The Search for the Duchess’s Husband - Chapter 67

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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 67

As time passed, more and more women gravitated toward me.
My story was drawing to its climax.
“At last, the Emperor has come to render his judgment on the matter of my divorce. His Majesty commanded both my former husband and myself to state what we desired and our reasons. I presented to His Majesty the anguish of my marriage and made my plea.”
After a deliberate pause, I continued.
“And finally, His Majesty approved my divorce.”
My vivid account, as though the women had witnessed the scene themselves, moved several of them to tears. Penelope’s eyes glistened with emotion.
A woman with reddened eyes spoke to me.
“It must have been terribly difficult. I’m glad you achieved the outcome you desired.”
Though divorce was considered shameful among the nobility, surprisingly little censure fell upon me.
This was because Lloyd’s reputation, widely circulated among the aristocracy, was abysmal. I was undeniably the victim.
Particularly among women trapped in unsatisfying marriages, many felt a kinship with me. It did not take long for that sympathy to transform into genuine affection.
The women’s eyes grew warmer than before. In the moment their gazes shifted, I smiled.
“Duchess of Edenberg, regardless of circumstances, divorce is not something one should speak of so boldly.”
The sharp voice belonged to Frigia.
So her avoidance of my gaze earlier was no accident.
Frigia harbored resentment toward me. And the reason was likely….
“It seems you disapprove of my divorce, Madam Elysium.”
Frigia did not deny my words.
“Marriage is a sacred covenant sworn before God for eternity. One must strive to preserve that bond until the end of life. If one severs that relationship merely because of hardship, one should at least have the shame to acknowledge it.”
Frigia’s gaze was piercing—like that of a stern etiquette instructor.
Yet I was no obedient student who bowed her head at every word.
I spoke with perfect composure.
“I do not consider my divorce something to boast of. But neither do I believe it was so wrong that I should hide it from others. I simply did my utmost for my own life.”
I paused before continuing.
“To find my happiness.”
“…!”
Frigia’s delicate lashes trembled like those of a startled deer.
“Regardless, the fact remains that you divorced….”
Then Marigold intervened.
“Enough, Frigia. If your voice grows any louder, you’ll be showing disrespect to the Empress who hosts this gathering.”
Frigia furrowed her elegant brow and uttered one final remark.
“I hope the Duchess of Edenberg will one day come to understand the sanctity of marriage.”
Then she turned her head away sharply.
She clearly wished to speak with me no further.
“What an utterly rude woman!”
Penelope, her face flushed crimson, was about to retort when Artia gently stopped her.
Unlike the furious Penelope, Artia remained composed.
The conservative Nobility Society—I had anticipated that someone would harbor negative feelings toward a divorced woman like myself. It was inevitable.
‘Though I never expected that person to be the universally beloved Frigia.’
Frigia’s influence was undeniably formidable.
The women who had been cordial toward me moments ago suddenly turned cold.
Escalating the confrontation further would only deepen their resentment toward me.
‘I should stop here. After all, today’s objective was simply to announce that I’ve begun participating in society.’
Though I regretted not gaining their favor more smoothly, the confrontation with Frigia had maximized the women’s attention toward me—so I had at least achieved my minimum goal.
I refrained from drawing further attention and quietly enjoyed the Masked Gathering.
Many women avoided approaching me out of deference to Frigia, but not all of them did.
One woman approached me.
“What became of the Duke of Edenberg after the divorce? Is it true he went abroad with a commoner mistress?”
I accepted the remarkably impertinent question without the slightest displeasure.
“I couldn’t say. He’s a stranger to me now, after all.”
“Ah…”
I didn’t let the disappointed woman simply walk away.
“By the way, have you seen ‘The Emperor’s Prayer’ that was recently screened at the Imperial Palace, Cullet?”
The woman reacted more keenly to something other than my knowing her name.
“Of course! It’s the production starring Mikhail!”
I knew she was an ardent fan of the actor Mikhail.
She abandoned all pretense of nobility and grew so animated that her nostrils flared.
“Have you seen it, Duchess of Edenberg?”
“Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity. However, I’ve heard many people praise the performance. Especially Mikhail’s acting was said to be superb.”
“Indeed! Mikhail is the Empire’s greatest actor!”
Between us, the subject of divorce never arose again.
The conversation flowed seamlessly from actors to performances we’d enjoyed, favorite songs, and trending desserts.
Whenever an interesting topic emerged, more women gathered and burst into delighted laughter.
“I never knew the Duchess of Edenberg was such an eloquent speaker.”
Though my extreme shyness had prevented me from conversing properly before, my mind was filled with countless stories from the innumerable books I’d read.
‘I’m confident in my conversational skills, at least.’
With newfound confidence, I continued the conversation enthusiastically.
As the laughter around me grew louder, the other women across the room perked up their ears, wondering what we were discussing.
Though they pretended not to notice, they kept glancing at Frigia, who deliberately refused to look our way.
As the Masked Gathering drew to a close, several women approached me.
“Duchess of Edenberg, I had such a wonderful time today. Would you be able to attend the tea party I’m hosting?”
“…!”
It was merely a casual invitation. But for me, it was the opening of a floodgate to my future social life.
“I would be delighted to attend if you’re kind enough to invite me.”
Having finished her response, Artia gazed at Penelope with an animated expression.
Penelope, who had remained at Artia’s side throughout the gathering, this time raised both her thumbs in approval.

* * *

Once the gathering concluded, all the women returned to their respective homes. All except Artia.
The reason Artia alone remained was due to Nocton von Alihas, who appeared as the gathering drew to a close.
“Madam, might you spare a moment? His Highness Killian von Orpheus has something he wishes to discuss with you.”
“Ah, of course.”
Having grown accustomed to Killian von Orpheus’s summons, Artia nodded and followed Nocton von Alihas without hesitation.
She no longer bothered wondering what he might want from her.
After all, his actions were utterly unpredictable.
Upon entering the Reception Room, Artia let out a small gasp of surprise.
Killian von Orpheus sat before her, impeccably groomed from head to toe.
‘My goodness. He’s dressed even more lavishly than I am. Does he have another gathering to attend this evening?’
Artia had no way of knowing.
That Killian von Orpheus had been preparing to attend a tea party at the Imperial Palace that had just concluded.
“Your Highness, this gathering has been traditionally arranged for ladies. Should a man attend, he would be subjected to ridicule about lacking… masculine vigor.”
At Nocton von Alihas’s words, Killian von Orpheus’s eyes grew sharp as a blade.
“Who would dare speak such words to me?”
“Indeed, anyone who values their life would not dare utter such a thing aloud. Yet they would certainly think it. …Perhaps even the Duchess of Edenberg.”
“…!”
At those words, Killian von Orpheus withdrew his intention to attend.
Instead, he summoned Artia. After all, what truly mattered was not the gathering, but her.
Artia, whom he had not seen in some time, wore a sky-blue dress. The sight of her was like….
‘A water droplet.’
A clear, transparent droplet glistening in the sunlight.
After observing Artia for a long moment, Killian von Orpheus finally spoke.
“Did you enjoy the gathering?”
Despite her resolve not to be surprised by anything Killian von Orpheus said, Artia found herself taken aback once more.
‘He summoned me just to ask that?’
He certainly did take interest in the most unexpected things.
Artia thought him truly an incomprehensible man as she formulated her response.
“Yes, I had a most pleasant time thanks to the Imperial Court’s thoughtful preparations. I offer my gratitude for this opportunity.”
Though she believed it a proper answer, Killian von Orpheus’s questions were far from finished.
“What aspect pleased you most?”
“…?”

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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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