It's Not A Childcare But A Contract Marriage - Chapter 4 Part 2

‘What’s happening?’

Could you clarify a little? Right now, anticipation and anxiety are battling inside me, leaving me trembling.

“Hasn’t your opinion changed since you initially reviewed the proposal?”

“Ah, yes. Yes!”

“That’s what I meant.”

I was taken aback by his sudden response.

I think the Duke even smiled slightly.

Sensing a hint of laughter in his words, I mused inwardly, ‘Am I that funny? Are you amused?’

Well, it doesn’t matter if I amuse him.

As long as he accepts the marriage proposal favorably.

“Wow. Anyway, I think things will work out…?”

I felt the tension release from my stiff shoulders.

Feeling quite relieved, I made sure not to let my facial expression relax too much.

‘After all, the Duke hasn’t made up his mind completely yet. I need to appear favorable with a good deal.’

Suppressing my excitement, I forced a smile, pretending that nothing was amiss.

“Feel free to contact me when you’ve reached a decision.”

Oh, right.

I pushed the vial pouch toward the Duke and said, “Feel free to try this medicine if you have any doubts.”

It was a place where each Duke’s family would be able to inspect the medicine offered by others without any reservations. The Duke would be able to discern the power of the sedative. However, he would still have to ensure that the medicine hadn’t been tampered with.

‘Well, that’s why I brought it here to test it multiple times.’

I opened up and spoke confidently.

“Since I purposely brought a generous amount, there should be enough for inspection.”

“… …”

“Then, I’ll take my leave.”

I stood up from my seat, bid a polite farewell, and turned to leave.

But at that moment, I saw the Duke’s eyebrows furrow as if he disapproved of something.

‘No, what didn’t you like about my farewell?’

Was there something wrong? I thought I had successfully secured a good deal, like a heroine in a contract marriage.

Wasn’t a completely cool exit the standard?

This is the Northern Grand Duke, the Namjoo… ¹“Namjoo” is a Korean term that is typically used to refer to a male protagonist or a male lead character in a story. It is commonly used in the context of romantic novels or dramas, where the male lead is often portrayed as charismatic, attractive, and playing a central role in the storyline.

“This is the first time I’ve ever seen a woman so confident in front of me. This feeling I’m experiencing for the first time isn’t bad.”

Shouldn’t he be laughing at me instead?

‘But why is the Duke in front of me frowning instead of laughing?’

I was captivated by his handsome face and momentarily forgot about it. But deep down, the Duke exuded an intimidating aura. I even wrote down this impression…

‘His cold aura caused a shiver to run down my spine.’

“Where are you going?”

“Um…?”

Even his voice was cold.

What’s wrong? Hmm, that expression is kind of scary.

When I couldn’t answer right away and hesitated, the impression of the duke’s eyes meeting mine resurfaced.

Ah, I feel a little more at ease now.

“Well, the Duke will need some time to review the medicine’s ingredients and the marriage documents. In the meantime, I’ll be waiting at the mansion.”

“At the mansion?”

“Yes, I won’t go anywhere. I’ll be staying at Countess Sinkere’s residence in the capital, so please feel free to contact the mansion once you’ve reached a decision.”

I’ll give him as much time as he needs. I’ll patiently wait at a known location, so he can contact me immediately after the verification.

I didn’t like how I sounded like a common-sense, well-mannered business partner.

The Duke furrowed his brow and spoke.

“What will you do if your family confines you?”

“Huh? Me?”

“Exactly. Didn’t they just force you into a marriage proposal that didn’t sound like words?”

“Well, my family… Yes, they did. They did…”

The Duke’s expression twisted as if the mere thought was unpleasant.

“What if you return to the mansion and they lock you up, forcing you to marry? Are you prepared for that?”

Huh? confinement?

No matter how twisted the Savage family is, are they really that foolish?

I was a little taken aback by the Duke’s worst-case scenario prediction, but as I recalled the past of my family, I nodded.

“It’s plausible… there is a possibility.”

Reflecting on the naive and wicked personalities of the Sinkere family, the Duke’s worst-case scenario seemed somewhat plausible. Perhaps sensing the convincing look on my face, the Duke immediately proposed an alternative plan.

“Stay with me.”

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  “Namjoo” is a Korean term that is typically used to refer to a male protagonist or a male lead character in a story. It is commonly used in the context of romantic novels or dramas, where the male lead is often portrayed as charismatic, attractive, and playing a central role in the storyline.