Chapter 70

How to Tame My Beastly Husband — Chapter 70. Alibi (1)

Annette could see the lingering resentment in Celestine’s eyes. Carefully, she took her hand.

“Anyway, I am sorry that you have suffered because of me,” she murmured, smiling gently before Celestine could shake her hand loose. “Even if it was a misunderstanding, I’m sorry you’ve had such a hard time. I hope you can overcome it soon. You are a strong person. I know you can do it.”

Celestine’s eyes trembled at the sincere words. The hand holding hers still bore the marks of her teeth, and must have been quite painful, but Annette showed no sign of it. She rose, patting the back of her hand.

“I’ll disappear now, just as I promised. Celestine…this is just a nightmare you’ve had for a little bit. So forget about today, all right?”

Annette whispered it, as if she were dropping a hint, and Celestine looked puzzled. But before she could say anything, Annette quickly began to sing again, so clear that it would be audible even outside the door.

Her power worked almost immediately. Before she had finished the first phrase, Celestine’s body had sagged to the floor, and once she was sure she was completely asleep, Annette sang for another full minute, carefully checking everyone else.

Good. They’re all sleeping.

She could hear the snoring of the priestess, who had been twitching earlier as if she were about to awaken. The guards also seemed to be asleep, as the corridor outside was quiet again.

Having regained some composure, Annette dragged the sleeping Celestine back into her chair. It was quite difficult, as they were about the same size, but she managed it. Swiping the sticky sweat from her forehead with her sleeve, Annette pulled out a clean handkerchief to carefully wipe the tears from Celestine’s face. That face had been twisted with torment, but now it smoothed out in her sleep.

In silence, Annette walked out the door to find the guards asleep on the floor. Judging by their position, it seemed like she had put them back to sleep just in time.

I’m glad they didn’t wake up.

Annette walked cautiously between their bodies. Before turning the corner of the corridor, she reached into her pocket, pulling out a bottle filled with a soporific fragrance.

When these guards woke up, the first thing they would do is check on Celestine, to make sure she was safe. The next thing would be to try to understand why they had all fallen asleep at once. They would remember talking to a priestess, and then nothing.

That was why she had prepared an excuse for them.

I can’t let them find out about my power.

Annette didn’t want to reveal that she was a regressor, or that it had granted her special powers. Her skill was useful, but it certainly had limitations.

What if she tried to begin singing, and someone simply rushed over and covered her mouth? Her targets didn’t even have to do that, all they had to do was cover their own ears. Her power could only be effective if the other person wasn’t expecting it.

It would be foolish to reveal the skill she had obtained after so much suffering, only for it to become useless once it was widely known.

Annette had decided to stage some crime scenes.

If they find this bottle on the floor, smelling of a soporific drug…

Annette left the temple with the empty bottle in the corridor of the confessional, and as the sun was setting, the temple’s autumn ritual was in full swing. The priests had made wine and all the faithful were intoxicated in more ways than one.

Now she had only to return home, where Raphael was waiting for her. She had arranged a carriage beforehand, and after she left the cemetery, she mentally moved on to the next set of steps. She had achieved her purpose in meeting Celestine. Annette was relieved to have accomplished it.

I never thought I could be so bold.