It's Not A Childcare But A Contract Marriage - Chapter 16 Part 1

“Can’t you do it?”

“I don’t think so.”

I looked at the Duke’s questioning expression, slightly lifting one corner of his mouth, and without realizing it, I reflexively shook my head in response.

‘… It’s difficult.’

Well, to be precise, it’s awkward.

As I hesitated, the Duke tilted his head and smiled as if he knew what I was thinking.

No, did he really think I couldn’t do it? He’s provoking me, isn’t he?

“Kyle! … Your Grace.”

“Now you’re even mixing the titles.”

“No, how can I call you casually as a contracted partner?”

“Contracted partner? What’s that again?”

Oh no. The words I was calling inside stopped.

The Duke raised an eyebrow as if asking what I meant by that.

“You’re the contracted spouse since we have a marriage contract.”

“… …”

“Contract husband?”

“Trying out various titles, huh?”

I thought I’d try asking casually if being called a contracted partner was uncomfortable. But the Duke ignored my suggestion with a snort, much like a dismissive lion.

No. Contracted partner, is that really not okay?

Heh. Dismissing my creative idea, huh? In my mind, I continued to call him “Contracted partner, contracted partner.”

“Evely.”

Suddenly, a soft, low voice entered my ears.

“Is it alright to call you that way?”

“What? Yes, of course.”

I was taken aback.

What’s this surprise attack? Unknowingly, I found myself clutching the shawl on my chest, lost in thought.

“A handsome man can startle someone just by calling their name.”

I thought I was going to collapse.

Because of my rapidly pounding heart, it felt like my temperature was rising up to my throat. I quickly raised the cold teacup to my lips and pretended to take a sip, lowering my head.

“Oh, right. Your Grace.”

“Name.”

“I’ll call you that when there are people around to hear. I have something to give you.”

“….”

After quickly telling the slightly annoyed Duke and speaking, I brought the item I had prepared to its place.

‘Indeed, Mitchell. You’re efficient with your tasks’

Just in case, it was a sedative that I had stored in the secret compartment at the top.

Taking out the clinking bottles one by one and laying them out, I lifted my head towards the Duke and spoke.

“Has the previous sedative been confirmed as safe? It’s the same medicine.”

Smiling, I gazed into those red irises, unsure of what he was thinking.

“Since it’s our engagement ceremony, I should present the gift today, shouldn’t I?”

Well, it’s a gift that can’t be publicly announced, but today the Duke is beside me, so I didn’t need to speak it aloud. It was obvious that the rumors were already spreading among the nobles.

There are very few brides who don’t really take a dowry with them.

‘To the Duke of Ivernun… Others must think I’ve won the lottery all by myself.’

And perhaps the Ivernun Duke, who was unilaterally presenting the lottery, wouldn’t be that pleased.

Since there aren’t many people who know the secret of the dowry, I should be prepared for disapproval within the Duke’s domain.

“Oh, by the way, the people in the mansion used to call me ‘Madam.'”

The Duke, who had been quietly staring at the bottle, lifted his head at my words.

“I’m grateful that you’ve already treated me like a duchess, but-“

“What’s there to be grateful for?”

“What? Well, since I’m not officially the Duke’s wife yet, and from the perspective of the people of Ibernun who don’t know the circumstances, they might view this marriage as disadvantageous.”

“That’s enough.”

The Duke, his brow furrowed, spoke firmly.

“This is my decision.”

“Um…”

“If there’s anyone in front of you who dares to question my judgment, tell them to speak up.”

His reddened irises seemed icy, as if ready to cast away anyone who might dare to question.

Unknowingly, I rolled my eyes and answered.

“… Thank you?”

“….”

“What I meant was, well, I was trying to ask if I could pretend to be a madam when we go to the territory.”

The Duke’s brow seemed to furrow again before he quickly spoke up.

“But I’m thankful that you mentioned it first!”

Hmm, even if it’s just a year-long title of a wife, I should be grateful for proper treatment. There are things I want to do in the territory.

“Oh, but I won’t forget my role. Naturally, I won’t touch the Duke’s budget… Oh! Can I use the title ‘Duchess’ for a bit? Just during the contract period, of course. It won’t cause any harm to Ivernun! I’ll let you know beforehand what I’ll use it for each time!”

Thinking about the plans in my head, I became a bit too excited, and my words quickened.

The Duke listened quietly to my rambling and then spoke up.

“There’s no need for that.”

As if his voice had weight, his deep voice resonated powerfully.

“Evely Ivernun, the Duchess.”

“!”

“Now that’s your name. You don’t need separate permission for that.”

Afraid of being swept away somewhere I didn’t know if I kept going like this, I hastily added.

“It’s just for a year.”

“….”

His red irises, staring at my words, were radiating an inscrutable gleam.

“As I mentioned earlier, I will prepare as much sedative as you need during that period.”

Feeling tense, like someone who had a beast right in front of them, I swallowed hard and continued speaking.

“Instead, the duke allows me to take Ivernum’s surname on and off.”