It's Not A Childcare But A Contract Marriage - Chapter 2 Part 1

“!”

For a moment, my body stiffened as if I were facing a wild beast.

But soon…

“… …”

Is this fortunate? After seeing my expression, the duke naturally turned his gaze to the papers.

‘Well, it can’t be because he’s considerate of me, who doesn’t have a personal relationship.’

It’s probably his way of signaling that he wants to process at least one more document while dealing with an uninvited guest like me.

‘Ah, I haven’t thought of it at all.’

Anyway. Still, thanks to that, I was able to relieve my stiff shoulders for a while and catch my breath.

‘Whoa. Indeed, the Duke of Ivernum. The feeling of intimidation is different.’

Controlling my breathing to avoid showing tension, I stole a glance at the duke’s lowered head, allowing me to stare at him more easily.

Kyle Ivernum.

Intense red eyes and dark black hair does not tolerate other colors.

The duke possessed both characteristics of Ivernum, giving him a cool impression, just like the family name meaning “winter”.

‘… … I can see why young ladies swoon over him.’

The features of a duke, more noticeable up close, belonged to a face that captivated women, making them momentarily forget his intimidating presence.

To the point where I found myself staring at him, momentarily forgetting the words I had prepared.

‘Stop! Now is not the time for this. Wake up!’

No matter how rare the sight before me was, or even if he was the most handsome man on the continent.

I must not be swayed now, when I need a clearer reason more than ever.

Consciously averting my eyes from his mesmerizing appearance that shattered my composure before sealing the deal of a lifetime.

“A messenger from Sinkere?”

As a precaution, the duke’s indifferent voice helped me snap back to reality.

I narrowed my eyes, trying to appear sharp, and answered with a powerful tone full of energy, like a job seeker in an interview.

“Not from the Sinkere family, but from Evely Sinkere herself, who has come to speak with the Duke.”

Only then did the duke raise his head from the papers he had been reading and looked at me with curiosity.

“The young lady wants to see me?”

“Yes. It’s something only the Duke should hear.”

I glanced at the aide standing with us in the office, making it clear that I wanted a private meeting.

When the young lady who suddenly barged in, proudly declared that she wished to speak with the duke alone, one of his eyebrows raised in bewilderment.

“That’s quite a bold statement, you know.”

“Indeed.”

But will you listen?

“These words are meant only for the Duke.”

“For me?”

“Yes. I mean…”

Taking a few breaths, I hoped my next words wouldn’t offend him.

“Because it’s about the night when the moon is at its brightest.”

“… …!”

In an instant, the duke’s hand, which was passing the papers, froze.

* * *

“Get to the Point”

Observing his expression, which seemed to urge me to get straight to the point, I rolled my eyes calmly.

‘A duke indeed. Not sure what it means or how I found out. He doesn’t reveal anything that might give clues about his secret.’

The way he spoke, never revealing positivity or doubt, showcased his expertise as the highest-ranking aristocrat who had always held power.

‘Still, I wouldn’t have expected this.’

Choosing my first words carefully, I raised the corners of my mouth to appear as confident as possible, and said,

“When I mentioned that night, I didn’t mean that to expose a weakness.”

“…”

“On the contrary. I brought a remedy to ensure the safety of that night.”

Only when he saw the smile that maximized my social skills did the duke, who had been silently listening, raise an eyebrow in surprise.

‘Is it true that my negotiation skills were no match, as expected?’

“I don’t think the duke intends to reveal even a shred of information until I properly address the secret.”

That’s what I should mention first.

By bringing up his ‘secret,’ I wanted to show that I wasn’t here to prod him with incomplete information.

“Everyone knows that Ivernum wields dragon magic.”

Dragon slayer.

That was Ivernum’s renowned nickname.

The founder of the ducal family, Grand Swordsman Ivernum, had slain a dragon and obtained its power.

That mana, distinct from that of humans, still flowed through the bloodline of the Duke of Ivernum.

This was common knowledge throughout the empire.

But…

“The problem is not the astonishing power shown by the dragon’s magic, but the accompanying side effects.”

At this point, the duke’s expression remained unchanged.

Yet, I didn’t miss the darkness that flickered in his eyes when I mentioned ‘side effects’.

“Furthermore…”

“The fact that the stronger the dragon’s magical power, the greater the burden on the body… It must be a secret, right?”

The power of a dragon residing within a human body?

Even at a glance, it seemed like a setup with significant side effects.

Especially during the night of the brightest moon, when the dragon’s energy reached its zenith, the tremendous magical power of Ivernum would surge and rampage inside the duke’s body.

It was a tremendous strain for the human mind and body to bear.

“That’s why they never reveal the whereabouts of the family head during that time.”

Everyone was aware of the ability, but the side effects that turned into a weakness remained a secret.

“And I possess a secret method to alleviate those side effects.”

A natural smile adorned my lips as I recalled what could be considered a trump card in dealing with Ivernum.