The Search for the Duchess’s Husband - Chapter 116

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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 116

Though I had become friends with him, I saw no reason to acknowledge our acquaintance in such a setting. One could never predict what gossip might circulate.
Killian von Orpheus, understanding my reluctance, made no move to approach me.
Instead, he softened the predatory sharpness of his gaze and curved his lips into a smile.
A fleeting smile. Yet its effect was devastating.
“Gasp!”
Breathless exclamations erupted throughout the hall. Some guests swayed as though their legs had lost all strength.
The arrogant imperial prince, having seized complete command of the Banquet Hall in mere moments, settled into his designated seat on the dais with unflappable composure.
As the other members of the Imperial Family entered and the atmosphere deepened, the chamberlain’s voice rang out.
“Her Majesty the Empress!”
At those words, the clamorous hall fell into sudden silence.
The Empress appeared upon the dais.
Felicity von Orpheus—the Emperor’s wife, mother of First Prince Arsen and Second Prince Killian von Orpheus.
Belying her illustrious name, she resembled a rose stripped to its thorns alone—her appearance withered and desiccated, her presence emanating desolation.
Her somber voice filled the hall.
“High Society has been particularly turbulent this year, it seems.”
The Empress’s gaze fell upon me and Frigia.
The woman who divorced her husband.
The woman who sent her husband to prison.
The Empress, who despised commotion, found both women’s conduct deeply offensive.
Sensing the Empress’s displeasure, Frigia shrank back. I, standing beside her, took her hand and whispered.
“There is no need to be so frightened. She is not the sort to wield a rod simply because something displeases her.”
The Empress was acerbic, but not cruel enough to crush an innocent woman. At least, not in any instance I knew of.
Fortunately, as I had anticipated, the Empress turned her gaze away and continued speaking.
“Even amidst turmoil, flowers bloom. I shall now announce the Ethereal—the finest flower among all the ladies who have earned the admiration of the nobility this year.”
In that moment, fierce longing ignited in the eyes of every beautiful woman present.
The Ethereal.
An honored title bestowed only upon the most graceful and beautiful lady of the year, recognized by all noble women.
Amidst the suffocating tension, I gazed upon Frigia with a serene expression.
Despite Count Elysium’s crimes, Frigia’s reputation had not substantially diminished.
She had actively acknowledged her husband’s guilt and paid me substantial compensation for the damages.
To her reputation as a courageous woman who had stood against her husband’s violence was added the esteem of a responsible woman who had not evaded her husband’s culpability. Many women still held her in high regard.
‘Just as Aunt said, this year’s Ethereal will be Frigia.’
I harbored not the slightest regret at this prospect.
All I desired was for Frigia to become the Ethereal, to cast off every whisper of blame for making her husband a criminal, and to shine forth with radiant confidence and beauty.
Because we’re friends.
It was then that my eyes met Frigia’s.
The moment Frigia’s eyes softened into a gentle curve, the Empress’s voice rang out.
“Artia von Edenberg.”
Oh, so that means….
“Me?”
Frigia beamed brightly at Artia, whose eyes had widened in bewilderment.
In that instant, I understood.
Frigia had orchestrated something.
My suspicions were correct.
Over the past month, Frigia had not attended any public gatherings, but she had sought out the women she knew one by one and told them.
“The person who gave me courage to take a step forward and guided me by the hand was Artia von Edenberg. I ask that you remember this.”
The noblewomen understood Frigia’s intention, and it led to today’s outcome.
Before Artia could even ask what was happening, Frigia beamed at her.
“Congratulations, Artia!”
It was not a formal smile. It was a greeting brimming with sincerity, overflowing with pure joy.
Marigold, Dahlia, Penelope, Clara, and many other women standing nearby smiled as they gazed at me. Among them was Chloe, Calvin’s mother, dressed in a vibrant floral gown with streaks of silver in her hair.
“Please ascend. It would be improper etiquette to keep Her Majesty the Empress waiting.”
“Ah, yes!”
Artia, finally coming to her senses, gathered her skirts and climbed onto the dais.
Standing face to face with the Empress, I swallowed hard.
This was the first time I had seen the Empress from such a close distance.
She appeared far more frail and sharp-featured than from afar….
‘Her eyes resemble Killian’s….’
Without realizing it, I had found Killian von Orpheus’s features in the Empress, and her voice snapped me back to attention.
“I congratulate you on receiving the most votes from the ladies of High Society this year.”
Belying the congratulatory words, the Empress’s violet eyes remained cold as ice.
“Ethereal is a name given to the most beautiful and graceful lady. Henceforth, I hope you will remember the weight of that name and conduct yourself accordingly.”
In other words, stop making a fuss and stay quiet?
Artia responded to the Empress’s rebuke with a radiant smile, showing not the slightest hint of discomfort.
“Yes, Your Majesty the Empress. I shall engrave your wise counsel deeply in my heart.”
“….”
The Empress’s expression showed her displeasure even at that, and she extended the bouquet her attendant had brought.
Gold Rose—a flower that bloomed only within the Imperial Palace.
(Golden rose)
It was.
Artia accepted the flowers with utmost grace and elegance.
“Speak a few words as the Ethereal.”
Following the Empress’s command, I stood in the center of the dais, bouquet in hand. Though I had attended gatherings at the Imperial Palace several times before, this was my first time ascending the dais.
‘So this is how it looks from up here….’
I could see the faces of everyone in the Banquet Hall at a glance.
Some beamed with delight, others made no effort to hide their disappointment, and though few in number, several bore the glint of envy in their eyes.
And then… I saw Killian von Orpheus.
Perhaps it was the golden hue of his eyes, or the subtle luminescence within them—despite the considerable distance between us, he felt as though he stood directly before me.
Strangely, the moment I met his intense gaze, the tension that had gripped my entire body dissolved. Courage flooded through me as though I had found the most steadfast ally in the world.
Flustered by this peculiar emotion, I felt warmth rise to my cheeks as I opened my mouth to speak.
“As you all know, until recently I scarcely participated in High Society activities. I claimed illness as my excuse, but the truth was far simpler—I was afraid to attend gatherings where beautiful, graceful, and wise ladies convened. I believed myself far too inadequate to stand among such women.”
The truly frightened version of me remained hidden in my chamber, curled up in fear.
But deep down, I had always wanted to be brave. I wanted to leave that room and stand before people with pride as the Duchess of Edenberg.
Just as I do now.
“Then something changed me. I resolved to be courageous.”
I divorced my husband—a man who only inflicted wounds—and began my life in High Society.
And only then did I realize the profound misconception I had harbored.
“Those women who appeared flawless and perfect each carried their own secrets.”
Marigold, you seemed so bold, yet you grieved over a small child.
Dahlia, you appeared endlessly composed, yet you possessed a passion as fierce as flame and a gift for writing that was utterly captivating.
Frigia, you seemed as lovely as a princess from a fairy tale, yet you were battling the terrible suffering your husband inflicted upon you.
It was not only these three women.
“Everyone worried, concealed, wept, despised, envied, feared, and harbored regrets—yet before others, they hid these feelings and smiled.”
“….”
Beneath the warm gazes of the women, I continued.
“Many have named Ethereal as the most distinguished lady present. But I wish to share this honor with all of you gathered here. We are all distinguished ladies who have lived through a year both magnificent and fierce.”
I turned my gaze toward the Empress.
“Your Majesty, would it be acceptable if I shared the flowers you have bestowed upon me with everyone present?”
She would have expected a proper greeting before my departure, not this peculiar speech.
The Empress was displeased, but she did not refuse. Though she was not particularly considerate by nature, she was not so dull as to be unable to read the mood.
“It is yours to do with as you wish.”
“Thank you.”
I bowed respectfully, then untied the ribbon binding the bouquet. I took a single golden rose and presented it to the Empress.
“I wish to offer this to Your Majesty the Empress, who as the mother of the Empire has devoted yourself to caring for our entire nation with such thoughtfulness.”

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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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