A Change of Husband - Chapter 38

Asilie interpreted those words in her own way.

She thought it meant he was too embarrassed by compliments to attend the wedding.

So she just smiled and kept her mouth shut, but if she had had the chance to peek inside his mind, she would’ve been completely shocked.

Anyway, thanks to her cooperation, Esperad was able to avoid any major incidents.

“Come to think of it, I might get the chance to meet Lord Geoffrey Bonaparte today.”

The day she returned from the exhibition, Asilie told Esperad everything that had happened.

After listening carefully, Esperad explained the overall situation of the Bonaparte family and the mixed opinions about Joseph and Geoffrey in noble society.

“Of course, it’s possible. But since people will be watching, I’m not sure he would dare to act recklessly. It’s an event where all the nobles are gathering.”

“I heard the wedding will be at the Bonaparte family’s villa. Then wouldn’t it be a more comfortable place for him?”

“That makes sense, but I don’t feel good about meeting him there. Also, since this is a

conservative noble family’s wedding, what if it’s a trap…?”

“That’s not likely, Esperad. This is an important event joining the Bonaparte and Bellucci families. Even if they support Count Mirk, would they really allow something disgraceful to happen at their own family’s event?”

“So you’re saying it might actually be a safe place?”

“That’s what I think.”

Esperad also knew that Asilie’s view was probably right.

But what he didn’t want to admit was that he wouldn’t have the chance to meet Geoffrey with

Asilie during the wedding.

There were nobles he needed to greet today, and others he needed to persuade through this event.

It was going to be an important day in many ways, so there was no time to spare.

That meant Geoffrey and Asilie would have to meet separately—

But how could he let her meet a young man alone like that?

He could trust her, but he couldn’t trust the man.

“Does it have to be today?”

“Yes. It has to be today.”

Asilie didn’t think Geoffrey could wait long.

Even at the exhibition, he wanted to make a clear proposal to her.

That meant he was already feeling impatient.

After Joseph was sent to the noble council for review, the vassals of the Bonaparte family

strongly pushed to make Geoffrey the successor.

And the conservative nobles also wanted the calm and careful Geoffrey on their side, rather than

Joseph, who had always behaved improperly.

Riding that momentum, Geoffrey proudly proposed marriage to the Bellucci family.

But surprisingly, they rejected him and chose the older brother Joseph—
The same Joseph who was seen as small-minded after Geoffrey started gaining more power.

In this unexpected situation, the marriage quickly went forward.

And since Monica and Joseph’s marriage was now confirmed, the Bonaparte family had to

support Joseph so that nothing unpleasant would happen between the families.

Esperad had explained to her that this was probably why Geoffrey was feeling nervous.

“I don’t think I’ll have time to spare today.”

“If you’re busy, I can meet him alone, Esperad.”

“I don’t feel comfortable with that.”

“Huh? Why not?”

“He’s a grown man. So… in terms of a different kind of safety, it’s hard to feel at ease, don’t you

think?”

Asilie quickly understood that the “different kind of safety” he meant had to do with physical contact between a man and a woman. She shook her head.

“Nothing bad will happen.”

“How can you be so sure? Asilie, you don’t realize how attractive you are.”

“Hmm, but really, nothing will happen. It’s not surprising, but… he despises me.”

A look of genuine curiosity appeared on his face.

Asilie figured someone like Esperad probably never thought that way before, so even if she explained it, he wouldn’t really understand Geoffrey’s hatred toward her. Still, she didn’t avoid explaining.

“There are many people in this capital who look down on my background. It’s not anything

special.”

Esperad was at a loss for words for a moment.

Thinking vaguely about the discrimination Asilie might face and hearing her speak about it directly were two very different things.

“…Did he say anything insulting to you?”

“No. He didn’t. But he couldn’t hide the feelings that came from deep inside. You can’t really blame someone just for that, right?”

“The fact that you could feel it is upsetting enough.”

“I’m fine. Really, it’s nothing.”

“No, Lord Bonaparte must know. He needs to understand that the opportunity he’s trying so hard to grab wouldn’t even exist if not for the very person he looks down on so much—you.”

After speaking firmly, Esperad noticed the carriage had stopped and held out his hand to her.

“Let’s go.”

“…Yes.”

Asilie caught a glimpse of his angry face as he passed by.

She regretted saying something unnecessary, but at the same time, her heart strangely felt warm seeing how he treated her problem like his own.

Esperad, perhaps still thinking about what had just happened, held her a little more firmly as they walked inside.

Asilie had to keep her expression stiff the whole time to stop herself from smiling at the sight of him acting as if he was protecting her from any possible attack.

The wedding ceremony was held at the Bonaparte Count family’s villa. And it was truly an excellent choice.

Summer weddings were not popular with anyone.

However, since the Bonaparte villa was located by the lakeside, surrounded by tall trees providing plenty of shade, the heat didn’t feel too overwhelming. As a result, none of the guests showed signs of discomfort.

Asilie guessed that the Bonaparte Countess had taken care of all the preparations. After all, her former mother-in-law had always been extremely sensitive to other people’s opinions.

Fortunately, whether by luck or divine favor, the weather was perfect today.

The sun was a bit too bright, but still better than rain. Most guests seemed to think it was a decent summer wedding.

“Until the ceremony begins, I think we need to greet the other nobles. If men and women were allowed to mingle together, we could go around together, but…”

Esperad trailed off with a hint of regret.

In Astel, women were not supposed to be involved in men’s affairs at all.

No matter how respected a lady might be, she could not stay by her husband’s side when men were discussing matters of importance.

This was especially true on occasions like this.

Asilie could clearly see the men and women forming separate groups, as this was one of the few chances for many nobles to gather in one place.

“I’m fine. Since I’ve avoided other social gatherings for a while, I think I might hear a lot of new stories today. I’m actually excited. Please, go without worry.”

“…I’ll be back soon.”

“Don’t rush. There’s still plenty of time before the ceremony starts.”

Asilie turned away calmly to ease his worries.

Looking back, this might actually be a good thing.

Through Sophia, she had heard that since the exhibition incident with Countess Proud, the progressive nobles’ opinion of her was starting to change.

She wondered whether something had truly changed, or if she was just getting her hopes up for nothing again.

Asilie opened her parasol and slightly bent her waist as she headed toward the group of noblewomen gathered outside the shade.

At that moment, two young ladies passed by her, chatting, without recognizing her.

She had no intention of eavesdropping, but Asilie ended up hearing their conversation anyway.

“Oh my, then Countess Artlinger must be in a very difficult situation.”

“What can you do? Even Count Artlinger, who used to save her, is over there now. Her husband is just too outstanding.”

“I didn’t care much even though I heard he was popular before they married, but after seeing him today, I understand.”

“She not only married such a great man, but even after getting sick, he didn’t abandon her and went with her to the countryside. You can’t help but be jealous. Their husbands would never do that. Haha.”

“Let’s hurry. It sounds like something fun to watch.”

They were clearly talking about Siena.

And if she followed them, she might be able to rescue Siena from a troubling situation.

In a setting where men and women were completely separated like now, even someone like Thomas would have trouble coming to find Siena.

If any noblewomen were attacking Siena, it was probably because they believed the current situation allowed them to do so.

Asilie thought she should pretend not to know.

There was nothing good to gain by stepping into this. Besides, she hadn’t even secured her place in the social world yet.

‘That’s the reality of things…’

Asilie let out a deep sigh.

Even though she knew it was better not to go, now that she knew, she couldn’t ignore it. Especially when she knew Siena was ill.

Asilie quietly followed the two young ladies.

Before long, she saw noblewomen in dresses gathered under a large tree, standing in small groups.

Though slightly apart, from a distance it looked like they were forming a circle around something.

Asilie realized that Siena was being attacked in the middle of that circle.

As she got closer, sharp, criticizing voices and mocking laughter with obvious scorn filled the air.

“From what I see, the Countess isn’t fulfilling her duties. To ruin the future of a young man with such dreams… maybe she’s hiding poison behind that weak appearance.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to rely on the temple? I heard they never abandon someone once they trust them, even if they get sick.”

“If she has a conscience, she should return to her family. They may not welcome her, but since they sold a faulty product, they won’t be able to cast her out either. Don’t you agree?”

Their faces were hidden behind parasols.

But Asilie could imagine exactly what Siena’s face must look like right now.

It was strange. She had never truly shared a friendship with her, yet she couldn’t just ignore this.

She even felt a rage that made it feel like it was her own problem.

Unable to stand it, Asilie stepped forward and pushed her way between them. She spoke calmly but with firmness in her voice.

“This is something for the person involved to deal with. I don’t think third parties need to interfere.”

She tried to stay calm, but her voice shook, unable to completely hide her emotions.

Asilie had never imagined herself speaking like this.

All eyes turned toward her, surprised by the unexpected intruder.

These were the same women who had treated her just as cruelly in the past—faces she could remember by name.

Despite having different political beliefs from their husbands, they were strangely united in enjoying the act of tearing others down when they sensed weakness.

At one time, Asilie had even thought that the term “trash of society” might have been created to describe people like them.

“Oh my, it seems the Duchess of Camédici is trying to defend Countess Artlinger.”

“That’s interesting, Baroness Tains. But if no one here has done anything wrong enough to need defending, who should I be defending them from?”

“What?”

“If my ears aren’t mistaken, the one who needs to explain herself for what just happened is you, Baroness Tains.”

Baroness Tains’ expression stiffened at that remark.

Before her return, Baroness Tains had been one of those who tormented Asilie relentlessly.

Looking at the power dynamics of their families, no one in this group could rival Asilie.

But once they realized that no one from the Bonaparte family would defend her, they had begun their cruel attacks.

They likely couldn’t stand that someone of lowly, even fallen, noble origin had married a man everyone envied.

Her heart, once soft, had hardened into steel over the past seven years, largely thanks to these women.

“There seems to be a misunderstanding. I was simply offering a bit of advice out of concern for Countess Artlinger’s situation.”

“So was I. But if even our good intentions are being criticized like this, it seems we can’t speak freely anymore.”

“How odd. I didn’t think you were the type not to know that unwanted advice is considered rude.”

Asilie glared at them coldly, then turned to Siena with a changed expression.

Now that she could finally see her face, it was pitiful. She must have held back tears the whole time—her face was stained with them.

“…Countess Artlinger.”

Asilie called her name after staring at her in shock for a moment.

“Did you ask them for advice?”

“Ah, no…”

Siena barely managed to respond before burying her face in her handkerchief, overcome with sorrow again.

As much as Asilie wanted to comfort her right away, she knew she had to hold on. If she let this situation go, it would only repeat itself.

Asilie turned back with a firm heart.

“Giving unsolicited and rude advice is thoughtless behavior.”

“It was only out of good will!”

“Even if it comes from good will, if it hurts the other person’s heart, isn’t it still wrong?”

“Are you… are you attacking me?!”

Unable to take the pressure, Baroness Tains shouted, her eyes wide. Asilie let out a deep sigh.

She couldn’t bear the thought that she had once shed tears over people this stupid and lacking.

“Attacking? How could anyone behave so carelessly at a formal event like this? Creating a scene is a huge offense to the host family.”

“But still—!”

“As the Duchess of Camédici just said, whatever the reason, causing such a disturbance doesn’t seem very dignified.”

A voice from behind caused all the gathered women to turn their heads at once.

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