The Search for the Duchess’s Husband Chapter 67

As time passed, the number of women who approached Artia increased.

 

Artia’s story came to an end.

 

“Finally, the day came when the emperor had to decide whether or not to divorce me. He asked me and my ex-husband to tell him what we each wanted and why. I appealed to him and told him of our painful marriage.”

 

Artia paused for a moment.

 

“And finally, His Majesty granted me a divorce.”

 

Several of the women were moved by the vivid description, as if they had seen the events unfold before their eyes. Penelope was even moved to tears.

 

A woman with red eyes turned to Artia.

 

“It must have been so hard for you, but I’m glad you got what you wanted.”

 

Divorce was a dishonorable thing for a noblewoman, but surprisingly there wasn’t much criticism of Artia.

 

This was because Lloyd’s reputation among the aristocracy was terrible. Artia was definitely a victim.

 

Many women, especially those in unhappy marriages, felt a sense of sympathy for her, and it didn’t take long for that feeling to turn into a crush.

 

The women’s eyes were warmer than before. Artia smiled at the change in their gaze.

 

“Mrs. Edenberg, no matter what the circumstances, divorce is not something you should talk about so openly.”

 

The sharp voice was Freesia’s.

 

It was no coincidence that she had avoided Artia’s eyes earlier.

 

Freesia had something against Artia, and it was probably because…

 

“Mrs. Elysium doesn’t like the fact that I’m divorced.”

 

Freesia did not dispute Artia’s words.

 

“Marriage is a sacred ceremony, a vow to the gods for eternity, and you should strive to honor it until the end of your life. I think you should at least be ashamed of yourself if you break it off because it’s a little difficult.”

 

Freesia’s eyes were stern. Like a strict manners teacher.

 

But Artia was not one of those obedient students who bowed her head no matter what she was told.

 

Artia kept her face calm.

 

“I don’t think being divorced is something to be proud of, but I don’t think it’s something I shouldn’t tell anyone either, because I’m just doing the best I can with my life.”

 

Artia paused, then spoke again.

 

“To find my happiness.”

 

“……!”

 

Freesia’s swooning eyelashes fluttered.

 

“No matter how you slice it, you didn’t get a divorce…”

 

Marigold stopped her.

 

“Enough, Freesia, if you raise your voice any further, you will be disrespecting Her Majesty, the Empress, who has called this meeting.”

 

Freesia furrowed her fine brow, then spoke.

 

“I hope Mrs. Edenberg will one day realize the sanctity of marriage.”

 

Then she jerked her head away.

 

As if she didn’t want to talk to Artia anymore.

 

“What a rude woman!”

 

Penelope’s face turned bright red, but Artia cut her off.

 

Unlike Penelope, who was furious, Artia was unaffected.

 

Conservative aristocratic society. It was to be expected that one day she would come into conflict with someone who had negative feelings towards her divorced husband.

 

I didn’t expect it to be Freesia, who was loved by everyone…

 

Freesia’s influence was certainly strong.

 

The women who had been friendly to Artia a moment ago had turned cold.

 

Another confrontation with her in this atmosphere would only increase their dislike for her.

 

“Let’s stop here. After all, my goal today is to make it known that I’m starting to socialize.”

 

It’s unfortunate that she didn’t win the people’s favor more easily, but her confrontation with Freesia maximized the women’s attention, so at least she got what she wanted.

 

Artia stopped making a scene and quietly enjoyed the banquet.

 

Many of the ladies shied away from her, fearing Freesia’s disapproval, but not all.

 

One woman spoke to her.

 

“What happened to the former Duke of Edenberg after the divorce? Is it true that he traveled abroad with his commoner mistress?”

 

Artia was not at all offended by the rude question.

 

“Well, I’m a man now, so I don’t know anything about him.”

 

“Ah…”

 

Artia didn’t let the woman go, disappointed that she didn’t get what she wanted.

 

“Before that, did you see the recent showing of The Emperor’s Prayer at the Imperial Palace, Mrs. Quillette?”

 

Mrs. Quillette responded more attentively to something other than knowing her name.

 

“Of course, it’s the one with Mikhail in the lead!”

 

Artia knew that Mrs. Quillette was a big fan of the actor Mikhail.

 

She flared her nostrils in excitement, forgetting her dignity.

 

“Have you seen Mrs. Edenberg?”

 

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to see it, but I’ve heard many people rave about the performance, especially Mikhail’s acting…”

 

“Whatever. Mikhail is the best actor in the Empire!”

 

There was no more talk of a divorce between Artia and Mrs. Quillette.

 

The conversation went on and on, starting with actors, then moving on to shows they liked, favorite songs, and trendy desserts.

 

Whenever a topic of interest came up, the women gathered around one by one and burst into laughter.

 

“I never knew Mrs. Edenberg had such a way with words.”

 

Too shy to hold a real conversation, Artia had seen more books than she could count and had tens of thousands of stories in her head.

 

“I’m a good talker.”

 

Feeling confident, Artia began to speak excitedly.

 

The laughter around her grew louder, and the women on the other side of the table pricked up their ears, eager to hear what she had to say.

 

Artia pretended not to hear and noticed that Freesia didn’t even look at her.

 

Towards the end of the banquet, several ladies approached Artia.

 

“Mrs. Edenberg, we had a wonderful time tonight. Would you like to come to a tea party I’m having?”

 

“……!”

 

It was just a casual invitation. But for Artia, it was the beginning of the rest of her social life.

 

“I’d love to come if you’d like to invite me.”

 

After answering, Artia looked back at Penelope with a reminiscent look on her face.

 

Penelope, who had been at Artia’s side throughout the banquet, gave her a thumbs up this time.

 

* * *

 

 

After the banquet, the women all returned to their homes. Except for Artia.

 

The only reason Artia stayed was because of Nocturne, who appeared at the end of the banquet.

 

“My lady, may I have a moment of your time? Prince Killian says he has something to tell you.”

 

“Ah, yes.”

 

Artia nodded, having grown accustomed to Killian’s calls by now, and followed Nocturne obediently.

 

She no longer wondered why he called her.

 

His behavior was unpredictable.

 

Once inside the room, Artia let out a small cry.

 

There sat Killian, fully dressed from head to toe.

 

I’m surprised, you’re more dressed up than I am. Is there a banquet you’re attending tonight?

 

Artia had no idea.

 

Killian had planned to attend the palace tea party earlier in the day.

 

“Your Majesty, it’s been reserved for ladies for generations. If a man attends, he’ll be ridiculed for dropping his tail.”

 

Killian glared at Nocturne.

 

“How dare you speak to me like that.”

 

“Yes, no man worth his salt would ever say it out loud, but in his heart, he thinks it. Maybe even Mrs. Edenberg.”

 

“……!”

 

With that, Killian withdrew his presence.

 

He called for Artia instead. After all, it wasn’t the banquet that mattered, it was her.

 

The long-lost Artia wore a light blue dress that reminded him of…

 

Like a drop of water.

 

A clear, transparent drop of water that sparkled in the sunlight.

 

Killian, who had been staring at Artia for a while, spoke up.

 

“How did you like the banquet?”

 

Despite her determination not to be surprised by anything Killian said, Artia was surprised again.

 

“You called me here to ask me that?”

 

He’s always interested in the unexpected anyway.

 

“Yes, I had a pleasant time, thanks to the careful arrangements made by the Imperial Family, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you.” Artia replied, thinking that this man really was incorrigible.

 

She thought it was a nice answer, but Killian wasn’t done asking questions.

 

“What did you like best about it?”

 

“……?”