It's Not A Childcare But A Contract Marriage - Chapter 15 Part 2

Time passed recklessly.

After the official engagement ceremony, at the reception that followed, I went around and greeted people again.

“I feel like I’ve seen all the famous people of the continent today.”

It was already late in the evening when I finally had a chance to catch my breath.

“Whenever you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call on me, My Lady.”

“Sure. Thank you.”

As soon as the maid who helped me change left and closed the door behind her, I slumped into a soft armchair and buried my head in the cushion.

“Wow, this is the first time I’ve sat down today.”

Marriage… No, engagement, it’s no joke.

I lay exhausted, my head spinning, gazing around the room.

The Duke’s mansion was large and luxurious, and the only unusual thing was the door that connected to the bedroom by the bed.

‘Oh, that door connects to the Duke’s bedroom.’

Actually, my situation with the Duke was somewhat special.

Usually, one wouldn’t come to live in the mansion like this before getting married.

It’s because I have a hunch that if I go back to the Sinkere mansion where the noisy family is, I’ll be captured and delivered intact to the senile marquis.

‘That’s why it was a good decision to stay here in the estate.’

Anyway, it wasn’t appropriate to fully combine our rooms yet, but being too far apart would make our love-struck couple setting awkward.

So we decided to have rooms connected to each other.

‘Has the Duke returned yet?’

He must be tired from dealing with the constant stream of people at the banquet.

I was still thinking about my partner for the day, when I heard a knock on the door.

I blinked in surprise for a moment at the timing as if I had read my head, and then I shouted.

“It’s open! Come on in.”

Click.

The doorknob connected to the bedroom right next to it turned, and the face I had been with all day came inside.

‘Is it because the afterimage I saw earlier remains? I guess I need to get used to seeing him in casual clothes, too.’

It was reckless to say that I had grown accustomed to Duke Ivernum’s face after seeing him for a few days.

The appearance of wearing formal clothes was also a new shock, but it was also dangerous to wear loose clothes before going to bed.

‘Calm down. That person is not just a husband. He is a contract husband.’

I adjusted my posture and lightly patted my cheeks.

But then, the Duke’s footsteps stopped abruptly.

‘Ah, maybe it’s because I’m wearing an indoor dress.’

“May I come forward?”

“Of course. Please have a seat.”

I naturally responded and grabbed a large shawl nearby, draping it over my shoulders.

“Thank you for your hard work, Your Grace.”

“Thank you, too.”

“You must be tired as well. Would you like some drink?”

Of course, this is tea, not alcohol.

We were a bit dry to have a glass of wine like a real engaged couple after finishing the ceremony.

Pour.

As the maid poured the tea back and forth, a delightful aroma spread.

My contract husband poured a cup for me first, then one for himself. We both sipped the warm tea, enjoying the calming scent that helped us relax.

“Will you continue to call me ‘Your Grace’?”

Pooh.

I almost spewed out the tea at the unexpected question.

After composing myself and clearing my throat, I opened my mouth to respond.

“Are there any other titles you prefer?”

“Well…”

Unlike me, who almost choked on the tea, the Duke tilted his teacup with a refined gesture.

Thud. After placing the empty cup back down, he turned his gaze towards me.

“At least not ‘Your Grace.’ Aren’t you the fiancé you love enough to turn your back on the family?”

“Well…”

Rather than the casual answer from the composed Duke, it was my own response that made me feel embarrassed. No, is my skin tingling?

I thought of the various comments I had heard inside the engagement hall and at the banquet before replying.

“At least for now, yes.”

Considering the gazes we received from the guests today and the rumors circulating during the banquet, our image in society was clear.

‘Treated like Romeo and Juliet.’

Of course, I can’t fully claim to be Juliet, considering the position of my family.

Anyway, I knew what the Duke was trying to say.

“As we demonstrate our love for external reasons, we should be cautious to appear that way, right?”

The Duke nodded in understanding and continued.

“There’s no need to speak as if you’re addressing a superior.”

“Ah… yes. I’ll be careful.”

“I mean… Don’t be too cautious.”

Oops No, this. It’s not that I meant to use very formal words.

“It is reflexive. Even the Duke’s usual way of speaking is intimidating, so-”

“Doesn’t that sound better than His Grace?”

“Isn’t ‘The Duke’ more gentle than ‘Your Grace’ though?”

“I don’t know the difference.”

Mmm. You’re a tough contractor.

I thought about it for a while and then opened my mouth.

“Then Kyle?”

“It’s slightly better.”

“You like it?”

I internally gauged if calling him by his name would be offensive or not, but fortunately, it seemed to be fine.

His gaze lingered around my eyes for a moment, as if I looked like a cheeky puppy.
“It wouldn’t be necessary to use honorific titles between fiances.”

“Um… Can I just call you by your name then?”

It seems I was still not bold enough.

Seeing my slightly flustered response to his teasing, he must have felt amused.