picked something up.

“This little one stepped on my foot.”

What she held, melting like butter in her slender hand, was a gray-haired cat.

“…Maya?”

As if responding to Sebelia’s call, Maya let out a long meow. Her blinking green eyes were drowsy.

“I didn’t know you had a cat.”

Rosaline placed Maya on her lap and gently stroked her. Maya, like a cat accustomed to such pampering, accepted the touch familiarly and closed her eyes.

A black-haired girl with a pale face and a gray cat were a perfect match, like a scene from a painting. Sebelia smiled at the sight, which seemed to be titled ‘A Peaceful Moment’.

While Rosaline was distracted by Maya, Sebelia quietly instructed the servants who had rushed in at the commotion.

“Just in case, have a carriage ready.”

“Understood.”

The servants of the mansion respectfully carried out Sebelia’s orders. After they left quietly, Sebelia spoke to Rosaline.

“If you’re feeling up to it, why don’t you stay for dinner?”

“Ah.”

Rosaline, who was holding Maya’s front paw and gently playing with it, blinked in embarrassment. It seemed she hadn’t planned on staying that long.

‘Then there must have been a specific reason why she wanted to meet me separately.’

It was unlikely she would visit simply to repeat her thanks, which she had already conveyed several times in letters. Sebelia slowly sipped her tea, giving Rosaline time to gather her thoughts.

Soon, Rosaline seemed to have gained courage. She cleared her throat a few times and carefully began to speak.

“First of all, I would like to thank you again for saving me, Lady Bella, or should I call you Bella Ashrent now? I’m sorry.”

“There’s no need. Please, speak comfortably, Rosaline.”

Sebelia, noticing that Rosaline was more nervous than necessary, addressed her casually first.

“And as I’ve said in my replies several times, it was my choice to save you. I collapsed because I didn’t consider my physical limits and overdid it. So you don’t have to feel guilty anymore.”

Rosaline’s eyes widened, and she nodded slowly. Sebelia didn’t miss the opportunity to press further, sensing that Rosaline had something else on her mind.

“That’s not the only reason for your visit, is it?”

“Yes?”

“You deliberately chose a day when Dihart wasn’t at the mansion to visit.”

Sebelia put down her teacup with a slight smile. Rosaline’s hand, which had been stroking Maya, stopped abruptly.

“The Inverness family has officially invited Lady Rosaline several times, but you have remained in your room, declining due to poor health. But as soon as Dihart leaves for Hiland Hall, you come to visit. I can only assume it was to avoid him.”

At Sebelia’s logical deduction, Rosaline smiled faintly and nodded.

“That’s right. You know exactly what’s going on. That person… well, I came when my brother wasn’t here. But it’s not because I dislike him.”

Rosaline fidgeted with her hands, as if she felt awkward saying these words.

“Um, well… it’s a little strange to say this now, but…”

“Is it awkward for you?”

At Sebelia’s direct question, Rosaline blushed and turned her head. Her golden eyes, fixed on the window, were trembling slightly. Sebelia suppressed a laugh and shook her head.

“If that’s the reason, I understand.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“Relationships between people can’t be forced.”

Sebelia shrugged and continued in a calm voice.

“So, what’s the real reason you came to see me?”

“It’s actually related to the Imperial Family.”

Rosaline sighed briefly and began to tell her story in a clear voice, as if she had sorted out her thoughts.

“Now that I’ve recovered, I’m planning to leave the Imperial Palace and move my residence. I’ve told the Imperial Family, but they keep avoiding giving me a definite answer, so I think I have to take matters into my own hands.”

“I see. So the reason you came today is…”

“Yes. I wanted to discuss my future residence with Inverness. I’m thinking of returning to the North if possible. If I say I’m going back to my hometown, the Imperial Family won’t be able to stop me anymore. But, I need courage to face my brother directly.”

Rosaline whispered that she had no choice but to come and see Sebelia when she was alone.

“You made a good decision.”

Sebelia praised Rosaline’s decision and sat next to her, thinking about how to discuss this with Dihart.

“But will you be alright going to the North alone?”

“Ah, Seina has decided to come up from the territory. I’m planning to go with her.”

Seina was Rosaline’s childhood friend and one of the hostages that Baron Valery and the Third Prince had held to threaten Rosaline. Sebelia had been worried about their safety. Fortunately, they seemed to be safe.

“Then the luggage in the Imperial Palace…”

“I don’t have much stuff, so there won’t be any problem getting it out.”

Sebelia and Rosaline were discussing their future plans when the sound of horses neighing was heard from outside, followed by a chaotic noise.

And after a moment, the Crown Prince of the Empire, Shateian Belkram, appeared in the drawing room, his red eyes flashing.

“It’s been a while.”

“Your Highness! What brings you here without notice?”

The Crown Prince gestured for the two women to remain seated, then sat down with a gentle smile.

“I heard that the Lady was not feeling well.”

Rosaline’s face became complicated when she saw the bag that the Crown Prince had placed on the table.

“You are too considerate. You don’t have to do this much for me.”

“There’s no need to be so distant, Lady. Taking care of your health is something I should naturally do.”

“I can’t put any more burden on the Imperial Family.”

Rosaline slowly shook her head and took the medicine bag. Shateian stared at her for a moment, then made a small humming sound.

“Hmm.”

“I’ll have the refreshments brought out again.”

Shateian refused when Sebelia tried to call a servant. He said that he didn’t intend to stay long anyway, and then asked Rosaline.

“Are you really going to leave?”

“…”

“The Imperial Family’s finances won’t be ruined by you staying. It’s even more ridiculous if you feel burdened. You are a victim of the Third Prince and the Second Consort, after all.”

Rosaline stared at him silently and shook her head. Shateian stared at her stubbornly, then got up from his seat.

“I can’t help it. I won’t try to persuade you any further, so let’s go back together for now.”

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. I’m going to stay here from today.”

Sebelia’s eyes widened in surprise at the words that had not been discussed in advance. Rosaline seemed to dislike the Imperial Palace more than she thought.

‘Did she hate staying in the Imperial Palace that much?’

But she didn’t do anything to contradict Rosaline’s words and worsen the situation. Meanwhile, Shateian frowned and stared at Rosaline silently. After a moment, the two continued their silent battle of wills, and Shateian sighed and said.