The Strongest Magician Can Only Love His Dead Wife — After I Reincarnated, My Cute Younger Husband Turned Yandere - Chapter 10

It was early autumn when the carriage entered the royal capital.

This season, when the street trees turned red and yellow and the dry air created a somewhat lonely impression, had been unpleasant for Rubia since childhood.

Looking back now, perhaps it was because this was the same time of year when her previous self had died. Even without memories, that tragedy engraved upon her soul might have been what made Rubia feel this way.

(I wonder how Lord Arsenio is doing.)

Inside the carriage, Rubia thought of him countless times.

Clumsy, not straightforward, yet actually kind Arsenio.

She hoped he wasn’t blaming himself for her death because of that kindness.

(—He probably is blaming himself.)

The fact that he remained unmarried, and that large gifts arrived at the southern territory whenever the anniversary of Rubia’s death approached, were proof of this.

Though there must have been numerous marriage proposals by the time he turned twenty-four, just thinking about how he must have refused them all while remembering Rubia made her eyes well up with tears.

Of course, Rubia had absolutely no intention of revealing that she was his wife from his previous life.

If she said such a thing, she would undoubtedly be suspected of having gone mad, and for him who was still hurting from Rubia’s death, such nonsense would surely be unforgivable.

At worst, she might be turned to charcoal by magic.

She didn’t want to meet a meaningless death. But more than that, she didn’t want to rub salt in Arsenio’s wounds.

(I wish there was something I could do for Lord Arsenio now.)

While turning over these fruitless thoughts, Rubia arrived at the Duke Silva residence.

However, when she passed through the main gate and knocked on the front door, it wasn’t Arsenio who greeted her, but unfamiliar women.

One was a thin woman in her mid-fifties. The other was a young girl.

“Nice to meet you. Are you Al’s bride?”

The younger girl spoke in an innocent tone the moment she saw Rubia.

Her well-maintained golden curls were tied in two pigtails, adorned with large pink ribbons. Her bright green eyes, reminiscent of young leaves, were framed by long eyelashes.

She gave the impression of a cute little squirrel.

(What a lovely person! I wonder who she is?)

Both women wore well-tailored dresses, making it immediately clear they weren’t servants. The fact that she called him “Al” meant she was undoubtedly someone close to Arsenio.

As Rubia stood confused, the girl continued amiably.

“Welcome! I’m Jimena, Al’s maternal cousin. This is my mother, Viscountess Piatti. We’re being looked after in this residence.”

(Maternal cousin, meaning she’s Count Fiero’s granddaughter then.)

They hadn’t been involved in her previous life, but the fact they were living in the residence now might mean Arsenio had become somewhat willing to associate with relatives.

“Thank you for your kindness. I’m Rubia Tark. Pleased to meet you.”

“So, you’re from the Tark tribe. For a native girl to so brazenly become the bride of the prestigious Duke Silva family.”

Unlike Jimena, Viscountess Piatti didn’t bother to hide her contempt, glaring at Rubia from behind her fan.

Then Jimena intervened, scolding her mother.

“Mother! Rubia must be tired from her long journey. Please don’t say such things.”

Then she turned back to Rubia, lowering the corners of her eyebrows apologetically.

“I’m sorry, Miss Rubia. Mother can be a bit difficult. But I’d be happy if we could get along.”

“Yes, of course.”

“I’m glad. Then let me show you to your room right away.”

Clap clap—Jimena struck her hands together.

Then servants emerged from the residence and began unloading Rubia’s luggage from the carriage. Rubia had assumed she would be taken inside directly, but the servants headed toward the back of the residence.

As she wondered where they were going, Jimena explained.

“We’ve prepared your room in the detached building at the back.”

“Eh?”

Normally, the master’s wife would be given a dedicated room. In her previous life, Rubia had been given the room next to Arsenio’s.

Apparently, Jimena was well aware of this common practice, as she put on a very regretful expression.

“Please don’t blame Al. He’s become distrustful of people and wasn’t very enthusiastic about this marriage arrangement. Oh, but of course it’s not your fault at all, Miss Rubia, so please don’t blame yourself.”

So, it seemed Rubia wasn’t welcome by Arsenio.

When she thought that this might be because he still cherished her previous self so much, rather than feeling disappointed, she actually felt guilty.

“I see… By the way, where is Lord Arsenio?”

“Al is currently away inspecting his territories. While he’s gone, I’m fulfilling the role of mistress.”

“If there’s anything I can help with.”

In her previous life, Rubia had handled tasks she was capable of, like managing account books and compiling petitions from tenant farmers.

Even in the southern territory, she had helped with her mother’s work.

So, she thought she could be useful here too, but Jimena shook her head and declined the offer.

“Oh my, please don’t worry about such things! You must be tired from your long journey, so please rest well in the detached building.”

“Understood. Then I’ll take you up on your offer.”

“Yes. I’ll send a maid over later, so if you have any problems, just tell her.”

Jimena’s friendly gaze and the Viscountess’s piercing stare.

Seen off by these two different gazes, Rubia headed toward the back of the residence.