My Husband Caught Me Having an Affair - Chapter 90

Even though it was a banquet celebrating the birth of the Imperial heir, the scale itself was not significantly different from an ordinary banquet. It included a congratulatory feast and a ball in the evening.

Emperor Henry VII was frugal and disliked extravagance. This was likely a reaction to the former Emperor Théodéric’s fondness for luxury, which had considerably depleted the national treasury.

The late Duke Philip Dumont had supported Henry VII precisely because of his practical and rational personality. Consequently, Ethan’s temperament aligned well with the Emperor’s.

The carriage came to a halt in front of the annex where the banquet was held. Ethan, who exited the carriage first, extended his hand to me.

“You remember what we discussed earlier, right? We’ll stick to the agreed plan.”

I took Ethan’s hand and whispered softly.

“……”

Without responding, Ethan helped me step down. He still avoided making direct eye contact with me, and it felt almost intentional.

‘Has he already started acting? Well, I suppose it doesn’t matter.’

With our arms linked, we climbed the stairs leading into the palace.

The moment we entered the hall, countless eyes turned toward us. Such attention was a common occurrence, regardless of the venue.

Dressed in formal attire, Ethan looked so striking that one might question whether it was fair for anyone to be this handsome.

It didn’t matter that he was the Duke of Dumont or that he rarely appeared at such events. His presence alone was enough to draw everyone’s gaze.

‘Though, standing beside him, I can hold my own in this regard.’

It might sound like self-praise, but it wasn’t a baseless thought. Even now, looking in the mirror, I still couldn’t fully grasp that this was my face. Perhaps I was the most objective person in this world about my appearance.

Ethan led me directly across the hall. He headed for the seat of honor at the end of the banquet hall.

“Your Majesty.”

Ethan bowed with one hand placed over his chest. I followed suit, bowing at the waist.

“You’re here.”

The man who spoke sat on a splendid chair that resembled a throne. The crown on his head made his identity unmistakable.

Emperor Henry VII, as described in the original story, was a capable yet stern-looking man.

While his disposition was ideal for the citizens, his subordinates likely found him excruciatingly demanding—a classic workaholic leader.

‘In the original story, it mentioned that he was about twenty years older than Ethan. So, he must be in his late forties now.’

However, the deep wrinkles on his forehead made him look slightly older than his age.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen the Duchess.”

“Have you been well, Your Majesty?”

“I heard you were unwell. Are you feeling better now?”

The woman with black hair sitting beside him asked. She was undoubtedly Empress Elizabeth.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you for your concern.”

At my words, Elizabeth offered a formal smile. She exuded the grace of someone who had likely practiced such expressions her entire life.

She was a princess of the Ferentz Empire who had married into Alveni at a young age.

At that time, few had expected Henry VII to become the next Emperor. The current Emperor, who had been the third prince, ascended the throne after the first prince, originally the crown prince, passed away from illness. He then engaged in a fierce struggle for succession with the second prince.

‘While it was advantageous that the Ferentz Empire supported him, it later caused issues with numerous demands, which reportedly strained his relationship with the Empress.’

Henry VII and Elisabeth had two sons. The heir born this time was Clovis, the eldest prince and crown prince.

“Clovis has stepped away for a moment. Charlotte is resting, as she hasn’t been feeling well.”

Considering it had only been a week since the birth, I had already wondered whether she would attend the banquet at all.

“She needs to recover fully. In any case, congratulations on the birth of the Imperial heir.”

Ethan bowed once more as he spoke.

“Thank you. Ah, right. About the Montpellier matter…”

“Your Majesty, this is a joyous occasion. Discussing work matters here would be…”

Elizabeth trailed off with her eyebrows drawn together.

Henry VII shot her a brief glance.

“Well, I suppose you’re right. This isn’t the place for such discussions. Then I’ll excuse myself for a moment.”

“Pardon? Your Majesty…”

Henry VII rose from his seat, placed a hand on Ethan’s shoulder, and led him away somewhere.

Elizabeth stared after her husband’s retreating figure with a look of exasperation before letting out a long sigh.

“I apologize. He truly can’t be stopped.”

“It’s fine. Isn’t it thanks to his character that the Empire is enjoying peace and prosperity?” I replied with a faint smile.

Elizabeth widened her eyes and looked at me.

‘…Ah, I was supposed to pretend to be the old Camille.’

Caught up in observing how perfectly Henry VII matched his description from the original story, I had spoken without thinking.

“Oh, I mean… that’s what my husband often says.”

I blinked innocently, feigning an air of cluelessness.

Elizabeth nodded, as if thinking, ‘That makes sense.’

“Well, that’s true. That is one of his strengths. In any case, thank you for coming today. Please enjoy yourself.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

I held my skirt and bowed before leaving the room.

‘Pretending to be clueless all the time isn’t easy. I need to stay sharp.’

***

“So, nothing suspicious has happened since then?”

At Henry VII’s question, Ethan nodded and replied, “No, Your Majesty. There have been no reports from the Borcia agents either. We’ve increased our forces and heightened our vigilance, so you don’t need to worry too much.”

Montpellier was a border region that had been the site of territorial disputes with Borcia for centuries. It was also part of the Dumont territory.

Recently, reports had surfaced about Borcia’s military movements near the Montpellier border, prompting the Imperial Court and military to remain cautious.

“That’s good to hear. Continue to maintain your guard. Report any unusual movements immediately.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Henry VII relaxed his previously serious expression and raised one corner of his mouth in a slight smile.

“So, how have you been lately? Nothing noteworthy?”

“No, Your Majesty.”

“Still no news of an heir? You’re not getting any younger, Ethan. It’s time you start thinking about continuing your lineage.”

To Henry VII, Ethan was both a trusted vassal and, in some ways, a source of heartache.

Ethan’s father, Philip, was arguably the key figure who had helped Henry VII ascend to the throne. After Philip was assassinated, Ethan had rebuilt the Dumont duchy on his own as a young man.

Henry VII admired Ethan for his accomplishments but also felt pity for him. Philip and Henry VII had been contemporaries, making Ethan seem almost like a son to him.

Moreover, Henry VII carried a sense of guilt toward Philip, who had met an untimely and tragic end at a young age.

That’s why Henry VII often found himself nagging Ethan like a concerned relative. It was also Henry VII who had pushed Ethan toward marriage, insisting that “times of turmoil demand a household and a spouse to lean on,” even when Ethan claimed he had no time to think about marriage due to his responsibilities.

However, it had been five years since Ethan’s marriage, and he still had no children. Rumors suggested there were issues with the couple’s relationship.

Ethan, who resembled his father, always wore a stoic expression and was awkward when it came to expressing emotions. But that didn’t mean Philip had been cold or unfeeling, and the same could be said of Ethan.

‘Well, I’ve also heard rumors that the issue lies with his wife.’

The Duchess of Dumont, Camille, was reputed to be beautiful but frivolous and extravagant—a poor match for Ethan in many ways.

‘Still, with her beauty, I thought they would have a child quickly…’

In truth, Henry VII had lost track of how many times he had brought this up. Over the past year or two, it seemed like he asked the same question every time he saw Ethan. Each time, Ethan would respond with an expressionless, “Not yet.”

Today, Henry VII asked again without much expectation. But, surprisingly, Ethan’s reaction was different from usual.

“……”

Ethan hesitated, unable to answer immediately, and his expression seemed slightly uncomfortable.

Henry VII unconsciously narrowed his eyes.

“Hm? What’s the matter? Do you have good news?”

“…No, it’s not that.”

“Then what is it?”

Ethan remained silent once again.

“No matter how large and sturdy a tree is, if its roots are weak, it can fall at any time. An heir is like the roots of your family.”

“…Yes, I understand.”

“I know you’re not particularly fond of your wife, but marital duties are important. Look at me—I don’t have the best relationship with the Empress, yet we still managed to have two children.”

“……”

“Speaking of which, I’ll never understand women. Why are they always so dissatisfied with their husbands? The moment our eyes meet, it’s as if they’re ready to devour me whole.”

Henry VII shook his head, exasperated.

“I’ve heard your wife is quite something herself. I understand why you might not feel inclined, but even so, when it comes to ensuring an heir…”

“Camille is not that kind of woman.”