Chapter 5

The name of Duchess Yvonne Polshared appeared in the Aerondo newspapers and gossip magazines.

“Did you hear? The Lisian House where the Duchess stays. Apparently, every day, it’s overflowing with marriage proposals.”

“I heard it too. Young men from famous families come courting, carrying armfuls of bouquets and jewels. It’s not just that the threshold is worn out—they say the line stretches all the way to the entrance of Cadney Road.”

“Honestly, it makes sense. The Duchess isn’t merely just beautiful. Even before she married Duke Polshared, men lined up for her. Even the busybodies who used to gossip that the Earl’s family was pushing a mismatched marriage lost their minds and praised her once they saw the Duchess.”

Once, society was turned upside down by the news that Duke Polshared had proposed to Yvonne of the Sellus Earldom. With the union of two families of vastly different ranks, busybodies and noblewomen who were aiming for Carlisle all joined forces to slander her, desperately searching for faults.

However, even those who hated the woman chosen by the Duke had to admit it the moment they met Yvonne. Her beauty was so heavenly that she was said to be much more beautiful than Queen Louise, once famed in the capital. The story that Earl Sellus cherished and raised her became instantly understandable.

Such a beauty could not possibly lose her shine after three years of marriage, so it was not surprising that men who secretly desired her swarmed like bees.

“Well, no matter how handsome and charming Duke Polshared is, after three years, it wouldn’t be bad for her to try living with another man… Ah.”

The woman, excitedly continuing her words, frowned at the hand poking her side. Then, following her companion’s glance, she turned her head and her face went pale.

Duke Carlisle Polshared was entering, guided by the manager.

The women gathered in groups lowered their gaze as Duke Polshared entered the restaurant. Walking leisurely, Carlisle did not even glance at the women but passed by, his chin held high in an elegant manner.

The women, who had just been gossiping about him, were mesmerized by his graceful appearance.

“I guess I was wrong. There’s no man in Aerondo like Duke Polshared…”

Carlisle slightly furrowed his brow at the words retracting her claim, then climbed the stairs to the second floor, guided by the manager, where the private rooms were.

All the while, the talk about Yvonne echoed in his ears as he entered the restaurant to meet an official from the Boblasia Kingdom.

The divorce had not even been finalized, but already the names of prominent families were being discussed as Yvonne’s potential remarriage candidates.

There’s no reason for me to care.

“This way, Sir.”

Only after the staff withdrew did Carlisle grasp and open the door handle.

At the same time, the man standing with his hands behind his back, gazing out the glass window, turned around.

“It’s been a while, Duke Polshared.”

Seeing the middle-aged man wearing a fedora, Carlisle put on the smile of a distinguished businessman.

“It’s been a while, Duke Andente.”

“Ha ha. It’s only been a few months, but your face looks even more dignified.”

The man, bursting into hearty laughter, was a military official from the kingdom who had successfully completed a transaction last month.

After exchanging formal greetings and starting the meal, the other party brought up the topic.

“His Highness was also satisfied with the ammunition supplied by Rein Kleint last year. So, while increasing the national defense budget, he’s shown interest in the new rifled gun developed by Rein Kleint.”

Duke Andente, subtly hinting at another deal, smiled warmly.

How he knew about the recent tests was unclear, but his information was fast. While he spoke of national defense, Carlisle knew that a movement calling for a citizen revolution was rising within the Boblasia Kingdom, but he nodded as if unaware.

“Of course. We will prepare diligently, just as faithfully as your concern for the nation, Duke Andente.”

“But you must be troubled, Duke.”

“What do you mean?”

“The new weapon from Goldright. The rifle developed for sniping. Marquis Ethan Inglebert claims it’s so accurate it could replace the Springfield.”

At the mention of that unwelcome name, Carlisle’s eyes twitched slightly.

He’s already met with Goldright’s people.

A year ago, a company that had only hired mercenaries as a civilian military contractor entered the munitions industry, and recently, Goldright has rapidly risen as Rein Kleint’s competitor. It was hard to dismiss them as just another startup, especially since their representative was bothersome.

“In that regard, I assure you our rifled gun performs better.”

“Yes, I trust Rein Kleint more. I’ve heard you two are close friends. However, that’s…”

At that point, Duke Andente dragged his words out frustratingly. Glancing at Carlisle’s expression, he carefully asked,

“I’ve heard rumors about your personal affairs, is everything alright?”

At the mention of those rumors again, Carlisle smoothed his nearly furrowed brow.

“I didn’t know you were so interested in gossip, Your Grace.”

It was a polite suggestion to drop the subject, but Duke Andente still looked anxious.

“I can’t help but be interested. It’s related to the business, isn’t it?”

“What do you mean?”

“You haven’t heard? Among the families proposing to your wife, several are involved in the munitions business.”

A few years ago, gold mines were discovered in the New Continent and money began to circulate, triggering an investment craze across the capital. But greed brings problems everywhere. Amid frequent scams and investment failures, the bourgeoisie started movements advocating civic consciousness, and frequent wars broke out as nations sought to protect their interests, freezing the economy.

New companies went bankrupt one after another, and even banks failed, making the economic situation nearly catastrophic.

But even as construction and mining companies collapsed, only munitions companies remained robust.

In fact, demand for weapons supplied for defense soared due to war, so production increased dramatically. Riding the boom, the enormous wealth they accumulated helped sound companies in crisis, playing a major role in protecting the national economy.

The biggest beneficiary was the royal family. After losing much of the treasury to failed investments, the royal family nearly lost public trust, but the presence of Rein Kleint supported them.

Thus, a new wind blew in Windfog.

Some families started to shift their business focus to munitions, following Rein Kleint’s example. As a result, those eyeing the uniquely prominent Rein Kleint became desperate to obtain even the smallest bit of information, even planting people to dig for secrets.

“I say this out of concern for you, Sir. The Duchess’s beauty is famous even in Boblasia, so I understand, but what do you think they’re after? Surely, they’re trying to find weaknesses in you or your company through her.”

So that’s what he meant.

Carlisle nearly hardened his face, but swallowed a sneer.

“If you’re worried about business secrets leaking, there’s no need. Yvonne knows nothing. As you know, even if information reaches those small fry, what use would it be?”

“You’re confident, but is that wise? Actually, before coming here, I picked up an extra edition…”

Duke Andente, hesitating, placed a newspaper on the table.

After taking a sip of water, Carlisle looked down at the article with undisguised annoyance.

He assumed it would list the names of fools who had proposed to Yvonne, but his gaze was caught by a certain photograph.

A large article on the front page featured a single photo.

His wife, Yvonne.

And Ethan Inglebert, the head of Goldright. That bastard.

* * *

The sound of an engine broke the silence of the mansion grounds.

The neighbors’ attention focused on the car parked in front of the Polshared family’s townhouse. The elegant curves of the Calpert S model.

There were only ten such cars in Windfog. It was obvious who the owner was, since only a few nobles besides the royal family held ownership.

However, the person who stepped out of the car was not Carlisle Polshared, but someone else. Blond hair, shimmering in the wind, waved brilliantly.

Those who recognized the man’s face were left speechless.