I’m Going to Change My Husband With a Predatory Marriage - Chapter 32

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 32

Inside the carriage sat the Masked Man.
His eyes, magically altered to an ordinary brown, stared directly at me. It was fascinating how the intensity of his gaze remained unchanged despite the color transformation. Even the pupils had been altered—a detail that struck me as particularly meticulous.
The precision of the transformation was remarkable.
His hair was black now, though I doubted it was dyed. He would need to shift between blonde and black frequently, so it had to be some form of magic.
I stepped into the carriage and closed the door behind me, speaking with cheerful energy.
“Thank you for accepting the commission, Gerald, the Mercenary King.”
“….”
Even with the mask covering his face, I could clearly see his expression darken.
That’s right. The conversation between Prince Arpard and me back in the office wasn’t merely to emphasize how well we got along.
It was closer to the real matter at hand. I had whispered softly into his ear then.

“Gerald, the Mercenary King. This is a commission.”

And Prince Arpard, as I wished, had disguised himself as Gerald without anyone knowing and waited patiently for me in the carriage.
Arpard exhaled quietly, then spoke with cold precision.
“I am somewhat disappointed in you.”
This was a reaction I had anticipated.
I sat across from him and asked casually, interlacing my fingers.
“Disappointed about what? Oh, but did you know? You need expectations to feel disappointment. Just how much were you expecting from me?”
“….”
“Won’t you tell me? If you let me know what you were expecting, I can do my very best to meet those expectations.”
Arpard turned his head away and fell silent.
I smiled wickedly and pinpointed the issue before he could solidify his disappointment.
“Was it really so disappointing that I couldn’t handle a single family matter alone and had to ask the Crown Prince for help?”
“You’re not unaware.”
He shrugged.
“It’s far too obvious. You’re testing me in more than just one or two ways.”
It was similar to how the Emperor treated both of us.
A father and son with poor relations, yet so many similarities.
There was no need to mention how he monitored how I treated the maid he had assigned to me.
Beyond that, he was surely observing every small action I took.
What kind of person I was. Whether I was worth the price he had paid. And so on.
Yet I had suddenly blurted out, “Please help me!”
He had every reason to be disappointed.
‘Of course I can’t let him stay disappointed. Who does he think he is, getting disappointed without my permission!’
I opened my mouth with a subtle smile.
“By the way, the Black Mercenary Corps has certainly made their move as well, haven’t they?”
The Black Mercenary Corps is the name of the mercenary band led by Gerald, the Mercenary King.
“Since you specifically approached me by name as Gerald, the Mercenary King, I did issue a standby order near Delphin.”
“Well done. Good boy.”
I reached out and stroked the head of Arpard—or rather, Gerald, the Mercenary King, as he was now.
The man’s face crumpled further as he dodged my touch.
He was behaving exactly like a finicky cat.
“Regarding Your Highness Prince Arpard’s claim that I’ve disappointed him, I must respectfully disagree.”
“In what way?”
“Well, I never asked Your Highness the Prince for help in the first place.”
The person before me was not Prince Arpard, but Gerald, the Mercenary King.
“I simply hired a mercenary. So what reason would the Prince have to be disappointed?”
“You know that’s just wordplay, don’t you?”
I let out a soft laugh.
“Wordplay? And here I thought you, of all people, understood how crucial justifications and pretexts are…”
I added the decisive final point.
“Besides, hasn’t Gerald, the Mercenary King, and the Black Mercenary Corps been rather quiet lately? If there are no notable achievements for this long, that would be troublesome for you as well, wouldn’t it?”
“…”
From what I understood, the mercenary industry was highly competitive. Naturally, for the Black Mercenary Corps to maintain its position as the industry’s top force, continuous achievements were essential.
Even with his subordinates moving independently, there were limits to what they could accomplish.
‘The commander needs to make headlines and become the talk of the town to maintain his reputation.’
So this “commission” of mine was absolutely not a loss for Gerald, the Mercenary King.
Arpard didn’t respond, but I could be certain.
This could be nothing but a yes.
“So it’s mutually beneficial. Hillia Delphin personally hires a mercenary corps to handle her house’s internal disputes.”
“And in doing so, you get the chance to showcase Gerald, the Mercenary King, whom no one has seen in a while?”
“Exactly. Communication is so easy with you. That’s why I like you.”
At my words, Arpard’s expression visibly softened.
“It’s not entirely wrong, I suppose. After all, Prince Arpard and the Mercenary King are different people.”
“Of course. They’re naturally different people.”
I exhaled a sigh of relief without letting it show.
I had no desire to be heard whispering to the Prince and borrowing the Imperial Knight Order just to manage my own household.
That would certainly not help my reputation.
‘It’s far better to handle it by personally hiring a mercenary corps.’
In truth, even needing to hire mercenaries to deal with my own house’s knights was shameful.
It meant my household wasn’t properly organized.
‘But if the mercenary I hire is the renowned Gerald, the Mercenary King, then the situation changes entirely.’
Gerald isn’t called the Mercenary King for nothing.
Even for most noble houses, and even for royalty, hiring the Black Mercenary Corps is no simple matter.
But if Gerald himself takes action? That alone will become the talk of the town.
Everyone will view my abilities in a different light as well.
Arpard set aside his demeanor and expression as the Crown Prince, crossing his long legs as he posed his question.
His tone shifted.
“Then I have a question for my employer.”
“Ask away.”
“How do you intend to pay a commission befitting the Mercenary King’s name?”
I whispered in Arpard’s ear with a knowing smile.
I didn’t miss the way his eyes widened in surprise for a moment.
Arpard furrowed his brow and raised an objection.
“…Isn’t your tone different now? That hardly matters to Gerald, the Mercenary King.”
“But it’s quite beneficial for Prince Arpard.”
Double lives were always most enjoyable when you treated the same person as two different people, depending on which side held the advantage.
“And it’s not a bad arrangement for the Mercenary King either.”
“I don’t see how it benefits the Mercenary King.”
“By becoming a commoner who personally executes the downfall of Ludwig, the Grand Duke. And you’d face no punishment whatsoever.”
I would make it so.
“That alone would greatly elevate Gerald, the Mercenary King’s standing.”
“That’s only if it succeeds. Is it even possible for a commoner named Gerald to lay hands on Ludwig without facing punishment?”
“You’re right.”
I answered Arpard in a calm tone.
For that to happen, Gerald, the Mercenary King would have to swear loyalty directly to the Emperor and receive a pardon—nothing less would suffice.
After all, Gerald, the Mercenary King was one of the few Sword Masters on the continent capable of wielding an aura.
Arpard—or rather, Gerald—made his move first.
“I have no intention of swearing loyalty to the Emperor.”
“I know. I won’t ask you to. A card like the Mercenary King only has value when kept exclusive.”
A faint smile played at Gerald’s lips.
“That sounds like you want to monopolize me?”
“….”
He’d deliberately interpreted it that way, no doubt about it—though the interpretation wasn’t entirely wrong either.
I emphasized my words.
“Well, anyone would want to if they could exclusively hire Gerald, the Mercenary King.”
I thought I heard Arpard click his tongue.
I changed the subject in the meantime.
“You don’t need to worry about being punished for kicking out or driving away Ludwig. By tomorrow, no one will care about such a trivial matter.”
“Trivial?”
I laughed with confidence.
“Because the scandals surrounding Ludwig and Evangeline will be far more sensational.”
I whispered in a low voice.
“In the midst of all that, who touched Ludwig will become an utterly insignificant detail.”
My teeth ached at the thought, but I had lived as Ludwig’s wife three times over.
Because of that, I knew him very well indeed.
‘There’s no way Ludwig would be in his right mind in a situation like this.’
Especially not when it had been such a short time since he was humiliated by Arpard, the very source of his inferiority complex.
‘If he’s drowning in alcohol, that’s ideal. Even if he isn’t… it doesn’t matter.’
I’ll make sure he’s so drunk that he has no choice but to make a mistake.
And that would be… essentially a political death sentence for Ludwig.
I took both of Arpard’s hands in mine. Fortunately, he didn’t pull away or dodge.
Thanks to that, I was able to lift both his palms upward.
Then I touched Arpard’s right hand with one finger.
“Prince Arpard can obtain the downfall of his political rival without lifting a single finger.”
Like a fisherman dangling bait in his hand.
So tempting that he’d want to snatch it up immediately.
And then I placed my other hand on his left palm, tickling it lightly.
“And on top of that, you could claim the exploits of Gerald, the Mercenary King—the man who made even the Imperial Family kneel.”
I teased his palm like I was testing the waters, then suddenly grasped both his hands firmly.
“!”
Arpard showed a hint of surprise. It felt good to have successfully caught this man off guard, which was rare.
“I’ve placed flowers in both your hands.”
I drew up the corners of my mouth and delivered my conclusion.
“Whether you grasp them or not is entirely up to you.”
I whispered to him, bringing my face closer—close enough that my breath touched his skin.
“Choose.”
“….”
Silence stretched on for a moment.
But then Arpard broke into a grin, baring his teeth.
And rough hands suddenly grasped both of mine in return.
‘Perfect! It worked!’
Even though I’d expected Arpard would have no choice but to accept, I’d been quite tense.
My legs nearly gave out from the wave of relief.
At that same moment, the carriage came to a stop as it arrived in Delphin.
Because of that, I—who had been standing there passionately trying to persuade Arpard—tumbled forward.
Naturally, Arpard was right beneath me as I fell.
And he caught me as I collapsed into his arms as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
As a result, I found myself wrapped in his embrace.
And I only realized this fact when I was draped across his excessively firm and broad chest.
Thump-thump—his steady heartbeat was so close I could hear it drumming in my ears.
‘Kyaa!’
I tried to jump up with a silent scream, but I was stopped midway.
Arpard had wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me in place.
“….”
“….”
A brief, awkward silence filled the carriage.
I was about to thank Arpard for helping me manage the situation when—
Arpard spouted something utterly ridiculous.
“But isn’t it a bit much to go rescue your lover in crisis while bringing along your legal husband? Doesn’t your conscience bother you?”
What kind of nonsensical drivel was this man spouting?
I asked, utterly bewildered.
“Even if the situation is awkward and you’re trying to change the subject, don’t you think that’s far too absurd?”
“I’m not trying to change the subject.”
Sure, sure. Whatever you say.
I raised my fingers and corrected his nonsense one by one, folding them down.
“First of all, I came with Gerald, the Mercenary King, not Prince Arpard, my husband.”
Officially, Arpard should be at the Prince’s Palace right now anyway, so that was accurate.
“And second, Count Beltane is not my lover.”
And Arpard—or rather, Gerald, the Mercenary King (that bastard)—
“Yes, of course, my lady.”
He didn’t sound convinced in the slightest.
Just then, I heard a sound from outside announcing our arrival in Delphin, and I couldn’t get another jab in.
Ugh, what a waste!

* * *

Meanwhile, Polmen, the chamberlain of House of Delphin, trembled with distress and fear.
It was because of Ludwig, who was now dead drunk and causing a scene, just as Hillia had predicted.
“Your Highness, Grand Duke. Please, come to your senses.”
“How… how could this happen…!”
Ludwig’s slurred words tumbled out in a mess.
To anyone watching, it was a pathetic sight.
“You! Do you also see me as a pitiful wretch whose wife was stolen?! You’re looking down on me behind my back too, aren’t you?! Did you think I wouldn’t notice?!”
Ludwig erupted in fury and lunged at Polmen as if to tear out every hair of his beard.
“Oh dear! Grand Duke! Please stop!”
Polmen had to endure quite a rough ordeal until Ludwig finally collapsed and fell asleep from his rampage.
After bearing through the ordeal, the chamberlain felt a fresh wave of resentment rising within him.
‘Yesterday, I even ignored the young lady’s orders because of what he said, and he treats me like this?’

“The Crown Princess has ordered you to bring Anny, the maid of Delphin, and Count Beltane, the knight.”

The Chamberlain did not offer the palace official so much as a cup of tea upon entering the Manor. It was an extraordinary discourtesy.
The reason Polmen could afford such rudeness was simple.
Yesterday, Ludwig had remained in full command and issued his orders with confidence.

“The Prince’s bride? Don’t make me laugh! If you want to take her so badly, come get her yourself!”
“Chamberlain. Surely you’re not thinking of switching your allegiance to Hillia now? I’m certain you’ve heard the rumors that her banquet was ruined before it even began. There’s no possibility of Hillia being recognized as the Prince’s bride.”

Evangeline, too, had returned to Delphin after a long absence and now sat beside Ludwig.
She threatened the Chamberlain openly.

“True, you could change your mind now and follow Hillia’s orders. After all, the direct line of House of Delphin is Hillia.”
“Miss Evangeline!”
“But remember this. Neither I nor the Empress will ever accept someone who has betrayed us once.”

With a cruel smile spreading across her beautiful face, Evangeline issued her warning.

“Do as you wish.”

It was a clear message: do not follow Hillia unless you wish to die.
And for the past three years, the Chamberlain had grown far more accustomed to obeying Ludwig and Evangeline than Hillia.
In the first place, he owed his position as Chamberlain to Evangeline.
When the previous Chamberlain had died under murky circumstances shortly after the death of the former Duke, it was Ludwig who had recommended the current Chamberlain to the unsuspecting Hillia.
It went without saying that Evangeline stood behind that recommendation.
Since then, under the protection of these two, he had committed countless petty embezzlements throughout the Manor to line his own pockets.
If he were to switch sides now, he would have to abandon it all.
The Chamberlain steeled his resolve once more.
‘It’s fine. That weak and indecisive Miss Hillia couldn’t possibly do anything to me, could she? But Evangeline is different. She might actually kill me.’
It was only now that the thought occurred to him—could Evangeline have been behind the death of the previous Chamberlain?
The Chamberlain had been focused on attending to Ludwig, who had fallen into drink, when disaster struck without warning.
“Chamberlain! She has arrived!”
“What? Who?”
“The young lady! The young lady has come!”
He had been thinking that perhaps Evangeline had returned to see Ludwig again.
The pale servant uttered an entirely different name.
“Miss Hillia has arrived!”
…!

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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