The Search for the Duchess’s Husband

Nocturne blinked, then asked.

“Did Simone von Rushan try to pull a reverse hatchet job on you?” “No.” “Then why on earth did you bring him to the palace?” 

Killian never cared for those who fell because of him. Though he of

ten trampled them.

 

Turning to the confused Nocturne, Killian spoke.

 “Did he…” 

‘He? What is he?!’

 

Nocturne stared unblinkingly at Killian’s mouth; his perfectly formed lips tightly parted.

 

After a long moment, Killian spoke in a low voice.

 “Get him out. Out of my sight.” 

It was an order to get rid of the unsightl

y baggage.

 

‘If that’s the case, why did you bring him here, Your Grace?’

 

But if he continues, he may be asked to get rid of the innocent Simone again.

 

To prevent that from happening, Nocturne nodded quickly.

 “Yes, Your Highness.” 

Once Nocturne had left the room and Killian was alone, he stared at the night sky.

 

 

Hours ago, when he had finished his dental work for the day, Killian had turned into a black cat for the first time in a long time.

 

Bored.

 

His natural destination was Edenberg Mansion.

 

No matter how many strange things she shakes at him today, he won’t play with them. He’s going to rip them to pieces with his front paws.

 

…Does that ring a bell?

 

He doesn’t like that.

 

The black cat frowned and climbed up to the window.

 

But the room behind the window was empty.

 “……!” 

It was no wonder, really.

 

Artia wasn’t locked in her room like she used to be, but Killian was still shocked that she wasn’t there.

 

Just then he heard the voices of the maids in the hallway outside the room.

 “The lady has turned down all the suitors, but I suppose she liked the gentleman who came today?” “What do you mean, she sees him twice. They are even going on a date together.” “Well, I wish them both the best.” 

With that, the door opened.

 “Whoa!” 

The maid exclaimed in surprise as she saw the black cat standing outside the window, and then, as if on cue, the cat disappeared.

 

The black cat ran.

 

He was searching for the faint scent of cherry blossoms.

 

Even if he had a highly developed sense of smell as a cat, there were too many people in the city.

 

Still, he was sure to find them.

 

Artia von Edenberg.

 

The black cat soon arrived at a large coffeehouse building.

 

Killian didn’t usually come to places like this, but he knew what it was like.

 

The perfect place for a man to seduce a woman.

 

His long tail twitched as his mind wandered there.

 

A few moments later, back to his normal form, Killian entered the building.

 

Sitting in the corner was the woman he was looking for.

 

With a man who looked as blurry as a cloud of dust.

 

Remembering the scene, Killian muttered in an irritated voice.

 “…How dare he be with Artia von Edenberg.”  

* * *

 

 

The next day, Artia was visited by a servant of the Rushan family.

 “Lord Simone has returned home safely after being treated at the palace. He is ashamed of his ugly behavior and asked me to tell you that he is sorry.” 

Thank God.

 

Artia was relieved and took a short letter and a gift to the servant.

 

“Rest assured, I’m not the kind of person who would see you fainting and think you were ugly, and I’m glad to hear you’re okay. I’m sending you some tea to calm your mind and body, so drink it and relax.”

 

Most of all, Artia felt sorry for Simone.

 

She hadn’t meant to, but she had dragged Killian into his fainting spell.

 

And even if she hadn’t, it was only natural to care for someone who had collapsed in her company.

 

Even if it wasn’t anyone in particular.

 

But when he received Artia’s letter, Simone burst into tears again.

 “I can’t believe you were so kind to me, even though I looked like shit…” 

At this point, Artia turned to Catherine, unaware of how deeply moved she was.

 

It was Catherine’s nagging time of the day.

 “Are you an old woman with only a few days left to live, or a widow whose husband has gone to heaven, or a poor woman who has fallen on hard times and is in debt, or a noblewoman who wears such a plain, unadorned dress?” 

The corners of Artia’s mouth turned up at the sarcasm.

 “Well, if that’s what my mother says, then I guess I wear it as intended, because I don’t particularly want to look attractive to men.” 

Catherine touched her forehead.

 

This was how the conversation usually ended, but she wasn’t going to let it end today.

 

Catherine spoke up with a sharp voice.

 “Okay, let’s say you can do this in front of men. Some of them might find the monastic habit dignified, but will you wear it to a banquet? They’ll make fun of you for being a beggar.” 

Artia didn’t go to banquets for a long time.

 

Even after her divorce. She received many invitations, but never felt the need to go.

 

But…

 

Now that she’s a duchess, she might have an urgent need to attend a banquet.

 

Catherine was right, her present clothes would be embarrassing. A nice new dress would be nice.

 

Catherine said, turning to Artia.

 “Let’s go out right now and get fitted for a dress.” 

But Artia shook her head.

 “I don’t have the money.” 

She didn’t just say that, she really didn’t have any money.

 

Part of the power the elders had taken away from the head of the household was the right to manage the family’s property.

 

The elders had reduced the amount of money Artia could spend to the bare minimum because they feared she would waste it.

 

Artia was forced to live on less than half of what a typical noble would have.

 

She could afford a maid, eat the food she wanted, and read the books she wanted, but she couldn’t afford expensive things like clothes.

 “Mean old people.”

Catherine cursed.

 “I’ll buy it for you.” 

Artia’s eyes widened.

 

Catherine’s situation wasn’t all that different from Artia’s.

 

Married late and childless, Catherine had been treated badly by the family after Benedict’s death.

 

She was treated like the old woman in the back room, not the godmother.

 

Lloyd and the elders did the same. They sent her ridiculous amounts of money and scolded her for wasting it.

 

Catherine ran a finger over her forehead.

 “You’re so stressed about money, you’ve got wrinkles.” 

Catherine turned to Artia, who thought,

‘That’s why I keep telling you, find a rich groom. Even if your love grows cold and your husband dies, you’ll still have money.’

 

Artia was not immature enough to say,

‘How could you say such a cold thing?’

 “I don’t think it’s the most important factor, but it’s something to keep in mind.” 

Catherine’s eyes widened, then she grinned.

 “I thought your head was a field of flowers from all the crazy things you keep saying, but I’m glad you’re not.” 

Catherine took Artia’s hand.

 “Anyway, you’d better come with me, I can afford to buy you a dress.”  

* * *

 

 

Catherine led Artia to a shop that, to her surprise, sold second hand goods.

 

To a noblewoman, dignity was more important than life. To be known to visit such a second-hand store could be a blow to her honor.

 

Catherine said to Artia.

“Don’t worry, this place only caters to the nobility, so they keep a tight lid on who sells what.” 

As befits a place that caters to the nobility, the boss greeted them with a stern demeanor.

 “We are honored to have you here. What valuable items have you come to donate?” 

‘If I say I’m here to sell something, I’ll look like I’m out of shape, so you call it a donation?’

 

Artia chuckled to herself, thinking that this was indeed a place for noblewomen.

 

Catherine’s maid handed her a large box. Inside was the dress Katharina had worn.

 

The boss examined the dress carefully.

 “This is indeed a fine item, and if you donate it, I will pay you five million gold as a token of my gratitude.” 

Catherine was about to nod gracefully when Artia interrupted.

 “This dress is a few years old, but the design is classic and timeless, and I’ve only worn it a few times, so it’s as good as new. The price is too low, even considering it’s used.” Visit my Ko-fi for advance chapter discounts!!