As My Husband Said, I Brought in a Lover Chapter 65

From one day, as Lensia’s movements slowed down, Luize began to take over the work her mother used to do.

 

“It’s an old illness. No need to worry.”

 

“I’ll heal you.”

 

“You can’t. Your father only managed to slow down the progression of the disease. Don’t worry. I’m not leaving that easily. I plan to stick by my daughter’s side until you’re sick of me.” Lensia reassures worried Luize with a calm face.

 

After Allen left the world, numerous seasons passed. Luize silently shed tears every time she discovered traces he left behind. Since that day, she seemed a bit calmer. To Maxion, such a Luize seemed not so much mature but resigned to parting away.  

 

As they adapted to farewells, the Count of Kalliod persistently pursued traces of Maxion. He investigated the whereabouts of Maxion’s mother, discovering the inn where they stayed and that Maxion had followed a mercenary group to the south and then disappeared near Perils. It took years to reach that point. He refused to believe that his son had died so futilely.

 

The count kept an eye on the surroundings of Perils. Being a Northerner in the South was rare, so if he had settled somewhere there, he would definitely stand out. Eventually, he caught a trace of Maxion. A gray-haired, dark-skinned boy in a village near Perils with a better build than his peers matched the distinct features of a Northerner perfectly.

 

In his 14th year, Maxion went to the village market with Lensia for the first time in a while.

 

“Maxion.”

 

He turned towards the voice calling him to see a stranger. A man with a noticeably large build and dark skin, clearly a Northerner like him.

 

“Is your name Maxion?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“You do resemble your father.”

 

Father. His mother had told him that his father had passed away before he was born.

 

“Did you know my father?”

 

“Yes. After he ordered us to find you, I’ve searched the south for years.”

 

“…My mother said my father passed away before I was born.”

 

“There were circumstances. Your mother is currently waiting with your father, Count Kalliod, at their mansion. We’ll discuss the details when we get there.”

 

 “…Kalliod.”

 

“Yes. You are the heir to Count Kalliod. It’s finally time to meet. I’m Viscount Amon de Berg, who serves your father. It might be overwhelming now, but you’ll get used to it soon.”

 

Maxion eyed him warily. The man pulled out a paper with an eagle seal from his pocket and handed it to Maxion. The eagle, symbolizing Kalliod, was known as the lord of the north.

 

“If there’s anyone you’ve been staying with, we’ll compensate them. The count is generous and has ordered to reward them before bringing you to him.”

 

However, Maxion didn’t move. Kalliod, his father, mother, everything seemed like grasping at clouds. And how could he trust this suspicious man to bring him home?

 

Then, Lensia appeared from the nearby store. “What’s with this grim-looking old man?”

 

“Grim-looking old man? You must be one of those insignificant Southerners to speak so rudely.”

 

“You’re the one being rude. What do you want with my son?” She naturally stood by Maxion’s side.

 

The man scoffed, incredulously eyeing Lensia. “Be careful with your words. This young man is the lost heir of Kalliod.”

 

“What is this? Some secret of birth?” Lensia raised an eyebrow.

 

“Yes.”

 

“So what? You expect me to just hand him over obediently?”

 

“We’ll compensate generously.”

 

“No, thanks. Maxion, this grim old man wants to sell you for a good price, but I’m not interested. Let’s go home. Take this with you.”

 

Lensia handed Maxion a bag of bread.

 

The man was outraged, glaring at Lensia. “What have you been hearing! To have him do such menial tasks, you must be insane. It seems you’re not well-off, but we’ll pay generously.”

 

“The crazy one is you. What kind of nonsense is this when you talk to my son, who I raised well.”

 

Lensia grimaced and stood up to him, causing the man’s shoulders to twitch.

 

“Your son? There’s not a single resemblance between you.”

 

“He takes after my husband. We have our own business at home, sorry, but we have to go. If you keep standing there, I’ll report you to the guards for child abduction.”

 

Lensia grabbed Maxion’s arm, intending to return home. But Maxion didn’t move.

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

“They say my mother is alive. And my father too.”

 

“Yes, I’m right here, alive.”

 

“…”

 

Sensing the subtle tension between them, the man alternately looked at them and smirked, thinking Maxion was already tempted by his story.

 

“It seems you need time to sort things out, so I’ll come back here at the same time tomorrow. If you plan to run, I’ll send people to search for you.” The man left with a crooked smile.

 

Watching his back, Lensia and Maxion took a different path towards their cabin.

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

“It’s okay.”

 

“But why are we going this way?”

 

“We need to shake off any tails. Considering the quality of those following us, it seems you really are an heir to a significant lineage.”

 

Lensia led Maxion through alleys, successfully shaking off the followers, and they returned to the cabin. Luize greeted them with a happy face.

 

“Why do you all look like that?”

 

Maxion’s face was serious, and Lensia’s expression was clearly displeased.

 

Maxion explained about the man they met, the conversation they had, and the man’s claims about his identity and family. However, he omitted the fact that his family was the Kalliod, knowing Lensia would oppose any connection with Luize and a prominent northern family.

 

“Tomorrow already? That’s too dangerous. I can’t send someone as fragile as Maxion into the world alone.” Luize expressed her worry with a voice full of concern.

 

“…Luize. You shouldn’t measure the world by your standards.”

 

Maxion had already outgrown her. Northerners were known for their large stature and strength, especially those from the Kalliod region, who were famous for their swordsmanship and physical abilities.

 

“I’ve taught Maxion well enough to take care of himself. He can at least escape those guards. Though he failed to notice the followers immediately, he quickly identified their location. However,” Lensia lowered her voice. “I’m not the type to easily let go of my child. If you wish, I can handle this.” Lensia shrugged casually.

 

Maxion was conflicted. Staying here would endanger innocent Lensia and Luize, potentially making them enemies of the powerful Kalliod family for the rest of their lives. They might have to abandon this cabin and constantly move to evade pursuit. This cabin held great significance for both of them, being the place where Luize grew up and where Allen was buried. He didn’t want to force them to flee their home.

 

Moreover, he was curious about his mother, whom he thought had abandoned him. Why had she never mentioned his father? Why seek him out now? Did she love him?

 

“I’ll go.”

 

“What?” Luize asked.

 

Lensia simply looked at Maxion quietly.

 

“They say my mother and father are together. The word ‘father’ feels strange, but… I want to meet them at least once.”

 

“…So you’re leaving forever?”

 

“I’ll return. Even if it takes years, I’ll come back.”

 

“Years? Will it take that long?”

 

“The north is far. And I don’t know what might happen there.”

 

He also wanted to see more of the world.

 

Watching him, Lensia sighed deeply. “As a parent, it would be wrong to prevent you from meeting your biological parents for the rest of your life. Go ahead. But if you start to feel unhappy, come straight back. Even if we have to run away together for the rest of our lives.”

 

Caught off guard, Maxion looked at Lensia in surprise.

 

“You were thinking of our family first, weren’t you?” Lensia smiled clearly.

 

* * *

The farewell was as sudden as their meeting. In the fall, when they were 14, Luize hurriedly bought apples and jam from a nearby village to make an apple pie, her only known recipe, as a final meal. Lensia sharpened Maxion’s sword by hand. There was no time to prepare separate farewell gifts since their separation was based on an eventual reunion; none of them wanted to make a fuss.

 

“See you again, Luize.”

 

“Yes, definitely.”

 

“Take care, Master.”

 

“You too. Take this with you.”

 

Lensia tossed him a worn-looking bag. Inside were a bottle of clear liquid, folded paper, and a small pouch.

 

“I’ve put some pocket money in the pouch. Don’t let the entourage notice it. Divide it between your shoes or inner pockets. Never let them see the gold and jewels, especially in dangerous areas.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

“The folded paper contains a powerful, odorless sleeping drug that can knock out even an experienced assassin. The bottle is alcohol. You’re smart, so you know how to use it.”

 

Maxion nodded briefly, accepting the bag without refusal. Lensia was a giver; refusing would only prolong the argument. The contents were all potentially useful.

 

“I’ll see you again.”

 

“Don’t take too long.”

 

After bowing in farewell, Maxion left the cabin. Luize waved her hand, her eyes swollen from crying the night before.

 

The man was there as promised, waiting for Maxion.

 

“As expected of the heir. You are wise.”

 

“…I see you’ve brought more people with you than yesterday. Three more, in fact.”

 

“Indeed, fitting for the heir of Kalliod. I thought yesterday’s escape was thanks to that woman’s skill. Ah, about compensating her—”

 

“We can start heading north now, Viscount Berg.” Maxion cut him off and started walking north.

 

The viscount twitched the corner of his mouth with a sinister expression.