The Search for the Duchess’s Husband - Chapter 63

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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 63

Since childhood, I had sacrificed much for my family.
The moment I turned eighteen, I married into the House of Gloucester—a man over a decade my senior—and it was for this very reason.
To secure the most advantageous match for my family’s prosperity.
My choice had been correct.
As the Marquess of Gloucester’s wife, I wielded the ducal house’s influence to provide for my younger siblings, who had not received titles.
Unlike Benedict, who disregarded them and acted as he pleased, I lavished care upon my siblings, and the Elders were deeply moved by my devotion to Evangeline.
“Truly, only our sister does anything for us.”
My younger siblings followed Evangeline far more than Benedict, the family head, and with each passing year, her influence only grew stronger.
So much so that despite bearing another family’s name, she attended the House of Edenberg’s Elder Council meetings.
Artia spoke once more, her eyes fixed upon the partition.
“I request a private audience, Aunt.”
The Elders jolted to their feet in shock.
“W-what are you saying all of a sudden? The ones you should be speaking with are us!”
“But the person I wish to persuade is not my uncles—it is you, Aunt.”
“What?!”
“To properly resolve a matter, one must settle it with the commander, not the subordinates, after all.”
The Elders’ faces twisted at being suddenly demoted to subordinates, but the woman behind the partition was not among them.
Her crimson lips curved upward, and a low laugh escaped her.
“How amusing.”
It was a low, husky voice.
The sound was soft enough that only Artia, standing directly before the partition, could hear it.
Moments later, Evangeline’s solemn voice resonated through the chamber.
“Everyone, please step outside for a moment.”
The Elders’ bewilderment was evident on their faces.
Evangeline’s voice continued, addressing the hesitant Elders.
“I am not claiming to play commander as Artia suggests. It is simply that a woman understands a woman’s heart better than anyone. Allow me to speak with her properly.”
The Elders exchanged glances and nodded.
“Very well.”
Ian, the youngest of the Elders, shot Artia a glare and delivered a warning.
“I know you are not in your right mind, but show proper respect to your aunt.”
His tone suggested he was ready to strike her if she did not comply.
‘How unexpected. This man, who seemed devoid of familial affection, possesses such intensity in his gaze. It appears his love for his elder sister is genuine, at least.’
It was surprising.
Soon after, the Elders departed, and the chamber fell silent.
“Remove the screen.”
At Evangeline’s command, Artia drew back the curtain.
Evangeline’s figure came into view, sitting rigidly in her chair.
Silver hair nearly white, eyes a striking crimson red.
Artia bowed deeply before the woman who carried the blood of House of Edenberg so vividly.
“It is an honor to see you, Aunt.”
“It’s been a while since Benedict’s funeral. Have you been well?”
“I cannot say I’ve been well, but I’ve lived as much as you would know.”
“So it’s true—your temperament changed after nearly dying. You’re like a different person.”
Evangeline spoke as Artia shrugged her shoulders.
“So, what do you wish to tell me?”
Evangeline remained seated while Artia stood.
Yet Artia felt as though Evangeline was looking down upon her. The pressure was overwhelming.
Artia opened her mouth, meeting those intense crimson eyes.
“I have come to understand something painfully clear. I am the Duchess of Edenberg in name only—I possess no real power.”
“….”
“I need power. At the very least, the power to refuse a marriage I do not wish for.”
Where, then, could such power be found?
Artia reached her conclusion without difficulty.
“Stand with me, Aunt. Be my ally.”
Yet unlike Artia’s resolute voice, Evangeline’s expression remained unmoved.
Evangeline opened her mouth, her face unreadable.
“If that’s what you want, you should persuade the Elders, not me.”
“As I mentioned before, I’ve determined that persuading them would be futile. The true power in House of Edenberg now rests with you, Aunt Evangeline von Edenberg.”
For the first time, Evangeline’s expression shifted.
She spoke as though struck by a blow.
“I married and took a new name. I am now Evangeline von Gloster.”
“I do not deny that. You are both the Marquess of Gloucester’s wife and Evangeline von Edenberg. A change of name does not erase your bloodline, does it?”
Artia continued.
“You are the elder of House of Edenberg. I respect you, as do the Elders.”
Evangeline’s crimson eyes gleamed with an odd light.
“I didn’t know you were so skilled at flattery.”
“These are not words meant to please. They are sincere.”
At Artia’s words, Evangeline let out a small laugh.
Yet the warmth dissipated quickly as Evangeline’s next words turned the air cold.
“But there’s a problem—I have no desire to help you.”
“….”
“As you know, your father and I were never close. I feel no affection for you either.”
Her words were true.
In life, Benedict had been at constant odds with his siblings. The word that defined their relationship was not ‘family,’ but ‘enemy.’
Even after Benedict’s death, the situation had not changed significantly.
Yet I found myself bowing my head to Evangeline.
Because she was the one who could grant me the power I desired.
“I won’t ask for your support simply because I’m your niece, or because we’re both women. I’ll show you that I’m someone worthy of your backing.”
Despite my bold words, Evangeline’s expression remained cold.
“You can hold that position only because your biological father is the Duke of Edenberg. And he could become the Duke of Edenberg only because he was born as the firstborn son of the House. Ability had nothing to do with it. It was pure luck, nothing more.”
“….”
“So what exactly do you intend to show me?”
Her crimson eyes gleamed with a piercing light.
I read the emotions contained within them.
Rage over what she could never possess, jealousy, hostility.
I answered the woman whose gaze held no warmth whatsoever.
“Whatever you desire, Aunt.”
“….”
Evangeline met my eyes.
My pink eyes, which had always trembled with fear, now burned with such clarity that they appeared crimson.
Evangeline despised me.
It wasn’t personal animosity, but being Benedict’s daughter was reason enough for her hatred.
Yet in this moment, I was no longer the daughter of the brother she despised most.
I was merely a beloved bloodline crying out for her strength.
‘How infuriating… The daughter of the man I hate most wears the very expression I love best.’
Evangeline, clicking her tongue inwardly, opened her mouth.
“If you wish to prove yourself so badly, then show me. Let’s see if you truly possess the ability worthy of my support.”
Yes!
Evangeline’s words continued toward me, my fists clenched with determination.
“Become this year’s Ethereal.”
My pink eyes, which had shone as if grasping hope itself, suddenly went blank.
What did you just say?

* * *

Every year at the end of the season, the Imperial Court hosts a grand gathering.
At this gathering, a most extraordinary event takes place—the selection of a single woman who has displayed the greatest beauty and elegance in high society throughout the year.
They call it the Ethereal.
Whoever receives the most nominations from the noble ladies in attendance becomes the Ethereal.
In other words, it was not a title one could obtain through power alone, but rather one that required the support and endorsement of the ladies of the nobility.
‘They’re asking me, who has been confined to my chambers all this time, to achieve such a thing?’
Evangeline spoke to Artia, whose mouth had fallen open in astonishment.
“If you don’t wish to do it, then don’t.”
Artia shook her head.
“I meant it sincerely when I said I would show you anything. I was prepared to accept even far greater demands than this.”
Even if she were asked to make the solemn Empress laugh like a young girl, I would have complied.
Evangeline was worth that much to me.
‘Why not try it? The Ethereal.’

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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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