I Didn’t Know I Had Two Husbands - Chapter 51

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“…Pardon, sir?”

At the unexpected question, Vincent could only ask back like a fool. Who would ever pity a duke? Just by his status and the immense wealth he secretly possessed, no one would dare feel sorry for him.

If anything, even the imperial family might envy the duke.

After all, he had quietly taken control of all the golden lands of Karserion.

The current crown prince knew that the Asiel Duchy operated an information guild. Not only did he know, he was closer to being a regular client. Back in the late emperor’s time, the information guild had been looked down upon, which made it clear how much the times had changed.

Vincent felt immense pride in the fact that the man he served was the duke. Because it meant he could see the direction of the nation’s affairs. Wherever the duke moved, the economy of the Karserion Empire would move as well.

“Why aren’t you answering?”

At the urging question, Vincent opened his mouth with difficulty.

“…I would say that the measure of misfortune differs from person to person.”

“What does that mean?”

“From my perspective, Your Grace does not appear unhappy at all. If anything, I admire you.”

“Hm.”

“However, depending on one’s point of view, there may be someone who feels sympathy for you. For example, the Duchess.”

“…Go on.”

A bead of sweat slid down Vincent’s back. He had thought he was handling it well with the smooth speech he had honed in the guild. How could he possibly know the heart of the Duchess!

Still, he had a sense of what his superior wanted.

“As you know, the information that governs relationships between families, and between individuals, varies from heaven to earth. That is because each person’s perspective is different. Then what about the relationship between Your Graces? It is equal, yet also vertical.”

“A vertical relationship? Are you saying I see my wife as beneath me?”

The irritation in Lucian’s voice was immediate, and Vincent quickly realized something. The duke truly loved his wife.

Well, it was obvious. He was gathering information on anyone who had even slightly troubled the duchess and was already setting plans in motion. This was merely confirmation.

“That is how it appears to an outsider like myself. However, Her Grace likely sees Your Grace as an equal. Which means she may feel sympathy for someone who stands on the same level as her. Or perhaps she may not…”

“…She might not?”

“In that case, you would need to show her a side of you that is different from usual.”

“What kind?”

Vincent hesitated. He was one of the few who knew, even if only partially, how much effort the Asiel family had made to conceal the information guild.

After a moment of thought, he asked quietly,

“That matter, um… Her Grace already knows, correct?”

“Of course. She is the person closest to me.”

“Of course. Then this will be easier to carry out. When you return from outside work, how about pretending you were injured?”

“…I should pretend to be hurt?”

“Ah, of course, I am not questioning Your Grace’s abilities. I simply mean that you should act as if you were.”

“Hm.”

“After all, a husband’s health is a wife’s greatest concern.”

“…That makes sense.”

Lucian recalled things Elaria had said before she realized the truth about them. She had often worried about him because he worked without rest.

“…I see.”

Muttering to himself, he realized the difference between himself and Noctis. Unlike him, who had to handle outside affairs, the one who managed everything inside the estate was Noctis. Perhaps that was why Elaria instinctively worried more about Noctis’s health, since his workload was easier for her to see.

“I suppose this is a good opportunity to properly tell her about the work I do.”

“That might be for the best.”

“As expected of you, Guildmaster.”

“Haha, you flatter me! I am always impressed by the information Your Grace gathers!”

This time, it was not empty praise. Vincent was genuinely curious about how Lucian gathered his information. While smaller matters were handled by guild members, information about royal families and high-ranking nobles of neighboring countries was gathered personally by Lucian.

The Karserion Empire was a great nation, but it could not afford to ignore its neighbors. Especially the magical nations that exported magic tools. Most of them were small, but their national power was strong.

“As for Baron Silvaris’s eldest daughter, proceed as planned. At the same time, spread rumors appropriately that she has become involved with a commoner. Her reputation needs to be damaged first.”

“Yes, leave it to me.”

“Once all the investment in the Baron’s business has been withdrawn, put pressure on the bank.”

“Yes. Shall we conclude it with the return of their title?”

“Yes.”

Whenever Vincent saw Lucian give such cold, composed answers with that calm face, he sometimes felt a chill. Even though he was his superior, there were moments when fear crept in. Especially when he watched him deal with his own wife’s family without hesitation.

“When that time comes, make sure the rumors spread slowly. I would prefer my wife to find out as late as possible.”

“…Yes, of course.”

Lucian did not leave immediately. Instead, he reviewed the information reports he had not yet checked.

Since he would soon have outside engagements, he thought he might try the method Vincent had suggested then.