The Search for the Duchess’s Husband - Chapter 172

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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 172

A heavy silence descended upon the Conference Hall.
It wasn’t merely because his words held truth.
Count Golzess possessed both an aggressive temperament and formidable wealth. Few among the nobility could openly express their disapproval of such a man.
It was precisely when Marquis Ganyuel, observing the tight-lipped nobles, began to refute with a contorted expression.
“I also support the attendance of the Duchess of Edenberg.”
Count Greg, Dalia’s Husband, raised his hand and spoke.
Following his lead, many others opened their mouths.
“I share the same opinion.”
Marquis Ganyuel’s face paled as though he were experiencing a nightmare.
The other nobles exchanged bewildered glances among themselves.
Meanwhile, Artia wore a composed expression as though she had anticipated this outcome.
Artia had not come to this gathering without purpose.
Over several months, I had worked to bring the nobles attending the Noble Conference to my side.
I began with Count Golzess first.
Of course, it had not been easy.
“Duchess of Edenberg, you are an admirable pupil of mine, a friend to my beloved wife, and an excellent business partner. However, taking your side during the Noble Conference is another matter entirely. The risk is far too great for me.”
To Count Golzess, who spoke with candor, I replied.
“You yourself taught me that bold investment in valuable things is a merchant’s virtue.”
“…!”
“You will not regret it. Please invest in Artia von Edenberg. Should this matter succeed, the House of Edenberg will become an unconditional ally to the House of Golzess.”
My eyes met those of Count Golzess.
Marigold, seated between us, wore an anxious expression.
‘Just try refusing Artia’s request. If you do, Cecilia and I will torment you second by second until we change your mind one way or another.’
Fortunately, no such misfortune occurred.
Count Golzess, after deliberation, nodded his head.
“Very well, I shall become your ally.”
He continued speaking toward Artia, whose eyes gleamed with light.
“I shall bear the criticism that will pour forth from the nobles should this investment fail. Conversely, should the investment succeed, I shall gain a formidable ally in the House of Edenberg.”
However, he imposed one condition.
I was to secure at least twelve or more household heads who would firmly support me during the Noble Conference.
Only then would he step forward and take the lead.
Persuading twelve or more heads of houses—not merely ordinary nobles—was no simple task.
Yet I possessed a weapon.
The women with whom I had cultivated deep relationships through High Society.
They gladly supported Artia and persuaded their own husbands and sons.
Dahlia spoke to her husband.
“You’ve always said it yourself—the higher the position, the greater the ability required for a nation to prosper. No one can deny that Artia is more capable than the Elders of House of Edenberg, who are notorious for their incompetence. So isn’t it only natural that she becomes the representative of our house?”
Frigia spoke to her younger brother-in-law, who was serving as acting head of the household.
“After my husband went to prison, it was only the Duchess of Edenberg who helped our family when all the businesses we operated were failing and we nearly went bankrupt. Shouldn’t we repay that debt of gratitude?”
Penelope stepped forward as well.
Today too, she grabbed her husband by the collar as he lounged at his lover’s house and spoke.
“You’re going to support Artia unconditionally. If you don’t, I’ll make sure you never use that thing of yours again, not for a single day of rest.”
And even Evangeline.
“Darling, I have a favor to ask. Please take Artia’s side at this Noble Conference.”
The Marquess of Gloucester, who had a considerable age gap with Evangeline, was nearly sixty years old.
He was as conservative as the wrinkles on his face. He despised anything unconventional or revolutionary.
Yet he nodded his head.
Though it was a political marriage, he genuinely loved his wife.
Enough to grant even somewhat unreasonable requests.
“I too support Artia von Edenberg’s attendance at the Noble Conference.”
The moment the Marquess of Gloucester spoke in his dignified voice, the atmosphere in the Conference Hall shifted.
It was no longer seen as the reckless action of a few young nobles, but as something worthy of recognition even by the venerable old aristocracy.
Feeling this change, Artia clenched her fists.
‘Women of the Empire cannot inherit a house.’
But they possessed tremendous influence as wives of household heads, as mothers, as daughters.
That power revealed itself today.
The majority of nobles seated in the Conference Hall expressed their support.
Count Golzess looked at Marquis Ganyuel with the face of a victor and spoke.
“When there is a dispute, we follow the opinion supported by the majority. You haven’t forgotten the rules of the Noble Conference, have you?”
Marquis Ganyuel wanted to argue how that rule could be applied here.
But unlike Count Golzess, who stood with numerous allies at his back and radiated confidence, Marquis Ganyuel had no one to stand and fight beside him.
Of course, not everyone welcomed Artia. Many were as displeased as Marquis Ganyuel.
But caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, they failed to unite their strength.
Seizing that opening, Count Golzess extended his hand.
“Do come in, Acting Duke of Edenberg.”
At last, Artia stepped into the Conference Hall.
Her expression was radiant with joy surpassing fear.
And at that same moment.
Killian von Orpheus entered the Empress’s Palace with Charlotte.

* * *

Not long ago, Killian had gone to the Empress and told her.
“I have found a mage. If we show her brother to this mage, we might be able to find a way to restore his body to health.”
After much deliberation, the Empress granted permission for the mage’s visit.
Yet the mage who arrived was an ordinary woman with not a shred of dignity about her.
The Empress regarded Charlotte with eyes full of suspicion.
“Can you truly heal Arsen?”
Rather than answering the Empress’s question, Charlotte spoke of something else.
“For decades, you have left nothing undone for Arsen’s sake. You summoned every renowned physician to examine him, procured rare medicines for him to consume, and even brought in those with even a whisper of magical talent to cast their spells.”
“…!”
“Yet there has been no improvement whatsoever, so your despair must have been immense. Enough to shatter both body and spirit.”
The Empress could not bring herself to scold Charlotte for her utterly presumptuous words.
She was too astonished that Charlotte had grasped everything about her.
Charlotte furrowed her brows and continued.
“But it does no good to hate an innocent child.”
“…!”
“Your pity and remorse for your firstborn son, rejected by the entire world, has transformed into hatred for your second son who possesses everything.”
Charlotte spoke while looking at Killian, who stood apart from the Empress.
“But come to your senses. Your anger is not justified, Felicity.”
Felicity.
The Empress’s eyes widened at hearing her own name after so very long.
Witnessing this, Charlotte offered a bitter smile.
‘She is not reflecting on my words at all, merely overjoyed—filled with hope that I might be able to heal her son.’
The Empress spoke urgently.
“Come, come quickly.”
The highest level of the Empress’s Palace. There, Arsen awaited.
As the massive doors opened, Charlotte pointed at the Empress and spoke.
“You wait here.”
“What do you mean…!”
“Do not waste breath with needless concerns about what mischief I might commit in your absence. You know as well as anyone that Killian will protect Arsen above all others.”
“….”
“The reason I forbid you entry is simply that your aura is far too unstable. Such turbulent energy beside me would interfere with my spellcasting.”
The Empress had always been present whenever Arsen met with anyone. Only then could her heart find peace.
But with Charlotte speaking thus, she had no choice.
The Empress spoke to Killian in a sharp tone.
“Protect your brother well.”
Even at the cost of your own life.
Reading the hidden meaning in her words, Killian nodded.
“Have no fear, Your Majesty.”
The Empress remained outside the chamber, while Killian and Charlotte entered.
The space, created by opening three rooms into one, was wider than most mansions.
As I passed through the space densely arranged with potted plants, I entered an area adorned with beautiful artwork.
I could sense the meticulous care taken to decorate this space for Arsen, who could not venture outside.
Yet instead of admiration, Charlotte felt a profound unease.
‘There’s not a trace of vitality from a living soul.’
It felt as though I had stepped into a tomb where the dead lay buried.

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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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