I Married the Mad Duke Who Killed My Husband - Chapter 19
Let’s organize my thoughts.
The Emperor’s poisoning incident was prevented by me and the prince. Someone’s underling from the Second Prince’s faction, who was present at the scene or in the hallway or kitchen, made their own decision to put poison in my canapé. This lessened the suspicion on me, Cassion, and the Second Prince, who could have been suspected of instigating the Emperor’s poisoning due to being at the same place.
“Damn it…”
“Asil, does your stomach still hurt? Should I call the physician again?”
The situation isn’t bad, but I’m really annoyed and feel wronged. It’s frustrating that I’m starting to think it’s bearable now that the pain has subsided.
“Cassion. What will you do when they catch the culprit who instigated the poisoning?”
“What else? I’ll tear their throat out.”
He answered with flashing eyes. This is troublesome.
“Or is there something you want? Tell me. I’ll do anything for you.”
“Oh, then just leave the throat alone.”
“…The throat? That’s a bit disappointing. Hmm. But it wouldn’t be bad to leave them alive and tear off their limbs. Make them crawl for the rest of their life…”
“Ugh, what are you saying? Just give them a warning and don’t touch them.”
I cried out in horror, seeing the war demon side of him for the first time. He turns his ear as if he didn’t hear me properly.
“What did you say?”
“Just warn them not to do this among comrades with the same goal. At least give them time to prepare mentally by telling them in advance…”
“What mental preparation is needed for being poisoned! Are you still in pain, Asil?”
“You’re saying I’m crazy in such a nice way. I’m fine now, you know?”
“No, you’re not fine. My goodness, you’re talking nonsense.”
Cassion came close to me and put his hand on my forehead to check for fever. I do have a slight fever due to the effects of the poison, but it’s not that bad. Don’t people get this when they’re tired in daily life too?
“As I thought, your fever hasn’t gone down yet. You must be talking nonsense because of the fever.”
“No, I’m not.”
I grumpily pushed away Cassion’s hands that were now pressing on both my cheeks after my forehead. It’s not like I’m happy about this either.
“Don’t forget that our ultimate goal is to put His Highness the Second Prince on the Crown Prince’s seat. It’s a loss to harm an ally who’s quick enough with palace news and judgment to poison me right away. Though I’m personally angry.”
“Angry? I’m amazed you can express it with just the word ‘angry’. You almost died!”
“Ah, but they controlled it well, didn’t they? You said it was a poison that’s easy to find an antidote for.”
“Asilia!”
“Ah, my head hurts because it’s too noisy.”
I blatantly feigned illness because I didn’t want to hear his nagging. As I covered one ear and my temple and flopped down on the bed, Cassion jumped up, huffed, and then sat down, gritting his teeth.
“Asilia…!”
His whisper-shouting voice was amusing Though my headache was clearly feigned, there was something endearing about how he cupped his hand to his mouth while quietly exclaiming. Is the poison still not completely neutralized?
“First of all, I’m grateful that you care about me this much. But we need to think rationally. We’ve secured a slightly safer position in this situation, and we’ve also put His Highness the Second Prince in our debt.”
“But…”
“If he knows what’s right, these things will accumulate and come back to you as a reward when he becomes the Crown Prince. That’s why we’re having this contract marriage, right?”
“….”
“I was a bit shocked too, but since this was my role from the beginning, I’ll be more prepared and careful from now on. Even though I’m playing the role of a shield wife, I didn’t come here with the intention of just dying.”
“Asil. Don’t say such things. You’re not just a shield or a contract wife.”
“Then what am I, your real wife?”
When I said this with a chuckle, he gritted his teeth and fell into thought. This naive person. This is why he hasn’t been able to easily bring people into the Duke’s household until now.
I wonder how he endured on the battlefield when he valued his people this much. Feeling sorry for him anew, I put my hand on his cheek.
“I’m really fine. Since they said we can stay in the palace for a few more days, I’ll take all the expensive medicines. I’m just trying to act with a longer-term perspective.”
“…But, Asil. I… I… don’t want to shake hands with the bastard who put poison in your food for the sake of our goal. When you coughed up blood and collapsed, I really…”
He bit his lip hard again. His eyes, which closed tightly once and then opened as if remembering that moment, looked a bit moist. Or is that my imagination?
“I felt like all the blood in my body was draining out too. If you hadn’t held onto me, I might have grabbed the Emperor or the Prince by the collar and confronted them right there.”
Oh, that’s a bit… Should I be grateful or say it’s too much?
“We became a couple by contract, but I don’t want to treat you as a mere tool, and I don’t think of you that way. As you said, when the Second Prince becomes the Crown Prince and the world becomes safe for the Duke’s household… I’d like you to stay by my side normally.”
I couldn’t help but smile at his honesty. If he had been this honest in front of other people, he would have been really popular. He’s such a low-hurdle and kind person, but everyone doesn’t know that.
“I don’t think of you as just a tool to achieve our goal either. I hope you don’t die, and I want the Duke’s household to be happy.”
“Asilia…”
“But let’s try to be more careful with our words. Someone might think you’re proposing. Can’t you just say let’s be friends?”
For some reason, Cassion froze at my words. He looks like he’s realized something. Has he realized that he spoke too emotionally? I hope he’s not embarrassed belatedly.
“Actually, I was planning to take my share and live quietly in some countryside, but I’ll write letters. Of course, only if the new Duchess doesn’t mind.”
I patted his stiff shoulders and imagined a happy future.
To hell with the original story. The male lead, the female lead, and me. I’ll make sure everyone lives and has a happy future.
***
“I heard the Duchess stopped Cassion.”
In the afternoon, the Second Prince came to visit. It’s a bit awkward to call it a sick visit since we’re still in the room provided by the palace.
He first inquired about my condition, then looked at the floor for a moment before getting to the point.
“I’m grateful. Given his personality, I thought the head of the person who did this would surely fly.”
“Do you know who’s behind this?”
“No. I have a few guesses, but nothing certain.”
Stopping him is one thing, but it doesn’t mean I’m not angry. When I asked sharply, the prince lowered his eyebrows apologetically and said, “I promise I won’t hide anything. If I find out who it is, I’ll order them to apologize to you directly.”
“It would be better if you tell them we won’t accept just verbal apologies. Otherwise, we might also plan with their lives as collateral when necessary.”
If the Second Prince had come out recklessly saying his faction was weak so please understand, I might have changed my mind. I might have asked for an arm or a leg they use often to be pulled out, if not their head.
But I suppose it’s true that like attracts like. Even though he’s a prince, his sincere apology and straightforward response managed to soften my attitude a little.
“…Is this why they were close?”
“Hm?”
“Ah, it’s nothing.”
“If there’s anything you want or want to say, feel free. I’ll listen as much as I can.”
The prince asked about what I had muttered without realizing it. It wasn’t the atmosphere to keep saying it was nothing, so I just awkwardly rubbed the back of my head.
“It’s not that… This might be rude to say to Your Highness, but I think your and Cassion’s personalities are similar. You’re both honest and kind. I felt that’s why you became friends.”
“….”
“….”
“….”
“Why, why? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“…No.”
The prince looked at me with a face more surprised than when I was coughing up blood from the poisoning, exaggeratedly. When I stammered, overwhelmed by the atmosphere, he rubbed his face with his hand.
“No… It’s surprising. Cassion is kind and honest?”
“He… is, isn’t he? Unlike the rumors, he’s innocent.”
“Ha.”
“I don’t understand how rumors like he’s bloodthirsty or a playboy spread. The battlefield is a place of life and death, but I guess sensational rumors spread well even in that situation?”
“No, I… I don’t know what to say.”
The prince looked at me anew. I felt embarrassed in my somewhat informal patient clothes and messy hair, and subtly pulled up the blanket.
“If that’s how you feel, then it must be so. I’m afraid of incurring more of Cassion’s dislike here if I say unnecessary things, so I’ll refrain from speaking.”
“What did you say to bring up my dislike?”
Cassion, who had returned from checking if the medicine prescribed by the physician was properly prepared, picked a fight.
But the prince just shrugged his shoulders and smiled at Cassion, who was glaring at him with displeasure, pretending not to notice.
“I’m glad the Duchess’s condition doesn’t seem as bad as I thought.”
“Are Your Highness’s eyes knotholes? How can you say it doesn’t look bad when her complexion is so pale?”
“The Duchess’s skin was originally whi… No, never mind. I’ll send more good medicine. His Majesty also said you can rest in the palace as long as you want, so don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything during that time.”
“Then please leave now.”
No matter how close friends they are, isn’t this too rude considering he’s a prince? But the prince just thanked me once more with his eyes before leaving the room.
“Take your medicine and get some sleep, Asil.”
“…At this rate, I’ll be a healthy pig by the time we leave the palace and return.”
“I sincerely hope so.”
Looking at the tray Cassion brought, there were not only medicines but also sweet desserts to cleanse the palate. I broke out in a cold sweat, seeing a future where I would be cared for like being raised, as he kept putting things to my mouth while not letting me out of bed.
I already feel sluggish.
