My Husband Caught Me Having an Affair - Chapter 46

It was never my intention, but an unexpected side effect had occurred. In reality, this was not the time to be idling. It had been almost three months since I had transmigrated into this world. The last thing I wanted was to waste time and suddenly find myself at the start of the original storyline.

Originally, Ethan, after divorcing Camille and remaining single, would grow weary of the constant suggestions for remarriage from those around him. He would say, ‘Isn’t it easier to solve this problem by simply adopting an heir?’ Thus, he would impulsively choose to adopt Elodie, the original female protagonist, for some reason while selecting a child.

If I continued to delay without divorcing Ethan, there was a chance he might adopt another child instead of Elodie. As a fan of the original story, I could not bear the thought of causing such a deviation.

‘This is the perfect excuse to pressure him again,’ I thought, and made my way to Ethan’s study. However, he was not there.

Next, I went to Ethan’s room, but he was not there either.

‘That’s strange. He said he would be home today.’

I tilted my head in confusion and ordered a passing maid to summon Victor. Soon, I saw Victor approaching briskly.

“You called for me, Madam?”

“Yes. Do you know where Ethan is?”

“Master is at the knight training grounds.”

“Why there? Is he on an inspection?”

“No, I believe he is training.”

“…Ah.”

Come to think of it, Ethan had a knack for swordsmanship and enjoyed physical training frequently. Unlike other noblemen, he preferred sparring with his knights over horse riding or hunting.

Today was a rare cloudy and cool day. After several weeks of scorching sunshine, it seemed he had seized the opportunity.

“He should be back before dinner… Is it urgent?” Victor asked.

“No, it’s nothing important. Thank you, Victor.” I smiled and walked away.

Initially, I planned to return to my room and wait until dinner. But as I walked, my steps gradually slowed. Eventually, I came to a stop.

‘Once I divorce Ethan, I won’t have the chance to see such things again, will I? Right. I’m just curious as a fan of the original story. It’s not like I have any ulterior motives,’ I rationalized to myself, unsure who I was trying to convince.

With that thought, I changed direction, heading toward the knight training grounds.

***

The knights had formed a long circle around the training grounds, engrossed in watching the ongoing sparring match. The air was filled with the thunderous sounds of stomping feet and enthusiastic shouts, making it nearly deafening. I looked around for a gap but found none; the tall knights obstructed any view I could have gotten by standing on my toes.

Just then, a knight passing by noticed me and wore a shocked expression.

“Duchess? What brings you here?”

It was the young knight who had run the lemonade errand previously.

“Oh, it’s you. What was your name again?”

“B-Bertrand Nahon, Duchess.”

“Right, Sir Bertrand. Could you make some space for me? I can’t see inside from here.”

Bertrand looked momentarily bewildered but then quickly snapped to attention. “Y-Yes, of course. Everyone! Make way for the Duchess!”

“What? Oh…” One of the knights turned, frowning, but his eyes widened upon seeing me. This reaction repeated a few times, causing a murmuring commotion around us.

“Shh,” I said, raising a finger to my lips. The knights immediately fell silent, some even clapping their hands over their mouths.

I moved through the gap they had created and finally found a spot where I could see inside the training grounds.

In the center, Ethan and another knight stood facing each other, both holding wooden swords. Both were shirtless.

‘Oh my, how indecent,’ I thought, startled, as I reflexively covered my eyes. Of course, I still peeked through my fingers.

Ethan’s physique was even more impressive than I had imagined based on the glimpses I’d had before. His body was perfectly sculpted, with hardly an ounce of body fat, yet it didn’t seem overdone. It was hard to believe a body so well-built wasn’t just for show.

At that moment, the opposing knight let out a yell and charged at Ethan.

“Ha!”

The attack was fierce enough to make me flinch, but Ethan parried it effortlessly. After exchanging three blows, they separated again.

Ethan, holding his wooden sword with one hand, slowly moved sideways, his intense silver eyes fixed on his opponent, completely focused.

“That knight sparring with Ethan, is he strong?” I asked Bertrand, who stood beside me.

“Yes, he is one of the top five in our knight order. Despite that, he has never won a single bout against the Duke.”

“Really?”

I already knew that. Ethan’s skill with a sword was reputed to be on par with the elite of the knight order.

After maintaining their distance for a while, Ethan and the knight clashed again. They fought fiercely at close quarters, their legs nearly entangled. I watched their duel with bated breath.

“Ugh!”

With a grunt, the opposing knight’s sword flew into the air. The match was over. Ethan won.

Ethan, breathing lightly, pointed his wooden sword at the knight. He then lowered it and extended his hand. The knight grasped Ethan’s hand and stood up, just as the grounds erupted in a thunderous cheer.

“Wow!”

“The Duke won again!”

I finally exhaled the breath I had been holding. My face felt hot from the tension. Honestly, it was impressive. Annoying as it was, I had to admit it.

‘Well, that was quite a show. Now, before anyone notices me, I should quietly slip away…’

Just as I was thinking this and looking for a way out, I heard a voice beside me.

“Duke! The Duchess is here!”

I turned in shock to see Bertrand, his eyes sparkling as he shouted. He caught my eye and gave me a look that seemed to say, ‘Did I do well?’

Ethan also noticed me and stared intently.

‘…Oh no.’

The cheers and whistles from the knights grew louder.

“Here, Duchess, please give this to the Duke,” one of the knights said, handing me a towel. The cheers became even more raucous.

‘…It seems Camille really never came around here. Most of the maids are well aware of Camille’s temperament and avoid her if they even make eye contact.’

Of course, over the past few months, the servants’ perceptions and attitudes had changed significantly. Perhaps the knights had heard the same.

Regardless, the knights seemed thrilled by the presence of a young and beautiful duchess in their midst. I couldn’t muster the courage to dampen their spirits. So, I took the towel and walked towards Ethan.

Ethan looked at me with an indescribably complex expression.

When I was only a few steps away, he suddenly said, “Stop.”

“…What?”

“Stop there. Don’t come any closer.”

Caught off guard by his abrupt command, I stood awkwardly and frowned.

“Then what about this?” I asked, holding up the towel. His response was just as surprising.

“Throw it here.”

“……”

I was thoroughly irritated.

‘Does he think I’m doing this because I want to?’

I threw the towel at Ethan. He caught it and wiped the sweat from his face and neck, his gaze still fixed on me.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I needed to talk to you, but Victor said you were here,” I replied.

“What do you need to talk about?”

“It’s not something to discuss here. Let’s talk later.”

“Then there was no need to come all the way here, was there?”

“How was I supposed to know you’d be half-naked in broad daylight?”

“…What?” Ethan narrowed his eyes at me. I returned his glare with a defiant look of my own.

Another round of cheers erupted from the knights, who seemed to be thoroughly misinterpreting our interaction.

‘If we were any closer, they’d probably be chanting for us to kiss.’

I never imagined grown men would be so interested in another couple’s relationship.

Just then, a familiar voice spoke up.

“Duchess. You are here.”

I turned to see Mael approaching.

“Ah, Sir Mael,” I greeted him with a smile.

“You must have witnessed the Duke’s valor. I don’t know if you are aware, but the Duke possesses exceptional swordsmanship skills. Bruno, whom he just fought, is one of the top knights in the order.”

“Oh, really? But then again, could he really show his true skills against the Duke? In these situations, they usually let themselves lose on purpose, don’t they?”

“……”

At that, Ethan’s eyes narrowed sharply.