A Change of Husband - Chapter 39

The one who belatedly came forward to support Asilie was none other than Countess Proud.

Standing next to her, Countess Farrington also spoke up.

“I don’t know what the original intention was, but anyone with common sense would see that was a rude suggestion. I think the right thing now is to apologize to Countess Artlinger.”

Countess Proud and Countess Farrington were noblewomen of the progressive faction who had built their positions by regularly attending social gatherings.

The fact that these two women were now siding with Asilie looked, at first glance, to others as if they were simply protecting one of their own from the progressive faction.

And the group of noblewomen led by Baroness Tains took the situation just as it appeared. That was why their faces had gone pale.

They had stubbornly refused to admit fault, convinced that Asilie had not been accepted by the progressive noblewomen and was just circling around them without truly belonging.

But now, with Countess Proud and Countess Farrington stepping in like this, the situation was bound to change.

“It seems we made a big mistake.”

“As I said, our actions came from good intentions.”

“We didn’t mean to be rude. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Apologies came rushing out in a hurry, and Siena, overwhelmed by the situation, accepted them silently without saying much.

A confrontation that seemed like it would drag on for a long time ended quite anticlimactically.

Once the gathered women dispersed, Countess Proud finally spoke to Asilie.

“You always show a new side of yourself, Duchess Camedici. What you did was morally right. Those who only stood by and watched should feel ashamed.”

Morally right actions.

Shame for being a bystander.

Everything Countess Proud said to praise Asilie pierced her like a knife.

Asilie couldn’t accept the compliment without guilt.

She was someone who had a conscience and knew how to look at herself honestly. And she knew she had not acted out of a sense of justice.

If she had been able to overcome her guilt toward Siena, Asilie would have been just like those immoral people Countess Proud referred to.

“No, Countess. And truly, thank you for helping me out of that difficult situation.”

“If you hadn’t shown such resolve, I wouldn’t have found it easy to intervene. In the end, things were resolved this way because you, Duchess Camedici, showed a good example first.”

Asilie realized that the more she denied the Countess’s words, the more such painful praise would continue, so she lowered her gaze.

“I’m just ashamed, Countess. I’d love to talk more, but…”

Asilie glanced at Siena and then looked back at Countess Proud.

“I don’t think this is the right time.”

Reading her intention, Countess Proud nodded and stepped back.

Once the two countesses left, Asilie finally turned to Siena.

Facing Siena was uncomfortable, but walking away without a word would be even stranger, so she patiently met Siena’s eyes.

“Are you all right?”

“Yes. Well, not really… Thank you, truly… thank you so much, Duchess.”

Though Siena said she was fine, her face was still twisted with sadness and shame.

It seemed the shock of hearing such malicious words hadn’t worn off yet.

Asilie understood. She had also experienced the sharp, blade-like tongues of those women—words that could tear down even the strongest spirit.

“If you go over there and have some tea, you might feel better. Would you like me to take you?”

“I couldn’t trouble you any further. You’ve already helped me so much.”

“No, Countess. What I did was only the result of a hypocritical act. Please don’t feel burdened…”

“That’s not true! You saved me from that horrible situation!”

Siena suddenly interrupted, her voice rising in emotion.

Startled, Asilie looked at her, and saw Siena’s eyes fill with tears. She couldn’t hold back her feelings anymore and pulled out her now-soaked handkerchief to bury her face.

“Countess…?”

“I-I’m fine. It’s just… sniff…”

Moved by her pitiful sobs, Asilie pulled out the handkerchief she had brought and handed it to Siena. Seeing the cloth made Siena cry even harder.

“T-thank you. No one knows how deep my shame and… d-disgrace… sniff…”

“You’ve done nothing wrong. I hope you won’t be hurt by such ridiculous accusations.”

“But are they really so ridiculous? Everywhere I go… sniff… I hear that I ruined my husband’s future, that I’m a weak woman hiding behind a man to enjoy luxury. Now I just…”

“Not everyone can have everything. That’s why you don’t need to hurt yourself by listening to the petty words of people who criticize what they don’t have.”

“I…”

Asilie knew it would be better for Siena if she stayed with her a little longer until she calmed down.

But she didn’t.

“I’m really sorry, Countess, but I have a scheduled meeting I must attend. Luckily, the shade from the tree is cool and thick, so since people won’t be able to see you from afar, I think you should stay here and take your time.”

Siena, not wanting to trouble her further, apologized for holding her back. Asilie, not even offering a polite denial, gave a slight bow and left.

As she walked away, she thought she was being too cold-hearted.

Of course, it wasn’t that she couldn’t sympathize with Siena. Asilie, too, had suffered under Baroness Tains’ group before she turned back time, and often questioned her own worth because of it.

But Asilie didn’t think she had to be the one to comfort Siena just because she had gone through something similar.

It was still hard for her to face Siena.

Even though she had learned the reason why Esperad had been able to become king before she turned back time—and knew now that Siena, who no longer had that child, could not make him king—she still couldn’t shake the guilt of having taken someone else’s place.

What’s more, Asilie still didn’t know why Thomas had died. She couldn’t even guarantee Siena the husband she had now.

That’s why facing her felt so uncomfortable.

No—on second thought, maybe that wasn’t the only reason.

Since Siena appeared, Asilie had often recalled the times before the regression, when Siena had confidently shown up at social events with her arm wrapped around Esperad’s.

Even though she had seen all that, she had still proposed to Esperad, for survival and for revenge.

But for some reason, lately, every time that memory surfaced, her head throbbed and an inexplicable rage bubbled up inside her chest.

Her mind was tangled and her heart confused.

Trying to shake off thoughts of Siena, Asilie walked toward the servant who was approaching to offer a drink.

Then the servant spoke first.

“Prince Bonaparte asked to meet with you briefly after the wedding.”

Asilie had thought he was just a regular servant bringing drinks, but it seemed he had come from afar just to deliver Geoffrey’s message.

Asilie quickly composed her confused expression and nodded calmly.

“I’ll escort you to him.”

“Please do.”

At her response, the servant casually handed her a glass of water and disappeared into the crowd.

A moment later, music announcing the beginning of the wedding began to play.

Asilie joined Esperad, who had come to find her, and stood beside him, linking arms.

“Sorry for leaving you alone for so long. There were far more people to greet than I expected.”

“It’s fine, Esperad. But more importantly…”

Asilie glanced around at the people nearby, and Esperad lowered his voice first.

“Did he send word asking to meet?”

“That’s right.”

“Unfortunately, it looks like you’ll have to meet him alone.”

“I already expected that.”

“Still, I’m sorry.”

At Esperad’s apology, she shook her head.

He rarely said thank you or sorry over small things, yet he often failed to consider the other person’s feelings.

“It’s okay, really.”

With Asilie’s response, the grand wedding music began, and Joseph and Monica entered, holding hands.

Joseph, once known in society for his striking looks, caught everyone’s eye, but Monica, praised as the most beautiful woman in Astel, was so elegant she left everyone speechless.

They were truly a handsome couple and looked like the perfect match for marriage.

Watching the affectionate couple, Asilie felt strange.

‘Why do I feel nothing?’

She had been nervous, afraid she’d be shocked and hurt by the sight of them.

But surprisingly, she felt nothing at all.

As Asilie wondered about her own feelings, the marriage vows began under the lead of the high priest.

“Joseph Bonaparte, do you swear to take Monica Bellucci as your partner and spend your life

with her?”

“Yes, I swear.”

“Monica Bellucci, do you swear to take Joseph Bonaparte as your partner and spend your life with him?”

“Yes, I swear.”

“God is witnessing this moment. Many people are gathered here to witness this sacred union.

From now on, these two people, who will share joy and sorrow as a married couple, have made their vows honestly and with pure hearts before their families and loved ones. Thus, I solemnly declare that this marriage is complete.”

Only after the declaration did Asilie realize that the ceremony was over and they were now officially husband and wife.

And right after realizing it, she smiled.

Maybe, even though the two lacked any real purity, they truly were a perfect match set by the heavens.

Asilie sneered inwardly at their union and stared coldly at the new couple.

Joseph and Monica both wore smiles, but neither looked truly happy.

And in truth, they would never be able to seek happiness — because she would make sure of it herself.

Asilie was pleased that their families had been involved in murdering Esperad’s fiancée and

trying to block his path to the throne.

She was relieved to hold such hatred without feeling any guilt. She could never allow those two to live happily.

“Are you alright?”

At the sudden voice of Esperad, Asilie felt warm blood return to her cold heart as she looked up at him.

“……Huh?”

“You’re trembling. Are you feeling unwell?”

“No, it’s not that…….”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

At his suspicious gaze, Asilie quickly nodded.

Only then did Esperad seem slightly relieved and loosen his grip on her hand.

“If there’s any problem, you must tell me. Nothing is more important than you.”

“Yes, I will.”

While the two of them shared a quiet moment, Joseph and Monica exchanged wedding rings on their fourth fingers, shared a vow kiss, and walked down the aisle to applause.

“Someone sent by Lord Bonaparte will arrive soon.”

At Asilie’s soft whisper, Esperad held her waist more tightly.

Even though he knew she would be safe at this place, he still felt uneasy about sending her off alone.

Sensing his concern, Asilie gently tapped the hand around her waist with her fingers.

“It’s fine. He’s not a fool. He wouldn’t do something to make you his enemy.”

“I know that too. It’s just…….”

“Let’s not worry about pointless things, okay? There’s already enough to think about and do.

Right?”

At her words, Esperad had no choice but to nod, holding back his concern.

“Please be careful.”

“I will. Ah, they’re here to get me.”

Asilie purposely spoke more cheerfully to ease his mind.

“I’ll be back soon.”

Esperad nodded, then stared hard at the attendant who had come to get her, memorizing his face.

The attendant, uneasy under his gaze, quickly started walking.

Though unintended, thanks to this, Asilie was able to meet Geoffrey a little sooner.

“It’s nice to see you again, Duchess.”

“Yes, you look well. I was worried, so I’m glad.”

“You were worried about me?”

“Yes. It’s a situation that could be uncomfortable for you. Ah, the Duke couldn’t come with me

because he had other matters.”

“I expected that. He’s not the type to be free during an event like this.”

“Is that so? If I had to say, I’d think you’re also someone who wouldn’t have free time. So

maybe I should thank you for making time for me like this.”

At Asilie’s words, Geoffrey slightly frowned.

With his marriage to Monica, Joseph had regained a strong position as heir.

Now that Joseph was rising in power, people avoided getting close to Geoffrey. Because of that,

he had been in a very bad mood lately.

“If there’s nothing to gain, there’s no need to cling to a seat. Besides, with my limited abilities, I thought this time and place was the only chance to safely accompany you.”

“I don’t agree that your abilities are limited. Just recognizing this time and place as the safest shows your competence.”

“Then I guess I should thank you for recognizing that.”

Asilie smiled gently.

“You helped me notice it. From the start, you’ve shown something special. That’s part of why I came today with high hopes.”

“I hope the proposal I make today feels just as special.”

“I hope so too.”

Asilie spoke very kindly, but Geoffrey somehow felt nervous.

He swallowed, trying to moisten his dry throat. Of course, since his thirst was psychological, it didn’t help much.

But what mattered now wasn’t quenching his thirst — it was how she would react to the proposal he was about to make.

This offer would clearly benefit the Duke of Camedici. But whether it would bring real gain to him personally was still uncertain.

That’s what made it such a dangerous gamble.

Now that he had called Asilie here, he had no choice but to stake his luck on this risky bet.

Finally, making up his mind, he slowly spoke.

“……I plan to play a key role in the upcoming Noble Council vote.”

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