It's Not A Childcare But A Contract Marriage - Chapter 14 Part 1

‘I was wondering if he would touch me one more time.’

After Doulian’s visit last time, the sweet potatoes I thought would come again were nowhere to be found. The cunning family and even Viscount Gaspar, who had been arrogant before, seemed to have been humbled from above, so I thought I could attempt a new approach.

‘Well, no matter what they tried, they couldn’t touch me anyway since I was stuck in the duke’s house.’

Even though it was a bit frustrating, staying home safely was the correct answer.

‘From now on, since I’m Ivernum’s fiancee, they won’t be able to touch me.’

Thinking of making good use of the title of prospective duchess, I raised my eyebrows.

“Oh, my lady. That smile suits you so well!”

Instantly, my smirk wavered.

I still couldn’t get used to the fawning reactions of the duke’s maidservants, who showered me with all sorts of compliments.

‘If you think about it, these people have been preparing for the ceremony since getting my clothes ready… … .’

“Miss, would you like to try on this dress and that one next?”

“Somehow, everything you wear looks good on you!”

“It must be really hard to choose because they are all so beautiful.”

“Kyaaak! I thought you were a goddess!”

“…Right.”

Cheers and sparkling gazes every time I changed my clothes.

“I feel like I’ve become an idol or something.”

Awkwardly, I raised the corners of my mouth while looking at the consistent maidservants.

Then the maid who was dressing me up said with tears in her eyes.

“Miss, you are so beautiful.”

“… … .”

You look so beautiful today; it’s an honor to be able to dress up a bride like this, and I’m worried that you’ll fly away like an angel.

I thought as I listened to the comments that the maids poured out, leaving the listeners speechless.

‘No, didn’t the genre become more of a contract marriage rather than childcare at this point?’

***

The Duke of Ivernum, who has a huge territory in the northern part of the empire.

In Ivernum, there was a tradition of holding a formal wedding ceremony at the main estate for generations.

In contrast, in the capital city, they typically held engagement ceremonies briefly or omitted them altogether.

‘Just an engagement ceremony in name only. Yet, the scale is on par with a grand wedding of a major noble family.’

It was customary for noble families to celebrate the engagement with double the extravagance of a regular event, causing one’s head to spin with the thought of Ivernem’s additional splendor.

I guessed how great the wealth of Ivernum was, which was said to be a country.

“Your Grace, congratulations on your marriage.”

“Thank you.”

“Seeing Ivernem’s engagement ceremony in person… it truly lives up to the reputation of grandeur for the Duchy.”

As each person arrived, they showered me with admiration, claiming that they had never seen such a large-scale engagement ceremony before. Thanks to them, I could fully appreciate the beauty of the venue from my seat.

“This is the most beautiful engagement ceremony I’ve ever seen. You must be so happy.”

“Yes, indeed.”

Nobles in attendance kept approaching me with smiles, and I felt like my lips would get stuck in a constant grin.

‘It’s time for them to come.’

During the brief break, I loosened my lips and glanced toward the entrance.

“Oh my god! Are the flowers decorated outside what I know? To cover the entire venue with roses made of gold is simply astonishing!””

“Those interior decorations were done by Renaoré! How did they manage to bring a craftsman who has been on a waiting list for over ten years?”

“This is the first time I’ve seen an entire temple set aside as a place for ceremonies! This is all possible because it is the Duke of Ivernum, right?”

Familiar voices filled the air with excitement and awe as they arrived at the right moment.

Nobles, indeed.

I smirked while enjoying the sight of their eager faces entering.

“Ah, sweet lord!”

Mitchell noticed my gaze and led the other top members to approach.

The piled-up members of the upper ranks surrounded me, and each one poured out their words like chirping birds.

“My Lady, congratulations!”

“A sudden announcement of the engagement! We were surprised, but it’s a happy occasion for you!”

“Wishing you a blissful marriage!”

All of a sudden, I realized that my previously stiff lips were now curved into a gentle smile.

“Thank you, all of you.”

“It’s nothing! Your happiness is our happiness too!”

“That’s right!”

As they gathered around, the top members were giving Mitchell a signal as if they had something to say.

‘Huh?’

In the blink of an eye, something happened while I was away with my thoughts.

Hmm. Clearing her throat, Mitchell took a step forward and said, taking out a box of beads hidden behind her back.

“My Lady. This is a gift we all prepared together.”

“What?”

When I asked in surprise, Mitchell opened the box with a proud face and showed it to me.

“Is it a bracelet? No, even the jewels here?”

It was a gold chain bracelet with a small pink jewel embedded in it.

Even though they are of the middle class, it is obviously a high-priced product that is unreasonable for the income of a member of the guild, who is a commoner.

While I was at a loss for words, embarrassed by the gift I hadn’t thought of.

“I recommended it with the color that matches the eyes of my Lady!”

“It’s our Lady’s engagement ceremony. We cannot be excluded from the guest gifts!”

“We know our Lady’s taste the best! Ah, I might be behind other nobles in terms of money… … .”

All the voices were excited.

“You guys… …”

Involuntarily, the voice that answered me was a little locked.

“Seriously, I know how much everyone earns and I pay them. What have you been doing?”

“Hmm. Is it impossible?”