After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 45
Back in the Capital, despite Sebelia’s earnest plea for Denisa to spend more time with friends and family upon her return, Denisa found herself unable to comply. They took too much pleasure in the misfortune of others.
“I’ve heard you’re back, Denisa. I’m sorry to hear that your mistress had… It must be tough these days, huh?”
“Just so-so.”
“Oh, honey. If you’re having a hard time, just say you’re having a hard time. You’re too old to be dishonest.”
Sighing inwardly at how her words were always taken however they pleased, Denisa pondered silently. How many times has this happened since she returned home? She could barely count the number of people around her who had used their concern to belittle her.
Denisa let her companion rant to her heart’s content.
“Oh, would you look at me. What a time that must have been for you.”
The woman rambled on for a while, her eyes widening, and then she waved goodbye with a flourish.
“See you later. Next time, don’t go around looking so gloomy.”
Denisa promptly dismissed her advice and went on her way.
Yes, this is the Capital alright.
Despite being born and raised here, Denisa didn’t always feel at home in the Capital. Still, there was only one reason she was here.
I’m sure my Lady has arrived in Ursic by now.
Even if she hadn’t, Denisa had a sneaking suspicion that her decision to part ways with her had been a good one. She was a distraction, in case of danger, so that Sebelia could reach her destination safely.
I keep feeling like I’m being watched.
Denisa glanced around, scanning her surroundings. There was nothing out of the ordinary about the neighborhood, other than the usual passerby. But she needed to be careful, because a few days ago she was certain someone was following her.
Maybe I should buy something for self-defense, but I wonder if it’s okay for a grieving maid who just lost her mistress to buy something like that.
She heard they sell nibs with sleeping poison in them…If Denisa had known this would happen, she would have bought one for Sebelia too.
Denisa frowned. Concern for Sebelia naturally transitioned into worry over their unreliable friend.
“Peter, he was supposed to send news, but I haven’t heard from him.”
Peter was the doctor who diagnosed Sebelia’s terminal illness and wrote her death certificate. When he left, she was told he was going down south, but she hadn’t heard from him since.
“I keep worrying about him. He’s so naive and prone to silly whims.”
Although it was that very personality that allowed Denisa to convince him to help them.
As Denisa sighed and went down an alley, a group of newspaper-selling kids scattered dozens of pamphlets, barely the size of their palms, as they rushed past her.
“Extra, extra!”
“There’s been an upheaval in the North!”
“The cursed Duke has finally gone mad!”
She frowned at the bizarre and sensational cries.
“…The Duke has gone mad?”
Denisa stooped to pick up the piece of paper with a skeptical look on her face. She then let out a quiet gasp.
[…The Duke of Inverness has been known to go on rampages, including burning down his mansion after the Duchess’s funeral…
(…)
Eventually, a few days ago, Hillend Hall closed all its gates, and… screams are said to be echoing day after day.]
Denisa was shocked and horrified.
“My god, what the hell is going on?”
Her eyes fluttered rapidly.
* * *
For now, all eyes were on Hillend Hall.
Its master, Dehart, stood before Glenn and lazily rested clasped his hands on his knees.
“I don’t know why you’re so offended by my suggestion that we reminisce about Sebelia and have a chat together.”
He gave Glenn some space, like a predator dealing with a cornered herbivore.
“She was my wife, your niece-in-law.”
As Dehart gazed with a clear glint in his golden eyes, Glenn sensed his despair beginning to channel in a different direction. Until recently, he had acted without regard, consumed by Sebelia’s death.
But now…
It’s like he’s wielding a blade hungry for vengeance.
Glenn shuddered at the crimson flames dancing in his golden eyes. But she was not easily intimidated. There was no evidence of her involvement in Sebelia’s death anywhere.
Of course not. I didn’t kill her!
Glenn was indignant, unable to accept any false accusations. She acknowledged tormenting and cornering Sebelia in the past, but it had all been for the family’s sake. Besides, she had only planned on killing her and had not actually done the deed.
What the hell was wrong with that bastard b*tch that she was so weak-minded, such a mess, and so cursed that she killed herself!
Glenn really couldn’t understand Dehart. But for now, it was better to stay down.
Let’s leave this place first and think.
Having gathered herself, she raised her hands to cover her face. Soft sobs were heard, followed by a sigh that blanketed the floor.
“Oh, Dehart, please… Do you not realize how your delusions and suspicions are destroying Hillend Hall and its people?”
“…”
“She took her own life. She didn’t die by someone else’s hand. No one doubts that fact. Please believe me.”
A long silence ensued. Glenn looked expectantly in Dehart’s direction.
“…!”
“Then what happened to this?”
Dehart held two documents in his hands. One was Sebelia’s suicide note, which should have been in her jewelry box, and the other was…
“This was in the burnt dresser.”
It was the letter of instructions she had meant to send to a hitman for Sebelia’s murder.
