The Search for the Duchess’s Husband Chapter 82

It didn’t matter what happened to the high-end bag of a famous designer or the few dollars inside, but not to the plaintiff.

 

“If you file a report with the Ministry of Public Security…”

 

But the Ministry of Public Security would not budge for a single item belonging to a noblewoman, let alone anything of value.

 

If Dahlia revealed her identity as the wife of a high-ranking official, they would investigate…

 

‘It will be known for all to see that I am Redlip.’

 

Dahlia turned away, her face pale.

 

“That will never happen.”

 

For the same reason, it was impossible to order the servants in the house to look for the object.

 

“What am I to do? What am I supposed to do?”

 

Biting her lip, Dahlia’s mind flashed back to Marigold’s words she had once heard.

 

“Do you know why Tia is so popular with the girls? She’s always willing to listen to their problems and give them amazing advice. And she doesn’t stop there. She never tells anyone what she talks about in private.”

 

Marigold’s eyes sparkled as she rattled off Artia’s story without being asked.

 

“If you ever have a problem, tell Tia. I’m sure she’ll be fascinated.”

 

Dahlia jumped to her feet.

 

 

* * *

 

 

“Mrs. Dahlia von Gregg is here to see you.”

 

Vivi’s words startled Artia.

 

Although they had met twice, she still hadn’t met Dahlia.

 

“And on such short notice?” 

 

‘What’s wrong with you, the strictest of manners?’

 

Artia was surprised again when she realized something had happened.

 

Dahlia’s appearance was a mess.

 

Her black hair was disheveled, and the hem of her dress was caked with dirt.

 

Worst of all, her usually calm eyes were red and puffy.

 

Dahlia spoke, her voice desperately suppressing emotion.

 

“You must help me find my things.”

 

Instead of being surprised or embarrassed by the sudden request, Artia asked, “What kind of things are you looking for?”

 

Dahlia forced her lips together.

 

“The novel I wrote…”

 

Artia didn’t react to the fact that a noblewoman, Dahlia von Gregg, wrote novels. Instead, she asked for the details of where and how she had lost it. Dahlia stammered, but answered dutifully.

 

When she finished, Artia paused for a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking.

 

“If we’re going to find the culprit, we’re going to need the help of someone who knows the back alleys.”

 

“But I don’t know anyone like that…”

 

“I know someone who knows the back alleys and is willing to help us find your manuscript.”

 

 

 

Artia’s destination was the publishing house Dahlia had signed with.

 

Dan, the publisher and only employee, heard her and let out a scream.

 

“How dare he steal an author’s manuscript! How dare he steal a book that has been read a thousand times until there is not a single inscription or typo!”

 

Dahlia was stunned.

 

She’d never seen him so angry, always so businesslike and reserved.

 

I thought he’d just sigh in embarrassment at being accused of stealing the manuscript…

 

He didn’t.

 

Artia said to Dan, who roared like a gorilla deprived of its cub.

 

“Owner, I understand your anger a hundred times over, but right now it’s important that we find the culprit as soon as possible.”

 

“Yes, sir, we must.”

 

“I want you to call in as many people as you can who are familiar with the area.”

 

“On it.”

 

Dan quickly followed Artia’s lead. Moments later, the office was filled with people.

 

Most of them, like Dan, owned small shops in the back alleys.

 

Artia handed them a hastily prepared piece of paper.

 

It contained a montage and description of the killer, made from the words Dahlia had told her.

 

Artia spoke in a firm but pleading voice.

 

“You must find this child.”

 

Dan squinted from behind his glasses.

 

“I will reward whoever finds him with a month’s worth of sales.”

 

“Let’s get him now!”

 

In his words, the crowd rushed outside like hyenas on the hunt. Artia grabbed Dahlia as she tried to follow.

 

“You’d better stay here, because if the culprit sees you, he’ll hide.”

 

“But…”

 

“I’ll find your precious things somehow, trust me.”

 

Artia’s face was docile enough to catch an ant, and her voice was as small as a bird’s. She didn’t look like a fighter at all.

 

But why?

 

‘I have faith that she will keep her word…’

 

Dahlia looked at Artia as if she were about to cry, then nodded.

 

“Please, Artia.”

 

 

* * *

 

 

Leaving Dahlia in the publisher’s office, Artia stepped outside.

 

‘Such a dark and dreary alley,’ she thought to herself, ‘I had no idea that such a place existed in the capital.’

 

Artia was a noblewoman like Dahlia, and she knew nothing of back alleys.

 

But being Artia, she could do something.

 

“The child must have deliberately targeted a noblewoman alone.”

 

She’ll be carrying expensive items, and she won’t be able to give chase.

 

‘If she’s in similar circumstances, he’ll probably show up again, right?’

 

Artia thought.

 

Artia reached for her bag. It was a large, jewel-encrusted bag that looked expensive at first glance.

 

‘Please show up…’

 

Artia prayed and started walking around, looking for places off the beaten track. She didn’t know how long she walked.

 

A child emerged from a dark alley.

 

“Pretty lady, I haven’t eaten since yesterday. Please help me.”

 

The look, the words, everything was exactly as Dahlia had described.

 

He’s the one who stole Mrs. Gregg’s manuscript!

 

Artia’s heart pounded in her chest.

 

But Artia didn’t show her excitement, instead she pulled the money out of her pocket and held it out to her.

 

“Here, take it.”

 

“Thank you!”

 

The child’s eyes lit up, and Artia seized the moment to take his hand.

 

 

The child shook Artia’s hand in surprise. Despite months of consistent practice, Artia’s grip was weak. Her grip was as weak as a weak pool of water, but that didn’t matter.

 

Vivi, who had been watching Artia from out of sight, jumped up and grabbed the child.

 

Feeling the immense force of Vivi’s grip, the child stiffened as if held by a bear. Eyes locked with the terrified child, Artia asked.

 

“Which lady’s purse did you steal a few hours ago?”

 

“I don’t know!”

 

There were many children roaming the streets stealing things, so it was easy enough to catch them for not knowing.

 

Artia realized that the child would not easily admit to the crime.

 

Vivi, who was holding the child, spoke in a blunt voice.

 

“Shall we take a confession?”

 

With Vivi’s skills, it shouldn’t be hard to get him to talk.

 

She knew how to make a person feel the most pain. But…

 

“He’s just a child.”

 

Instead of resorting to cruelty, Artia chose to bead the child.

 

“There must have been a piece of paper in the bag you took, with a lot of writing on it.”

 

“……!”

 

The child’s small shoulders twitched. Artia didn’t miss the subtle reaction and continued.

 

“That paper, it’s a classified document with secret and important information.”

 

“You’re lying!”

 

“No, I’m not lying. It’s written like a novel, but if you crack the code, you’ll find something that could shake the country, and that’s why the higher-ups are looking for it.”

 

Artia whispered in a low voice.

 

“If they don’t find it, they won’t let me or you go because you stole it, so give it back to me. Then this will be a secret between you and me.”

 

The words were outrageous, but the child could not ignore them.

 

For there was great fear in Artia’s eyes.

 

 

The child was brave enough to steal a noblewoman’s bag all by himself, but he also knew how ruthless nobles could be.

 

If what Artia had said was true, the document was a bomb that could explode at any moment.

 

There was no point in keeping something like that.