My Husband Caught Me Having an Affair - Chapter 39

Of course, there were still questions lingering in Mael’s mind.

“If you thought that way, why did you come to me? You know, if the Duke asks, I must answer truthfully.”

“I know. You have to tell the truth. But that’s okay.”

“…Okay?”

“Yes. Let me continue. I couldn’t ask Ethan or Jacques to investigate the man I saw. Nor could I find someone else to do it without Ethan finding out. With Ines’s safety on the line, I couldn’t afford any interference.”

“Then, how did you manage?”

“I asked my brother for help. He arranged for an investigator. It was the only way to avoid Ethan’s eyes. All the servants in my family home are loyal to me, and Jacques wouldn’t be able to bribe them. There’s no way he could find out what was discussed.”

“……”

It was a meticulously planned operation, impressive enough to leave any strategist speechless. Mael wondered how Camille had managed to conceal this aspect of herself, and why no one had ever noticed it.

“I just received the investigation results a few hours ago. That’s how I learned the man’s name was Marcel Bache and that he had served under you.”

“Is that why you came to me? To confirm that Bache is the murderer by learning about his character?” Mael asked.

Camille shook her head. “No, that’s not it.”

“…No?”

“Yes. A person who seems perfectly fine on the surface can be capable of horrifying things in secret. Hearing your testimony now wouldn’t serve as proof.”

Mael had to admit she was right.

“To be sure that Bache is the culprit, I need more direct, concrete evidence. That’s what I’m asking of you.”

“Sorry? But I don’t have any proof that Bache is the murderer…”

“Search his place. He has killed at least four women, possibly more. There must be some evidence left from his previous crimes.”

Mael was momentarily speechless, stunned by her sudden and outrageous request.

“What do you mean… I can’t just do something like that on my own. Isn’t it the police’s job to find the culprit?”

“The police won’t act on my report alone. They’d likely contact Ethan to ask what’s going on. ‘The Duchess is making these claims; what do you think?'”

“Then why not tell the Duke and have him handle it?”

“I told you, Ethan still suspects me. He’ll think there’s another motive behind my claims and will dig into it rather than take my word for it. Isn’t that how you feel too? Be honest. How much of my story do you believe today? Half? Or just a fraction?”

“……”

Mael couldn’t find any words to respond, and Camille gave a small, knowing smile.

“Who would believe such a story? They’d think it’s just a bored noblewoman lost in the fantasies of too many mystery novels,” she said, touching on a thought Mael himself had entertained only moments ago.

But he knew better now, especially after hearing her out. “That’s not true. At least, I don’t believe the Duchess would speak without reason. I’m sure the Duke feels the same.”

“Perhaps. Or perhaps not. Regardless, I thought you, Sir Mael, would be the most likely to take me seriously and help.”

“What about Jacques? It concerns his wife. He wouldn’t dismiss your words so easily.”

“Yes, Jacques loves Ines dearly. But that’s exactly the problem.”

“What do you mean?”

“If I had told Jacques what I told you today, he would focus more on the fact that an unknown man was following Ines, rather than the possibility that Bache might be a murderer. To Jacques, protecting his wife immediately would outweigh investigating past murders. He might confront Bache directly, threaten him to stay away from Ines. If Bache fled, Ines might be safer, but it wouldn’t prevent further killings.”

“……”

Mael had to admit, her reasoning was sound. He was once again impressed by Camille’s insight.

“Even if my guess is wrong, Jacques is still following Ethan’s orders to watch me. This means he would likely share Ethan’s suspicions about my motives and report back to him rather than acting on my request.”

“…That’s a valid point. But I am in a similar position as Jacques. I can’t move the knights on my own, especially not for something illegal like breaking into someone’s home. And, as I said before, I must report everything to the Duke.”

“I know. But I still ask for your help because I believe you will do the right thing, Sir Mael,” Camille said confidently, her tone unwavering.

Mael looked at her, puzzled. “Why do you believe that?”

“There are two reasons. First, you are not the kind of person who would ignore someone in danger. If something horrible happened to Ines or another woman because you did nothing, you would feel responsible and deeply regret it. So would I.”

“…And the second reason?”

“The second reason is that you prioritize actual justice and the greater good over nominal rules and regulations. Even if it means defying the Duke’s orders or the knight order’s code, you would choose to save lives.”

“……”

Mael found himself most astonished during his conversation with Camille today. Her words were undeniably true. It was a vow he had made to himself after leaving the capital’s knight order due to the incident with Bache.

“I command you to devote yourself to Dumont, but I will never force you to act against your convictions. I promise.”

That very promise from Ethan was the decisive reason Mael had agreed to become the captain of the Dumont knight order. Just like with Jacques, Mael never imagined Camille would understand him so precisely.

“Please, Sir Mael. I have no one else to turn to. I’m not asking you to capture and execute Bache. You know him personally, so you might find a way to enter his home without force. Or you could wait for an opportunity when he’s not there.”

“……”

Mael was conflicted. He couldn’t determine how much of the Duchess’s story to believe. What was the right decision? What would be the choice that stayed true to himself?

Camille pulled a small note from her pocket and placed it on the table.

“This is Bache’s address. He’s an orphan with no siblings, and since his dishonorable discharge four years ago, he’s been doing odd jobs to make ends meet. He’s usually out during the day.”

“……”

“I believe I’ve said everything necessary. The rest is up to you, Sir Mael.” Camille rose from her seat.

As she opened the office door, footsteps could be heard ascending the stairs. The young knight from earlier appeared, carefully holding a glass in his hands.

“Duchess, here is your lemonade.”

“Thank you for bringing it. You can have it yourself.”

“Sorry? But…”

Camille smiled warmly, patting the knight’s shoulder, and then turned to Mael.

“Until next time, Sir Mael.”

“……”

Mael bowed his head without saying a word.

The young knight, blinking in confusion, looked between them and hastily followed Mael’s lead in bowing to Camille.

***

‘Phew, I’m completely drained.’

I sighed quietly as I descended the stairs. I hadn’t realized how tense I was until now, and I suddenly felt a wave of thirst.

‘Maybe I should have just taken the lemonade.’

But refusing it served a purpose in my act.

All in all, things seemed to be going according to plan so far.

It all started on the day I visited Viscountess Grandbert. My reason for visiting her was to find someone who could act as a stand-in for Marcel Bache.