After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 111
She crushed the cat treats she received from Claude and offered them to Maya. It was a celebration for Maya’s return and expressing her gratitude for the freedom she had given her.
Now I can go to the woods and practice creating illusions without interruption.
It was reassuring that Maya, of all creatures, would be by her side.
* * *
While the two were chatting, Dehart, who had been chopping wood in the backyard, opened the door and exclaimed, “This damn cat… ugh!”
Before he could finish his sentence, Maya bravely jumped up and swatted at Dehart’s chin. In disbelief, he stared wide-eyed at the gray furball disappearing down the hallway.
Did I just get smacked by a cat?
His golden eyes darted around in denial of the absurdity. But the numbness in his jaw confirmed the truth: he had just been smacked by a cat.
“Ha!”
Dehart entered the living room, trying to cool the rising heat within him. There, he heard the shocking news that Sebelia was going for a walk with Maya. It felt like a thunderbolt.
“You’re joking, right?”
“Of course not.”
Sebelia replied with a bright smile. The little furball had claimed her side. Claude was making a feeble attempt to get attention from the furry creature, clicking his tongue in annoyance.
“She’s a cat sith. No wonder she seemed extraordinary.”
Sebelia gently stroked Maya’s back while looking at Dehart, who sat down heavily across from her.
* * *
The day arrived for Claude to head down to the village behind the mountain. Dehart reminded him once more.
“Don’t get too entangled with that weird guy. Just state your business and come back.”
“I know, I know.”
“And if Baron Suffredi gets involved, make sure to tell him to pause for a moment until I can send a letter.”
“I remember it already, so please stop repeating it. This is the fifth time now.”
Tsk, Dehart clicked his tongue and crossed his arms.
“It can’t be helped. Since I can’t go down myself, I have to leave everything to you. Do you know how nerve-wracking that is?”
“It’s probably less nerve-wracking than leaving your house in the hands of someone who can’t even manage to wash blankets properly.”
Claude mocked him as he prepared to leave. Dehart could feel Claude’s piercing gaze on his back but chose to ignore it.
With his lightweight enchanted bag and supplies packed, Claude stepped out of the front door. Just then, Sebelia, returning from a walk with Maya, approached him at a brisk pace.
“Are you heading down now? I thought you were leaving in two days.”
“Things changed. I have something urgent to attend to.”
Claude let out a deep sigh, frustrated that Watts hadn’t sent the paper he was supposed to deliver this week. Seeing the weariness etched on his face, Sebelia offered some comfort.
“Then I guess you’ll be going again next week.”
“That’s right. Two trips a week is a bit much for me. I used to manage it fine, but now that I’m older, it’s getting harder.”
Claude smiled warmly, but then a thought struck him, and his eyes widened in realization.
“By the way, if you need anything, just let me know.”
“Um… I heard there are heated stones that have a warming spell on them, used to heat beds. It gets really cold at night, so I think I could use something like that.”
Claude nodded, mentally noting Sebelia’s request. It certainly had been getting chilly at night; he had seen his breath when walking down the hallway at dawn.
“Is there anything else you need?”
“No, just that will do. If possible, could you get about five?”
She really feels the cold. After all, she wasn’t from the north. Claude looked at his once family member with a mixture of pity and concern. How had she managed to survive in Hillend Hall with such a frail body?
No, she must have fled because she couldn’t endure it.
His heart sank heavily. If only he hadn’t made that foolish decision that day, his brother and sister-in-law wouldn’t have died, and Dehart wouldn’t have had to endure such horrific experiences.
So many things would have changed.
Whenever he thought about how the painful memories of childhood had shaped the Dehart of today, Claude felt a deep-rooted guilt twisting within him. Especially when he acted like an innocent young man in front of Sebelia, that guilt only deepened.
Isn’t that the way you were meant to be?
If, on that day, the whole family had returned home happily without incident, and if he had grown up free of worry under his parents’ protection, surely he would have smiled and spent time with Sebelia as an adult.
“Hah…”
But such hypotheticals were all useless. Claude forced a small smile as he looked at Sebelia, who was gazing up at him while cradling Maya in her arms.
“I’ll be back.”
“Okay, take care.”
Sebelia waved with Maya’s paw, who was still nestled in her hold. Behind them, Dehart stood with his arms crossed, donning a displeased expression.
Yes, this was the best reality they could have. So, he shouldn’t waste energy on futile hypotheticals. Claude adjusted his backpack and stepped into the deep woods.
