I became the mother of the main character living with the adulterer. - Chapter 5

Rachel thought that Sian suspected Theodore of being a traitor. She believed that helping him gather undeniable evidence to prove that her husband wasn’t involved in treason would be an appealing proposition for him.

It was true that Sian had suspected Theodore of rebellion in the past, but not anymore. Sian already knew that Theodore wasn’t involved in treason, but rather, in an affair.

‘She wants proof of the affair. She wants to collect evidence without getting her hands dirty, using me as a witness if necessary. If she really wants a divorce, that is.’

Sian lowered his head and fell deep into thought.

‘She’s pretending to be naive while scheming. That means she’s far more intelligent and meticulous than I first thought. I need to find out more about Rachel Elosa—what kind of person she is and what she really wants.’

A chill ran down his spine. It had been a long time since he had met someone so calculating.

Whenever he encountered someone with exceptional skills, he felt a thrill. His close friend and merchant leader, Stefan, the guild leader, Fijus, and his assistant, Nick—those were the kinds of people who became his allies.

‘Rachel Elosa might be an even better strategist than Stefan or Fijus. I’m looking forward to this.’

For now, Sian decided to follow Rachel’s lead. Tracking her would take time.

“I’ll accept. However, I still don’t fully trust you.”

“You’re absolutely right. A person of your stature shouldn’t trust others recklessly.”

“I’ll confirm the details you’ve shared.”

Thankfully, Rachel nodded without hesitation.

“Of course.”

“Then it’s my turn to ask a question. Why did you call for the guild’s information agent? Was it to get your husband’s gift, as requested by the guild? If you want a divorce, you wouldn’t need such a gift, would you?”

“Sharp as ever.”

Rachel widened her eyes in surprise.

“You’re right. That request was just an excuse to call the guild’s information agent without arousing suspicion from my husband or housekeeper.”

“I thought so.”

“You see, I’d like the Duke to take on my request officially. I can’t dare ask you for a real request, but I need to avoid suspicion from them. Also, I would like the payment to be processed through the guild.”

Sian nodded willingly.

“That’s not difficult. I came here as a guild information agent in the first place, so I’ll make sure the request is officially recorded with the guild. That way, we can avoid any suspicion.”

“Thank you.”

“Now, is this special gift for your husband to celebrate your anniversary?”

Rachel nodded.

“Yes. I don’t want him to find out that I’m preparing for a divorce. I want to give him a gift that shows I still love him and believe in the strength of our marriage.”

Sian narrowed his eyes beneath the mask.

Just as expected. She was the type to hide her true intentions and act strategically.

He wondered what kind of expression Rachel must be wearing while saying this. While he had no trouble sensing people’s positions and movements even with his eyes covered, reading expressions or emotions was difficult. It was a pity.

“I’m not familiar with the high society or noble circles. Since you’re a man of much higher rank than I, I thought you might know which kind of gift would be appropriate for such an occasion.”

This part matched what Sian had already learned.

“Please prepare a gift for your husband. Something rare and valuable, yet a perfect symbol of love.”

It was an easy enough request.

Sian nodded.

“Understood. I’ll find something suitable.”

“Thank you. The payment… it may be a small amount for you, but I’ll pay enough to be fair.”

“Of course. I’ll contact you again once I’ve found the item. However, if any of the information you’ve provided turns out to be false, you will face consequences.”

“I haven’t lied, so I won’t have to face any consequences.”

Just then, there was a sharp knock at the door.

Sian quickly kneeled in front of Rachel and assumed a respectful posture.

Rachel was surprised, but she didn’t speak out loud.

“My lady, it’s the butler. Are you still in conversation?”

“Oh, yes! The conversation’s getting long. The item’s quite hard to get.”

“Understood. Please call for me when you’re finished. I have something to tell you.”

“I understand. I’ll finish up soon.”

Sian listened carefully, and once he was sure the footsteps had faded, he stood up.

“…Is that the butler?”

“Yes.”

“Such a lack of manners. The lady is speaking with a guest, yet he knocks just to give some trivial message.”

“He’s like that, but don’t mind it. We’ll wrap things up soon.”

“Understood.”

“Then, Your Grace, it was an honor to have you here. I look forward to seeing you again next time.”

A soft rustling sound brushed against Shian’s ears. He imagined a slender woman performing a courteous gesture in his mind.

There was no need to be so formal with someone whose face he couldn’t even see.

Even so, he couldn’t help but suppress a quiet laugh that escaped him.

Shian’s steps felt light as he left the Elrosa mansion.

After Shian left, Rachel slumped into an armchair in the reception room.

She ran her hand over her chest. Though she tried to act otherwise, she had been quite nervous.

“I knew he was a duke, but I didn’t really know what kind of person he was.”

From what Dolorassa had said repeatedly in the original story, she had guessed that he wasn’t a bad person.

Fortunately, Shian turned out to be more reasonable and rational than expected. If he had been someone with whom communication was impossible, she could have ended up in a troublesome situation.

She recalled when Kal knocked. When the sound was heard, Shian immediately knelt without hesitation. It had been truly surprising.

“How could a duke, second only to the emperor in rank, kneel so easily? And even after his identity was revealed, he didn’t lower his tone. He wasn’t awkward or uncomfortable at all.”

Everyone said that Shian was impressive, but it seemed that he wasn’t only famous for his swordsmanship and strategy.

“Since he’s the father of the beautiful Dolorassa, he must be incredibly handsome as well. His jawline and lips, which were visible below the blindfold, were so neat.”

Dolorassa, being the protagonist in the original, was described as extremely beautiful.

Even the emotionless killer Graham had turned his head to look at her more than once.

If he was the father of such a beautiful woman, he must be an incredibly handsome man.

“His voice and manner of speaking were calm too. Even though he hid his identity and concealed his appearance, he still carried an air of elegance and dignity. It was like night and day compared to Theodore.”

Taking a breath, Rachel lost herself in thought when Kal entered the reception room.

“Did you finish your conversation well?”

“Yes. I told him I would contact him again soon. Thanks for calling me, Kal.”

“Did he ask you to procure something?”

“Well.”

Rachel blinked as if deep in thought.

“Actually, I didn’t specify a particular item. Since I’m not familiar with the latest trends in high society, I asked my informant to choose something suitable. He said he’d look into it.”

“Can we really trust him to handle that? What if he ends up getting something completely unsuitable?”

“What are you talking about? Isn’t he part of the guild’s network? Even if he brings something completely random, I don’t mind. The guild leader is a very strict person, after all. What was his name again?”

“Huizius.”

Did he pretend not to know?

Rachel smiled instead of pouting her lips.

“Right, Huizius. If he brings something wrong, he won’t just sit back. I trust him.”

“I understand.”

“By the way, Kal, what was it you wanted to say?”

Kal approached Rachel slowly and handed her a piece of paper. It was a dismissal notice for Marsha.

“I hear you dismissed Marsha. Without consulting me at all.”

“Isn’t that my prerogative? I am the lady of the Elrosa family, responsible for managing the household and the employment of the servants.”

Though the original Rachel had no interest in managing the household, Kal had taken care of it all this time.

After a brief pause, Kal spoke quietly.

“We all know that you are a kinder person than any other noble. But with a colleague being dismissed and an unfamiliar person visiting the guild, everyone is feeling uneasy.”

She wasn’t the kindest noble; she was the easiest to manipulate.

Though she wanted to argue, Kal’s words were extremely polite and respectful. He had a point.

It was certainly uncomfortable for the servants. Marsha had been dismissed without warning, and the visit of an informant wearing a black hood and blindfold raised suspicions. They were likely wondering if they would be the next ones to be dismissed.

Of course, that was just the surface reasoning, and Kal had other motives.

Rachel clicked her tongue inwardly.

“As expected of Kal, the fool who helped Theodore keep up his affair for so long.”

Kal was a smart and capable person. He didn’t directly ask, “What are you plotting? Are you trying to cover up Theodore’s affair by sending someone to keep an eye on her?” Instead, he wrapped it in a more plausible form, trying to subtly pressure Rachel into saying, “I won’t meet with the guild’s informant again.”

Had Rachel been her old self, she would have said exactly what Kal wanted.

“Oh, I’ve caused you concern, haven’t I? I’m really sorry, Kal.”

But now, Rachel wasn’t planning to fall for Kal’s subtle manipulation.

“However, what can I do? In truth, I was hoping things would get worse, and I did this on purpose.”