It's Not A Childcare But A Contract Marriage - Chapter 5 Part 2

Meanwhile, in the Duke’s office, the long-serving aide observed the Duke with a sense of bewilderment. The Duke, unlike his usual self, didn’t immediately demand the submission of documents upon entering his office.

“Well, it’s been like that since the moment I let the young lady in without an appointment, which is already different from usual.” the aide pondered.

If the Duke had been an ordinary nobleman, he would have sent the Count’s daughters back from the mansion’s doors instead of allowing them into his office. However, today was different. Not only was she allowed inside, but there was also no waiting time.

Such special treatment was unprecedented for any casual visitor to the duchy. When the aide reported the name of the young lady who had come that day—Evely Sinkere—the Duke’s hand twitched and halted as he handed over the documents.

‘I never expected to hear about Lady Sinkere,’ the aide thought, recalling that the Duke had taken an interest in her a few years ago.

The aide vividly remembered the description of Lady Sinkere—the only daughter of the Sinkere family—as given by the Duke. Her light hair color resembling soft sunlight and pink rosy eyes were the only clues the Duke had provided, yet the aide recalled the description perfectly.

The Duke’s interest in Lady Sinkere had caused great excitement among his aides at the time. It was challenging to pinpoint the right young lady based solely on her hair and eye color, but surprisingly, they were able to identify her quickly. Lady Sinkere had become a famous figure in the capital due to her beauty and elegance, despite her family’s decision to keep her away from social gatherings.

The aide couldn’t help but wonder why the Duke had shown interest in Lady Sinkere, especially considering that her family, the Sinkeres, were political opponents of the Ivernum family. Yet, after expressing his initial curiosity about her, the Duke never asked any further questions.

Thus, when the guard informed the aide about the uninvited guest, he reported it to the Duke instead of immediately dismissing her. Little did he know that this report would lead to such a significant turn of events.

‘What a shock to suddenly hear the Duke mentioning marriage!’ the aide thought, still shaken by the revelation. He quickly adopted a competent vassal’s attitude and asked the Duke how they should handle the person who leaked Ivernum’s secrets, as was customary.

The aide referred to the secret of Ivernum—the amplification of magical power and the resulting overload. It was crucial to prevent this information from leaking, as it was a matter related to the Duke’s personal affairs. However, the amplification and overload of magical power were known only to a select few.

“No, the hunt is over,” the Duke responded, surprising the aide. Sensing his master’s intention, the aide suggested accelerating the disposal of the bait.

The bait was deliberately used to spread rumors about Ivernum’s weakness during a full moon night. It involved someone with weak control over their magic power, who might be swayed by the increased magic energy during the full moon. However, it was impossible for someone of the Duke’s caliber to be influenced by such circumstances.

Finding the Duke on a full moon night would be nothing short of suicidal. His ferocity during this time was at its peak, and he was a being of extreme danger, even in one’s nightmares. The aide felt proud that the bait effectively dealt with the nuisances that bothered the Duke.

The Duke had a unique way of utilizing even the most insignificant traitors effectively. His excellence was undeniable, and the aide couldn’t help but admire him. With utmost respect, the aide presented the information he had gathered about Sinkere, as commanded by the Duke.

The Duke, still tense, perused the papers at a slower pace than usual. The aide, full of deference, cautiously suggested interrogating Lady Sinkere, concerned that it might go against the Duke’s wishes.

“Interrogate Lady Sinkere?” the Duke repeated, his piercing gaze making the aide feel as if lightning had struck his spine. The aide stammered, trying to explain his suspicions.

“Isn’t it suspicious? She is a direct descendant of the Sinkere family, who considers us their nemesis. Perhaps her decision to visit is not merely a ploy to escape her family,” the aide explained, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead.

The aide’s words echoed a possibility that the Duke had already considered. The aide then mentioned sedatives, noting that if someone possessed the skill to handle such potent medicine, it wouldn’t be difficult for them to create a poison with the opposite effect.

While the subordinate deduced the implications behind the Duke’s vague words, the Duke quietly contemplated a fact he had not disclosed to his aide.

‘No, all of that is trivial,’ the Duke thought, dismissing the aide’s concerns. Compared to the young lady herself and the secret of Ivernum that only the successive householders knew, these matters were inconsequential.

As the Duke recalled the truth that even the head of the household didn’t know, his eyes sank deeper into contemplation.