IWMHWD 06

Chapter 6: The Awakened Husband

November 6, 2023

“I won’t ask you to teach me magic.”

“Then what?”

“Just… keep me company while I’m here. Talking to you makes me feel like I’m human.”

It wasn’t a plea for sympathy. Cordelia shrugged, speaking casually, as if it were no big deal.

This was the first time she had ever held a conversation on equal footing in this household.

Her mother-in-law had always treated her like a repulsive insect, and to her husband, Cordelia was nothing more than a boring, uptight woman.

Leonard suddenly cursed under his breath. The sound made Cordelia flinch.

Running a hand through his hair irritably, he crooked his finger.

“You. Come here.”

“Why?”

“Give me your hand.”

His tone wasn’t unlike that of a thug demanding money. Cordelia blinked her large green eyes and cautiously extended both hands.

Leonard lightly tapped the back of her burned hands.

A soft glow enveloped her skin. When the light faded, the redness and burns had vanished as if it were all a lie.

“Huh? Amazing. It doesn’t hurt at all now.”

“Get out.”

“The food… Fine. I’m going. I’ll go, so stop glaring like that.”

Leonard furrowed his brows and glared fiercely. Left with no choice, Cordelia stood up.

She reached for the doorknob but paused and looked back.

“Um…”

“I said leave.”

“Thanks for healing my hand.”

Waving her now uninjured hand, she exited the room.

Leonard stared at the door she had walked out of, unable to take his eyes off it for a long time.

“Is she stupid or just simple? Does she not realize who burned her hand in the first place?”

“Says the one who knows that best.”

A sigh echoed through the otherwise empty room.

Leonard wasn’t surprised. Instead, he picked up a nearby glass and hurled it to the floor.

And then—something astonishing happened.

The droplets from the spilled water on the carpet began to shift and form a small figure, eventually shaping into the wrinkled face of an old man.

“Did you finish what I told you to do?”

“Yes, yes. By your command.”

“Hmph. Acting confident now. Just two days ago, you were sobbing and clinging to my pant leg.”

“Old age brings tears, my lord.”

The old man spoke shamelessly. Leonard snorted.

“Report. Did you check the coffin?”

“Yes. Your body wasn’t found anywhere. That’s why there’s still debate within House Atillay. Without a corpse, they can’t hold a proper funeral.”

“Of course not. No one would believe I actually died.”

“But Ramyu has completely sided with them. Dmirucel has also been frequently meeting with Maximilian. Looks like he’s testing both sides.”

“Bastards. I never expected much from Ramyu, but Dmirucel… he turned his back on me this quickly?”

“Indeed.”

“Ungrateful worms. When I return, I’ll sweep them all away.”

Grinding his teeth, Leonard carved the traitors’ names into his memory, one by one.

His eyes blazed with rage, lit by a fiery desire for revenge.

“Still, Belluce and Lord Gasil are holding firm. They refuse to acknowledge Maximilian as the new head of the family.”

“Hah. Of course. They once said they’d give me their hearts—literally.”

Though he spoke dismissively, relief flickered across Leonard’s face. Even he would’ve been in deep trouble if all his subordinates had betrayed him.

The situation was bitter, but in a way, it was fortunate. This was a chance to see who truly stood by him.

“Ahem. And don’t forget me. The symbol of loyalty and steadfast integrity, Baron Langsha. I’m always ready to lay down my life for you.”

“Yeah. Very reassuring.”

Baron beamed and puffed out his chest, but Leonard looked indifferent.

“When do you plan to let Belluce and the others know you’re alive?”

“Not yet. Maximilian’s no fool. I’m sure he’s already placed spies on you and the others who served under me.”

“True. I’ve noticed a few rats trailing me.”

“So stay away from here for now and focus on finding my body. I was attacked by Maximilian in the Valley of Delight—my corpse must be somewhere around there.”

“We’ve already formed search parties using all available men.”

“Join them yourself.”

“Yes. I’ll head to the Valley tonight.”

Whoever found Leonard’s body first would determine everything.

If Maximilian got his hands on it, Leonard might never be able to return to his own body. The mere thought chilled him to the bone.

“By the way, what about House Abrams?”

“Right here. It’s a complete mess.”

Though Baron maintained a respectful tone, his words were blunt. Leonard’s lips curled in disgust as he flipped through the report.

“Ridiculous. They’re ruining it themselves.”

“Yes. Helena Abrams and her younger brother started siphoning off money the moment the former Count died. They’ve been accepting bribes from merchants and even sold off tax collection rights. And on the next page…”

“What? That woman’s even… calling in servants for filthy business?”

“Yes. And not just her—the other vassals are all up to the same. Honestly, it’s a miracle the house is still functioning.”

Dozens of pages detailed rampant corruption. Leonard skimmed through it quickly, then shrugged.

“Well, this could work to my advantage. Maximilian would never guess I’m still alive, so I can pretend to be the Count and make use of this house.”

“That sounds wise.”

Baron tested the mood before continuing carefully.

“Speaking of which… about the Countess who just left…”

“Who? Oh, Cordelia Vasquez?”

“Yes.”

“What about her?”

“What if we recruited her? She seems rather smart.”

“What? Are you insane?”

“I can’t always be by your side. And your health isn’t what it used to be. I just worry something might happen while I’m gone…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Leonard firmly cut him off.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I may be weakened, but I can still protect myself. And how can I trust someone whose background we haven’t confirmed?”

“She really doesn’t seem to be connected to them. I’ve looked into her past—there’s no link to Maximilian.”

“Or maybe you just haven’t found it yet.”

“That’s possible, I admit.”

Baron reluctantly agreed. Leonard’s paranoia could be extreme, but he was often right.

Leonard gazed at the door she had exited through.

“She claims she can see magical energy.”

“What? Who?”

“That woman. Cordelia Vasquez.”

Baron’s eyes widened as if they’d pop out of his head. He raised his voice in excitement.

“Is that true?! Even the Archmage Rahel could only sense magic—never see it! If this is real, the entire Wilas Archipelago, no—the whole Mage Association—will be in uproar!”

“Exactly. It’s a huge deal. But is it really just coincidence? That the woman with such a rare talent happens to be my wife right as I awaken in Craig Abrams’ body—and wants to become my student, no less?”

Only then did Baron understand the depth of Leonard’s suspicion. Even if he randomly met Cordelia on the street, he’d doubt her intentions—let alone under these circumstances.

But Baron had a different take.

“You think someone orchestrated all this?”

“Who knows.”

“No offense, but… how? A woman with the rare ability to see magic… someone prepared in advance through marriage, knowing you’d awaken in this body a year later? Is that even possible?”

“….”

For once, Leonard couldn’t respond. He had no counterargument.

“In magic, there is no such thing as coincidence. Only…”

“Only fate that cannot be resisted.”

Leonard finished the old saying passed down among mages.

“Even if it is fate, I can’t accept someone I don’t trust as my student.”

Baron wanted to add something but held his tongue. His master waved his hand dismissively.

“Stop talking nonsense and bring food. The smell of this castle’s meals makes me sick.”

“Good grief. Have you not eaten anything? You could just plug your nose and eat. I must’ve spoiled you too much—your palate’s too picky now.”

“Who said you raised me? Less talk, more food.”

“Aye, aye. My old bones are breaking just serving meals at this age.”

The water column shaped like Baron gradually turned opaque and then fully took on human form.

He cleared away the tray Cordelia had left and laid out the food neatly.

Normally, Leonard would grumble about the soup being cold or salty, but this time he ate silently—clearly famished.

Baron watched him with a strange mix of amusement and pity.

“My lord.”

“What.”

When he first heard the news of Leonard’s death, it felt cliché, but the sky truly seemed to collapse.

The pain stabbed his chest and twisted the wound—it was hard to breathe.

The only reason he hadn’t followed his master in death was that Leonard’s body hadn’t been found. He had vowed to send him off personally, then die himself.

But then, one day, a miracle occurred—a letter bearing Atillay’s seal, sent by Leonard himself.

He had wept uncontrollably holding it.

“Why are you crying and ruining my appetite like this, old man?”

“I… I’m just so relieved… that you’re alive…”

Baron couldn’t hold back his tears and collapsed to his knees, sobbing.

Leonard stood up, setting his utensils down, and looked at the old man crying like a child.

“Baron. Remember this.”

“Yes.”

“When I reclaim my rightful place, you will be by my side. Until then, lay low. The day is coming soon.”

“…Yes, my lord. I’ll wait, with faith.”

Wiping his tears, Baron smiled broadly, wrinkles deepening at the corners of his eyes.