It's Not A Childcare But A Contract Marriage - Chapter 22 Part 1

After a while, the chamberlain loudly announced the Emperor’s arrival. 

“The greatest light of the Empire, His Imperial Majesty has arrived!”

Everyone in the banquet hall bowed. The Emperor, seated on the podium, immediately began his opening speech.

I maintained an attentive expression while disregarding the formal speech.

Thanks to the presence of the Duke and the First Prince by my side, I had a good view of the Emperor’s features, which I hadn’t seen up close before.

‘The Princes’ looks seem to be inherited.’

The First Prince had a sociable, senior vibe to him, while the Second Prince had the appearance of a sensitive art student. Although their types were different, both princes were undoubtedly handsome. 

The two handsome princes seem to have been the result of their mothers’ genes.

Looking at his appearance, the Emperor was an ordinary middle-aged man.

‘Except for the fact that his eyes look oddly cold.’

It’s surprising that despite his continuous laughter during the speech, he didn’t give off a particularly friendly vibe.

While I was wasting time thinking about that, the long speech finally came to an end.

“Well then, today, we cannot help but honor the individual who has made the greatest contribution to organizing this celebration.”

After finishing his speech with those words, the Emperor came down from the platform and walked away.

* * *

“Oh my! Oh my! Is His Majesty coming here right now?”

“My goodness, I’ve heard, but… Countess Sinkere, you must be very delighted today! Congratulations in advance!”

The person who was talking so loudly was the wife of a baron and a visCountess who owned a mansion on the outskirts of Noble Street.

She wasn’t exactly in the same class as Lady Malice Sinkere who came from Sinkere County, but she occasionally granted her the privilege of engaging in small talk.

“Well, I suppose so, but… We should wait to hear what His Majesty has to say.”

Countess Sinclair feigned humility, maintaining a posture of reverence, while fanning herself and extending her fan gracefully.

‘Of course, I’m just saying that. Today my son will receive a reward directly from His Majesty the Emperor!’

She could feel her face flush with anticipation, her heart pounding.

This level of excitement would be perfectly acceptable as a parent proudly showcasing their child.

‘Perhaps it would even add some liveliness to my girlish image.’

While she entertained such thoughts, Countess Sinkere, who had unknowingly come very close, bowed deeply, concealing her trembling chest, and greeted the approaching Emperor.

“Countess Sinkere.”

“It is an honor, Your Majesty.”

‘I can’t believe my name was called by His Majesty so close!’

Lady Sinkere’s husband, standing beside her, skillfully displayed a look of deep emotion while bowing even more deeply.

Immediately afterwards, His Majesty spoke kindly with a benevolent smile, as if he wanted to express his congratulations before handing out the award.

“I heard that Sinkere played a big role in driving out this epidemic.”

“I just did my best as a faithful subject of His Majesty.”

“Yes. Indeed, you come from a family that carries the bloodline of the Saintess. Although you may not possess the healing powers, as the descendant of the Saintess, you managed to drive out such a formidable disease from our Empire, didn’t you?”

Her husband’s eyebrows twitched as his Majesty praised him, saying that even though he did not have natural strength, he achieved great results by honing what he had.

‘Wow, Your Majesty is really mischievous too.’

Unlike the Imperial Family, which maintained its original authority, Sinkere now has no power, so why bother mentioning it?

Her husband still harbored some lingering attachment to the notion of a Saintess.

In the past, he had even gone to great lengths to have a daughter…

‘Well, it was all in vain. It seems that the child born of the Sinkere couldn’t have grown into anything special.’

The Countess felt like she was about to burst out laughing, but she bowed her head politely and calmed her expression as she thought about her son who was waiting for her.

‘Now it’s time to get to the point… … .’

Even though not much time had passed, time seemed to pass slowly, perhaps because the anticipation was so great.

Her mouth felt dry from impatience.

Fortunately, perhaps sensing that sufficient compliments had been given, the Emperor turned away and signaled to his attendant.

“Let me honor the faithful servant who accomplished this remarkable feat.”

“Your Majesty…!”

Without realizing it, she let out a breath she had been holding. Lady Sinkere turned to look at her family.

Her sturdy husband. Her accomplished firstborn. Her adorable second child.

She could see anticipation flashing across her lovely Doulian’s face. Her heart was filled with pride.

“It just so happened that there was no one to succeed Baron Plenius.”

The Countess covered her mouth with her hand as she almost burst out in laughter from her overflowing emotion.

The title that had been cut off due to the absence of a suitable heir was now being restored.

The barony was a low-level noble with no real estate, but there was still a big difference between being the child of a noble and a titled noble with a hereditary title.

‘Unless the eldest inherits the title, any subsequent noble-born children must find their own paths.’

If they failed to marry into nobility, the children of nobles who were not the eldest were at risk of immediately falling into commoner status.

‘Of course I won’t let my son end up like that.’

The fate of noble children who were not the firstborn was uncertain, and the position was unstable.

But now, the opportunity to overcome that instability was right in front of us!