The Search for the Duchess’s Husband Chapter 88

Before she knew it, he was pulling papers out of the square bag he’d brought and reading them. He really didn’t seem to care about Artia at all.

 

She felt like a sack of grain, or rather transparent air.

 

Realizing this, Artia’s heart relaxed.

 

Humming to herself, she took a small book from her bag and began to read.

 

It was a peaceful afternoon.

 

 

A few hours later, Artia closed the book and said.

 

“Shall we go back now?”

 

“Good.”

 

Calvin gathered up the stiff paper and put it in his pocket. His hands were clean and uncluttered.

 

Not the grace of a nobleman or the rigor of a soldier.

 

Turning to Artia, who watched him like a curious creature, Calvin said, “I have granted my mother’s request to see you only once, so this will be the last time we meet.”

 

‘Is he trying to reassure me by saying something he doesn’t have to?’

 

Artia nodded, thinking that maybe he really cared, despite his blunt face.

 

“I hope we do for each other, it’s been a good time. Take care.”

 

Calvin bowed as respectfully as he had at their first meeting.

 

Neither Count Rothenberg nor Evangeline contacted him after that. Artia was relieved.

 

‘Thank goodness, my aunt doesn’t seem too disappointed.’

 

For Artia, the meeting with Calvin was an unremarkable episode that she would not even remember years later.

 

To the man in the imperial palace, however, it was definitely not.

 

Killian spoke fiercely.

 

“Artia von Edenberg met with Calvin?”

 

Nocturne swallowed hard and nodded.

 

“Yes. They were introduced by both adults.”

 

Nocturne wondered if it was appropriate to report such a trivial detail, even if His Majesty’s interest in Frau Edenberg was keen.

 

Nocturne’s thoughts flew away as he met Killian’s eyes.

 

The golden pupils glowed as if they’d just been informed of a conspiracy.

 

‘If I hadn’t seen that, I would have had my head blown off.’

 

Nocturne swallowed hard and glanced at Killian.

 

Fortunately, Killian didn’t ask any more questions about it, but the man exuded an aura of menace that made him uncomfortable to be around.

 

It wasn’t hard to see where it was coming from.

 

“Run, Mr. Calvin!”

 

Nocturne shouted at the young magistrate, who had a reputation for justice, and slipped out of the room under the pretense of fetching papers.

 

If he stayed there any longer, he would suffocate and die a young death.

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

Social circles were abuzz with the news that a grand banquet was being held at Count Elysium.

 

The banquet was so large that most of the nobles in the capital received invitations.

 

To Artia’s surprise, an invitation also arrived.

 

Artia glared at the silk, flowered invitation and muttered to herself.

 

“Why would she send me an invitation if she hates me so much?” she muttered.

 

‘Did she have a change of heart and want to be friendly with me, or was she trying to pick a fight with me?’

 

Artia chewed on her thinly sliced carrot sticks and began to ponder the intent of the invitation from the most beautiful woman in the Empire.

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

The doors of Elysium’s mansion opened, and the banquet began. As they entered the ballroom, they marveled.

 

“I knew about this place, but there were so many people invited.”

 

It wasn’t just the number of people.

 

The banquet hall was lavishly decorated with flowers and ornaments, the hundreds of well-dressed servants moving in unison, the finest wine and food on the tables, everything was of the highest quality.

 

“It seems the rumors of Count Elysium’s troubled business were false.”

 

“I don’t know if it’s a rumor or not, because it was also said that he borrowed money to pay for this banquet.”

 

“Do you believe such nonsense? It’s all made up by people who are jealous of the young and beautiful count and countess.”

 

The chatter stopped as they covered their mouths with their fans.

 

The hosts of the banquet, Freesia and her husband, Count Elysium, had arrived.

 

Standing side by side, the couple looked as elegant and beautiful as a scene from a painting.

 

Freesia’s white dress and delicate flower-shaped jewelry were a sight to behold.

 

Marigold muttered to herself. “I’d go to my grave if I hadn’t seen her in five years, but she never ceases to amaze me…”

 

Dahlia nodded beside her.

 

“Unreal beauty, like something out of a novel.”

 

Freesia walked over to them, her steps fluttering like a butterfly.

 

“I see you’re both here.”

 

Marigold shrugged.

 

“I told you I was coming.”

 

“I got your reply, but I was nervous. I didn’t look too good the last time we met.”

 

The three of them hadn’t seen each other in a month, not since the day Freesia had cried that they shouldn’t hang out with Artia.

 

“I liked you both so much, I felt like a child, and I made a big mistake.” Freesia said, taking each of Marigold and Dahlia’s hands in hers.

 

“But you’re still two of my best friends, and I want to keep it that way, don’t you?”

 

It was almost too much to bear, to see such a beautiful face that could please others without having to do anything.

 

“Of course!”

 

Marigold replied cheerfully, as if she had been waiting for this. Dahlia nodded as well.

 

Freesia’s eyes softened and she smiled brightly.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Marigold couldn’t help herself and hugged Freesia tightly.

 

Meanwhile, Dahlia was reminded of one of the heroines of one of her novels, a woman who resembled Freesia.

 

A woman of supreme beauty who had captivated a dozen men.

 

When the other women saw the three huddled together, they gossiped.

 

“I heard they’ve grown apart lately, but it doesn’t look like it. They still look very close.”

 

“The Flower Ladies are alive and well, I see.”

 

The corners of Freesia’s mouth twitched up at the words she’d been hoping to hear at the banquet.

 

Then Marigold asked.

 

“I heard you invited Tia to this banquet, too?”

 

‘Who was Tia?’

 

Shaking her head, Freesia’s mouth tightened as she realized the name was Artia’s nickname. 

 

But then she straightened and spoke softly.

 

“Yes, well, since you two are so fond of her, I’m going to drop my prejudice against Mrs. Edenberg and get to know her better.”

 

“Good idea.”

 

Marigold looked pleased. Dahlia nodded, her face solemn.

 

Their reaction hurt Freesia again, but she didn’t wipe the smile from her face.

 

She had sent the invitation to Artia only to ease Marigold and Dahlia’s minds, with no intention of getting close to her.

 

Instead, it had only increased her dislike.

 

‘But I’m not going to show it outwardly anymore.’

 

There were plenty of people who defended Artia now, and there was no good to be gained by showing such feelings.

 

Freesia planned to get along with Artia just fine. At least in front of others.

 

“I’d love to see those two beauties together, and I wonder why Tia hasn’t come yet.” 

 

Marigold said, her voice full of anticipation.

 

‘She probably won’t come.’ Freesia replied to herself.

 

Freesia had gotten a reply from Artia saying she would be there, but she suspected she would have all sorts of reasons for not coming.

 

‘Because Artia von Edenberg is a divorcee.’

 

Today’s banquet was not a tea party for the ladies, but a ball for their partners.

 

Married couples were expected to come together, and those without spouses, for reasons such as bereavement, often didn’t come at all.

 

It was considered unseemly.

 

Of course, some people would bring their children or close relatives. But as far as Freesia knew, Artia had no relatives close enough to her to ask for a partner.

 

It was well known that the elders of the Dukes of Edenberg were ashamed of Artia’s divorce.

 

‘But it will be harder to come with a man who isn’t blood,’ she thought, ‘because then you’ll be subjected to all sorts of shenanigans.’

 

But Freesia was wrong.

 

Artia had shown up.

 

Alone, without a partner.