It's Not A Childcare But A Contract Marriage - Chapter 23 Part 1

If the corner of my mouth, which had been firmly shut as usual, showed a subtle playfulness, could it be my imagination?

“What do you mean?”

I could feel the attention of the people in the banquet hall.

I maintained a smile that was a mixture of embarrassment and delight on the surface while moving only my lips to speak quickly.

“They just announced my name! Surely the Duke had a hand in this, right?”

“You have a unique way of expressing yourself.”

My face and words seemed to be having separate experiences, which amused him. He spoke with a stoic expression, as if teasing me.

No, how could he make jokes in a situation like this? This man is truly unlike anyone I’ve ever seen.

“No, seriously, what did you do? I actually tried to request a correction, but the Imperial Records Office said it would never be accepted?”

I had even gone to the official in charge of maintaining the records in the Imperial Palace. 

I showed evidence of my actual involvement in the development of the cure and even persuaded them to correct the name of the responsible person.

But, the records officer said that records already written in imperial history could never be changed. My request for correction was flatly rejected.

I even tried discreetly slipping a pouch of gold coins, wondering if this was what bureaucrats called a “lubrication request.”

‘He accused me of trying to buy them with my money. Ah, I must have misunderstood the honesty of a dedicated public servant.’

He had pursued it with unwavering determination, like a Joseon scholar who never gave in to the king’s anger.

I was a top-tier elite who could easily outmatch them in financial power, but I wasn’t able to sway them with that money.

I even felt a sense of respect for his dedication to his job.

“They say the letters written in Imperial Records are permanent. How on earth… … .”

I’m really curious.

The Duke, who had caught a glimpse of my expression, spoke up.

“Even without removing the characters that were written, you can add characters that correct the errors in previous records.”

“What? No, that kind of pun… …! That officer! When I asked, they said there was absolutely no way!”

“Do you think what I said is the same as what you said as a Sinkere?”

Hmm. It’s unfortunate, but it’s true.

I nodded slightly and thought.

‘That officer. Was he swayed by power, not money?’

Ivernum—a filthy dog of authority! But for now, things have turned out well!

‘Thanks to that, it’s me instead of the inept official! Today, I’m receiving the title!’

I inwardly scolded the record keeper who had presumably yielded to Ivernum’s power. With sparkling eyes, I looked at the Duke.

“Duke… You’re a perfect Northern Duke.”

“What?”

The Duke seemed perplexed, but I was so overcome with joy that I didn’t care.

Such a great person!

‘Awesome! After all, the powerful Grand Duke of the North! There’s a reason why he has the most specs as a male lead!’

No matter what genre you’re in, whether it’s a childcare story or a contract marriage story, you’re qualified to be the male lead!

I felt a pleasant sense of excitement that made my cheeks flush.

I was babbling to myself in excitement, not knowing what I was saying. Then, I suddenly had a question.

“But how did you know that I was the one who really developed the cure for infectious diseases?”

“… …”

I don’t think I’ve ever said anything to the Duke other than sedatives. It was strange. As I was tilting my head, wondering, I heard the summons from the Emperor.

Turning my head in response to my name being called, the Duke reached out his hand as if it were a matter of course.

“Give me your hand.”

“Thank you for escorting me.”

As I walked towards the Emperor with my arms holding his arm just like before, I initially felt a bit nervous about facing the Emperor himself.

But seeing the person next to me maintaining an expression as if he were called by a friend’s dad, I also naturally became calm and my mind calmed down.

‘Phew. Yeah. He’s just a neighborhood dad. He’s dressed in fancy clothes and can casually dismiss people with a single word…’

But that’s not what a neighborhood dad is like!

My attempt to relax was shattered into pieces, but thanks to the absurdity of my thoughts, my mind was oddly refreshed.

I bowed to the Emperor, taking care not to hunch my neck and shoulders too much.

“Okay. Here comes the person of merit I was looking for.”

“It is an honor, Your Majesty.”

“Evely Sinkere. Oh yeah. It’s still before the wedding at Ivernum Duchy, so you won’t be offended if I call you this, right?”

Not at all.

If someone can answer ‘yes, it’s a bit disappointing’ when their superior asks, ‘Are you feeling upset?’ then bring them here.

I am not that kind of brave person, so I politely answered, ‘Of course, Your Majesty,’ and thought to myself.