The Search for the Duchess’s Husband Chapter 105

Some of the women cheered as if they had won a war, while others denounced it as the worst verdict ever.

 

Killian’s gaze fell on Artia, sitting alone and silent in a courtroom as noisy as a bazaar, holding Freesia in her arms and smiling.

 

It was a stimulating and interesting trial, but throughout, Killian’s eyes never left Artia, who sat next to him.

 

For more than three hours she was nervous, angry, relieved and scared.

 

When she bit her lip to the point of bleeding, Killian wanted to run to the bench and say, “This case is against Countess Elysium. Put Count Elysium in jail right now!” He was tempted to shout.

 

But he stopped himself. Artia wouldn’t want that.

 

She didn’t want others to help her so easily when she was so fragile. She would have to work for it and earn it, and that was the beauty of it.

 

“Cute.”

 

The only one who heard the low voice was Nocturne, who was right next to him.

 

Nocturne’s face went white and he looked shocked. Killian’s face remained impassive, whether he realized it or not.

 

He didn’t even seem to realize what he had said.

 

Killian stared at Artia for a long moment, then got up.

 

He made his way to the chambers where only the Inquisitor could enter.

 

 

Seeing that he had entered without knocking, Calvin did not shout for the outlaw to be removed immediately, but said, “Your Majesty, I beg your pardon, but there is only one chair here, and I have just finished a trial, and I am very tired.”

 

“So?”

 

He asked, “Do you want to sit on my lap, Your Majesty, as it is difficult for me to give up my seat?”

With that, Calvin placed Killian on his lap.

-He imagined.

 

Fortunately, Calvin knew that being an asshole was something people did, so he got out of his chair without a fuss and stood in front of the desk.

 

Without a word of thanks, Killian sat back in his chair.

 

“What can I get for you?” Killian asked.

 

It was the same nuance as asking a child what kind of candy to buy, but it wasn’t said lightly.

 

Killian had the power to give Calvin anything he wanted, even the treasures of the Imperial Palace. But Calvin shook his head.

 

“If you mean that you are satisfied with the outcome of my trial just now, you need not give me anything, for I did not pronounce the verdict for you.”

 

Calvin felt his life was threatened by Killian, but that didn’t affect his decision.

 

“In my opinion, a man who beats his wife is a son of a bitch, and it is only right that sanctions be imposed to prevent the rabid dog from biting any more people.”

 

The words from Calvin’s stern face were as harsh as a street thug.

 

Killian replied with a wide-eyed look.

 

“I think you punished him too lightly for what he did.”

 

“I think so, but it was the best punishment I could give him under the circumstances.”

 

The mere fact that he was found guilty of beating his wife was a very unconventional move.

 

“As of today, I will probably become the most hated man in the eyes of some radical Imperial men, because I have undermined their authority. In the worst case, I could be assassinated.”

 

“I will protect you from death.”

 

Killian’s words, spoken with a hint of benevolence, surprised Calvin.

 

“Please do that. I don’t want to die yet.”

 

Calvin’s face was quite pleased with himself, considering the tremendous criticism and threats to his life.

 

Calvin, whose reign shook the empire and is credited with advancing women’s rights by 100 years.

 

No one knew that he had been raised by a mother who had been beaten by his father as a child.

 

Even his own mother, Clara, thinks she hid it perfectly from her son.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Edenberg Manor.

 

Artia, Freesia, Marigold and Dahlia sat in a circle.

 

Marigold exclaimed, not bothering to hide her excitement.

 

“I waited outside with Dahlia, hand in hand, during the trial, and when I heard the verdict, I lost my dignity and screamed!”

 

Dahlia’s calm eyes showed a hint of amusement.

 

“It is indeed Mr. Calvin. He was not afraid of the criticism he received and delivered a courageous verdict.”

 

Tears welled up in the corners of Freesia’s eyes as she watched the two women rejoice as if it were their job.

 

She could never have gotten this far on her own.

 

Marigold, Dahlia and… Artia.

 

Dressed in a comfortable indoor dress and with her makeup removed, Artia looked like an innocent girl who knew nothing. But she was Freesia’s hero.

 

She took her hand and led her to do something she never thought possible.

 

Freesia took Artia’s hand in hers and said a mantra.

 

“Eres mi salvador. Te ofrezco mi alma.”

 

The unfamiliar words were from Freesia’s homeland of Palenta.

 

Artia’s eyes widened.

 

“What does that mean?”

 

“You are my benefactor, I will not forget all the favors you have done for me, and when the time comes that you are in need, I will gladly give you everything.”

 

Instead of letting the words hang in the air, Freesia explained briefly.

 

“This is my way of saying thank you.”

 

Artia smiled brightly.

 

“I’m the one who’s grateful. It’s because of your courage, Freesia, that this decision has come about.”

 

The Imperial Court officially sided with the battered woman. It was a great relief to Artia, who had suffered the same fate as Freesia, and to the countless other women who had endured the same pain in silence.

 

As Freesia and Artia gazed warmly at each other, hands clasped, Marigold sighed and moaned.

 

“It’s so touching to see my favorite princesses so close.”

 

With hot tears in her eyes, Marigold flashed the bottle of wine she had brought.

 

Kuelamshan 18-year-old wine!

 

It was so famous that even Artia, a non-drinker, recognized the name. Its price was as staggering as its name.

 

Marigold, who had boldly opened the bottle and poured it into everyone’s glasses, a wine most nobles wouldn’t drink in a lifetime, exclaimed.

 

“A day like today should be enjoyed like crazy, and leave your dignity in the jewelry box for a while.”

 

The three ladies boldly agreed.

 

*Clink!*

 

The four glasses of black wine clinked with a crystal clear sound.

 

That night, the four women ate, drank, and talked.

 

Marigold giggled as she combed and braided the other three women’s hair at will.

 

“As usual, I have the most fun playing with the dolls.”

 

Dahlia said, her face flushed with alcohol.

 

“You know, I’m actually the most famous romance novelist in this realm…”

 

Just before she could say, “Redlip,” Artia, her hair in a double braid (the work of Marigold), quickly shoved a large macaroon into Dahlia’s mouth.

 

Dahlia swallowed the whole macaroon and muttered in a hushed voice, “I’m amazing.”

 

“I’m such an amazing person, Ms. Malagasy…”

 

Meanwhile, Freesia was devouring the food on the table like it was a battle.

 

Huge roast chicken, whipped cream cake with red strawberries, pasta with tons of seafood, and decadently sweet chocolate.

 

She actually liked to eat, even though she’d been severely restricted by her need to keep up appearances.

 

Sitting between them, Artia sipped her wine happily.

 

‘This is so delicious…’

 

Her white cheeks turned redder than the wine. 

 

“We’re going to burn it all night!”

 

Marigold was the first to collapse.

 

For all her enthusiasm, she was actually a terrible sleeper. She never got up earlier than her stepdaughter Cecil.