After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 20
Rumors of something ominous happening at Duke of Inverness’s estate were slowly seeping out. Initially, everyone was concerned about the Duke’s household. They hoped that the beloved northerners would be safe. However, when the center of the rumor turned out to be the shameless Duchess of the estate, people’s attitudes shifted drastically.
“I knew it would come to this. The first Duchess wouldn’t just sit back and allow a b*tch like that to get away with it.”
“Perhaps it’s less disgraceful to be cursed and die now. It’s a more honorable death than being killed as a spy, isn’t it?”
Glenn had been living day by day with the increasingly vicious rumors. She was worried about her husband not returning, but things were going well in other directions.
As Glenn stroked her daughter’s hair, she spoke in a languid voice, “They say God loves those who strive. It’s really true.”
“Hmm?” Flora, nestled in her arms and eating fruit, looked up with a puzzled expression. “What did you say?”
“It’s nothing. I’m just glad to see the household’s troubles disappearing like this.”
Glenn’s gaze, clouded with thoughts, drifted towards the drawer. In it lay a letter she’d intended to send to a hitman. In truth, Glenn’s plan was to stage Sebelia’s death as a suicide after murdering her. She had everything ready to go. With just that one letter sent, Sebelia would immediately become the tragic deceased Duchess who killed herself in despair over a terrible rumor.
But it’s cleaner if she kills herself, driven mad by the curse.
There was no need to soil her own hands, so this option was certainly more advantageous. Smiling contentedly, she locked eyes with Flora and suddenly clutched her head in pain.
“But I keep feeling restless.”
“What are you so anxious about, Mother? I’m here, you know.” Flora lifted her head and met her eyes. Glenn barely managed to smile at the playful way Flora puffed up her cheeks.
“Surely you’re not anxious about that supposed curse? You’ve said you don’t believe in ghostly things, Mother.”
“Ah, no.”
A curse, yes. They said she could become a ghost and make others die. Even hearing it again, Glenn frowned at the grotesque tale. There had been incidents where the attendants she’d sent to monitor Sebelia’s condition, in anticipation of when she might die, were found unconscious. They had complained of seeing a ghost in broad daylight, but when Glenn herself went to the guest house, no such thing had happened.
Northerners are overly superstitious, after all.
Nevertheless, it wouldn’t hurt to take precautions. If it were just herself involved, she could easily dismiss it, but…
“Don’t worry, Mother. That bastard woman won’t harm us, I’m sure.” Flora wrapped her arms around Glenn’s waist, seeking solace in her embrace.
Looking down at her beloved daughter, Glenn made a decision. There were times when, for the sake of her daughter, she had to believe in such nonsense, even if it was baseless.
She took Flora’s hand and said, “Speaking of which, I hear there’s a skilled shaman living not far from here.”
“Really?”
“Especially knowledgeable about curses…” She spoke in a teasing manner and lightly pinched Flora’s cheek. “I know you’re still scared of the curse, darling. Are you losing sleep every night, afraid that wicked woman might take you away?”
“T-That’s…” Flora blushed with embarrassment.
Glenn burst into laughter. “Don’t worry. We’ve already summoned the shaman. He’ll seal the area around the guest house with a ward and prevent the curse from leaking out.”
Glenn kissed Flora’s forehead and reassured her, “You’ll be safe forever.”
“Mother…”
“So just wait a bit longer. I’ll make you the Lady of Inverness.”
“Thank you.” She hugged her mother tightly, dreaming of the day when she would marry Dehart.
* * *
Denisa successfully sold the jewels Sebelia had received as a dowry and obtained the proceeds. Although she had to sell them for less than their original value in a rush through a broker in a distant city, Sebelia was more than satisfied, saying it was enough for her needs.
“The trouble with you, young lady, is that you’re not greedy enough.” Denisa sighed, pausing from preparing their meal.
Was it because she always had to give up and live in resignation? Sebelia had never been one to desire much from a young age. Seeing resignation and surrender in the eyes of that young child had always pained her heart. Denisa dared to take pity on the young lady even when she was only a new maid.
Everyone thought I was crazy back then.
Recalling the past, Denisa slowly ladled the soup into a warmed bowl. She was even told by her parents how she was ruining her future for taking in a child like that. But she never regretted it.
Sebelia deserves to be loved.
Even now, that thought hasn’t changed. There was no child in the world who deserved to be despised simply because she was illegitimate.
Denisa cautiously approached Sebelia’s room carrying a tray. Sebelia was still lying in bed, covered up with blankets all the way to her face. Denisa chuckled softly at the sight.
“You haven’t gotten up on time since you moved to the guest house. Did you suddenly turn into a child again?” Denisa said teasingly and threw back the covers.
Denisa fell to the floor in a heap.
