A Change of Husband - Chapter 41

“…You are the Duke, I see.”

Monica bent her knees and greeted him with proper etiquette.

Esperad also bowed and greeted her, then took her hand, kissed the back of her hand, and stepped back.

“Congratulations on your marriage, Madame Bonaparte.”

It was a very ordinary greeting that one would give to a newlywed bride.

But strangely, Monica felt a twist in her stomach at the greeting.

Was it because this man was the husband of the Duchess of the Medici family, who had once delivered an unforgettable insult to her?

Monica bit her lower lip. Then, she raised her head and suddenly asked, “You’re congratulating me on my marriage?”

Esperad, looking slightly angry, wondered if he had been rude without realizing it and reflected on his behavior. However, after thinking again, their meeting and greeting just now had been entirely ordinary.

“Indeed, is there a problem?” Esperad asked in response, and Monica realized that she had reacted too sensitively. Still, her mind did not settle.

She was angry.

What if the man she had chosen had been Esperad Medici?

At least, she wouldn’t have suffered like this today, and people wouldn’t have looked at her with sympathy.

Of course, Esperad Medici wasn’t very different from other men. All the men she had seen until now were the same, no matter how much they tried to appear different.

Still, he wouldn’t have been a bad person to stand next to. He would have behaved much better than Joseph, too.

‘Why didn’t I consider this man as a potential husband even once?’

Monica had always thought that she had nothing to lose.

That was why she hadn’t included this man, who had political views opposed to her father’s, as a candidate for marriage.

Looking back, the difference in political stance might have made it easier to form an alliance or a union with him.

Monica was irritated that Asilie, a person who she found bothersome, had better jewelry than her.

‘But still, there’s no such thing as a complete failure.’

Before she was Monica Bonaparte, she was Monica Bellucci.

The flower of the social world, the elegant rose admired by all.

Just because she had become the wife of a well-bred young man didn’t mean she had to act foolish as well.

“Sorry, I guess I became a little sensitive after having such a big event today. There’s no problem.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Then…”

“By the way, where is the Duchess going? Why is she wandering the halls alone?”

“I have some matters to attend to.”

Esperad made it clear that he didn’t want to engage in a long conversation and answered briefly.

Though his pride was hurt, Monica didn’t want to back down.

Men, after all, are creatures who pretend to be moral in front of others, but behind closed doors, they indulge in all sorts of lascivious and immoral actions.

There had been no exceptions among the men she had met.

As always, Esperad Medici was not appealing to her.

She simply wanted to uncover the shameful inner side of this man, who pretended to be different but was no different from any other man, and expose to the world that the man this annoying woman was so proudly showing off was actually nothing special.

“That’s quite an astonishing story. Men seem to be working even in such a situation. It’s impressive how busy they can be, I can’t help but respect that.”

“Is that so?”

“Oh, are you doubting my words?”

“That was not my intention.”

“Then maybe you should think about whether you’re using a way of speaking that could cause misunderstandings, Your Grace? I almost got hurt. Especially on such a happy day, my wedding day.”

Esperad lowered his gaze, unable to meet the eyes of the new bride, who was celebrating such an important day.

However, his irritation was unavoidable. He couldn’t understand why she was blocking his path and keeping him from going.

Esperad was worried about Asilie and Joseph meeting alone, so he had planned to finish his work quickly and go find Asilie.

Yet, the woman, who had barely exchanged pleasantries with him in the past, was now holding onto the conversation, which caught him off guard.

“I apologize if I caused any misunderstanding.”

Monica quickly realized that he wasn’t interested in having a conversation with her. Well, it was impossible not to notice with how obvious it was.

But Monica wasn’t in a hurry. She knew there were only two kinds of men in this world.

One, the man who approaches immediately.

Two, the man who takes his time.

People, especially those who believe they are honorable, become obsessed with outward morality.

They cling tightly to a polished exterior to avoid accepting that they are no different from others.

Monica knew exactly how to handle such people.

Currently, Esperad was acting like a devoted husband to his wife, so if she brought up a topic related to that, he wouldn’t be able to ignore it.

“I’m fine, but I’m not sure if the Duchess will think it’s so easy to be comfortable with.”

“…What do you mean?”

When Asilie’s name was brought up, his expression immediately changed.

Monica was certain it wasn’t because Esperad loved her, but because he was reacting to the legitimate topic of his “wife,” which allowed him to talk to an attractive woman like her without guilt.

“A man who speaks in a way that causes misunderstandings will inevitably hurt a woman’s heart.”

“Hurt her heart?”

“Of course. I’m just a friend who shares thoughts with Your Grace, so I can speak freely. But your wife, the Duchess, won’t be able to share her feelings Asilie.”

Though it wasn’t clear when he had decided to be her “friend,” that wasn’t important right now.

Esperad suddenly felt a chill in his chest, realizing that, without knowing it, he might have hurt Asilie.

“Your Grace may need to learn more about women.”

“What do you mean?”

“You need to get closer to other women. To better understand your wife’s heart.”

Monica gave him the kindest smile she could muster.

“I can help you. Since I’m a married woman now, helping others with a little sympathy, like everyone else does, won’t cause any misunderstandings.”

If Monica hadn’t been the one who had put Asilie in a difficult situation, Esperad might have believed that she genuinely wanted to offer help.

But unfortunately, she was a woman with a past.

Esperad politely, but firmly, refused.

“Thank you for your offer, but I must decline. Well then.”

Monica watched his retreating figure without any particular regret.

He acted noble, but in the end, he was just like every other man.

The new groom, who appeared to love his bride so dearly, had spent the entire day with her instead of with his bride on their wedding night after just a few words from Monica.

Would he be any different?

Monica turned away, thinking that one day she would get the chance to expose the ugly truth behind this seemingly proper man.

At some point, Lydia’s favorite season became summer. While most people disliked the hot wind, Lydia actually enjoyed it.

Despite the hot weather, she still had to wear dresses that reached up to her neck, making it quite uncomfortable. Still, she loved the summer filled with lush green leaves. Sometimes, when the sun felt too hot, sitting in the shade and reading was a delightful way to enjoy the season.

“Aren’t you hot?”

Lydia, who had been concentrating on her book for a long time, closed it and turned her head at the sound of a man’s voice from behind.

“Sir Villian?”

“You have an unusual hobby. To be outside in this heat, even if it’s under a tree’s shade…”

“It smells like sweat.”

At Lydia’s words, Edgar’s face turned red. He had just finished a sword fighting session and had been excited to see her, but had spoken without thinking.

No young lady would ever like the smell of a man’s sweat. He stepped back and apologized.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I’d smell after the sparring.”

“Not bad, actually.”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s not unpleasant. How should I put it, it feels more alive, so it’s actually kind of nice.”

“… You have unusual tastes, not just hobbies.”

Lydia shrugged at Edgar’s comment.

Since she properly awakened as a mage, her perspective on the world had changed somewhat. Things that she couldn’t see before were now visible, and things she once saw seemed invisible. It felt like her field of vision had shifted. It felt as if the new vision had closed off the old one.

She had told Asilie that she locked herself in her room to get used to her new powers, but the truth was that she was also adapting to this new perspective. She had struggled until she became accustomed to the strange feeling, and sometimes she felt like her personality had changed as well.

“Then, is there really a need to sweat like this on a day like today?”

“Right now, it’s a bit uncomfortable, but after sweating like this and taking a shower, it feels so refreshing. Still, seeing so many knights like me, I don’t think I’m that unusual.”

“You seem to have free time.”

“Excuse me?”

“You look relaxed.”

At Lydia’s words, Edgar gave an awkward smile.

He was usually busy guarding the Duchess, but today, the Duke and Duchess were spending the whole day together, so he had requested to be excused from the duty.

He was enjoying rare free time, but Lydia, who didn’t know this, might see him that way.

“I’m enjoying my freedom since I don’t need to guard anyone today. Just for today, though.”

“Really? Come to think of it, you’ve always been guarding my sister. I remember.”

“I haven’t been much of a help, unfortunately.”

Although he was hoping she would deny it, Lydia just stared at him, not answering, and quickly changed the topic.

“When did you start serving my brother-in-law?”

Not understanding the sudden question, Edgar hesitated but then decided to answer after thinking for a moment.

“It’s been about 10 years. Actually, ten years ago, I met him more as a peer, not a servant. Though we’re still quite close as friends now.”

Even though Lydia’s title had been sold for money, she was still originally of noble birth. She might not have had much formal education, but she understood that most high-nosed nobles wouldn’t Asilie allow “servants” into their circle.

Lydia, with pure curiosity, asked.

“Is my brother-in-law kind-hearted, or is he devoted to his people?”

“Perhaps both.”

“He’s quite unique, isn’t he?”

“Don’t you have any questions about me?”

“Excuse me?”

Lydia questioned whether she heard correctly at Edgar’s unexpected question. Edgar, looking embarrassed, explained himself.

“I’m just a bit embarrassed that you only seem curious about Esperad and not about me.”

“Ah.”

Lydia nodded, realizing his intent. Then, without much thought, she responded.

“Well, I already know a lot about you.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well, of course, I don’t know much about your title or where you live. But since we’ve spent quite a bit of time together, I know a bit about your personality…”

“What do you think of my personality?”

“Hmm, you’re a bit picky. You seem to complain a lot.”

Edgar, stunned, finally understood what it felt like to have his throat choke with disbelief.

She must have completely forgotten how much she had annoyed him during their travels to the capital.

Blushing, Edgar stared at her, and after a pause, he retaliated.

“I also know that you’re quite the troublemaker, Lydia. Not many people would swing a broom and run away without fear from the first meeting.”

“… I wouldn’t exactly call it running away.”

“Ah, and you even pretended to be a witch. Do you remember when I warned you that it was dangerous?”

Lydia recalled the incident after a long time.

She had forgotten the most important warning from the old woman not to reveal she was a mage.

At that time, Lydia had used magic without thinking to ward off men who tried to manipulate her.

What would have happened if she had used magic in front of this man?

“Seeing how quiet things are now, it seems you never pretended to be a witch in the capital.”

Lydia smiled without answering.

Then, suddenly—

Bang—

A loud, unidentified noise echoed.

Edgar quickly blocked Lydia and scanned the area with a wary expression.

‘What was that sound?’

It was a sound he had never heard before. It wasn’t the cry of a beast, nor the noise of something collapsing or breaking. It didn’t sound like a natural disaster either.

“What is that?”

At Lydia’s question, Edgar turned his head to answer he didn’t know either.

Bang—

Another loud noise echoed, and at the same time, something crashed into the tree where Lydia was sitting. He quickly grabbed her and pulled her to the ground.

If they weren’t at Medici Mansion, he would have remained silent, hiding and waiting, but since their comrades were nearby, it was better to make a noise to gather them.

“Who is it?”

Edgar shouted roughly and quickly turned his head to check on Lydia’s condition.

She stared at him, wide-eyed, but fortunately, she seemed uninjured.

“Is something happening?”

“I’m not sure, but… wait a moment…”

Edgar, about to explain that something might be targeting them, stopped when he heard rustling sounds on the ground.

He immediately hid Lydia behind him and drew his sword.

“Sorry, sorry, sorry.”

But as the bushes parted and a small boy, Jonathan, emerged, Edgar lowered his sword slowly.

If it hadn’t been for a familiar face, he would have already acted, but since Edgar had accompanied Asilie a few times when she went to visit him, he recognized Jonathan and relaxed.

“What… was that just now?”

“I thought no one was around, so I was testing an invention… I made a mistake. I’m sorry, I should have checked more carefully…”

Looking closely, Jonathan was struggling to hold something with a long tube, and smoky, pungent smoke was coming out of it.

“Is it a noise-making device? What exactly is this?”

“Well, it’s something the lady asked me to make… I think I succeeded.”

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