The Search for the Duchess’s Husband - Chapter 102

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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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In Search of the Duke’s Husband – Episode 102

Calvin, who suddenly found himself standing beside his chair, answered in a measured voice.
“That falls within the judge’s authority.”
“I know. That’s why I came here personally to give you this order.”
Killian von Orpheus showed no anger. He made no sharp threats.
His expression remained serene, his tone almost languid.
Yet an oppressive aura emanated from him that suffocated those around him. Even Calvin, who had witnessed countless criminals—among them knights who had claimed hundreds of lives—found himself breathless.
Calvin was a judge fair to all and a meticulous adherent of principle, but he also knew how to value his own life.
Which meant he was someone capable of exercising enough flexibility to switch to a public trial.
Calvin nodded without hesitation.
“It shall be done.”
Recalling that moment, Calvin reflected.
Did people realize it?
That Killian von Orpheus, standing at the apex of power, harbored an extraordinary interest in the trial of one couple’s most private affair.

* * *

The official decree written by Calvin was announced.

「 Since conducting a case of such widespread public interest behind closed doors could invite objections to the verdict, we shall proceed with an open trial. 」

Immediately, applications to observe the trial flooded in. Fifty observers were selected based on strict criteria.
Artia was among them.
Unfortunately, Marigold and Dahlia were not selected as observers.
“Be strong for the Princess in our place too.”
Recalling Marigold’s words, I took a seat in the front row of the observation gallery.
It was the closest seat to Frigia.
People filling the expansive observation gallery chattered endlessly about today’s trial.
Some defended Frigia, while others championed Count Elysium.
The crowd had clearly divided. Tensions escalated, and voices grew louder.
“Under no circumstances should a man lay hands on his wife. Count Elysium must apologize for his violence and never resort to it again.”
“Ha, it was Countess Elysium who committed the transgression. What wife in this world reports her husband—the head of the household—to the authorities?”
The people who had been clamoring so loudly that one could scarcely distinguish whether this was a courtroom or a back alley suddenly fell silent.
Killian von Orpheus had entered, silhouetted against the brilliant light.
At the appearance of the Prince with his cold, arrogant golden eyes, the crowd faltered.
Though the trial of Count and Countess Elysium had drawn unprecedented attention, the matter itself was trivial and sensational—hardly befitting dignity.
Thus, members of the Imperial Family and great nobility had refrained from commenting on the case.
Yet here was Killian von Orpheus, appearing nonetheless.
Moving with composure through the gazes of those seized by bewilderment and dread, Killian von Orpheus took an empty seat—directly beside me.
I sprang from my chair, lifted my skirts, and bowed deeply.
“I offer my respects to the blood of the Almighty House of Orpheus.”
Killian von Orpheus met my eyes and spoke.
“Sit. Focus on the trial.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
I returned to my seat as swiftly as I had risen.
Nocton von Alihas, seated across from Killian von Orpheus, called out in his characteristically gentle tone.
“His Highness requests that all present focus on the proceedings!”
In that instant, the eyes that had been fixed on Killian von Orpheus turned elsewhere. The suffocating silence persisted nonetheless.
Watching me sit rigidly upright, eyes fixed forward, Killian von Orpheus spoke.
“You have plenty of questions written all over your face.”
I turned my head slightly toward Killian von Orpheus and spoke in a hushed voice.
“When the Imperial Family observes a trial, it is customary for them to sit in a specially designated area. I am curious why Your Highness chose to sit here.”
Killian von Orpheus answered as though it were not a difficult question.
“This is a courtroom. It should be equal and fair, regardless of power.”
But why, of all the available seats, did you choose the one beside me?
I wanted to ask him that as well, but I refrained. Something told me I should.
It was strange. The gaze of Killian von Orpheus alone felt more intense than the dozens of eyes that had been fixed on this place moments before.
I quickly turned my flushed face away.
‘Get ahold of yourself. This is not the time to concern yourself with His Highness.’
I desperately steadied my composure and surveyed the people seated in the courtroom.
‘One-third support Frigia, two-thirds support Count Elysium.’
It matched public opinion precisely.
Despite my desperate efforts and greater-than-expected results, there were still limits to what could be achieved.
Many still condemned the wife for reporting her husband rather than condemning the husband for striking his wife.
‘But public opinion is merely opinion—the trial’s verdict remains uncertain.’
I tightened my eyes and gripped the hem of my skirt.
Killian von Orpheus, sitting askew beside me, stared at me intently.
Artia von Edenberg was waging war once more.
Unlike before, when I wielded a sword directly, I now stood as a strategist behind Count Elysium’s wife.
Though I appeared composed on the surface, the uncertainty of a battle I couldn’t guarantee would weigh on me.
Yet you look forward without fear….
‘Beautiful.’
My heart trembled. My entire body burned. My fingertips tingled.
Killian von Orpheus felt a sensation so unfamiliar it terrified him, coursing through every fiber of his being.

* * *

The trial began.
Count Elysium appeared first.
Dressed in a white uniform, Count Elysium wore a cascade of gleaming medals bestowed by the Imperial Court across his chest.
He embodied the honored and authoritative patriarch of House of Elisium.
A woman who witnessed his appearance flushed and murmured.
“A man of such standing could never have struck his wife.”
Those captivated by his outward appearance, including her, could not fathom what lay beneath.
The cruel thoughts festering in that noble gentleman’s mind.
‘I will never forgive you for this insult, Frigia—for daring to report your husband and drag him before this court.’
The moment the trial ends, I’ll drag you back to the mansion and lock you in your chamber.
I’ll whip you without offering a single drop of water.
Even if you waste away from hunger and thirst, begging forgiveness with clasped hands, I will never stop.
‘But don’t worry too much, Frigia. I’ll drive you to beg for death itself, though I won’t grant it.’
A woman as beautiful as you is difficult to find.
After a year of punishment, I’ll provide proper meals again, brush your hair, apply your makeup, dress you in lavish gowns, and place you at my side once more.
What a merciful husband I am.
But Count Elysium’s arrogant, gleaming eyes widened. Frigia had appeared from the opposite side.
Others gasped as well.
The noblewoman who had always captivated High Society appeared entirely different today.
Her face bore no makeup, her white dress held no ornaments, and her gaunt frame—as though she might collapse at any moment—emanated such a pitiful, sorrowful presence that observers felt their hearts ache.
It was Artia who had arranged Frigia’s appearance this way.
“People are profoundly influenced by what they see. When they behold a beautiful yet sorrowful woman, their hearts soften.”
Artia’s prediction proved correct.
Even those hostile to Frigia wore expressions of sympathy.
‘First impressions matter, and I’ve made mine.’
I tightened my grip on the fabric of my skirt and swallowed hard.
Calvin stood at the center of the courtroom in his black judicial robes, and he opened his mouth to speak.
“I hereby commence these proceedings.”
He read from the documents in a measured, emotionless tone.
“The Countess of House Elisium has endured repeated assault by her husband, Count Elysium, throughout the duration of their marriage, causing her considerable suffering. Finding herself unable to bear further violence, she has petitioned this court for intervention regarding her husband’s abusive conduct.”
Calvin’s gaze shifted toward Frigia.
“Is this account accurate?”
Frigia nodded, her pallid face betraying her anguish.
“Yes, it is true.”
The moment her words ceased, Count Elysium rose from the opposite side of the courtroom, striking his chest indignantly as he spoke.
“I cherish and love my wife. Everyone in High Society knows this. I swear upon my honor that I have never committed such acts.”

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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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