My Husband Caught Me Having an Affair - Chapter 96

“Then when would be a good date for the match? The Duke suggested taking about one or two weeks to prepare.”

“That sounds fine. I don’t mind any day as long as it’s a day off.”

“Then I will inform the Duke and confirm the date. Would the Dumont training grounds be suitable?”

“Yes, that would be fine.”

Vincent smiled again, faint wrinkles forming around his mouth.

Although he looked somewhat worn, his usual easygoing demeanor remained unchanged.

Vincent was well known as a friendly and always cheerful knight.

Back when Mael had served in the Capital Knights, no one had ever disliked Vincent. Not only was he highly skilled with the sword, but he was also excellent at managing subordinates, making him a naturally gifted commander.

“Your health is fine, correct?” Mael asked again, as if to confirm.

Vincent shrugged and raised his hand. “I’m in such good shape that it’s almost a problem.”

“I see. I only asked out of caution. It would be unfortunate if both sides weren’t in perfect condition for this long-awaited match. The Duke is looking forward to it as well.”

“That means I don’t have to hold back, right?”

Vincent playfully winked as he spoke. Mael smiled back at him.

“Of course. And you’d be wise not to underestimate the Duke either.”

“That makes it even more exciting.”

After that, the two exchanged old stories in a pleasant atmosphere. Before long, the slight unease lingering in Mael’s mind completely disappeared.

***

I was having lunch in the dining hall on the first floor of the main building. The dining hall was still excessively large for just one person, but by now, I had grown somewhat used to it.

I had heard that Ethan often preferred having his meals brought to his room for a quick bite. Though I occasionally did the same, I made an effort to have breakfast and lunch in the dining hall. The natural lighting from the large windows was something I enjoyed.

Around the time the third course was served, I heard footsteps near the entrance of the dining hall, and soon, Ethan appeared. I instinctively widened my eyes.

“Ethan. Didn’t you leave early this morning?”

“I just returned. Mind if I join you?”

“Huh? Oh, of course.”

A servant hurried over and pulled out a chair across from me. However, Ethan ignored it and instead took the seat closest to me, pulling it out himself and sitting down.

“Our usual seats are too far apart. Sometimes, I can barely hear what you’re saying.”

“Ah… I see.”

To be fair, the dining table was massive, and there was quite a bit of distance between our designated seats. Still, it was never difficult to hear one another. After all, besides us, the entire room was usually silent.

Soon, Ethan’s meal was brought to him. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. He was eating expressionlessly, as always.

This was the first time I had seen him up close since the Imperial banquet. The mansion was large enough to be comparable to a small department store, so unless one made an effort, it was easy to avoid running into each other. And the truth was, I had been deliberately avoiding Ethan.

I still hadn’t decided how to respond to Ethan’s suggestion about trying for an heir. More than that, I hadn’t yet sorted out the strange emotions I had felt during the banquet.

‘…Is he going to ask for an answer soon?’

It had been nearly ten days since then, so it wouldn’t be strange if Ethan brought it up again. After all, he wouldn’t have come to find me during a meal unless he had something to discuss.

“Are you still visiting the orphanage every Wednesday?”

Ethan suddenly asked.

“Huh? Oh, yes. …But don’t you already know? Wouldn’t Jacques have reported it to you?”

I tilted my head slightly as I spoke. Ethan’s expression grew slightly uncomfortable.

“…I haven’t received such reports in a long time. And I’m not having you followed anymore.”

“Huh? Really?”

I was so surprised that I couldn’t help but ask again.

“Of course. That’s why I sent a knight to guard you instead.”

Now that I thought about it, two knights had been accompanying me whenever I left the estate for the past few weeks. It started right after Ethan had reacted so strongly to the situation with Nicolas, saying, “I can’t let you be in danger.”

‘Did he strengthen security just in case I disobeyed and acted on my own?’

I furrowed my brows and asked, “Why all of a sudden? Until now, no matter how much I denied it, you kept doubting me.”

“That’s because you kept hiding things from me…”

Ethan trailed off mid-sentence. He smoothed out the wrinkles on his forehead and cleared his throat lightly.

“…Because I decided to trust you. I thought it was the right thing to do. That’s all.”

“Why did you decide to trust me?”

“Why, you ask… You said it yourself. That we are on the same side under the name of Dumont.”

Ethan spoke with a slightly aggrieved expression.

“You were honest with me about Girard’s spy approaching you, and you also followed my request to stop meeting with him because it was dangerous. You have shown a willingness to compromise and cooperate, so continuing to doubt you and having you followed wouldn’t be right.”

“……”

Now that I thought about it, he wasn’t entirely wrong.

Still, it felt strange. I had complained about why he kept doubting me, but that was only a strategic approach for the sake of divorce.

In truth, I had always thought it was reasonable for Ethan not to fully trust me. Considering his personality and upbringing, it was even more understandable.

“And as I said before, the main reason I had you followed was to ensure you wouldn’t secretly meet that unknown informant. But now I know that even if such a situation arose, you wouldn’t be careless enough to get caught, so there’s no point in continuing.”

“So you’re saying this was a rational choice?”

“I said it in a way you would understand. But everything I said before was also sincere.”

“……”

I silently stared at Ethan. He averted his gaze awkwardly.

“Anyway, the surveillance ended a long time ago, so just know that.”

“…Alright.”

Saying thank you felt strange, so I simply left it at that.

We fell into a comfortable silence and focused on our meal for a while.

Then, suddenly, Ethan spoke again.

“Do you have any plans next weekend?”

“Huh? No… nothing at all. Why?”

Ethan hesitated briefly before clearing his throat.

“I have a sparring match scheduled at the knights’ training grounds next Saturday. If you’re free, come watch.”

“…A sparring match? You mean you?”

“Yes.”

I knew Ethan often visited the training grounds to practice his swordsmanship and spar with knights whenever he had time. But since he was bringing it up like this, it must mean this wasn’t just an ordinary match.

“Don’t tell me… are you sparring with Sir Mael?”

I asked just to be sure, though I doubted it. Ethan shook his head.

“No. Every time I bring it up, he firmly refuses, so a match with Mael won’t happen anytime soon.”

“Then who is your opponent?”

“A knight Mael introduced. I suppose he felt guilty about repeatedly rejecting my challenges, so he set up the match for me. The opponent is the commander of the Third Division of the Capital Knights, and he’s quite well known for his swordsmanship. Rumor has it he’s nearly equal to Mael.”

“Hmm, I see.”

If he was on par with Mael, that meant he was exceptionally skilled. I wondered if Ethan would be okay, but I decided against voicing my concern.

‘Well, since he’s a guest invited by the Duke, he’ll probably be mindful. If they end it in a draw, neither side will lose face…’

As I was thinking that, something suddenly nagged at my mind.

‘Wait. The Third Division commander? That name sounds familiar. I feel like I’ve heard it before…’

I looked at Ethan and asked, “Did you say the commander of the Third Division of the Capital Knights? What’s his name?”

“Why? Do you know him?”

“I’d have to hear the name to be sure. So, what is it?”

“His name is Vincent Frenet. He’s the younger brother of the current Viscount Frenet.”

At those words, my brows furrowed involuntarily.

‘…Yes. That’s right. Vincent Frenet. It’s definitely him.’

Vincent was a character from the original story—one of Mael’s friends.

Girard had found Vincent’s weakness and used him in a plot to eliminate Mael. If Mael, the commander of the Dumont knights and a renowned swordsman, were to be taken down, Ethan’s power would weaken as well.