IWMHWD 75

<Chapter 75> My Husband’s Funeral
2024.01.14

I almost blurted out, “Would Master really want me back?”, but swallowed the words just in time.

“I have to oversee Craig’s funeral here and take care of some remaining matters. So you should return to Belluce first.”

“What about you? When are you coming to Yevo Delim?”

“We’ll see.”

Cordelia merely dodged the question. She wasn’t sure herself what would happen.

Belluce opened her mouth as if to say something, then closed it again and turned back toward Abrams Castle.

“If you’re going to return anyway, I’ll just wait and go with you. I can’t afford to let my guard down—not knowing when you might suddenly die.”

“…Do as you like.”

Cordelia didn’t insist otherwise. If something happened, Belluce would leave on her own accord.

Just as Belluce said, they arrived at Abrams Castle around the afternoon.

The gatekeeper was startled first by the carriage bearing Atillei’s crest, and even more so when Cordelia stepped out of it.

“Madam!”

“Gather everyone in the castle. That includes the acting Count of Lancaster.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Soon after he departed, the castle’s servants, stewards, and even Baron Lancaster had all gathered.

They already received news of the death, so Cordelia appearing in mourning attire didn’t surprise them.

“Sniff… Madam…”

Emily was the first to shed tears. Cordelia calmly instructed them to unload Craig’s coffin from the carriage and open it.

Baron Lancaster stepped forward to check Craig’s face. After confirming it, he let out a hollow sigh.

“To think the Count would pass so suddenly… He endured those difficult five months…”

“It happened so fast. I don’t think Craig suffered much when he passed.”

“My apologies, Countess. I should’ve paid my respects first.”

“No need. Once the funeral’s over, I won’t be Countess anymore—I’ll return to being a Vasquez.”

Baron Lancaster seemed unsurprised, as if he had already anticipated this.

The two of them entered the castle.

As Cordelia walked through the corridors, she glanced around. It had only been about two months since her last visit, but everything felt unfamiliar—like she was returning after years away.

“After receiving the death notice, we made some funeral preparations in advance.”

“Thank you, Baron Lancaster. That was my responsibility to handle.”

“Even if you had been here, I would’ve helped regardless.”

Eventually, they reached the Count’s office. Baron Lancaster offered her the head seat and carefully spoke up.

“Forgive me for bringing this up before the funeral has even taken place, but word has spread. People are already on their way here after hearing of the Count’s passing.”

“I expected that. This is a golden opportunity to claim the Count’s title and estate.”

“Would you like me to inform you who they are? If you decide to support one of them, they might be more considerate when you return to Vasquez.”

His wording was polite, but his intentions were transparent. Cordelia gave a faint smile.

“Judging by your tone, it seems you already have someone in mind, Baron Lancaster.”

“There is one individual I believe could best carry on the legacy of the late Count Abrams.”

“That’s good. The one who will remain here should be the one to decide.”

Cordelia had no interest in who became the next Count, so she didn’t even ask who the baron had in mind.

“Is there anything else I should know? I’m a little tired.”

“No, ma’am. I’ve detained someone who came from afar long enough. The funeral will take place tomorrow, so please rest well tonight.”

“Thank you.”

For some reason, she felt like he was saying all the things she should’ve been saying herself. But she didn’t object.

Baron Lancaster walked her to the door. Just as he opened it, something seemed to occur to him.

“By the way, you came in an Atillei carriage. May I ask why?”

“Atillei….”

He didn’t seem to be asking knowingly. Then again, Abrams was a rural territory, so it made sense that he wouldn’t know Cordelia was Atillei’s disciple.

She hesitated, trying to find the right words. What would define her relationship with Atillei properly?

Is it okay to reveal I’m his disciple? The letter still hadn’t returned.

After a moment’s pause, she chose to be vague.

“Out of kindness, the Archduke Atillei helped handle things after my husband’s accident. The carriage is part of that kindness.”

“I see. I heard the Archduke had returned alive. To think you’re connected with him—how fascinating. Oh, then… did you also happen to see his disciple?”

“His disciple?”

“Yes. I heard the Archduke recently took in a disciple. I don’t know much about magic, but my nephew is a mage, and he sent me multiple excited letters saying the whole magic world had been turned upside down.”

“…I’m not sure about that.”

Cordelia quickly offered an awkward farewell and left.

* * *

The staff at Atillei’s townhouse had been walking on eggshells lately, feeling like they were stepping on thin ice every day.

The other day, a footman had to clean the stables for a whole month because he was late opening the carriage door. Yesterday, a maid was sent to the kitchen just because she left a hair on the bedding while tidying up.

“When will Lady Cordelia return?”

“She’s holding a funeral in Abrams, so at least a month, I’d think.”

“Oh, Alex… I feel like I can’t even breathe properly. The master never acted this way when she was here. Sniff.”

The maid, who had been whispering complaints, immediately closed her mouth and bowed. The master of the house had returned.

Leonard walked past the frozen servants like a block of ice and climbed the stairs. Not long after, Baron followed. Alex hurried over to him with good news.

“Baron, a letter has arrived for Lady Cordelia.”

“A letter? For me?”

“Yes. Your name is clearly written as the recipient.”

Baron opened the seal on the spot and read the letter.

The contents were simple. Cordelia was on her way to Abrams, Belluce was with her, and there was no need to worry.

What stood out was how many times she asked about Leonard’s mood—whether he seemed upset or angry. At the end, there was a not-so-subtle, adorable postscript requesting that he reply and give Leonard her regards.

In truth, that morning Belluce had sent a message via messenger bird saying she’d already arrived in Abrams. Cordelia’s letter had simply taken longer because it was delivered by hand.

“What does it say? When will she be back? I feel like peace will only return to this mansion once she’s here. The master’s been so sensitive lately—it’s like walking on thorns.”

“…Yes. Lady Cordelia should return soon.”

Baron suddenly had a brilliant idea. He tucked the letter into his chest and rushed upstairs to where the master was.

“What are you dawdling for? And what’s with all the dust in the study? Are the servants slacking off again?”

“Where exactly is the dust?”

“Baron. You must be going blind. Can’t even see what’s right in front of you.”

“Could you stop tormenting the staff? It’s not like Lady Cordelia will return any faster because of it.”

“I told you not to say that name!”

Leonard clenched his teeth and glared at Baron. But having served him since he was five, Baron wasn’t even slightly intimidated.

“If you’re that anxious, why not write her a letter?”

“Who says I’m anxious? Don’t mention that ungrateful girl! She dares to defy her master just because her pride got hurt?”

“Then should I throw this away—the message from Belluce?”

Baron took out the note from Belluce instead of Cordelia’s letter. Leonard glared at it, then snatched it wordlessly. Baron laughed quietly at the hypocrisy.

[Arrived in Abrams. Asked when she’ll return but she avoided answering. Will stay until she leaves for Atillei.]

He had told Belluce to find out exactly when Cordelia would return, but the most important detail was missing. He flipped the paper just in case—but it was blank. He immediately exploded.

“Did Belluce drop out of school or something? What kind of report is this? If she doesn’t answer, push her until you get one!”

“She said she’d stay by her side until she returns to Atillei. That should be enough.”

“And why the hell won’t Cordelia say when she’s coming back? What’s she even doing there? No one cares about some dead Count’s widow!”

He was clearly overreacting. The vague report had seriously ticked him off—but still, he gently tucked the note into his pocket.

“Come now. It’s not like she’s going to run away.”

“What? Run away?”

There was no hint of that in her letter, but Baron feigned ignorance and teased him. As expected, Leonard jumped as if struck by lightning at the word “run.”

“You never know what could happen.”

“Why would she run? For what reason? I treated her so well!”

“Of course you did. But it’s also understandable that Lady Cordelia got upset.”

Baron seized the opportunity and began spinning a tale he had long prepared.

“Back in Abrams, shortly after we met Lady Cordelia, there was one time she got truly angry. Do you remember?”

“…”

He didn’t even have to think. The moment sprang to mind. He had asked her how much money she needed, and she had gone completely silent and walked out.