It's Not A Childcare But A Contract Marriage - Chapter 1 Part 1

As a modern individual, I died and was reincarnated in a parenting novel.

No, that’s what I initially thought.

‘Until I understand the true meaning of family.’

“A second marriage after the age of 60?”

The expression on my mother’s face, sitting across from me, seemed to convey the absurdity in her tone.

“No, my daughter. But don’t you think we carefully selected your marriage partner for our beloved daughter?”

“Isn’t it?”

“Well, for our dear daughter, this mother has carefully chosen her marriage partner over and over again.”

“Oh! Such an elderly gentleman! What a suitable, no, vigorous man he is!”

With the addition of the word “suitable,” it became clear that young suitors were already eliminated. Ignoring my cold expression, my mother continued to speak, her face resembling that of a daydreaming girl.

“And do you know how generous his temperament is?”

Indeed, can someone be called a person if they can’t be generous to a bride over 40 years younger than him? Has he abandoned his conscience by sending a letter of courtship despite the age difference?

While contemplating this, pressing her forehead, my mother continued to explain her unsolicited generosity.

“Although he is a strict nobleman by nature, he still… doesn’t mind if his wife goes out… Knowing that our daughter is pampered by her family, he has kindly allowed her to freely visit and spend time with us.”

She smiled.

My mother narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips, savoring her own gratitude, as if she truly believed in her words.

“You can come home whenever you want to see us. Wouldn’t that be the best marriage for our daughter?”

‘Home.’

As I lifted my gaze, I noticed the ceiling of a splendid mansion in my field of vision. A sparkling chandelier, bought with recent business profits. The opulent interior decoration, adorned with high-end products, shimmered proudly, displaying their extravagant prices.

“So, even if your husband disapproves of your outdoor activities, you can always come home and enjoy them.”

“Outdoor activities?”

“Oh, my apologies. Isn’t that what it is called?”

My mother, who lowered the corners of her eyes as if gauging my mood, looked genuinely apologetic.

Even as she patted her sinking self inside herself, her mother did not stop her talking.

Maybe she hasn’t gotten to the point yet.

“Business is not a recommended hobby for a noble lady, but how sad she will be if my daughter who really enjoys it quits because of her marriage?”

“… …”

“So, I will make sure you can visit us anytime and take care of your company’s work. Isn’t that what a family is about?”

Thump.

As I put down the bitter tea, my fingers grazed my lips.

So, that’s what it meant.

‘Even after marriage, I will use the excuse of visiting my parents’ house to tend to the family business.’

At first glance, it sounded like a plan for my sake, someone who is attached to their high-ranking position.

‘The profits earned by the high-ranking position, which accumulate immense wealth every year, fill the family coffers.’

Indeed, the amount was unimaginable for our previous Count family.

And the family clearly knew who was responsible for bringing in the profitable money.

‘The goose that lays the golden eggs will never be let go.’

Knock, knock.

The rhythmic tapping of the chair handles brought me back to my senses.

To a point where I am no longer swayed by any trace of emotion.

The words that followed from my mother were interpreted in a poetic manner.

“We carefully chose this marriage for your sake. He even treats you favorably and sends you a villa near the capital as a wedding gift. What more could you want?”

“This means they’ve set up a villa as my ransom without my knowledge.”

The marriage conditions were arranged to benefit only the family members who would remain within the family, excluding me, who would marry at their own will.

I no longer had the patience to listen to senseless rhetoric, so I interrupted my mother, who continued to spout nonsense.

“You may still be young, but the older the serious partner, the more tolerant they are.”

“Ah, so are you suggesting we also introduce my brother to a woman 40 years his senior as a marriage partner?”

“What?! How dare you utter such malicious words about your brother!”

Her face, which had been radiating kindness, contorted in an instant.

Realizing too late that her true emotions had slipped through, my mother quickly composed herself, attempting to smile again by pursing her lips.

“Ah… I mean…”

“…”

“Indeed. Aren’t men and women different?”

Her feeble excuse barely registered as words, prompting only a deep sigh in response.

“What is this… I won’t be fooled any longer.”

“What? You ungrateful child! What are you saying?”

I rose from my seat, leaving behind my stammering mother.

“Wait! I’m not finished talking! Where are you—”

I closed the door, shutting out the sounds that faded into silence.

Soundproofing is quite expensive.

Almost involuntarily, I tapped on my calculator, moving swiftly.

“Huh? Pudding, where are you rushing off to?”

My younger brother, using my nickname, approached me.

“What’s wrong? The youngest sibling doesn’t look too happy.”

My older brother drew closer, his brow furrowed.

As I observed them both, racing towards me, I couldn’t help but wonder…

‘I could have mistaken all of this.’

When I realized that I was born again, I thought this was a child care novel.