The Search for the Duchess’s Husband - Chapter 146

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

In Search of the Duke’s Husband – Episode 146

* * *

After finishing my conversation with Dahlia, I made my way to the dress shop on the street.
On Lamb’s recommendation, I had entrusted the creation of stage costumes to Andy, a designer renowned in the industry for her exceptional craftsmanship.
When I arrived at the shop, I was greeted by Andy and Frigia.
“Welcome, Artia.”
I wanted to create garments that could be worn not only on stage but also in everyday life.
However, Andy, though a commoner and a designer specializing in noble ladies’ dresses, had limitations in her design scope.
That’s why I sought Frigia’s assistance.
She was, after all, a fashion icon recognized throughout High Society.
“I’m confident about clothing.”
Frigia happily agreed to my request with delight.
Andy, seasoned from ten years of creating stage costumes, and Frigia, who set trends among the nobility—when these two combined their talents, the results were extraordinary.
The finished product was remarkable.
“Wow…”
I gazed at the completed heroine’s dress and my mouth fell open in wonder.
It was so refined and beautiful that wearing it to the Banquet Hall would captivate everyone’s attention.
At my reaction, Andy and Frigia beamed with pride.
Andy spoke.
“Frigia’s eye for detail is truly remarkable. You paid attention to aspects I hadn’t even considered, which allowed us to create such a polished garment.”
Frigia spoke with a bashful expression.
“It’s Andy who’s remarkable. I’ve never seen a designer with hands as swift and meticulous as yours.”
The two of them looked at each other, their faces flushing.
My goodness, I never expected them to become so close.
I smiled inwardly and spoke.
“What do you think, Andy? With costumes of this caliber, we have genuine potential, don’t we?”
I planned to open a shop simultaneously with the performance screening.
There, I would sell costumes and accessories with designs similar to those worn by the characters in the performance.
I had hired Andy as an exclusive designer to create items for that shop.
“I’ve never seen audiences show interest in performance costumes before. The conditions you offered were so favorable that I agreed to the contract, but honestly, I wasn’t sure if the shop would succeed.”
Andy’s thoughts had completely transformed in the meantime.
Andy spoke with gleaming eyes.
“With this level of craftsmanship, noble ladies will show tremendous interest regardless of the performance’s success. I’ll stake my reputation and work diligently!”
“That’s wonderful, Andy.”
Frigia clapped her hands with a smile.
Watching the two of them, I pondered.
If the reception was favorable, I should propose drawing up a formal employment contract with Frigia as well.

* * *

Today’s final engagement was at House of Golthus.
Marigold and Cecilia came bounding out excitedly, throwing their arms around both of mine.
“We missed you so much, Edenberg.”
“I missed you too, Tia.”
Count Golthus’s expression darkened as he watched his wife and daughter.
“They never greet me with such enthusiasm when I return home….”
I beamed brightly at the Count, who had uttered those bitter words.
“I’m here, Master!”
At the word “master,” Count Golthus’s lips curved upward as though he’d forgotten his complaint entirely.
He shifted his bull-like frame and raised his hand.
“Welcome, my apprentice.”

The four of us, including Cecilia, took our seats at the table.
I broached the subject immediately.
“Have you reviewed the proposal I sent?”
Today I had not come to seek the Count’s business advice.
I had come to discuss matters as a business partner.
Count Golthus’s eyes had grown sharp and calculating.
“I have.”
The proposal I had sent to Count Golthus contained the following:

「 In the production we are preparing, a mysterious jewel called ‘Snow Diamond’ will appear.
Edenberg Production Company wishes to collaborate with Golgers Diamond Company to create and sell this jewel. 」

Artia straightened her posture and spoke.
“If the performance succeeds, Snow Diamond will become a sensation, bringing substantial profits to your company.”
“And if the performance fails?”
Count Golzess’s eyes grew sharp.
Yet Artia remained unshaken, answering calmly.
“Golgers Diamond Company would only lose the production costs for developing the new product. Compared to the profits we could gain from success, the loss is negligible. I hope you’ll keep that in mind as you consider this proposal.”
A heavy silence fell over the table.
Marigold and Cecilia shared the same thought.
‘Just say yes already!’
Just before the mother and daughter could jab Count Golzess in the ribs in unison, he opened his mouth.
“Approved.”
“…!”
“Your proposal was excellent, and your persuasive approach was masterful, my student.”
Count Golzess continued.
“However, there’s one thing lacking. You don’t need to conduct business with such cold detachment, devoid of emotion. If you have connections, you should use them.”
Count Golzess waved the documents as he spoke.
“Let’s draw up the contract immediately.”
Count Golzess, the businessman known for squeezing every last drop from his counterparts, skipped all negotiations and affixed his seal.
To anyone who knew him, it was a shocking turn of events.
“Thank you, Master.”
Artia carefully held the sealed contract to her chest.
Marigold, who had drawn close beside her, spoke.
“Tia, shall I tell you something amusing?”
Artia had been so absorbed in her work lately that she’d scarcely participated in High Society activities.
So whenever she met with friends, she would hear the latest gossip from the social circles.
“What is it?”
Marigold giggled as she spoke.
“Prince Killian von Orpheus is utterly smitten with the Northern Grand Duke’s burning heart!”
Artia nearly threw the precious contract into the air. The revelation was that shocking.
Seeing Artia frozen in astonishment, Count Golzess spoke.
“A few days ago, a conference was held at the Imperial Palace with high-ranking nobles in attendance.”
Nobles who thundered about elsewhere sat in their chairs with tense, rigid expressions.
It was because Killian von Orpheus was attending in the Emperor’s stead.
Though still young, he emanated an aura more ferocious than any dragon, making him an object of fear.
Shortly after, Killian von Orpheus appeared in the Conference Hall, which was thick with suffocating tension.
“…!”
The nobles’ eyes widened in unison.
A book was held in Killian von Orpheus’s hand.
The title was clearly visible.

「 The Northern Grand Duke’s Burning Heart 」

Artia asked in disbelief.
“Truly?”
Count Golzess nodded with a grave expression.
“I saw it with these two eyes. I couldn’t believe it, so I rubbed my eyes and looked again, but the letters didn’t change.”
Killian von Orpheus hadn’t gone so far as to read a novel in the conference hall.
He placed the book before him and attended the meeting with utmost diligence.
The nobles desperately pretended not to notice the book, yet they couldn’t help but pay attention to it.
The title alone was far too striking.
“After the meeting ended, the nobles gathered and chattered away with all manner of theories.”
His Highness must have had some intention in bringing such a vulgar book.
“Perhaps he was sending a message for us to work with passionate hearts burning bright?”
“No, that’s not the point—it’s the Northern Grand Duke at the beginning. He’s telling us to pay attention to the North.”
“You mean something has so deeply troubled His Highness that his heart burns with indignation?”
The nobles’ faces turned pale as if their hearts had stopped.
Eventually, one noble gathered his courage and sought out Nocton von Alihas, Killian von Orpheus’s attendant.
(He lacked the courage to approach Killian von Orpheus directly.)
Nocton von Alihas answered the noble’s question with a gentle smile.
“Ah, that book. His Highness has been enjoying reading it lately.”
“…?!”
“In fact, just days ago, he personally visited the place adapting the work into a theatrical production to offer his encouragement.”
“…!!”
Marigold spoke with an expression of utter delight.
“So all those nobles who were making such a fuss—saying how could anyone read such a vulgar novel, that performances based on such lowbrow works should be banned—they all fell silent. It was absolutely delicious to witness.”

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