The Search for the Duchess’s Husband - Chapter 31

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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 31

Zeus.
The Empire’s most renowned coffee house.
Zeus’s reputation stemmed not merely from its luxurious furnishings and exquisite taste, but from something far more exclusive.
The establishment operated under a rigorous membership system with fees so astronomical that even most nobility hesitated to join.
The cost was prohibitive enough to deter even the wealthiest aristocrats from casual enrollment.
‘That’s why I cancelled my membership immediately after divorcing Lloyd. Given my current financial circumstances, such extravagance was utterly unjustifiable.’
Yet Simon settled into his seat with the ease of someone entering any ordinary shop in the capital, ordering an abundance of items without hesitation.
‘His youthful appearance often makes me forget, but he truly is among the wealthiest in the capital.’
I sipped my tea, suddenly reminded of House of Rushian’s considerable fortune.
A delicate flush rose to my pale cheeks.
“Ah…”
Even if criticized as the pinnacle of extravagance, Zeus remained incomparable.
The tea crafted from leaves rarer than gold truly lived up to its reputation.
Simon laughed like a child upon seeing me holding the teacup with such contentment.
“Actually, my brother specifically instructed me to bring the Duchess of Edenberg here.”
“I see.”
“I was frustrated at always following my brother’s lead, but seeing you so pleased makes me glad I came.”
Simon continued, gesturing toward the desserts crowding the table.
“Do try this cake. It’s remarkably tender and delicious. The financier with almond flour is exquisite as well. And the jelly overflowing with strawberries…”
With his sparkling eyes, Simon resembled not a grown nobleman but an excited puppy wagging its tail enthusiastically.
As I stifled a laugh, an entirely different man suddenly crossed my mind.
Arrogant and ferocious, yet elegant and beautiful—like a black panther…
“Prince Killian von Orpheus?!”
Yes, him.
I nodded without thinking, then suddenly regained my senses and assessed the situation.
It wasn’t I who had spoken his name—it was Simon.
When I looked at Simon, his mouth hung open as he stared across the room. Following his gaze, I wore an identical expression.
The man I had just been thinking of was entering the shop.
The arrogant and ferocious, yet elegant and beautiful prince—Killian von Orpheus himself.
“Gasp…”
Simon’s face drained of color as though he had witnessed the arrival of a demon lord.
He was not alone in his shock.
Everyone within the establishment froze, their attention fixed upon Killian von Orpheus.
As though time itself had stopped.
The suffocating silence was broken by a woman.
The woman seated at the adjacent table abruptly rose and approached Killian von Orpheus.
“I offer my respects to the blood of the almighty Orpheus. I am Elisha of the Renard Count Family. You remember me, don’t you?”
The woman flashed an excessively bright smile, her greeting tinged with coquetry.
Killian von Orpheus opened his mouth without even glancing in her direction.
“I’ll tolerate a greeting. But nothing beyond that.”
His voice dropped lower.
“Unless you wish to displease me and see blood spilled.”
Despite the chilling words, his gaze remained serene, his languid tone elegant.
Yet it was more than sufficient to evoke primal terror.
The woman who had rushed forward with such boldness now trembled, her face drained of all color.
Killian von Orpheus passed her by with an expression of utter indifference.
Everyone in the establishment shared the same thought.
A prince so breathtakingly beautiful and dignified, yet equally terrifying—please, let him not draw near….
Artia harbored the same prayer.
By now, I had lowered my head completely.
Hoping desperately to escape his notice.
‘A man who threatens death over a simple greeting surely wouldn’t bother acknowledging me….’
Or so I thought, but reality proved cruel.
A low voice sounded above my head.
“Artia von Edenberg.”
I startled, but having been called by name, there was nowhere to flee.
I lifted my skirts while keeping my head bowed.
“I offer my respects to the blood of the almighty Orpheus.”
Compared to the woman moments before, my greeting was painfully stiff. There was no trace of excitement or radiant smile.
Yet Killian von Orpheus’s lips curved upward.
A change so subtle that no one else in the room could have detected it.
But that moment was fleeting. The instant his gaze fell upon Simon seated across from me, his beautiful face turned cold.
Simon, who had been staring at Killian von Orpheus in a daze until then, snapped to attention and bowed deeply.
“I, I, I, I offer my r, r, r, respects to the blood of the almighty Orpheus.
He barely managed to speak, but the fear was overwhelming.
As terrifying as his brother, perhaps even more so.
Killian von Orpheus looked down at the trembling Simon and spoke.
“Are you the suitor of Artia von Edenberg?”
It was a somewhat impertinent question, but one that might naturally be asked upon seeing a young man and woman together.
Yet Simon felt as though he were being interrogated for treason.
The intensity radiating from those golden eyes was so piercing.
‘If I don’t answer correctly, he’ll surely inflict terrible punishment.’
I must respond at once….
But his body, taut with tension, could not withstand such extreme terror, and with a dull thud, he collapsed.
“Simon!”
Just as Artia reached out toward Simon, Killian von Orpheus stepped in to block her path.
Artia spoke urgently.
“Simon is part of my company. I’ll take him to the Doctor myself.”
“There’s no need to concern yourself.”
How could I not be concerned when my companion has collapsed!
Killian von Orpheus addressed Artia, who had fired back at him internally.
“I’ll treat him.”
“…?!”
Unable to maintain her composure, Artia’s expression crumbled into something utterly bewildered, as though she had witnessed something incomprehensible.
“Your Highness, why would you—?”
In her shock, she hadn’t even realized she’d asked another impertinent question.
Killian von Orpheus met her gaze and answered.
“Because it’s my fault. I have to take responsibility.”
…That was perfectly reasonable.
Which only deepened Artia’s confusion.
‘When Your Highness speaks such common sense, it makes everything even more suspicious!’
Killian von Orpheus gestured to the attendant he had been watching.
“Take him to the Imperial Palace.”
“Y-yes, Your Highness.”
The attendant rushed forward and hoisted Simon onto his back.
With things proceeding this far, Artia could no longer stop him.
It would have been disrespectful to a prince. …And frankly, terrifying.
All Artia could do was clasp her hands together and speak earnestly.
“Please take good care of Simon.”
Killian von Orpheus looked down at Artia, his voice turning cold.
“You must be quite fond of him, to speak with such concern.”
Pardon?
Confused by his incomprehensible remark, Artia furrowed her brows.
As if he hadn’t truly expected an answer, Killian von Orpheus abruptly turned his head away.

* * *

Throughout the journey back to the Edenberg Mansion, Artia’s mind remained unsettled.
‘No matter how I look at it, His Highness’s expression at the end didn’t suggest he would take good care of Simon von Rushian….’
Rather, it seemed as though he might ensure Simon never opened his eyes again.
Upon Artia’s return, consumed with worry about Simon, Bibi spoke to her.
“Mistress, a black cat came to the mansion earlier, I’m told.”
“What?!”
Artia had instructed the servants beforehand in case Nabi came by during her absence.
Should they encounter a black cat within the mansion, they were to treat it kindly and not chase it away.
Artia’s face lit up with excitement as she spoke.
“Tell me everything.”
“About an hour ago, a maid who was cleaning your chamber spotted a black cat outside the window. The moment their eyes met, it vanished in an instant, but just as you described, it was a remarkably beautiful cat, she said.”
The moment Artia heard Bibi’s words, she rushed to her chamber. She opened the window, but as expected, Nabi was nowhere to be seen.
Artia exhaled a sigh, her face filled with disappointment.
“Nabi….”
She was deeply frustrated that Nabi had come precisely when she was away.
She had prepared an abundance of treats and toys to give Nabi upon arrival….
“You’ll have to come again….”
Before long, all concern for Simon had vanished from Artia’s mind.

At that same moment, Killian von Orpheus stood by the window with his arms crossed.
Nocton von Alihas approached him and spoke.
“Your Highness, Simon von Rushian has regained consciousness.”
Since he had merely fainted from shock, he opened his eyes without requiring much treatment.
Upon realizing this was the Imperial Palace, his expression suggested he might faint again.
“Put him back to sleep. This time, ensure he never opens his eyes again.”

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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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