My Husband Caught Me Having an Affair - Chapter 99

“…Why are you suddenly making that proposal?”

“Why? Isn’t it standard for knights to use real swords during training? Wooden swords are only used during apprenticeship, so…it feels a bit like playing around, and I can’t concentrate.”

Vincent said with a light smile. At first glance, it really seemed like there was no other reason behind his words.

‘But if the Duchess’s suspicions are correct…’

Mael recalled what the Duchess had said five days ago.

“Maybe Sir Vincent will suggest changing the terms of the duel. He might ask to change the location… or perhaps propose using real swords instead of wooden ones.’

“What? Why would he make such a proposal?”

Camille hesitated for a moment as if considering her words, then spoke slowly, “According to my informant, Sir Vincent has recently been frequenting a gambling den owned by the Girard family.”

“A gambling den…? Are you saying Sir Vincent?”

Surprised, Mael asked again, and Camille nodded.

“It’s a secret gambling den that only those with an invitation can enter. I heard the stakes there are ten times higher than usual—sometimes even more.”

“It’s hard to believe. I know he enjoys card games and wagers, but…I never thought he was the type to frequent a place like that. Besides, gambling is prohibited by the knightly code. Couldn’t this information be mistaken?”

“I wish that were the case, but no. My informant is never wrong.”

Camille spoke with unwavering certainty.

“I don’t understand. The Frenet family isn’t particularly wealthy…”

“That’s exactly what makes it suspicious. That gambling den only allows entry with verified proof of identity, and its primary clientele are extraordinarily wealthy individuals. Doesn’t it seem unnatural for Sir Vincent to be going there?”

“…You’re right, Duchess.”

“That’s why I came to you when I heard Ethan was going to duel Sir Vincent. If a knight involved in gambling were to be associated with the Dumont family, it could tarnish Ethan’s reputation. But if he’s connected to Girard, this could be far more than just a matter of reputation.”

Mael bowed his head deeply. “It was careless of me to recommend someone without thoroughly investigating. I apologize.”

“It’s not your fault, Sir Mael. My informant said Sir Vincent only recently started frequenting the gambling den. You don’t see him every day like you used to when you served in the same order, so how could you have known?”

“Even so, I still bear responsibility. Fortunately, thanks to you, Your Grace, we learned about this in advance. I will contact Sir Vincent immediately and cancel the duel.”

At those words, Camille shook her head. “No, don’t do that.”

“Pardon?”

“Let’s wait and see for now. We can cancel the duel after observing how he reacts.”

“……”

“For now, let’s wait for Sir Vincent to make a move.”

And just as the Duchess had predicted, this time as well.

Even up until that moment, Mael had still held onto some doubt.

The Vincent he knew wasn’t the kind of man who would engage in dishonorable schemes. He might not have been the ideal knight, but he shared the same conviction of protecting the weak and upholding justice.

Perhaps the gambling rumors were true, but he didn’t believe Vincent would ever conspire with Girard to harm Ethan.

Mael stared into Vincent’s eyes. But no matter how he looked, he couldn’t read his true intentions.

Like most master swordsmen, Vincent was exceptionally skilled at hiding his emotions. Perhaps his reputation for being unbeatable at card games stemmed from this very ability.

Or maybe the reason Mael couldn’t see through Vincent wasn’t because of Vincent himself—but because of Mael’s own conflicted emotions.

Honestly, at that moment, the shock made it difficult for Mael to think rationally.

“Why, would it be too difficult? I’m not insisting. After all, it’s not just a duel between the two of us… If it’s not possible, then it can’t be helped.”

As Mael remained silent for a long time, Vincent spoke.

“No, I will bring it up to the Duke.”

“Really? Will that be alright?”

“Yes. Of course, I can’t say for sure what the Duke’s answer will be yet. May I get back to you after confirming his decision?”

“Sure. That sounds good. Thank you,” replied Vincent with his usual casual smile.

If the ‘worst-case scenario’ that the Duchess had mentioned was true, then Mael could not afford to show any suspicious behavior toward Vincent at this moment. So, he mirrored Vincent’s expression and quietly smiled as well, hiding his confusion and bitterness.

***

“So it was just as expected.”

After hearing Mael’s report, Camille murmured calmly.

“As you advised, I postponed giving an answer for now. I told him I would check with the Duke before deciding. But…”

Mael trailed off and glanced toward the Duchess.

“…So, what’s your plan?”

Ethan asked in a low voice. His face appeared as indifferent as usual, but his eyes were noticeably serious.

“Since you suggested waiting for their move, that must mean you have something in mind. Otherwise, you would have rejected the offer outright.”

“That’s right. I think we should use this opportunity to our advantage.”

“An opportunity?”

“Yes. Up until now, despite all the schemes Girard has orchestrated against Dumont, he has never revealed his own involvement. The only time we managed to catch his trail was in the Bernard case, and even then, it was an unexpected turn of events—a near act of divine intervention.”

Camille spoke calmly.

“This time, the event was initiated because Sir Mael recommended Sir Vincent as your sparring partner. From Girard’s perspective, it must feel like an unexpected windfall. Since he didn’t orchestrate the situation himself, he probably believes there’s less risk of drawing suspicion.”

“……”

Both Ethan and Mael listened intently, their expressions serious.

Camille tilted her head slightly. “Aren’t you going to ask why I’m so certain?”

“If you’re saying it, there must be a good reason. I’ll wait for your explanation.”

Ethan’s voice was indifferent, but his words carried deep trust. Camille, momentarily flustered, blushed slightly before quickly continuing.

“A-anyway. The fact that Sir Vincent suggested using real swords means he intends to target you directly during the duel. Given Girard’s usual tactics, this is quite a bold move. It means he’s confident that even if things go wrong, he won’t be caught.”

“I see. So you’re saying this situation could be turned into an opportunity to trap Girard.”

“Yes. Targeting the Dumont ledger was questionable, but an assassination attempt against you is a completely different level of offense. If we can prove it, we can take Girard down in one strike.”

At Camille’s words, the tension in the room intensified.

‘…Taking down Girard.’

Ethan pressed his lips together tightly. Until now, that had only been a vague goal, never something with a concrete plan.

There were two main reasons why Ethan had always been on the defensive against Girard.

One was that Ethan held deep contempt for Girard’s methods. Marlon Girard was a man who didn’t hesitate to use assassination—and if necessary, even sacrifice his own allies. Ethan had no intention of fighting in the same way. Bringing down Girard had to be done in a way that aligned with Dumont’s principles and honor.

The second reason was that Ethan had too much to lose. Unlike Girard, Ethan never sacrificed his own people for victory. He feared losing those he cherished, and he could never let go of those he had failed to protect.

That was why, until now, his approach had been to strengthen his defenses and slowly gather irrefutable evidence of Girard’s crimes.

But now, an unexpected opportunity for an offensive move had arisen.

Ethan was cautious and always skeptical, but this time, he thought—perhaps, just this once, it might be possible.

Because the one who had suggested it was none other than Camille.