It's Not A Childcare But A Contract Marriage - Chapter 5 Part 1

“Yes?”

I couldn’t muster any excitement at the seemingly romantic words. The duke’s next statement, although initially romantic-sounding, made it clear that he had ulterior motives.

“We guarantee your safety.”

Well, then… 

The duke’s sole intention was to maintain our trading partnership until the deal was perfect. Was this the start of a typical contract marriage romance? Did he have a slight crush on me?

‘Because I never considered anything of that sort!’

Really! 

Suppressing my embarrassment, I looked at the duke, ignoring the warmth creeping up my cheeks.

But why did it take me so long to respond? Well, I was preoccupied with other thoughts for a while.

The duke quickly added another suggestion.

“I don’t necessarily mean for you to stay at the duke’s residence.”

“Then…”

“If rumors start spreading, I’ll provide you with a townhouse under a different name.”

Ah! If news got out that an unmarried man and woman were living under the same roof, it would cause a scandal in high society.

Did he think I was concerned about gossip?

In an instant, the duke, who had previously instructed me to do something outside, presented a list of the most luxurious mansions in the capital.

“Choose whichever one you like.”

I glanced down at the list of townhouses, each with a modest estate value, with a bewildered expression.

***

“What is this…”

With vacant eyes, I surveyed the room, where every piece of furniture exuded luxury.

“To enter a townhouse owned by the duke himself.”

According to the explanation from the duke’s servant who led us here, this mansion had been prepared for the successive heads of Ivernum. The landlord’s name was intentionally registered under a pseudonym to maintain anonymity and serve as a private retreat away from the societal hustle.

Is it really appropriate to give me such a private place when we’ve just met?

For a brief moment, that question crossed my mind.

‘Oh, well, what does it matter? If things go well, we might even end up getting married.’

As I gazed at the inviting bed, a shameless thought emerged, overpowering my doubts.

Well then, let me enjoy the softness of the sheets as I lay face down for a while and recharge my energy.

“Ah.”

Only after feeling relief did a sigh escape from my lips.

“Thank God…”

In truth, I had been the one hanging on during the early negotiations.

I had expected it would be challenging to convince the duke, who was unaware of the existence of tranquilizers, but I came prepared with unwavering determination.

“Actually, things turned out even better than planned, didn’t they?”

Surprisingly, the duke’s attitude was quite optimistic.

‘I have faith in the efficacy of sedatives. The marriage on the other hand… I had prepared myself for an immediate rejection, but they offered me a place like this, indicating a positive consideration.’

Doesn’t this sound like a situation where a positive answer is likely?

I let go of my tension and rested my face against the cushion, which boasted the utmost softness, fitting for a duke’s residence.

A muffled voice escaped from my pressed cheek.

“I’m truly relieved.”

I swallowed the honest thoughts that almost slipped out without me realizing.

In reality, there weren’t many people who could halt the marriage discussions initiated by the Sinkere family, who had recently gained the title of Marquis. Among the influential figures capable of doing so, there were even fewer who would entertain my proposal.

If I were to approach just anyone based on their status, they might turn out to be someone who would wield their power against me, using their spouse’s family name of the Duke’s opponent, the Sinkere family.

‘The Duke of Ivernum… I never saw him in that light.’

Uncharacteristically, for the first time, thoughts of the duke brought a somewhat pleasant feeling.

‘Even if he understood the predicament I was forced into, he didn’t exploit my situation, where I was desperately seeking a marriage partner…’

On the contrary, he expressed anger as if it were his own undertaking.

For some reason, my stomach tingled, so I wriggled my hands.

After reliving the conversation with the duke in my mind for a while, a sudden thought emerged, and I murmured to myself.

“Come to think of it… The duke probably believes that I fled my family because I detest the marriage.”

It was merely an opportunity that arose suddenly.

The reason I harbored resentment towards the Sinkere was due to their continuous mistreatment.

“Well, the intricate details of my personal circumstances…”

Who wants to hear about them?

I chuckled lightly and brushed my flowing hair.

Alright. To avoid arousing unnecessary suspicion, it’s not a bad idea to appear as an immature young lady who fled due to a distaste for marriage.

“I hope you’ll accept my proposal without delving too much into it.”