The Search for the Duchess’s Husband Chapter 101

Butterfly’s eyes widened and her tail twitched at the suddenness of the name. Artia was surprised by the sudden change in the normally relaxed Butterfly.

 

“What’s the matter, are you cold?”

 

It was early winter, and it was windy. Even the toughest cat would be cold.

 

With that thought Artia untied the floral scarf she was wearing and began to wrap it around Butterfly’s neck.

 

Butterfly flinched at her touch, but didn’t swing her front paws at her.

 

Artia smiled when she managed to tie the ribbon neatly.

 

“Pretty, my Butterfly.”

 

“…….”

 

‘Why does she have to be so cute when she smiles, it’s annoying.’

 

Butterfly glared at Artia, her eyebrows knitted together, then sighed and lowered her tail.

 

As if to say, “What the hell am I doing here?”

 

Unable to read Butterfly’s mind, Artia was simply relieved that Butterfly had returned to her normal behavior.

 

Afterwards, Artia chatted with Butterfly as usual. Of course, it was mostly about Freesia’s trial.

 

“In a week, the trial will finally take place.”

 

Trials were usually held behind closed doors to protect the honor of the nobility.

 

But Freesia, who was terrified of Count Elysium, had requested that the trial be made public because she found it difficult to stand alone in the courtroom. But so far, the court hasn’t responded.

 

“Unfortunately, the request will not be granted.”

 

There’s no reason for the court, which already doesn’t like Freesia’s report, to side with her over Count Elysium on the other side.

 

Artia sighed and muttered.

 

“I wish it was a public trial so I could be there with her…”

 

Butterfly’s golden eyes twinkled as he listened to Artia’s words in silence.

 

The next day, something surprising happened.

 

“They’re going to make it a public trial?”

 

Turning to Artia, whose eyes widened, Freesia held up the letter she had just read.

 

“Yes, it’s been changed to a public trial because the case is of interest to so many people.”

 

Freesia oohs and ahhs, and hugs Artia with a childlike expression on her face.

 

Artia could feel how relieved she was through her thin trembling.

 

Artia patted Freesia on the back.

 

“I know, I’m so glad.”

 

She added consolingly.

 

“I’ll be with you from the beginning to the end of the trial.”

 

Freesia sobbed and nodded.

 

Artia patted Freesia on the back and thought to herself.

 

‘Things are working out so well. It’s as if the goddess of luck is helping me…’

 

But Artia didn’t believe in gods. If there was a god who cared about her, she wouldn’t have let her have such a miserable time. It was more like…

 

She remembered the golden eyes of Butterfly she saw last night.

 

The arrogant, mysterious eyes that had listened silently to Artia’s words.

 

Soon, the black cat’s form changed to that of a beautiful man.

 

Bored, amused, pitied. Killian, who held out his hand to Artia for all sorts of unimportant reasons.

 

“Oh, no, he can’t…”

 

Artia shook her head, a confused look on her face.

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

One dark night, Superior Inquisitor Calvin was buried under a mountain of papers in his home office.

 

A knock on the door brought his mother, Chloe, to the door.

 

Dressed in a bedtime gown adorned with colorful flowers, she held a steaming cup of tea and candy in her hand.

 

“Are you staying up all night again?”

 

“Yes, because the trial is only six days away.” Calvin replied, pushing up his glasses at Chloe’s question.

 

At only twenty-six years old, Calvin is considered one of the most impartial judges in the country. He was relentlessly thorough in his investigation of each case.

 

He could find facts that even the parties didn’t remember.

 

He’s my son, but I can’t stop him.

 

Chloe shook her head and sat down beside Calvin.

 

“There were a bunch of presents at the manor again today.”

 

All from the Count of Elysium.

 

After Calvin’s appointment as judge, Count Elysium came to see him immediately.

 

 

“This is so unjust, Calvin!”

Count Elysium was much higher in rank than Calvin, who had no title, and he naturally spoke in a condescending manner.

“Have you ever beaten your wife, Freesia von Elysium?” Calvin asked with a stern face, but then he looked like a hyena that had just chewed grass.

After returning home with nothing, Count Elysium began sending expensive gifts a few days later. Calvin returned them as soon as he received them, but to no avail.

 

 

Chloe said, “Count Elysium must be very impatient.”

 

“Maybe it’s because of the women’s accusations against him.”

 

“You know that, and you know who is creating this atmosphere?”

 

It wasn’t a difficult question, as anyone with the slightest interest in the case knew.

 

“Duchess Artia von Edenberg.”

 

The corners of Chloe’s mouth turned up at Calvin’s answer.

 

“Yes, she’s actively helping Lady Elysium, and she’s everything I thought she’d be: pretty, sweet, and brave. I’d rather have her than diamonds, Cal.”

 

“And you haven’t given up your desire for her yet?”

 

“No, I’m afraid not. If she becomes my law-mad son’s mate, that lovely girl will be my daughter-in-law. Do you really have no feelings for Miss Artia, do you not like her?” Chloe asked with a twinkle in her eye.

 

Calvin thought back to when he’d met her a few months ago.

 

For hours he had read newspapers, she had read books. They hadn’t exchanged a word.

 

But when he looked up for a moment, he vividly remembered her face.

 

Her light silver hair glistened like dew in the sunlight.

 

She had a girlish smile on her face, her white cheeks flushed as she wondered what was so funny…

 

‘She was pretty, well, beautiful.’

 

Chloe, reading Calvin’s expression, exclaimed, “Oh, my God. You didn’t dislike her after all, so I hope you’ll take Mrs. Elysium’s side in this trial. I’m sure Miss Artia will like you then.”

 

“Mother, I don’t take trials personally.”

 

“I know, I know. I’m just kidding. I want Miss Artia, so stop…”

 

“…….”

 

“And it’s too bad too, because women my age cluck their tongues at Mrs. Elysium for being so impatient and making a big deal out of things, but not me, and it breaks my heart to think how hard and scary it must have been for her.”

 

Clara waved her hand as she spoke.

 

“I’m just saying, this is what I think, and I’m not saying you shouldn’t, but ignore me and do what you believe. Like the most impartial judge in the Empire, Mr. Calvin.”

 

Smiling like a child, Chloe patted Calvin on the shoulder and left the room.

 

Alone in the room, Calvin looked at the closed door and muttered to himself.

 

“It’s not much of a conviction, but…”

 

He wasn’t just saying that. A few days earlier, Calvin had lost his faith.

 

By the mad king, Killian.

 

Kilian had burst into the courtroom unannounced, snatched Calvin’s chair, sat down, and said with an arrogant air.

 

“Turn the trial of the Count and Countess of Elysium into a public trial.”