Leveling Up My Husband to the Max

Chapter 44 – The Butler

Heinreich shut his mouth and narrowed his eyes at Amber’s direct request to ally with her.

He couldn’t reject Amber’s suggestion here. Neither did he wish to, but he still could not completely trust her.

As a neutral party he could lean to either side at his leisure. But once he chose to support a single side, he would be unable to return to neutrality. If he allied with Amber here, it would be hard to go back.

What if he supported Amber, and the situation worsened?

At first, even Bella was an angel who only concerned herself over the wellbeing of the territory. But once the marriage certificate was stamped and dominated the castle politics, she revealed her true nature.

“Heinreich.” While he was still unable to come to a decision, Amber spoke. “I know that you cannot put your trust in me. You’re likely worried that I will end up worsening the territory after siding with me.” Amber pointed out the very thing Heinreich was afraid of. “I wish I could show you something truly spectacular so that you can put your trust in me, but unfortunately I don’t have any skills to do so.”

The only person who knew that Amber had returned to the past from her previous life was Amber herself. There were no witnesses or any evidence aside from her own memories.

At first, she considered predicting the future to surprise Heinreich. But not only would that take too long, it was only a temporary solution. The future had already changed from her actions and would likely differ from her previous life.

“Let me be honest with you. I do not like the Eastern Lands.”

Heinreich reeled back in surprise at Amber’s honest words.

“Though I do have the desire to help those that are starving, it is because they are people that deserve help, not because they live in the Eastern lands. I understand that there is value in saving one more life rather than continuing my luxurious lifestyle.”

If she were to stimulate Heinreich’s emotions with sweet words about how she felt responsibility and love for the people of the East, things might have been easier for her. But Amber didn’t want to lie. She didn’t want to deceive, show false loyalty or exaggerate emotions.

In her previous life, she suffered from the bias that she would act in a certain manner as someone from the Western Lands or a rich family.

Amber was sick of it. She just wanted fair treatment.

“I will not ask too much, like expecting you to forgive everything I do. However, I ask that you properly look at me at least once.”

Heinreich immediately became visibly flustered.

“Did you… already know? That I…”

“That you were thinking I would end up being like Bella? Or that I’d use the dowry for luxury goods?”

He immediately fell silent from the overwhelming embarrassment and guilt. He thought Amber hadn’t realized, but she was aware of everything.

‘Even though she knew I was so biased, she was still willing to speak to me in such a calm manner.’ Amber’s dull-looking orange eyes looked completely different than just a  moment ago. He thought he’d seen through all of her, but her eyes had been hiding so much more.

“I understand my position here very well.” Amber continued in a calm manner. “Not only am I the daughter of a noble family that only just ascended in status, threatening the authenticity of the nobles, I have become the wife of the Duke that presides over the Eastern Lands that the emperor hates to the core. On top of that, my relationship with my husband is pitiable, but I am unable to divorce him right away due to the pressure from the emperor and nobles around him.” She frowned slightly as she spoke about Kalix.

‘They don’t have a good relationship? But the Duke…’ Heinreich was surprised and curious as he heard Amber’s story. But Amber continued to speak before he could find the answer to his questions.

“I know very well that if I do not wish to die with the people here, I have to ensure the survival and revival of the East.” She lifted her cup and sipped the nearly cold tea.