The Search for the Duchess’s Husband - Chapter 184

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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 184

I began my formal duties as acting head of the Edenberg Duchy.
Killian von Orpheus, having only recently ascended to the throne, was equally consumed with work.
He swiftly advanced policies that had stalled under the previous Emperor.
He also mediated the endless conflicts between nobles with remarkable efficiency.
(In truth, it was more of a threat—that he would tolerate neither side if they continued their endless bickering.)
Foreign trade flourished as well. Killian von Orpheus, who had distinguished himself on the battlefield, possessed an inherently commanding presence that allowed him to conduct diplomacy in ways favorable to the Empire.
During this time, Killian von Orpheus and I were spotted together in countless places—the Imperial Palace, the Banquet Hall, the streets, cafes, foreign resorts—many locations.
Our affection was so palpable that one could almost taste honey in the air whenever we drew near.
To anyone’s eyes, we were unmistakably in love.
An unmarried Emperor, newly crowned.
A woman who had been married once before and held the right of succession to a dukedom.
The nobility were appalled by this incongruous pairing, their faces fell, and their anger flared.
Yet as time passed, they gradually surrendered to acceptance.
‘Sigh… what difference will our protests make? They’re so enamored with each other. They’ll do as they please, I suppose.’
And so four years elapsed.

* * *

Artia had turned twenty-seven.
The last traces of her youthful appearance had vanished entirely, replaced by the refined grace and weighty presence of a mature woman.
It was the composure she had cultivated while leading the Edenberg Duchy as regent.
Six in the morning. Bibi prepared me as I rose at my usual hour.
Over the past four years, Bibi’s skills had improved dramatically—she was now comparable to any maid at the Convent.
I smiled with satisfaction as I gazed at my reflection in the mirror.
“Thank you again today, Bibi.”
My destination was the headquarters of Edenberg Company.
As the business had expanded, I had purchased an entire building near the Montecro Theater for our operations.
Hundreds of employees worked within its walls.
The staff bowed their heads as I entered.
“Welcome, Director.”
“Good morning.”
I greeted them cheerfully and took my seat at my desk.
A nameplate reading “Director of Edenberg Company” sat upon it.
I had become a businesswoman whose name resonated not only throughout the Empire but across foreign lands as well.
With discerning taste, I selected works that became theatrical successes, and through the various enterprises I had built upon that foundation, I accumulated substantial wealth.
Countless individuals sought me out, eager to work alongside me.
“Please partner with our company for this upcoming production from Edenberg Company. We will contract under whatever terms you desire.”
“That goes for us as well!”
Count Golzess spoke in a booming voice to the businessmen who were fiercely competing for my attention.
“All of you, be quiet. I’ll be working with Edenberg Company on this project as well.”
Count Golzess had maintained close ties with Edenberg Company since its inception, but the others refused to yield easily.
“Business should not be conducted based on personal feelings or relationships. One must work with those who are more capable and offer greater profit. Is that not so, Director?”
I smiled at the businessman’s words.
It was a kind smile, yet one weighted with authority.
“Of course. Edenberg Company will select its partners according to rigorous standards. Shall we begin the meeting?”
After fierce competition, Count Golzess emerged as this year’s victor once again.
He waved the contract triumphantly and spoke to me.
“These contracts are becoming increasingly difficult to secure. Have you no interest in a permanent arrangement?”
“That’s what you taught me, Master. Permanent contracts offer no advantage—especially when I hold the upper hand.”
“You’ve learned far too well, I must say.”
Count Golzess clicked his tongue in mock exasperation.
“My wife and daughter threw a fit when they heard I was meeting you today. They told me to kidnap you after the meeting—are you willing to be dragged along?”
“I apologize, but I have other commitments today.”
“I suppose there’s nothing to be done. I’ll just have to endure their harassment.”
Count Golzess departed with a weary expression.
Afterward, I conducted several more meetings in succession.
My two uncles came by in the middle, but I sent them away, citing my busy schedule.
Derek and Ian, who had gained considerable weight and become indistinguishable from one another, pouted as they left.
“I just wanted to have a meal together. This is too much.”
“I even bought those popular cookies everyone’s been talking about lately. This is too much.”
With nothing left to do, the two of them made their way to Evangeline’s mansion.
Evangeline no longer doted on them as she once had, but at least she didn’t chase them away like a work-obsessed niece would.
Having surrendered all the family’s power to her niece, the two middle-aged individuals now received a generous allowance, and their daily lives were as peaceful as could be.

* * *

After finishing her meeting, Artia headed to the Montecro Theater.
The lead role in the current performance belonged to Luka.
At twenty-two years old, Luka was undoubtedly the Empire’s greatest star.
Every time Luka appeared on stage, the women in the audience let out sighs of admiration.
It wasn’t simply that they had fallen for the character Luka was portraying.
They were enchanted by Luka himself.
‘Yes, I understand completely.’
I nodded as I gazed at Luka.
A firm physique, a sharp jawline, piercing eyes.
From the twenty-two-year-old Luka emanated the fresh yet captivating scent of a young man in his prime.
The rumor that all the women of the Convent had surrendered their hearts to Luka was no mere jest.
That was when my eyes widened.
Luka had softly curved his eyes toward me.
The distance was great. The audience seating was dark besides.
Yet Luka found me in an instant, as he always did.
‘At moments like this, it’s as if Luka himself possesses some kind of magic.’
I marveled at this and gently waved my hand.
After the performance ended, I went to the Waiting Room and distributed bouquets to the actors.
I gave one to Luka as well.
“You finished strong right through the final performance. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
Luka smiled brightly.
People spoke of how Luka had become a bewitching man who could steal a woman’s heart whenever he pleased, but to my eyes, he remained nothing more than a pure-hearted boy.
“There are countless fans gathered outside the theater like stars.”
It wasn’t only because today was the final performance of this production.
Luka had decided to go to Leju with Lamb, saying he wanted to create works with entirely different people in a much wider world.
Upon hearing this news, Luka’s fans wept as if they had received the most devastating news imaginable.
“Don’t go, Luka!”
It was Charlotte, who had become the president of the Luka Fan Club, who calmed them.
She spoke with tears glistening in her eyes.
“Luka is going to become an even greater actor. So instead of clinging to him like leeches, you should support him! That’s what true fans do!”
Moved by Charlotte’s words, the fans nodded in agreement.
And so everyone gathered at the Performance Hall today.
To cheer on Luka’s journey and bid him farewell.
Artia relayed the situation outside.
“Everyone, including Charlotte, is trying to hold back their tears. They don’t want to send you off while crying.”
Luka looked down at Artia and asked.
“You don’t seem bothered at all, ma’am.”
His voice carried a hint of disappointment.
Artia’s eyes widened before her brows furrowed.
“Of course I’ll miss you.”
To Artia, Luka was a cherished younger sibling and an actress she had discovered. He was special in every way.
She would certainly miss him.
But she felt no sorrow whatsoever.
Just as Charlotte had said, Luka was leaving to grow into a greater person.
“And if you miss me terribly, you can always visit Leju. You’ll see me then, won’t you?”
“Of course!”
Luka nodded with a flushed face.
Artia found him endearing and let out a soft laugh.
“I’d like to give you a gift to celebrate your new beginning. Is there anything you’d like?”
Luka’s answer came immediately.
“Kiss me.”
No—those were words that had only screamed within Luka’s heart.
Artia had a lover, and she saw Luka as anything but a man.
So I could never reveal my true feelings.
The moment I became a man, even this precious relationship would shatter.
‘Thank goodness I’m an actress.’
I can hide my heart and wear an unbothered expression.
I pressed down the burning affection that filled my chest and spoke.
“I’ll write you letters, ma’am. Please reply whenever you can, even if it’s just occasionally.”
Artia’s eyes widened.
“What’s that? That’s not a gift.”
“To me, it’s the greatest gift of all!”
I deliberately spoke like an eighteen-year-old boy.
Desperate for even a crumb of Artia’s affection, treasuring even such devotion.
My efforts bore fruit.
Artia, completely oblivious to my true feelings, ruffled my red hair.
“Alright. I’ll definitely reply when I receive your letters.”
From afar, Lamb, who had been secretly watching the two, covered his mouth and shed hot tears. “Kup…”
‘The boss is an idiot! A complete idiot who doesn’t even recognize the love of a man who adores her!’

* * *

When I returned to the Edenberg Mansion after completing all my scheduled engagements, one person remained waiting for me.
It was Killian von Orpheus.
The moment I saw him, I transformed from the composed and sharp representative of Edenberg Company into a girl.
I rushed forward and embraced him.
“I missed you so much!”

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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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