The Search for the Duchess’s Husband - Chapter 69

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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 69

Marigold’s words were cutting, yet every syllable rang true. Dahlia made no attempt to refute them.
“I agree. But one doesn’t need to have high prospects to dream of becoming an Ethereal.”
Every noblewoman yearned to become an Ethereal.
Whether she came from a fallen house, was foreign-born, or bore silver-threaded hair—even a divorced woman harbored no different aspirations.
Frigia, who had been listening quietly to the two of them, lowered her feathered lashes and murmured something barely audible.
“It has to be me. This year’s Ethereal must be me.”
Though Marigold hadn’t heard those words, she caught the gravity that had settled over Frigia’s face and offered comfort.
“Don’t worry, Frigia. You have me and Dahlia by your side. The three of us together can achieve anything we desire.”
At last, a faint smile graced Frigia’s beautiful features.

* * *

Word spread like wildfire about the confrontation between Frigia and Artia at the tea party held in the Imperial Palace.
What could have been dismissed as a minor clash between two women had grown into something far greater—all because of the subject of divorce.
“Lady Elysium is right. Divorce is nothing to be proud of. It’s something to be ashamed of.”
“My, but knowing what the Duchess of Edenberg’s ex-husband was like, how could you say such a thing? How could one possibly live with such a man?”
“Even if a husband were a murderer, one should remain with him for life. That’s what marriage means!”
The noblewomen clashed with fervent intensity.
The Nobility Society was conservative by nature, and Frigia’s popularity was overwhelmingly dominant, so far more women sided with her views.
Added to this was the watchful eye cast by the Flower Ladies, which meant few noblewomen dared to associate closely with Artia.
Artia asked me a question.
“Are those invitations from the noblewomen?”
“Yes.”
In Bibi’s hands lay only two invitations.
‘Compared to noblewomen who actively participate in social gatherings, this is a pitifully small number. And one of them is from Penelope, at that.’
Once Penelope realized that Artia was receiving almost no invitations, she began sending letters every single day.
When I opened the envelope and unfolded the stationery, Penelope’s characteristically combative handwriting read:

「 Come visit whenever you like! You’re my VIP guest. 」

How could I possibly feel down when I have a friend supporting me like this?
Artia opened another envelope with a bright smile.
Clara von Shrecks.
It was from the woman who had sent me two invitations since we first met at the tea party held at the Imperial Palace.
‘She’s sending another invitation. I suppose Clara has taken a liking to me.’
The feeling was mutual.
With her round, adorable face and small, beady eyes like beans, Clara was a gentle and forthright woman.
‘With such a temperament, she probably sends me invitations without worrying about Frigia’s reaction.’
My eyes widened as I read the letter with a smile.
“You want to meet just the two of us?”
Until now, Clara’s tea parties had always been attended by multiple guests. Inviting only one person meant either a close personal relationship or something confidential to discuss.
What could it be?
‘Does she perhaps want to become closer to me?’
My pale cheeks flushed a rosy peach color.
I didn’t hesitate and sent a reply accepting the invitation.
A few days later, I visited Clara’s House.
Clara, whose face seemed to proclaim “I’m a good person,” greeted me with an innocent smile.
“Welcome. I’m so happy you came.”
“Thank you for inviting me.”
I smiled and offered her a beautifully wrapped glass bottle—a small gift I always brought when invited somewhere.
“I noticed you coughing when we last met, so I brought this. It’s a tea made with pear, ginger, and honey. Drinking it morning and evening should help.”
Clara held the bottle to her chest, her expression overflowing with gratitude.
“I’ve been trying not to cough in front of people. How did you notice?”
“Because I care about you.”
Though I’d said it half in earnest and half in jest, Clara gasped and looked even more moved before her expression suddenly grew melancholy.
“That’s right… if you care about someone, you notice these things, don’t you?”
Clara turned to me with wide eyes and offered a bitter smile.
“My husband hasn’t noticed that my throat has been bothering me for months. He has no interest in me whatsoever.”
“Ah…”
“The truth is, I wanted to meet with you alone because I wanted to talk about my husband. You know about my husband, don’t you?”
Clara’s husband, Baron Shrecks.
He was a notorious philanderer in society.
Clara continued, seeing my silent acknowledgment.
“My husband had quite a reputation with women even before we married.”
Yet despite this, Clara’s parents had forced the marriage through.
The Baron’s title, wealth, age, and handsome appearance—all the conditions were excellent.
They had told Clara:
“Clara, where can you find an accomplished man without one or two women on the side? It’s foolish to worry about such things.”
“But…”
“Besides, once a man marries, his wife is always his first. If you do well, he’ll change too.”
Clara had no choice in the matter. With glistening eyes, she nodded her head.
“My worries proved unfounded. He was so kind to me. Watching him smile warmly, I began to hope.”
If I try hard enough, he’ll change too.
Clara devoted herself to becoming a beloved wife.
She rose early each morning to maintain her appearance, greeted her husband with a smile when he returned late at night, meticulously managed the household, and carefully attended to his clothes and meals.
But….
“My husband never changed. Not long after our marriage, he would return home reeking of alcohol. The collar of the shirt I had personally pressed bore the crimson lipstick stain of another woman.”
Clara’s voice trembled violently.
“At first, I let it pass. I had anticipated that my husband wouldn’t change overnight. But watching him remain unchanged despite all my efforts, my heart reached its breaking point.”
When her husband arrived one evening, reeking as always of women’s perfume, Clara cried out.
“Stop seeing other women!”
It was the first time she had ever expressed anger to her husband—a woman who had never been angry in her life.
Yet Baron Shrecks did not grow angry. He did not apologize.
He merely smiled with that smooth face and uttered a single phrase.
“My dear, your words are like asking a shark living in the sea to stop swimming.”
“What did you say…?”
“If you’re lonely, you should see other men too. I can understand perfectly.”
“That’s some creative nonsense.”
A cold voice slipped from Artia, who had been listening quietly.
Seeing Clara’s startled expression, Artia covered her mouth.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t help but let my true feelings slip out.”
It was harsh language to direct at another woman’s husband. Yet Clara did not take offense—she smiled instead.
“No, actually, it feels better to hear it put that way.”
“….”
“When I’ve vented about my husband to family and close friends, I only hear that all men are like that and I should endure it. I thought you would be different, Artia.”
“Why?”
“Because you also had a worthless husband like me. I’m only telling you now, but when I heard you had divorced, I was so happy. That day, I even lit candles on a cake and applauded.”
Clara’s eyes sparkled.
“You are a revolutionary who has blazed a new path for me!”
Artia was taken aback.
‘There have been a few people who spoke positively about my divorce, but this is the first time someone has responded with such passionate enthusiasm.’
Though I had not acted seeking others’ approval, I felt genuinely pleased.
Artia spoke, her face slightly flushed.
“Thank you for thinking so kindly of me. But Clara, do you wish to separate from your husband?”
Clara shook her head in alarm.
“No, I don’t have the courage for that. And aside from his infidelity, my husband is a man beyond reproach.”
Everyone—even Clara’s own parents—envied her for making such an advantageous match.

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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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