Reincarnated As My Husband's Mistress-Chapter 25: [] I’m so confused

*Noticed*

- The translation isn't accurate and the language used is considered informal or "messy".

- It's recommended to add this to your reading list to stay updated.

- Readers are encouraged to support the original creators by purchasing the official version when it's available.

- There are links provided to support the translator financially.

- Readers are asked to enjoy the fan translation quietly and avoid causing any trouble or seeking attention.

That's all, happy reading everyone!

*********************************************

The first floor of Prince Roardnes's palace, where his office was located, was bustling with aides from early morning. Roardnes sat motionless, staring at the pile of documents in front of him, oblivious to the comings and goings of his staff. His desk, which had been as rigid as a statue since dawn, was cluttered with scrapbooks filled with newspaper clippings and gossip, Elacon language textbooks, and a file containing a background check on a particular person. The scrapbook was worn at the edges from being read so often. Vincent placed the last document on the desk, and Roardnes, who had been sitting stiffly and massaging his temples, sighed deeply. Despite having all three windows open, the smell of alcohol lingered, and Vincent hesitated before scolding him. Roardnes slowly picked up the newly placed paper and began to read.

"The document is too clean. The informant gave us exactly the same response as before."

"... "

"Neil said something strange."

Roardnes's eyes slowly lifted from the document. Vincent cautiously continued.

"He said that at the victory celebration, that woman said she was the mistress of the Grand Duke of Trovica."

"... Kill that guy. He's too loose-lipped."

"Your Highness, if that's true, wouldn't it be better to avoid getting involved?"

"Does it look like I'm trying to get involved?"

Vincent watched his lord silently as he continued to examine the documents. Lately, Roardnes had been doing nothing but smoking cigars, drinking, and looking up information about the Grand Duchess of Trovica and Blier Acacia. It could be said that he had lost interest in everything else.

"Honestly, I don't understand, Your Highness."

"..."

"The Grand Duke of Trovica is not close to us, but he is the closest confidant of His Highness, the Crown Prince, and he's not someone we should easily antagonize. In fact, he can be considered an ally to Your Highness, who supports the Crown Prince. Whether his wife had a mistress before she died or whether she found one after she became a widow, it's none of our business. It's the Grand Duke's private life. Even if he did commit adultery, Countess Acacia is a married woman, so it's not a big deal in aristocratic society. You know that."

"I don't understand..."

Roardnes leaned back in his chair, repeating Vincent's words. His sharp chin and arrogant nose were pointed towards the ceiling. The cherubs carved into the ornate ceiling glowed faintly under the elegant lighting. As he mumbled to himself, Roardnes seemed almost pitiful.

"...I don't understand myself."

"..."

"I don't understand myself at all."

He was most confused about himself. Everything from Adrien's death to the appearance of Blier, who looked exactly like her, and the fact that Blier was the mistress of Noebian Trovica felt like a nightmare. No matter how much he drank or how much he suffered, the same nightmare would start again the next morning.

'Adrien Pyreta doesn't exist in this world.'

Just that one fact made him feel like he was nothing more than an empty shell. Should he confirm her death? He had an urge to witness Noebian Trovica's secret rendezvous and tear him to pieces, but he was also terrified that he would never be able to confirm Adrien's death if he did. He didn't know what schemes Noebian had used to hide her body, and there was even a possibility that her body wasn't in the manor. He needed someone to help him confirm her death. And so, under the guise of needing help, he had formed a sort of contractual relationship with Blier Acacia, even though it was something he would never normally do. But Roardnes rationalized it. He needed help. However, every time he saw Blier Acacia, especially when he looked into her eyes, which were exactly the same as Adrien's, his heart felt like it was sinking.

"...Maybe I've gone mad."

"They always called me a mad dog, and maybe God has punished me."

"Why am I like this?"

But he keeps wanting to help her. And when he sees her cry, he gets angry, and when she acts like Adrien, he feels like he's going crazy. Is it simply because she looks so much like Adrien? Or is it because he has such a perverse taste, just like Noebian Trovica?

"Maybe I just don't want to believe that she's dead."

Maybe he's secretly hoping that she'll tell him that she's Adrien.

'Adrien, even though you abandoned me, I...'

I can't abandon you. Roardnes chuckled to himself.

"What a damn bastard Noebian Trovica is."

"Yes...?"

"We don't know for sure if the Grand Duchess knew about this woman's existence when she died."

If she had known, then this woman would be a target for punishment as well. Roardnes straightened up from his reclining position and crumpled the document.

"...Vincent."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"If I continue like this even after the Grand Duchess's funeral and confirming her death..." Roardnes, his eyes now as cold as ice, looked up at Vincent who stood before him. "Then you shall take my life."

"Your Highness!"

Vincent took a step forward, startled by the cold command, devoid of any lingering attachment to life. However, Roardnes's expression was unwavering. As Vincent stood there, speechless, a knock sounded at the door.

"Your Highness."

Neil poked his head in. "It's time for your lesson with Countess Acacia."

***

Today, their lesson was held at Madame Lebléa's fashion house, not their usual private dining room. Informed that she would be accompanying the infamous Second Prince, Madame Lebléa had the entire shop reserved and even had partitions set up around Roardnes's seating area for added privacy. I had diligently completed Roardnes's assignment for today and had even written my own piece, which I presented to him. While the lessons with Roardnes were informative, there was an underlying tension that made the atmosphere stifling. That's why I'd deliberately brought him to the fashion house this time, hoping to break the ice and subtly flex my influence over Madame Lebléa.

"Bravo! Bravo!!"

"You're absolutely stunning, Madam!"

"Goodness gracious. I thought the Empress Retinia, known as the most beautiful woman in the empire, had returned to life!"

The atmosphere was filled with excitement. Roardnes furrowed his brow briefly at the sudden outburst of applause, then turned his gaze to Blier Acacia who was twirling on the pedestal.

"Really?"

"Oh, yes, Madam!"

The Countess, her expression a mix of awkwardness and amusement, took the fan offered by a maid and turned to the mirror.

"Even His Highness jumped up in surprise!"

"Ah." Roardnes realized that he had indeed stood up abruptly. He felt a strange sensation, like blood rushing to his head, as soon as Blier put on the dress and picked up the fan.

"We'll need another fitting today, Madam."

"Is that not enough?"

"The perfection of a dress lies in meticulous fittings."

Madame Lebléa, more enthusiastic than ever, adjusted the draping of the dress and smiled. She couldn't take her eyes off the Countess who was admiring herself in the mirror. Blier's posture was straight, and the way she held the fan and rested her chin on her hand was so elegant. Contrary to the rumors of her being a commoner, she exuded an aristocratic aura that surpassed anyone else in the room. Despite her professed love for novelty, she was not overly extravagant, even in the most prestigious fashion house in the capital.

"Since Your Highness is already here, would you like to do all the fittings at once?"

"..."

Roardnes nodded silently in response to Blier's question and lifted the paper he had been grading. Blier gave him a slightly apologetic look and stepped back behind the curtain. Meanwhile, Madame Lebléa, who was still beaming, approached Roardnes and replaced his untouched tea with a fresh cup. As she watched the prince, who had entered the shop slowly, seemingly taking in his surroundings, and then saw the way his expression changed each time Countess Acacia emerged from behind the curtain, her creativity surged.

'I want to dress him in the most dazzling outfit, like a mannequin.'

Despite his reputation as a 'demon of the battlefield,' his appearance was too beautiful. It was no wonder her artistic spirit was ignited. Look at him, shining like gold dust under the dim lights. His platinum blonde hair, swept back carelessly, revealed ruby-red eyes that were as precious as gemstones. As she traced the line of his arrogant nose and his perfect lips, she began sketching new designs.

'I need to become closer to Countess Acacia.'

The Countess had an excellent sense of style. As she had said, she knew best what suited her. And with her striking resemblance to the late Grand Duchess, she could easily carry off the most classic designs. By revealing her neck and shoulders and adding chiffon and jewels, she had achieved the elegant and glamorous look she desired.

'This is definitely going to be a hit!'

Foll𝑜w current novℯls on ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm.

The Countess was not only a muse but also had connections with influential people. She had brought with her not only the request of the Grand Duke Noebian Trovica but also the Second Prince Roardnes, who was rarely seen in public. It was well known that nobles, even those who were married, sometimes had mistresses or casual relationships. And the Prince Roardnes was known to be quite the playboy. It was possible that he might succumb to the charms of a beautiful countess.

"Well, beauty is a powerful thing, isn't it? Even villains and heroes can't resist it."

Unfortunately, Madame Lebléa had the mistaken belief that Countess Acacia was merely a casual fling for Prince Roardnes. Roardnes, trying to ignore the growing unease within him, continued grading Blier's Elacon language homework. He had collected every rumor about Blier Acacia but none of them seemed to fit the woman before him. The rumors of her being vulgar had been the first to be discarded from his mind, and the claims of her being uneducated and harsh were also incomprehensible as he continued their lessons. In fact, her recent writing assignment showed signs of much hesitation and revision. It was clear that she had first written a complete and well-structured sentence in her native language and then struggled to translate it into Elacon. It was a feat that an uneducated commoner would never attempt.

"!"

Suddenly, Roardnes felt his breath catch in his throat, as if he had been plunged underwater.

"Wow, Madam, you must wear this to the palace!"

"Goodness, it's absolutely stunning."

Blier Acacia emerged from behind the curtain once more. The Countess blushed slightly under the enthusiastic compliments and turned her gaze towards Roardnes.

"Is something wrong, Your Highness?"

"No, nothing. It suits you well."

Roardnes managed to reply, his voice barely a whisper. The Countess, noticing his rigid posture, looked at him with concern.

"...You look just like the Grand Duchess of Trovica."

At the mention of the Grand Duchess, the Countess's maids stiffened, while the shop assistants smiled. The Countess's emerald green eyes flickered for a moment before she retreated behind the curtain. Roardnes looked down at what he was holding. His hands trembled as if he were holding the most terrifying object in the world. It was a simple piece of writing, a few short sentences in a writing exercise. But it wasn't the content that drew his attention.

'It's Adrien's handwriting.'

It was the same elegant and neat handwriting that he had seen countless times in the letters he had exchanged with Adrien over the years. There was no denying it. It was the handwriting of Adrien Swan Pyreta. Roardnes slumped into his chair, burying his face in his hands.

'Have I truly gone mad?'

********************************************

Cheer me on 😍🤗🤩!!!!!!!!

Your votes, comments, and treats will really motivate me. You can treat me via

Trakteer: trakteer.id/gurujadul/tip

Saweria: saweria.co/ibuibujadoel

Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/guru_jadul