The Search for the Duchess’s Husband - Chapter 76

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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 76

“…?”
“If you dislike every new dress, then let’s just alter one from home. Yes, wearing an old dress to your tenth birthday party might look a bit shabby, but it will have a certain charm to it. People might even say you’re frugal, befitting a daughter of the House of Golthus.”
Faced with this unexpected response, Cecilia stared at Marigold with eyes that seemed ready to pop out of her head before speaking.
“W-what are you saying? Are you making fun of me?”
“No, I’m simply respecting your wishes.”
Marigold shrugged her shoulders.
“If you appear looking shabby in an old dress, people will spread rumors that I’ve been harsh with you. But I’m willing to bear that cost.”
“…”
“If there’s nothing else to buy, let’s head home.”
As Marigold turned without hesitation, Cecilia’s heart began to pound frantically.
‘Wait, this isn’t right.’
I had complained that every dress was awful simply to put Marigold in an awkward position.
I had no intention whatsoever of wearing an old dress (though it was a luxury item I’d worn only a few times) to my tenth birthday party.
Cecilia rushed after Marigold and cried out.
“Ah, I’m going to tell Father! You wouldn’t buy me a dress!”
Marigold burst out laughing as if she found it absurd.
“You’re the one who said you disliked this dress and that dress. More than one person witnessed it.”
Marigold glanced at Cecilia’s maids standing nearby. Their expressions were grim, but they said nothing.
“What you should tell your father isn’t a baseless lie, but something else entirely, don’t you think?”
Marigold raised her bandaged hand. In that instant, Cecilia’s face went pale.
Days ago, when Count Golzess saw Marigold’s injured hand, he had raged.
“Who dares wound the body of my woman!”
However, Marigold had refused to reveal the name of the culprit, which only drove Count Golzess into further madness.
“If I catch them, I’ll sever their limbs!”
Remembering her father roaring like an enraged gorilla, Cecilia broke into a cold sweat.
“The reason I didn’t tell him the culprit’s name is simple. I’m not the type to report someone so cowardly.”
Marigold looked down at Cecilia with an icy gaze and continued.
“I would rather fight by trading blows face to face.”
“…!”
From the start, there was no match between a capable woman who had risen from the daughter of a fallen baron’s house to become the Countess of Golzess and a mere ten-year-old child.
Everything Marigold had shown so far had been mercy.
‘S-so scary…’
Feeling fear toward Marigold for the first time, Cecilia trembled in her small frame before clenching her fists tightly.
‘The maids are watching. This woman can’t lay a hand on me.’
Cecilia gathered her courage and barely managed to open her mouth.
“Have you decided to stop pretending to be good?”
Marigold let out a soft laugh.
“Not pretending to be good—I’ve decided to stop pretending to be your mother.”
“…!”
Why was that?
Every time Marigold had called her “our daughter~” while feigning closeness, it had annoyed me, but hearing those words now made me feel….
Marigold spoke to Cecilia, who had shrunk back like an abandoned puppy.
“I won’t bother you anymore. So if you need me, just say the word. Whether it’s playing the role of mother or picking out a new dress, I’ll do whatever you ask.”
Marigold smiled.
It was not the awkward, exaggerated smile she had shown Cecilia until now. It was the captivating smile that had stolen the heart of Count Golzess, a man who had remained unmoved by countless women’s advances even after losing his wife.
Cecilia, who resembled her most beloved father not only in face but in taste as well, gazed at Marigold as if enchanted, her small face flushing a deep crimson.

* * *

‘I want to read a book. A romance novel about a male protagonist who looks rough but is actually pure-hearted, and a female protagonist who is oblivious to his feelings and only radiates innocence, their hearts going pitter-patter together.’
Artia was restraining the urge to bury herself in novels all day while writing letters.
Responses to invitations sent by noblewomen. And letters from Edward, who was simultaneously receiving tremendous hatred from noble men and passionate affection from noble women.
‘Not being able to read novels is painful, but writing letters is enjoyable. My fingers ache a little, though.’
Artia pressed her pen firmly to complete today’s work.
As I stretched my arms to loosen my stiff body, Bibi entered.
“Madam, Marigold von Golders has arrived.”
At the unexpected visitor’s appearance, Artia’s eyes widened in surprise.
When Artia opened the Reception Room door, Marigold sat adorned with glittering diamonds.
Marigold greeted Artia with a bright face.
“I apologize for the sudden visit. I wanted to pay my respects as soon as possible. When I want to do something, I have to do it right away….”
“Pay your respects?”
“What you told me before was a great help. The little one at our house is still mischievous, but she doesn’t disrespect me like before. She sneaks glances at me now. Thanks to you, life has become much easier.”
Artia laughed.
“That’s wonderful. I’ve actually heard news about Cecilia. I heard you threw a magnificent tenth birthday party for her.”
“I spared no expense.”
Marigold continued speaking, swirling her teacup with a light hand.
“Even though we’ve only lived together for five years, I know her tastes inside and out. No matter what she says she dislikes, the moment she sees something glittering, she loses her mind. Just like her father.”
“No matter how much Count Golzess shares his daughter’s tastes, he couldn’t have thrown such a party that would delight Cecilia so. There are limits to how well an adult man can understand a young girl’s preferences. Cecilia must have been very grateful to you.”
“Instead of thanks, she just grumbled.”
“She was probably embarrassed. But as time passes, there will be many occasions when she asks you for help, and if you gladly assist each time, she’ll gradually open her heart. The two of you can certainly become a wonderful mother and daughter.”
It was not mere advice.
Artia’s words carried a sincere and earnest wish for it to be so.
Marigold uttered a word with a complex expression.
“You speak as if it were your own matter.”
Artia’s face flushed.
“Cecilia’s circumstances reminded me of my own childhood, so I simply….”
“I’m not saying anything against it. I’m just… curious.”
The women of High Society, including Marigold, always wore smiles, yet they rarely revealed their true feelings. I believed that was how one maintained dignity.
But observing Artia, Marigold came to understand something.
Sincerity wasn’t laughable at all. Rather….
“It captivates people.”
“Pardon?”
Artia, who hadn’t caught Marigold’s words, tilted her head in confusion.
Instead of repeating herself, Marigold gestured to the Maid she’d brought along.
The Maid extended a velvet-wrapped box toward Artia, and upon seeing Marigold’s expression, Artia gasped in wonder as she opened it.
Inside lay a bracelet crafted from luminous pink diamonds.
As the Duke’s daughter, Artia had witnessed countless pieces of the finest quality, so she could immediately recognize the true value of this jewel.
‘Her eyes have grown so wide—she looks just like a startled rabbit.’
Observing Artia’s expression, Marigold chuckled softly and spoke.
“I don’t express my gratitude through words alone. I was truly grateful then, Artia.”
Artia wasn’t the type to accept things easily from others. The thought of receiving such an expensive gift for merely a few kind words felt burdensome.
‘But this diamond is her sincerity.’
Artia decided to accept her heart. With propriety and gratitude.
Clasping her hands together, Artia offered a radiant smile.
“Thank you for such a wonderful gift. I’ll treasure it dearly.”
Why did her heart feel so light at such plain, unadorned words—free from honeyed praise or flattery?
With her cheeks lifted in a smile, Marigold replied in a coy voice.
“It’s merely a diamond, after all.”

* * *

At the rustling of footsteps, Artia turned and broke into a bright smile.
“Welcome, Nabi.”
Once a month, then twice a month, then weekly—Nabi’s visits had grown increasingly frequent, and recently came every four days.
‘I’m so happy Nabi comes so often. I wish she’d visit every single day.’
Still smiling, Artia felt Nabi’s gaze upon her.
Those golden eyes were fixed intently on the bracelet adorning her wrist.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
Artia beamed with pride, like a child showing off a new treasure.
“I received it as a gift not long ago.”
“…!”
The black cat’s eyes widened in shock.

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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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