The Search for the Duchess’s Husband - Chapter 77

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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 77

At first glance, it was unmistakably a luxury item. Moreover, a pink diamond that matched the exact shade of Artia’s eyes.
It was not something to be given away lightly.
‘Who gave it to her?’
I barely restrained the urge to ask.
I knew that the moment I spoke in a voice as desolate as winter frost, Artia would never show me that serene smile again.
I did not wish to shatter the current relationship between us. Never.
And besides, finding the damned culprit without asking her directly was hardly a difficult task….
After spending time with Artia, I returned to the Imperial Palace and issued an order.
“Find out who gave Artia von Edenberg a bracelet made of pink diamonds.”
Nocton nodded swiftly, thinking that lately I seemed to issue only this sort of command….
Meanwhile, the members of the Rat Network who received word from Nocton harbored similar thoughts.
One of the hooded members of the Rat Network spoke up.
“Another investigation into the Duchess of Edenberg… Could it be that the Duchess is plotting treason?”
“That must be it. The Duke takes interest in others only in matters of that nature.”
“Stop your idle chatter and bring me information at once. Before the Duke’s tea grows cold.”
Under the leader’s command, the members of the Rat Network disappeared into the darkness, laboring under a tremendous misunderstanding.
An hour later, I learned the identity of the person who had given Artia the bracelet.
“Marigold von Golders. She says it was a gift in return for advice she received from the Duchess of Edenberg.”
Upon hearing Nocton’s report, my anger subsided somewhat.
It was not a man.
Yet relief was short-lived, and displeasure surged forth anew.
Whether man or woman, I found it displeasing that she wore an ornament given by another.
It was an emotion so childish and petty that even I was astonished at myself.

* * *

Killian von Orpheus had come to the Edenberg Mansion.
Artia no longer felt surprised or flustered by his visits. She was merely somewhat tense, unable to predict the reason for his arrival.
‘I wonder what brings him here….’
After exchanging greetings with equal parts curiosity and concern, Artia lifted her head and her eyes widened.
Killian von Orpheus was wearing the black formal suit that Artia had selected for him before.
Broad shoulders, a tapered waist, and long legs stretched taut.
In that perfectly fitted black suit draped over his battle-hardened frame, he resembled a black panther.
Fierce, arrogant, and languid—a beautiful black panther.
At the intensity of Artia’s gaze, Killian von Orpheus’s eyes curved with an enigmatic smile.
“Do you like it?”
“Yes, I like it very much.”
Only after the words tumbled from her lips did Artia come to her senses, and she gasped, covering her mouth.
‘Have I lost my mind, Artia?! What audacious nonsense am I spouting!’
Yet contrary to Artia’s regret, Killian von Orpheus’s expression remained utterly composed.
In fact, he seemed to be in good spirits….
As if to confirm that this observation was no misunderstanding, Killian von Orpheus spoke.
“I agree. The design is excellent, and the fit is superb.”
The arrogant man, who seemed as though he would dismiss even clothes crafted by a century’s greatest designer over a lifetime, offered such generous praise before withdrawing a small box from his breast pocket.
Killian von Orpheus extended the box toward Artia.
“That’s why I came. To repay you for selecting such a fine suit.”
Artia felt bewildered.
She hadn’t done anything remarkable enough to deserve such a gift.
Besides, if it were Killian von Orpheus, he would have carried off any garment from that shop with distinction—even a shabby burlap sack.
Yet Killian von Orpheus wore an expression of utmost sincerity, and Artia lacked the courage to dismiss the goodwill that the Crown Prince himself had brought.
“Thank you.”
Artia accepted the box with an awkward smile, moving with careful deliberation.
Just as she thought it was over, Killian von Orpheus’s golden eyes gleamed with an intense light.
‘Does he want me to open it now?’
Artia felt an enormous weight of expectation as she opened the box. Her eyes widened immediately.
Inside lay a bracelet adorned with glittering pink diamonds.
The stones were twice the size of the diamonds on the bracelet she currently wore.
Artia gazed at the bracelet in astonishment, then looked toward Killian von Orpheus.
He wore a triumphant expression, like a cat that had presented a plump mouse as a reward and awaited the response.
Unable to hide her bewilderment, Artia bit her lip before gathering her courage to speak.
“I apologize, Your Highness. I can only accept your sentiment—would you be willing to take the gift back?”
In that instant, Killian von Orpheus’s elated expression vanished.
He asked in a subdued voice.
“Is the item not to your liking?”
Artia startled and shook her head vigorously.
“That cannot be. It’s a bracelet so magnificent that admiration springs forth at first glance.”
“Then why won’t you accept it?”
She had gladly accepted and even flaunted the bracelet that woman Marigold gave her, so why.
‘Because I’m a prince?’
Killian von Orpheus had always despised his own birth.
He could possess all the gold and treasures in the world, but he could never possess people.
The maids who attended to him, the servants, even his own parents—they all treated him only as ‘the prince.’
In this world, there was no person named Killian von Orpheus. There was only the Second Prince Killian.
And yet, for the first time, he had purchased something for another person.
Stripped of all political scheming and princely duty, driven purely by personal emotion.
He had anticipated that Artia might not be entirely pleased with the gift, but he never expected her to refuse it altogether.
‘I should have given it to her in cat form instead.’
Then at least she would have accepted it with some measure of joy.
Killian von Orpheus furrowed his brow at this uncharacteristic regret, and then he heard Artia’s voice.
“I’ll be honest with you. I made a principle after the divorce: I don’t accept gifts from men.”
“…What?”
“Of course, I understand that Your Highness gave it with purely compensatory intentions. But I simply cannot accept anything bestowed by Your Highness.”
This was entirely different from things like carrot tea or carrot cake.
A necklace crafted from diamonds matched to the color of her eyes was far too romantic.
It carried more than enough weight to impart special feelings and meaning.
“Accepting a gift creates a sense of obligation. I’ll meet many men before I remarry, and I don’t want to leave such an uncomfortable feeling with any of them.”
“….”
“I apologize for my discourteous behavior, driven by personal sentiment.”
Artia squeezed her eyes shut and bowed her head.
She was prepared to accept Killian von Orpheus’s fury.
But after a long silence, there was no response. Unable to bear the tension, Artia cautiously lifted her head.
…Killian von Orpheus’s golden eyes were wide open. As if he had been struck by an entirely unexpected blow.
He slowly opened his mouth.
“So, you can’t accept the gift because I’m a man.”
Not because I’m a prince, not because I’m a mad prince, not because I’m a misogynist, but because I’m a man.
“…Yes.”
The moment Artia nodded, Killian von Orpheus’s golden eyes blazed with brilliant light.
Killian von Orpheus took back the bracelet he had given to Artia.
Not revealing the slightest displeasure, but raising the corners of his mouth as if delighted.

On the carriage ride back to the Imperial Palace, Killian von Orpheus closed his eyes and recalled Artia’s voice.
‘I do not accept gifts from men.’
It was remarkable how a rejection could sound so enchanting.
Killian von Orpheus gazed at the necklace adorned with the pink diamond and let out a soft chuckle.
Regret had long since vanished.
The Killian von Orpheus of that moment did not know.
How much torment awaited him in the future, consumed by the desire to place a bracelet upon Artia’s delicate wrist.

* * *

Among the Flower Ladies, where three women sat gathered, Marigold spoke.
“What do you think of inviting Edenberg to the next Masked Gathering?”
Frigia’s radiant smile vanished in an instant.

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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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