It's Not A Childcare But A Contract Marriage - Chapter 23 Part 2

‘He must have intentionally used Sinkere’s name to avoid showing favoritism between the First Prince and the Second Prince.’

In the competition for the next Emperor, I heard that the Emperor usually maintains a neutral attitude.

It seems like he did it on purpose because he was afraid that if he called me by Ivernum’s last name, it would be seen as excessively praising someone from the First Prince’s faction.

‘Sinkere is also part of the Second Prince’s faction, but compared to Ivernum, who is the leader of the First Prince’s faction… it’s insignificant.’

Is this self-help or immorality?

Well, wouldn’t it be okay since the family was the first to commit corruption?

“The development of the epidemic treatment is a great achievement worthy of a Duke who receives direct praise from me. To accomplish such a significant task at such a young age…!”

The Emperor opened his mouth in a rhetorical tone and spoke with an expression of mock admiration.

“With people like them, the Empire’s future looks bright! They have truly accomplished a great feat.”

“I don’t know what to do with the grace of His Majesty, who has given me so much undeserved praise for something that was only a matter of showing off the small amount of talent I was supposed to have as a member of the empire.”

“An outstanding talent, and so humble! Indeed, today is a joyous day for the Empire.”

As I followed the etiquette and gave a gold-plated reply to my superior, the Emperor nodded repeatedly with a satisfied look on his face.

“My faithful servant, the talented Evely Singkere, please step forward.”

I carefully moved neither too quickly nor too slowly as I followed the Emperor’s gaze and stepped forward, bowing respectfully.

At the Emperor’s gesture, the servant came closer, and soon I felt a slight but noticeable weight being placed on my shoulders.

It was a baronial crest.

“Alright, everyone, let us warmly welcome the fresh blood of our new empire!”

The Emperor, who had personally given me the coat of arms, raised me up and gave orders to those around me.

The crowd in the banquet hall responded enthusiastically with thunderous applause, and my spine tingled with excitement.

Being recognized for my achievements in front of so many people was a thrilling experience.

“Baron Plenius.”

I turned my head at the mention of my name.

“Congratulations.”

As always, the Duke wore an expressionless face as he offered his congratulations.

Dry, indeed! He was the first to offer congratulations, but I don’t know if he’s being attentive or blunt.

Perhaps it was because I was in such a good mood, but I found myself laughing at the contradictory behavior of my enigmatic contract husband.

I think I saw his red eyes widen for a moment.

“Congratulations! I suppose we should call you Baron Plenius now.”

“Congratulations.”

“His Majesty seems truly impressed, Baron Plenius. You’ve done something remarkable.”

I quickly had no choice but to turn my attention to the congratulations pouring in from all directions.

“Oh, no need for that. Thank you. You were all kind enough to say good things to encourage the young ones.”

There were so many names to remember – of course, it would be a disaster if I forgot them, so I worked hard to remember them – but my mouth was busy responding to so many people one by one.

“Now, Baron Plenius, enjoy your well-deserved celebration to the fullest. Would you like to have a little chat for a moment?”

In the midst of it all, my contract husband was captured by the Emperor.

“Your Majesty.”

“Oh, don’t be so reserved today either. I will especially teach the new groom my secrets for newlyweds.”

“… …”

“No, don’t look at me coldly like that. Tsk, it doesn’t even go well with jokes. So cold-hearted.”

The Emperor made an old man’s comment and then clicked his tongue when met with a chilly gaze.

“Ivernum, you are all nice, but the problem is that you have no sense of humor.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes! Anyway, this is something important, so give me a moment. Geraldine, come here too. “Elshan, I’ll call you separately later.”

Before leaving, the Duke looked over at me and smiled, saying he would take care of everything.

“… … .”

But then…

‘Wow, that was a really dangerous expression just now.’

It was especially harmful to my heart health.

The fleeting expression on the Duke’s face as he briefly lifted the corner of his mouth got stuck in my mind.

To calm my racing heart, I blurted out something without thinking.

‘Huh? Did you just… chuckle at me, Duke?’

Okay. Let’s put it that way. The Duke, who said he didn’t like me, immediately laughed at me. No matter how good-looking you are, you shouldn’t do that to ordinary people!

I mumbled to myself in my mind while actively engaging with the people around me on the surface.

“Evely.”

I heard a familiar voice. 

Amidst the congratulations, where everyone made sure to address me as “Baron,” the sound of my name being singled out felt like it stood out.

‘I knew you would come.’

With the most radiant smile on my face, I turned my head to face the person I had been waiting for.