It's Not A Childcare But A Contract Marriage - Chapter 6 Part 2

“Whoa!”

I stretched my back to relieve the soreness.

‘It’s been several days since I arrived here.’

The fact that they haven’t kicked me out yet is proof that things are going well, isn’t it?

‘Isn’t it the Northern Grand Duke’s official contract marriage?’

Well, Ivernum isn’t a grand duchy, but a duchy. The duchy is located in the northeast, to be exact.

Humming along to meaningless melodies, I reminisced about the romantic stories of the Grand Duke of the North and the Southern States that I had enjoyed reading for the first time in a while. Although I don’t have any original works or future knowledge, the various romance books I read in my previous life provided me with many possibilities.

‘For example, things like a <contract marriage with a duke to break free from a miserable marriage> that an ordinary noble lady would never dream of.’

In this newly born world, where the caste system was well-established, society was rigid, and it was completely unimaginable for those who grew up within these two frameworks.

Thanks to my memories from my previous life, the ability to come up with free ideas has been a great advantage to me. Although I saw blood whenever I compared the childcare arrangements to adults…

‘Now I’ll never make that kind of mistake.’

So I won’t assume that the proposal to the duke will go smoothly like a romantic contract marriage. I merely made a meritorious offer to the other party, and I wonder if the deal will be completed.

‘Even if I have expectations, I won’t be overconfident.’

Controlling my thoughts in that manner, I organized my plans for the future. I shouldn’t be negative or think pessimistically; instead, I should focus on the future after the duke accepts the offer.

‘I’ll make plans for a secure divorce from now on.’

Once I become an ex-duchess, there won’t be as many restrictions as there are now. Ironically, the aristocratic society that used various standards to oppress unmarried girls becomes liberating once you’re married. Perhaps because divorce is rare, people tend to look at single women with warm gazes.

‘On the other hand, this unfair society treats unmarried women poorly.’

In this unjust society, unmarried aristocratic ladies have little decision-making power. Only when the label of unmarried is lifted and they are recognized as noble ladies, either through divorce or widowhood, are they allowed to engage in social activities independently.

‘It’s a strange structure.’

Cursing the unfair social structure in my heart, I wrote down my plans for the future—what I need to complete before the divorce and what I will start after the divorce. As I tapped the plan with a quill, I wondered if I had missed anything.

Knock knock.

As I tapped the plan with a pen and checked, I wondered if I had missed anything.

“Come to think of it… I wonder what my spy family is up to?”

As soon as their daughter, who had been obedient all this time, heard about the wedding talk, she immediately left home.

I haven’t returned to my mansion for several days, and when I came here to the duchy, I intentionally avoided people’s gazes, so my family doesn’t even know where I am.

‘Perhaps they think I’ve run away.’

That’s even better. While they remain unaware of the situation, I can take care of all the work and catch them off guard.

‘Ha. Did they think they’re the only ones who can stab others in the back?’

If the deal with the duke goes well, I’ll expose all the corruption of the Second Prince’s family, which the spy family has hidden.

‘Isn’t it exciting to turn the tables on them?’

I’ll cleanse their corruption. Sitting in the rocking chair in the room I’ve grown accustomed to, I swing my legs while imagining sipping a refreshing cider.

Something catches my eye outside the window.

“Uh, what’s that?”

I hurriedly approach and open the window, and soon a small creature flies into my arms.

“Goo-goo!”

Kkuru-kkuruk?

Gugu, flapping its wings as if greeting me, was my exclusive messenger bird. Trained through special education to reach designated individuals from anywhere.

“I only shared the knowledge of using Gugu with a few people.”

I hastily untied the message tied to Gugu’s leg.

As I unfolded the tightly rolled note and read it, I felt my face stiffen

***

From the main entrance to the secret passage, I have every detail of the guild in my head. Including the hidden corridor at the top that leads to a secret entrance inaccessible to the outside world. I quietly enter the room and face the person who sent the messenger bird to me.

“Mitchell.”

“Sweet Lord!”

Mitchell, who has been helping me since the establishment, is one of my closest confidants and one of the few people I have given a dedicated signpost to.

As soon as I arrived at the upper levels, Mitchell rushed over to me with a face full of embarrassment and concern.

“If it’s Mitchell, you wouldn’t contact me unless it’s a serious matter.”

“That’s correct. You guessed it.”

“What exactly is happening?”

“Well…”

With a slight expression of self-blame for not being able to handle it on her own, Mitchell was about to speak.

Through the wall, I could hear the sound of things falling apart.

“What is that sound of things breaking?”

How could there be someone causing a ruckus in our upper headquarters?

With a furrowed brow, I saw Mitchell tightly close her eyes and open them again, as if the trouble had reached its peak.

“No way… Are they here at the top right now?”

“Everyone, my Lady!”

As I spoke with a stern voice, anticipating the answer, the members of the top floor quickly rushed into the hidden corridor as if seeking refuge, almost simultaneously.