It's Not A Childcare But A Contract Marriage - Chapter 15 Part 1

“Insane.”

The fact that I could only blurt out reflexive words was purely a triumph of my reason.

Only today did I realize that the Duke’s usual attire was thoroughly functional and for business use.

His carefully groomed appearance made even my eyes, accustomed to handsomeness, widen in admiration.

‘Crazy, crazy. I see a single light shining on his face.’

I slightly lowered my eyes at the dazzling beauty that seemed to be illuminated by a halo that was not there, and calmed my pounding heart.

I was briefly fluttered at the shocking beauty attack, but this is a natural, instinctive reaction! Let’s not show too much on the face!

I repeated the mantra in my mind while trying to compose my expression.

‘Huh? Come to think of it, why is my contract husband just standing there?’

When there was no response from the person who was supposed to hold the bride’s hand and escort her to the podium, I raised my eyes curiously.

“… … .”

The Duke was strangely just staring at me without saying a word.

His red pupils were fixed on me like anchor lines.

‘What, what is it?!’

Why is he looking at me like that!

My heart, which I had just calmed down, thumped again like a hammer.

‘No! A handsome man shouldn’t look at someone like that!’

Even though I tried to match the situation of a love-struck marriage, I didn’t expect him to look at me like that! My heart is fluttering!

A handsome man staring at someone with this much intensity? Guilty as charged!

“Really, who are you trying to captivate?!”

To show my composure, I raised my chin slightly and said calmly.

“Well, do I look even prettier now? Can’t take your eyes off me?”

Today, I could say something like that. After all, I had put so much effort into my appearance.

Even though it was the result of getting up early in the morning and going through massages, beauty treatments, and makeup from dawn!

I inflated my confidence inwardly, but in the end, I couldn’t prevent my cheeks from turning red.

‘Ouch. Couldn’t you have said something earlier?’

If I say such things with my own mouth, won’t he think I’m superficial or conceited? Even so, I’ll take whatever encouragement I can get right now!

When my nerves and embarrassment were on edge.

“As you said.”

Huh?

A smile began to creep into the Duke’s gaze as he continued to gaze at me.

“I can’t really take my eyes off you.”

The corners of his mouth curved up, forming a smile I had never seen before.

What, what is he doing now, making fun of me with my own words? No way, right? Is he serious?

“My bride, will you give me your hand now?”

The Duke sweetly closed his eyes and reached out his hand to me.

Why is the voice calling me so low-pitched?

‘Aaaaa!’

He said he didn’t like me! He said I didn’t like it!

A smile like that to someone he supposedly doesn’t like is strictly prohibited!

Internally protesting, I eventually found myself holding the hand he extended, my face burning.

* * *

The engagement ceremony flew by in an instant.

“As of this moment, the two have promised to be married. May the gods bestow their blessings upon them.”

During the engagement ceremony, familiar faces were occasionally seen wiping away tears.

Seeing them sniffle and offer their well wishes, I thought to myself, ‘I guess I didn’t live completely in vain.’

I couldn’t help but smile a little.

“It feels like just yesterday when the young lady first entered the temple’s doors, and now she’s already grown up and getting married…”

The head priest, who officiated the ceremony, unexpectedly made a separate comment.

‘I thought they were just being kind to me because I came from the noble Sinkere family, which originated from a saint. But now I’m in the position of that Sinkere, and I expected the temple staff to be different from before.’

Feeling sorry for my hasty assumptions, the head priest, with kind wrinkles around his eyes, looked at me with favor and said:

“When you find yourself in an unfamiliar territory or facing a new life, or simply need someone to lend an ear, always feel free to visit the temple.”

“Of course. I’ve heard there is an excellent temple on the Duke’s estate, and I will definitely visit.”

“Yes. Just remember that the temple’s doors are always open to you, and it will put an old man like me at ease. Our lord will always welcome your visits.”

“Thank you.”

It was an ordinary compliment, but for some reason, it felt heartfelt.

‘It sounds like something a caring relative would say.’

In reality, none of my actual relatives attended this union, showing how displeased they were with this match.

I briefly lowered my eyes, recalling the empty chair that was prepared just in case but eventually left unoccupied.

“Oh, my, this old man’s lecture is getting long. As you age, all you have is nagging…”

“Oh no, I’m grateful for your words. I will cherish your kind wishes.”

“My lady.”

The head priest smiled gently and looked at me for a moment.

Then, he held up the sacred relic and closed his eyes, bowing his head as if in prayer, and spoke:

“May you continue to be happy, and even with my meager hands, I will continue to pray for you.”

Perhaps it was the place or the timing of his words, but my heart swelled slightly with emotion.