After I Died, My Husband Went Mad [EN]: Chapter 143

The cloudless, clear sky was beautiful. Sebelia woke up early, opened the window, and let the breeze into her room.

A refreshing breeze and a dazzling sun. It was a cliché, but the weather was perfect for starting a pleasant day.

‘It’s a good day for the second interrogation.’

I must uncover my father’s weaknesses today. Sebelia took a deep breath of the cool air and closed her eyes, when she heard a knock on the door behind her.

The person who came to see her early in the morning was none other than Wartz. Not Denisa, not anyone else, but Wartz. Sebelia tilted her head in surprise as he awkwardly greeted her and took something from his arms.

“Claude left this with me. I almost forgot to give it to you.”

“Ah.”

Only then did Sebelia remember that Claude had left for the Red Crystal Palace yesterday. He was attending the event as the partner of Second Prince Shateian.

“Hmm… Earrings?”

The teardrop-shaped gem was as blue as her eyes. Wartz watched the earrings sparkle in the sunlight and explained.

“He said it would be helpful for the interrogation. I think it was among the things he brought from Hillend Hall.”

He was referring to the items he had brought to win Rosalyn over.

‘Is it like Yuria’s bracelet?’

*I should be careful, as this might be disposable too,* Sebelia carefully put away the box containing the earrings. Wartz seemed to have finished his business and was about to return to his room.

“Aren’t you going to have breakfast?”

“Ah… Sorry. I didn’t get enough sleep because I was up late doing research. Enjoy your meal.”

Wartz shook his head. *I can’t help it.* Sebelia turned him away, as he looked like he wanted to collapse and sleep in the hallway, and closed the door.

Pirit. Etira, who was sitting on the perch, was somehow awake early. Etira, who had spread its wings, lightly flew up, landed on the earring box, and pecked at the lid with its beak.

“Huh? Are you curious about this?”

Etira made a short cry, *piroo*, and hopped on her hand as if telling her to open it quickly. Sebelia couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the adorable creature tickling her heart, and opened the box, placing it on the table.

“Ah, this is not what I should be doing. I should read the report one more time before going.”

The more accurately she knew about the case, the more helpful it would be in delving into Nathan’s memories. Sebelia finished dressing quickly, sat down, and began to examine the documents.

Sparkle, sparkle.

Etira’s wings, hopping around on the earrings, glowed blue.

* * *

The weather, which always seemed clear, quickly changed. As the sun, which had boasted its power, gradually moved below the horizon, clouds gently covered the sky as if waiting for that moment.

However, the Red Crystal Palace seemed to shine forever. This was not just because of its splendid appearance.

“I never thought I would have this experience in my life.”

The jewels that filled the room illuminated the reception room. The quantity and scale alone were enormous, and upon closer inspection, they were top-quality items that had passed through the hands of renowned artisans, leaving Claude in awe from the start.

“Your Highness, do we really have to go this far?”

He sighed, looking like a woman. No matter what, he couldn’t receive help from the maids, so he had no choice but to entrust everything to the prince, but he never imagined the result would be so extravagant and sparkling.

Then Shateian chuckled and said.

“What do you think my position is in this country? I am the only child of the Empress and one of the legitimate heirs to the throne. My partner should naturally be at this level.”

“……”

“You should answer, Miss Carlene?”

Unlike his soft voice, his eyes were sharp. Feeling like he would be kicked out at any moment if he didn’t answer obediently, Claude surrendered.

“Haa. I understand.”

“Good.”

Shateian smiled and rested his chin on his hand. In fact, he found this situation quite amusing. He was wondering who to bring as a partner to provoke the First and Second Imperial Consorts when this interesting proposal came along.

‘An unidentified woman. Very good. I wonder what kind of expressions everyone will make.’

He had Ludmil try on various dresses and accessories for Claude when the chamberlain’s voice was heard from outside the door.

“Your Highness, I have something to report.”

He had clearly told them not to come close until called. Shateian frowned and turned to the door. Ludmil stopped attending to Claude and turned her head.

“Shall I send him back?”

“No. You take him to the side room.”

“Yes.”

After sending the two out, Shateian faced the chamberlain. The chamberlain of the Red Crystal Palace had taken care of him since he was young, and was more like a father than the Emperor at times.

Perhaps that was why he sometimes disobeyed his orders like this. Shateian asked, maintaining an unpleasant atmosphere.

“Yes, what is it?”

“It concerns the Silver Lily Palace.”

Shateian’s expression, which had been subtly irritable, turned coldly grim.

* * *

The carriage quickly crossed the threshold of the Imperial Palace. The armor of those guarding the gate seemed to gleam more brightly today, as if they were quite conscious of the guests coming from another country.

Sebelia tore her gaze away from the knight holding a spear with a stern face and asked.

“The welcoming ceremony is about to begin, but has the country of origin still not been revealed?”

The welcoming ceremony, which the Emperor had personally prepared, was conducted secretly from beginning to end. Even the identity of the guest was kept secret.

Sebelia wondered what the Emperor was thinking. Dihart answered, completely drawing back the half-covered curtain.

“Everyone is guessing that they are from the Southern Continent across the sea.”

“Could it be the late Empress’s……”

Dihart nodded instead of answering.

“I see… Then I can understand his actions. His Majesty really likes dramatic things.”

The carriage slowly passed through the darkness that was laid out in the Imperial Palace. The splendid lights that leaked from the Imperial Palace in the distance seemed to dye the distant sky.

Soon, faint music passed through the gaps in the window. Sebelia opened the window to enjoy the evening breeze.

“It seems to have started.”

However, the admiration did not last long. The carriage had already reached the tower. The tower, which stood tall in the shadows, felt even more ominous today for some reason.

‘Is it because it contrasts with the Imperial Palace?’

Sebelia, escorted by Dihart, got out of the carriage and looked up at the tower, which was dotted with lights. It was already a drafty place located in a remote area, but it felt even more desolate at this late hour.

Still, she had no choice, so Sebelia followed Dihart and knocked on the tower door.

“Welcome.”

It was the warden she had seen last time. He was looking at her with an unpleasant gaze, as if he didn’t like her very much.

But unlike last time, Sebelia smiled brightly and spoke to him.

“Please take good care of me today, too.”

“……”

The warden hesitated before going up the stairs. His eyes, which reflexively turned back, were shaking violently for some reason.

‘What is it?’

She wanted to see more closely, but the warden had already turned his head and was climbing up the tower at a fast pace. Something felt off. Sebelia hurriedly climbed the stairs after the warden.

“Excuse me.”

“This time, the time has been extended, so I will come back in three hours. If something happens, pull the rope inside. Then, goodbye.”

Before she could say anything, the warden handed her the key and disappeared like a shot. Sebelia stared blankly at the place where he had disappeared, when Dihart approached and asked.

“Shall I catch him?”

When she raised her eyes, there were golden eyes burning fiercely. Sebelia reflexively shook her head. It was almost an instinctive response. She had a feeling that if she nodded here, the inside of the tower would be stained with blood.

“No. There’s not enough time to interrogate him, so there’s no need to hold the warden.”

It was possible to talk to the warden after the interrogation was over. Sebelia tried to shake off the unease and pushed the key in.

Soon, the door opened with a click. Sebelia opened the door familiarly and looked for Nathan.

“……”

“Nathan?”

Perhaps he had learned a lesson from the last interrogation. Nathan was sitting quietly in his seat, looking towards the door. Still, he seemed to want to show his discomfort, as he occasionally made noises in his throat, looking quite healthy.

“Ugh, ugh!”

“You don’t want to faint like last time, do you?”

When Sebelia spoke with a sigh, Nathan soon closed his mouth, as if he was aware of his situation. Behind him, Dihart was touching his wrist with a regretful expression.

“Still, this time, the Public Security Bureau has specially prepared measures considering your health.”

Sebelia said that and pulled the rope. Soon, the sound of someone coming down the tower was heard, and the door opened.

“I am glad to meet you like this. My name is Kehill, and I will be helping with the interrogation of the prisoner today.”

The man wearing a hood was prepared by the Public Security Bureau after hearing the story that he had to be forcibly knocked out during the last interrogation. They couldn’t entrust Sebelia with the sedative to give to the prisoner.

“Please.”

As Sebelia and Dihart stepped back, Kehill placed the sedative he had brought on Nathan’s forearm. Nathan trembled for a moment, but soon limped and fell into a deep sleep.

“He may wake up again in the middle, so I will stay in my seat. Ah, you don’t have to worry about being disturbed. I know my place.”

Kehill bowed and carefully retreated to the edge of the room. Sebelia nodded and touched the shoulder of the sleeping Nathan.

*Paah-*

It was the moment when blue light filled the room.

Flutter.

Nathan’s eyelids trembled slightly.