Wicked Husband-Chapter 191 - 190

Eileen had no fond memories of Fiore Street. She had an excellent memory, and she could still recall her father’s disgraceful behavior with painful clarity, as if it were captured in a photograph. She tried not to dwell on it, but the memory would sometimes force its way back into her mind.

The moment she had witnessed her father engaged in intercourse, she had been unable to do anything. She had simply stood there, frozen, trembling as her mother’s voice echoed in her ears.

If Cesare hadn’t been there for her, Eileen might have completely fallen apart. It was only in his embrace that she found stability, only by relying on him that she was able to escape the nightmare.

The laborers’ quarters where Eileen was now staying consisted of a single small room. Though modest, it had everything she needed. Alessia’s room was right next door, and the walls were thin enough that every sound carried through. Because of this, Alessia had instructed her to shout for help if anything happened.

The room had no windows, so even during the day, it remained dim. There was no gas lamp. Eileen lit a small candle with a match, then sat down on a wooden chair.

The chair creaked under her weight. She curled up, pulling her knees to her chest as she lost herself in thought. Too many things swirled in her mind. As always, the one who occupied her thoughts the most was Cesare.

This time, he will really be angry...

She thought of the knights and Sonio, who must have been just as shocked. She remembered the moment she had secretly slipped away through the hidden passage.

When she had asked to be left alone, her attendants had granted her request without question, trusting her completely. It was that trust that had allowed her to escape so easily. If she ever returned, she wasn’t sure she could face them.

Thinking back over everything, the events of recent days felt like a dream. Back when she had been waiting for Cesare’s return at the brick house with the orange tree, she could never have imagined any of this.

Perhaps this was all a dream. Maybe, when she woke up, she would still be in that house, waiting for Cesare to return from the Kalpen campaign.

Just as that thought crossed her mind,

"Ellen."

There was a knock, and then Alessia called her by her false name. Entering the room, she carried a stack of books in her arms, all the ones Eileen had requested.

Alessia set the mountain of books down on the table and studied Eileen. Tilting her head slightly, she asked,

"Are you all right?"

Had she been crying without realizing it? Eileen instinctively touched her cheeks, even though she knew she hadn’t shed any tears.

"Oh, I’m fine..."

Her response was unconvincing. Alessia stared at her for a moment before speaking again.

"Would you like to take a look around the tavern?"

Since she would be working there, it made sense to familiarize herself with the space. Eileen followed Alessia out of the room, and she guided her through the building.

During the day, the tavern was eerily quiet. It was so still that it was hard to imagine the lively, dazzling place it became at night.

Alessia explained that most of the dancers and workers were resting during these hours. As Eileen listened, her gaze fell on a familiar corridor.

It was the place where she and Cesare had searched for her father. The place where she had witnessed that horrifying moment.

Alessia noticed her attention lingering there and immediately stepped into her line of sight.

"There’s no need to concern yourself with that area."

Eileen understood why she was saying this and nodded in gratitude. But Alessia, not satisfied with just that, added firmly,

"This is only a nominal job. There is no need to work too hard."

She emphasized that Eileen did not need to leave the backstage areas and should not wander outside the designated areas.

Eileen assured her that she would be careful. Then, a question suddenly came to mind.

"I heard there used to be a bigger tavern here. Why did it suddenly disappear?"

For some reason, Alessia stared at her intently. Caught off guard by the catlike gaze, Eileen blinked in confusion. Finally, Alessia spoke, slowly.

"A high-ranking figure had it removed."

Eileen’s eyes widened.

"The reason was never disclosed to us. We only assume that something there displeased him."

It was hard to believe. A tavern that large would have been tied to multiple noble interests. Shutting it down entirely was no small feat.

Alessia continued as they walked across the empty stage.

"He has both the status and power to make such things happen. In fact, it was probably an easy task for him."

At that moment, Eileen realized exactly who he was.

In the Traon Empire, few possessed both an exalted rank and the ability to wield such authority.

She looked around, then lowered her voice.

"Was it the Grand Duke who did it?"

It had been so long since she had last addressed him that the title felt unfamiliar on her tongue.

Alessia neither confirmed nor denied it. She simply remained silent for a while, then changed the subject.

"How much do you really know about him?"

Eileen found herself speechless.

She did know a lot about Cesare. She had seen sides of him that no one else had.

But even so, she could never say she knew everything about him. There was still so much she didn’t understand.

"...I don’t think I know him well at all."

She spoke carefully, thoughtfully.

"The version of him I see is always just one fragment of who he is."

Alessia seemed to consider her answer before finally speaking again.

"Lady Marlena worked under His Grace for a long time."

"What?"

The revelation caught Eileen off guard. She turned to face Alessia fully.

Alessia glanced around to make sure they were alone before continuing.

"His Grace helped Lady Marlena achieve what she wished for, and in return, he took his payment. Lady Marlena respects him. But she also fears him. Most people do. Because, if possible..."

She hesitated briefly, then fixed Eileen with a steady gaze.

"...No one wants to be his enemy."

Eileen unconsciously held her breath. Alessia allowed her a moment of silence to process her words.

The empty stage suddenly felt enormous. It was hard to believe this was the same place where dazzling performances were held every night.

The extinguished lamps, the heavy velvet curtains, the dust drifting in the air, it was a far cry from the vibrant, lively atmosphere of the night.

"Eileen."

For the first time, Alessia called her by her real name.

Eileen’s voice trembled as she spoke.

"I never imagined... that Marlena had worked for Cesare..."

She had meant to say ’His Grace,’ but the words slipped out in their old, familiar form.

Just then, she lifted her head.

Alessia was staring at her, wide-eyed, frozen in place.

Eileen felt a strange sense of unease but continued with her question.

"...Did I ask Marlena for too much? What if she–"

Alessia cut her off with a firm response.

"No. She accepted because she could handle it."

"But–"

"Everything I’ve told you has Lady Marlena’s permission."

Eileen fell silent.

"Lady Marlena was always saddened by your marriage. She wanted to tell you these things, even if it had to be through me. Because no one else around you will give you an objective perspective on the Grand Duke."

Eileen blinked.

Now, for the first time, she was seeing Cesare from the outside.

She had stepped beyond the walls of his world, and from here, he looked like someone completely unfamiliar.

"...Could you tell me more?"

Her own voice surprised her.

"What do you know about Cesare?"

***