Come and Cry at My Funeral - Chapter 155
Memories triggered by scent
Albireo had seen countless people in the court who acted out of jealousy. Their behavior was pathetic, thinking that if they couldn’t have what they desired, they might as well drag everyone down with them.
<I can’t understand why they can’t even control their own feelings.>
There was a time when he used to mock others so casually. But did he ever imagine that he too would one day suffer such pain?
‘If only the lady were happy with a perfect man, I would just swallow my bitterness.’
However, Albireo clearly remembered what Izar had said.
<My household could endure such disgrace because of its status.>
He had spoken of her as if she were a great burden, and now he threatened to kill anyone who dared touch her. It was absurd and disgusting.
‘He doesn’t want her himself but gets possessive when others show interest.’
Since the Duchess had always been fond of him, it was only natural that she would be pleased with her husband’s attention. If left alone, they might become a happy couple.
But Albireo was still bitter because the woman he loved was the one who suffered the most.
“I have a question for you, Madam.”
“What is it, Lord Deneb?”
So, he had to ask this question.
“Did your husband apologize for what happened at the Antares estate?”
“…”
At the unexpected question, the lady’s smile froze.
Albireo also confirmed his suspicion by her reaction.
That damn husband of hers was still deceiving her.
“When you were so ill that you could barely walk and were practically carried by a servant, the Duke of Arcturus saw it but did nothing, right?”
“Lord, why are you saying this?”
“Did your husband apologize for that? Did he tell you what he talked about with Princess Atria?”
The attendants of the ducal household, who were waiting behind the lady, stepped forward silently. Their expressions showed their displeasure at the insult to their master, but Albireo found it amusing.
The Duke would suffer no harm from being insulted.
The only one who would be hurt was this woman. Why couldn’t she distinguish right from wrong?
“Did he ever ask you how it might look to others that those two were originally supposed to be married?”
“Lord.”
“And what about the time he left you with just a single maid alone in front of a monster?”
“We were traveling, there was no choice—”
“What about when he visited the Deneb estate?”
The lady’s attempt to stop him was interrupted again. Albireo didn’t want to bring up the near scar left by the Lady of Arcturus.
His voice, which had been growing harsher, softened again.
“Did you know he called you a disgrace to the family in front of me?”
“…”
“If you’re happy now, that’s good… but don’t forget the apology you deserve.”
In truth, he wanted to tell her she was being deceived and to wake up, but he didn’t have the right.
While he had flirted with other women without genuine feelings, he could say nothing to the one he truly cared for.
“Lord, by any chance…”
When the lady, her face filled with confusion, opened her mouth, he bowed his head in apology.
“If I have offended you, I apologize. This is just the meddling I do with other noble ladies, so don’t take it to heart.”
“…”
“I have overstepped, Madam. Until we meet again…”
“Lord Albireo.”
As he was about to leave, Albireo’s steps halted. It was the first time the Duchess had called him by name, not by title.
His heart pounded with absurd hope… but her light green eyes were dark, like they were shrouded in mist.
“…I’m sorry.”
The voice from her small lips was soaked in sympathy and guilt.
Unable to respond, Albireo gave a slight bow and turned away.
‘I feel pathetic and furious.’
Driven by jealousy, what had he done to a married woman? But even if it had been crossing the line, he didn’t regret it.
Freesia also stared blankly at his receding figure.
How did a simple greeting turn into this?
‘Was it a relief that his voice was low?’
Was it better to have this conversation in broad daylight than late at night?
At first, she was furious with Albireo Deneb for digging into the truth she had tried so hard to avoid.
<Did he tell you what he talked about with Princess Atria?>
‘I wanted to ask that too.’
But she had forced herself to bury it in her heart, not wanting to ruin the hard-earned rainbow of happiness.
However, thinking about why that man had driven a wedge into her heart, she was shocked when she saw his face.
‘Does someone look at me that way?’
It was the same expression she had whenever she looked at Izar. But realizing this brought more shame and pity than joy.
Using others as a mirror made her realize how desperate she had been.
She must have looked the same to Izar. But…
<When you were practically carried by a servant, the Duke of Arcturus saw it but did nothing.>
…On that terrible day, Izar had seen her in danger and done nothing.
‘It’s not that he didn’t know.’
