The Search for the Duchess’s Husband Chapter 77

At first glance, it was of the finest quality. And a pink diamond, the exact color of Artia’s eyes.

 

It was not a gift to be given lightly.

 

‘Who gave it to you?’

 

He barely resisted the urge to ask.

 

He knew that if he spoke in a low voice, Artia wouldn’t give him the same disarming smile.

 

Killian didn’t want to ruin what they had now. Never.

 

And it wasn’t that hard to find the damn culprit without having to listen to her…

 

 

“I’ll tell Artia von Edenberg,” Killian said, returning to the palace from his flirtation with Artia.

 

“Find out who gave Artia von Edenberg the pink diamond bracelet.”

 

Nocturne nodded quickly, thinking to himself, ‘That seems to be the only kind of order he’s giving me these days.’

 

Meanwhile, the rats who had heard Nocturne’s words had similar thoughts.

 

One of the rats, his hood pressed deep into his face, said.

 

“Another investigation of Mrs. Edenberg… Do you think she’s plotting treason?”

 

“Of course not, for His Majesty has no interest in others unless they are of that sort.”

 

“Stop talking so loudly and give me some information. Before His Majesty’s tea gets cold.”

 

At their leader’s command, the rats scurried off into the darkness, much to his misunderstanding.

 

An hour later, Killian learned the identity of the man who had given Artia the bracelet.

 

“Marigold of Golgus. A gift to Lady Edenberg for her counsel.”

 

Killian’s anger eased a bit when Nocturne told him.

 

It was not a man.

 

But the relief was short-lived, and the resentment returned.

 

Male or female, he didn’t like the idea of wearing jewelry that someone else had given her.

 

It was a childish and tacky sentiment that surprised even him.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Killian arrived at Edenberg Manor.

 

Artia was no longer surprised or embarrassed by his visit. She was just a little nervous because she had no idea why he was there.

 

‘I wonder what brings him here…’

 

Artia’s eyes widened as she looked up from her greeting, half curious, half worried.

 

Killian was wearing the black suit Artia had picked out for him the day before.

 

Broad shoulders, a tucked-in waist, and long, straight legs.

 

He looked like a black panther in the tight black suit over his battle-hardened body.

 

Fierce, arrogant, lazy and beautiful.

 

Kilian’s eyes twisted lasciviously at Artia’s gaze.

 

“You like it?”

 

“Yes, I like it very much.”

 

Artia gasped and covered her mouth, having just gotten the words out of her head.

 

‘Are you crazy, Artia?! What a rude thing to say!’

 

But Killian’s face remained impassive as Artia’s remorse washed over her.

 

In fact, he even seemed to be in a good mood.

 

As if the thought wasn’t a misunderstanding, Killian said, “Me too. It’s a great design and a great fit.”

 

He pulled a small box from his chest as he spoke, a generous comment that seemed out of character for the arrogant man who would be giving away a lifetime’s worth of work by the genius designer of the century.

 

Killian held out the box to Artia.

 

“That’s why I’m here, to repay you for picking out such nice clothes.”

 

Artia was embarrassed.

 

She hadn’t done anything to deserve it.

 

In the first place, Killian would have looked good in anything on the street, even a ragged rag.

 

But Killian’s expression could not have been more sincere, and Artia dared not ignore the sincerity of the prince himself.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Artia smiled awkwardly and carefully accepted the box.

 

Just when she thought she was done, Killian’s golden eyes flashed with a knowing glint.

 

“Shall I open it now?”

 

Artia opened the box, feeling an enormous amount of pressure. Then her eyes widened.

 

Inside was a bracelet set with sparkling pink diamonds.

 

The diamonds were twice as large as the ones on her bracelet.

 

Artia stared at the bracelet in amazement, then at Killian.

 

He had the look of a cat that had just thrown a large mouse and was waiting for a response.

 

Artia bit her lip, unable to hide her embarrassment, and then plucked up the courage to speak.

 

“I apologize. I will only accept Your Highness’s heart, but may I ask you to return the gift?”

 

At that moment, Killian’s flirtatious expression vanished.

 

He asked in a low voice.

 

“Is it bad?”

 

Artia shook her head in surprise.

 

“Of course not. It’s a beautiful bracelet, one look at it and you’ll admire it.”

 

“Then why won’t you take it?”

 

‘She had gladly accepted the bracelet from the woman named Marigold, worn it, even bragged about it, but why? Because I’m a prince?’

 

Killian had always been appalled by his birth.

 

He could have all the gold and silver in the world, but he had no people.

 

The maids and servants who cared for him, his parents, and even his own parents recognized him only as a “prince”.

 

There was no Killian of Orpheus in the world. There was only Killian the Second.

 

It was the first time he had ever bought something for someone else.

 

It was a very personal gesture, free of any political maneuvering or his responsibilities as a prince.

 

He had expected Artia to be less than pleased with the gift, but he hadn’t expected her to refuse it.

 

‘Perhaps I should have given it to her in the form of a cat.’ 

 

At least then she would have been happier than she was now.

 

Killian’s brow furrowed in uncharacteristic regret, and Artia’s voice came to his ear.

 

“I’ll be honest with you, I have a rule after my divorce: I don’t accept gifts from men.”

 

“What?”

 

“Of course, I know you gave it to me as pure compensation, but I can’t accept anything from you.”

 

It wasn’t like carrot tea or carrot cake.

 

A diamond necklace that matched the color of her eyes was too romantic.

 

It was enough to give her special feelings and meaning.

 

“Gifts make me feel indebted, and I’m sure I’ll see a lot of men before I get married again, and I don’t want to leave anyone with that uncomfortable feeling.”

 

“…….”

 

“I apologize for taking it personally and being rude.”

 

Artia narrowed her eyes and bowed her head.

 

If Killian was angry, she’d take it.

 

But after a few moments, he remained silent. Frustrated, Artia raised her head slowly.

 

Killian’s golden eyes were narrowed. As if he had been attacked in some unexpected way.

 

He slowly opened his mouth.

 

“So you’re saying you can’t accept my gifts because I’m a man.”

 

Not because he’s a prince, not because he’s crazy, not because he’s a vicious misogynist, but because he’s a man.

 

 

“It’s…”

 

Artia nodded, and Killian’s golden eyes lit up with a blinding light.

 

Killian took the bracelet from Artia.

 

The corners of his mouth twitched in amusement, not a hint of displeasure.

 

 

On the way back to the palace. Sitting in the carriage, Killian closed his eyes and recalled Artia’s voice.

 

“I do not accept gifts from men.”

 

It was strange how words of refusal could sound so sweet.

 

Killian looked at the pink diamond bracelet and smiled weakly.

 

The disappointment was long gone.

 

Not that he knew how much he would suffer from the desire to place the bracelet on Artia’s slender wrist.

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

“Flower Ladies,” said Marigold as the three ladies sat down.

 

“Why don’t we invite Mrs. Edenberg to our next banquet?”

 

Freesia’s beautiful smile vanished in an instant.