My Husband Caught Me Having an Affair - Chapter 9

“Mocking me has its limits, you know. Reading all twelve volumes in two weeks? Fine, if you can do it, go ahead. If you even manage to read half, no, even just one volume, I’ll grant you whatever you wish.”

His reaction was unexpectedly intense.

I stared at Ethan, bewildered, then frowned. “Are you serious? You promise to do anything I ask if I succeed?”

“I don’t go back on my word.”

“Alright then. Let’s see what happens.”

“Indeed, I’ll wait and see,” Ethan retorted, clearly unconvinced.

With that, Ethan turned on his heel and left the room.

***

Ethan walked down the hallway with a stern expression. Despite leaving the room in a huff, his anger showed no signs of abating.

“The History of the Erendel War” was the first and only book his late father, Philip, had recommended to him.

“On my sixteenth birthday, your grandfather gave me this book. Now, I’m giving it to you.”

His father had said those words with his usual stoic expression.

“Your grandfather said that anyone who could finish this book would be considered a true man. When I finished it, he gave me my first drink. It took me two months. I wonder how long it will take you.”

At the time, Ethan had resolved to finish it within two months, hoping to share that first drink with his father. However, that vow went unfulfilled. Less than a month later, his father died in a carriage accident.

Years later, Ethan learned that his father’s death had been an assassination disguised as an accident.

The perpetrator was his uncle. The same uncle who had been kinder to him than his father had ever been. The revelation had devastated Ethan.

The day he ordered his uncle’s assassination in the northern exile marked the beginning of Ethan’s transformation into a completely different person.

For years, he had no time to read. Enemies within and outside the family were constantly trying to use or overthrow the young Duke.

It wasn’t until well into his twenties that Ethan picked up “The History of the Erendel War” again.

It was a difficult book, filled with archaic language and lengthy sentences that even highly educated nobles found challenging.

The book required extensive knowledge of language and history, so much so that most people couldn’t get through the first chapter even with a dictionary by their side.

Yet, Camille had claimed she could finish it in two weeks.

A woman who usually never glanced at a book.

If it had been any other book, he might have found her claim absurd but not infuriating.

But to say such a thing about “The History of the Erendel War” felt like an insult not only to him but to his father’s memory as well.

“Who takes two weeks to read a single book?”

The memory of her smug face made him grit his teeth.

‘Let’s see if you can keep that expression after two weeks.’

***

“Seriously, getting so worked up over a single book?” I grumbled as I turned the pages of the book.

Of course, after reading a bit, I could somewhat understand why Ethan had reacted the way he did.

It was indeed a challenging read. The sentences were unnecessarily long and complicated, almost as if they were intentionally trying to make it harder to understand. It felt like reading an old academic paper.

Moreover, my lack of basic knowledge about this world’s history made some parts even harder to grasp.

‘But it’s definitely not impossible to read it within the time limit.’

The writing style would become familiar as I read on, and I could supplement my historical knowledge with other books. With such an extensive collection, there had to be a world history book or two that summarized the necessary information.

‘Did he really think I couldn’t handle this? I’ve been through rigorous studies in my previous life.’

Ethan had even promised to grant me anything I wanted if I finished within the time limit.

This was a golden opportunity for my future plans.

Having made up my mind, I went back to Ethan.

“Would it be okay if I borrowed some other books from the library as well?”

“Do as you wish. But don’t even think about switching the main book now.”

He was still infuriatingly arrogant.

Suppressing a twitch in my lip, I smiled sweetly. “Of course. I wouldn’t dream of it. Don’t worry.”

“……”

Ignoring his skeptical gaze, I left Ethan’s study.

As I walked toward the library, I heard footsteps following me.

“Please wait a moment, Madam.”

Turning around, I saw Victor.

“You’re looking for books? Allow me to assist you.”

‘Wow, his voice is amazing.’

Victor had a rare, rich baritone voice. While Ethan’s voice was quite impressive, Victor’s was equally captivating.

Victor hesitated slightly, then spoke carefully. “…I heard you plan to read The History of the Erendel War.”

‘Hmm, so… Camille probably spoke informally to Victor, right?’

Addressing Victor, who seemed to be in his mid-forties, informally felt a bit strange. But it wouldn’t do to speak formally to a servant.

“Yes, that’s correct. I’m looking for a book on ancient continental history, focusing on the century before and after the Erendel War. Preferably something not too lengthy, condensed into one or two volumes.”

Victor looked momentarily surprised by my fluent request but quickly composed himself like the professional he was. “Understood. And… is there anything else you need?”

There was something subtly meaningful in his tone.

“No, that’s all. Why do you ask?”

When I tilted my head and questioned him, Victor quickly bowed his head. “No particular reason, madam. I will find the appropriate books and bring them to your room.”

“There’s no need for that. You can just help me find them in the library.”

“It’s the master’s order. Please understand.”

‘Ah, so Ethan instructed him not to let me into the library.’

It made sense. Ethan was still suspicious of me and wanted to eliminate any potential problems.

“Alright then.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Victor returned with the books within five minutes of my returning to my room.

“I’ve selected a few books that meet your criteria. This is The Ancient History of Bealot, volumes one and two, covering from the dawn of civilization to the fall of the Jupiter Empire. It’s recently published and very comprehensive. These two volumes are from different continental history series, each covering the period around the Erendel War. Since the perspectives and views differ by author, comparing them should be helpful.”

Victor placed each book on my desk, explaining them as he did.

“You found these quickly. There must be thousands of books in the library. Do you have the entire catalog memorized?”

“It’s because I’m a butler,” Victor replied succinctly.

“I don’t think that’s something most butlers would be able to do.”

“But I am the butler of House Dumont.”

‘There it is.’

This was a line Victor often said in the original story, his signature phrase. Hearing it in person, as a true fan of the novel, filled me with a unique sense of awe.

Victor hesitated for a moment before pulling another book from his coat. “And this isn’t something you requested, but…”

“What is it?”

“A dictionary of archaic terms. The History of the Erendel War is written in an old style, so you’ll find many terms difficult to understand without it.”

‘Was that so?’

I’d read about twenty to thirty pages so far, but I didn’t recall encountering any words so archaic that I couldn’t understand them.

‘Maybe it’s because I’m a transmigrator from another world.’

The feeling of having unknown languages and characters automatically translated in my head might include archaic terms as well.

“Thanks, anyway. I’m sure it’ll be helpful.”

Victor looked surprised by my gratitude.

“Is something wrong?” I tilted my head.

He quickly shook his. “No, nothing at all. I’m glad to be of assistance.”

Victor placed his hands lightly on his stomach and bowed.

His posture was perfect, textbook-worthy.

Everything about him was precise and gentlemanly, exactly as described in the original story.

‘Unlike Ethan, he’s always courteous to me. Truly a man of character.’