It's Not A Childcare But A Contract Marriage - Chapter 14 Part 2

Mitchell raised her glasses with an expression that said she had never done that at all.

“Mitchell is right! To celebrate our sweet lady’s marriage, this can’t be said to be unreasonable at all!”

“Today is not the lady’s wedding, but an engagement ceremony.”

“Yes, engaged. Anyway, congratulations to our Lady on your new start, but in fact, even this is not enough!”

Seeing them arguing with each other as usual but scrambling to say that it was okay, made my heart skip a beat.

“Really… This is more than enough.”

I carefully stroked the string of the bracelet.

There was an illusion that warmth was transmitted instead of cold air from the metal wire beyond the glove.

I could feel the eyes looking at the amount I was doing with pride.

“I’m glad you like it, My Lady.”

I collected the genuine expressions on their faces, one by one, and renewed my determination.

These people, at least, I will undoubtedly take responsibility for their well-being.

“… When I reestablish my position, I will surely invite all of you back.”

After smoothing out the swirl of emotions in my chest for a moment, I laughed softly and added,

“I’ll make sure to arrange good positions for you all. Will you come?”

“Uh…”

The members of the upper ranks, who I thought would cheerfully reply, exchanged glances like timid little puppies.

Do I look like a boss who imposes a strict hierarchy on them without realizing it?

Ha-ha.

Let’s just lighten up the mood with some playful words. There were other things I wanted to know, too.

The normally chatty members of the upper tier moaned like puppies in need of something. Mitchell also looked like he wanted to say something, but she ended up biting her mouth shut.

‘Hmm. Could it be that I’m in the position of a boss who doesn’t notice me right now?’

Haha.

Let’s change our words so that it doesn’t get any more awkward.

“By the way, I have something I want to ask. Has Draconian not come?”

“Oh, he hasn’t returned from his expedition yet. However, he sent a letter.”

“Really?”

Draconian wasn’t part of the top circle, but he was a researcher at the sponsoring foundation that I had established separately.

He was interested in ancient research, especially dragons, so he traveled around and explored ruins.

‘I was thinking of asking him about the connection between Ivernem and dragons, but I guess not.’

I let out a small sigh of regret.

Mitchell took her letter from her arms and opened her mouth again.

“Oh, but he did leave a message for you.”

“What? For me?”

“Yes. He heard the news about your engagement, and he said that he couldn’t just send a regular gift like others…”

“Hmm.”

I felt my eyes widen as Mitchell pointed to a section of the letter.

“He said, ‘I was conducting research related to dragons, but this is fate. Isn’t the duchy of Ivernum that my Lady is getting married closely related to dragons? I, Draconian, will find a gift that no one else has given here and bring it back…’ That’s what he said.”

Hmm. Well, Draconian had often returned empty-handed after boasting loudly like that.

‘Oh well, let’s see. I won’t get my hopes up and just wait.’

***

Countless guests had arrived. There were figures of unexpected status befitting the reputation of the Ibernem Duchy, as well as guests from unexpected factions.

Thanks to them, I must have greeted them dozens of times.

‘It’s finally over, or rather, just the beginning.’

The reception was over.

That means that now is the beginning of the ceremony in earnest.

Guided by the courtiers, I stood in front of the lavishly decorated main hall, arranged like a wedding venue.

The grand entrance of the hall, which had been used for state ceremonies in the past, was adorned with flowers today.

“When the door is completely open, you can go in from there.”

Nodding my head at the kind guidance, I looked at the huge door that slowly opened.

‘My contracted husband is waiting here.’

Because of the old superstition that the bride and groom shouldn’t look at each other before entering the wedding hall, I couldn’t see what the duke looked like today.

‘Well, it’s nothing special. He’s already handsome enough, so what difference would it make if he becomes even more handsome there?’

With that thought, I recalled the Duke’s appearance, which I had encountered within the mansion.

Yes. Even with his already handsome looks, my heart wouldn’t pound wildly. I’ve acquired quite an immunity to such charms.

‘I’ve already been trained!’

I shouted confidently inwardly and looked straight ahead.

The Duke is handsome, not for a day or two. Having been trained, I no longer waver, but calmly express myself.

Internally bolstering my confidence, I confidently looked straight ahead.

The moment the doors were fully open, however…

“!”

My eyes couldn’t help but widen at the sight inside.