It's Not A Childcare But A Contract Marriage - Chapter 12 Part 2

‘What is he scheming again?’

“Originally, Mother was going to come. But I insisted on coming since I know you’ll prefer it, Pudding,”

“…”

“Among the family, we’re the most comfortable with each other.”

Claiming to be comfortable doesn’t mean it’s all easygoing.

Now, seemingly relieved, Doulian spread his legs wide open, leaning back in a relaxed posture, and began to speak.

“You never know what will happen when Mother decides to come here. It could turn into a family quarrel. And you know, Chiaville, right? Our stubborn brother is even worse.”

“Are you any different?”

“Anyway! That’s why I’m here, to prevent things from escalating. And…”

What is he trying to say by dismantling the previous buildup?

I didn’t answer.

“You know, Pudding, in my family, I think about you the most.”

Doulian leaned in, lowering his voice to a whisper.

“I’m telling you all this because I genuinely care about you.”

He spoke nonsense, like those who say such things.

“You’re being deceived by the duke.”

“What?”

“Why else would he propose to you? Is it because he truly loves you?”

“…”

“Ugh. Our innocent pudding. You have no choice but to rely on this older brother because you’re worried, right?”

I watched, finding it amusing how he put external reasons for our marriage first.

Once again, Doulian, acting as if he knew everything, wore his characteristic cheerful expression, pretending to be an outgoing insider, and poured out his words.

“Think about it. If the Duke saw you, how much do you think he would have seen and proposed marriage? Love at first sight, perhaps? Well, he could have said that to you.”

While saying that, he looks at me as if I’m a pitiful lovesick patient, which annoys me.

“Do you think those words were said because he genuinely loves you? He wants to use you.”

“No.”

It’s a mutually beneficial relationship, not exploitation.

“Ah, our innocent Pudding. Pudding, what should we do with you?”

“What do you mean, ‘what should we do’? Just leave me alone and go.”

“You… Huh, fine. You’ll probably get angry because I denied your ‘love.’ But think about it. Why did the Duke suddenly approach you?”

He replied himself.

“Of course, they’re trying to dig up our family’s secrets! They want to find any weaknesses in us, who are loyal to the Second Prince, and use them against us!”

“Since when were we loyal?”

“Well! We’re at that level!”

Assuming that others would use the same deceitful tactics seemed very natural, perhaps because they were planning something similar themselves.

“Anyway! If that’s not the case, why would the Duke propose to you?”

Well, that was probably to secure the medicine.

‘Of course, this is a secret directly related to the Duke’s weaknesses, so I won’t reveal it, but…’

Meanwhile, Doolian, indulging in his own acting as if he were a passionate theater actor making an appeal, raised his voice.

“Pudding, as your older brother, I have a duty to tell you the truth, even if it makes you sad…!”

As Doolian spoke in that manner, making a smug expression, I found myself unintentionally frowning.

“Doolian.”

“Yeah, Pudding. Your understanding older brother will accept it all—”

“Open your eyes properly.”

“What?”

Doolian, who had stretched out his arms as if to hug me, had a dumbfounded expression on his face.

“I feel like I’m getting hives just looking at your stupidity.”

“W-What are you talking about? When did I—”

“In the first place, there’s no one in the world who sees you the way you see yourself, Doolian.”

Anyone would be smarter than you.

Doolian, who was a bit slow in understanding my words, chewed on them and spoke firmly.

“I… I’ll understand.”

“It’s not necessary.”

“Hmph. Fine, since you’re going through a tough time right now.”

“Not at all.”

“Anyway, our family has concluded that we can’t leave you as you are.”

Suddenly, Doolian stood up and approached me, extending his hand.

“Let’s go home.”

“…”

“Come on, holding my hand now is good for you too.”

I scoffed. Without hiding my mocking laughter, I asked,

“To whom?”

“Huh?”

“Who is it good for? Why, if I hold hands now, would you immediately take me to the Marquis?”

A twitch.

Seeing Doolian’s shoulders jerk as if struck at the corner of his mouth, I raised my head with an unsurprised look.

“I’ll make it clear to save you from embarrassment. Rejection, rejection, no matter what.”

“You…!”

Even though I stated it clearly, Doolian couldn’t accept it. He clenched his fists tightly and glanced behind me.

Once again, a wicked smile appeared on his lips.

“I gave you numerous opportunities.”

“…”

“But it’s you who keep rejecting them, Pudding.”
With an arrogant face, Doolian delivered his message as if announcing it.

“If you don’t respond to my persuasion, I’ll inform you of the family’s decision. Return immediately. Otherwise…”

Doolian deliberately held his breath, eagerly waiting for my reaction before continuing.

“—The County of Sinkere won’t pay a single penny for Evely Sinkere’s dowry.”

Now we’ve come to the crux of the matter.

I raised my lips, finally finding the topic I was waiting for.