NABCM 14

Chapter 14

‘I thought they might mess with me one more time.’

Since Dulian’s last visit, I had expected more trouble, but none came.

The fake family and even Marquis Gaspar had their pride wounded at the merchant guild, so I thought they might try something new.

‘Well, even if they had planned something, I’ve been holed up in the Duke’s estate, so they couldn’t get to me.’

Staying home safely, even if it felt a bit stifling, turned out to be the right move.

‘And from now on, I’m Ivernum’s fiancée, so they won’t be able to touch me.’

Thinking about how I could make full use of the title of the Duke’s future wife, I smirked.

“Oh my, my lady. Even that smile looks perfect on you!”

My smirk twitched awkwardly.

I still hadn’t gotten used to the over-the-top reactions of the Duke’s maids, who showered me with praise for just about anything.

‘Come to think of it, ever since the fitting for the ceremony…’

“My lady, would you like to try on this dress next?”

“Oh my, you look amazing in everything!”

“With so many beautiful options, it must be hard to choose.”

“Kyaa! I thought you were a goddess!”

‘…Right.’

Every time I changed outfits, cheers erupted. Sparkling eyes shot heart emojis at me like I was an idol.

‘I really felt like some kind of celebrity.’

Looking at the ever-enthusiastic maids, I managed to pull up the corners of my mouth into a smile.

The maid who had been fixing my appearance looked like she was tearing up.

“My lady, you are so beautiful.”

“……”

Today, you’re too beautiful. It’s an honor to help you get ready. You look like an angel, I’m afraid you’ll float away…

As the maids poured out their ridiculous praise that made me squirm, I thought:

‘Why does this contract marriage feel more and more like a childcare story?’

The Duchy of Ivernum, with vast lands in the empire’s north.

It was a tradition in Ivernum for official wedding ceremonies to be held at the family’s main estate.

In exchange, the engagement ceremony, which most noble houses kept simple or skipped altogether, was held as a grand event in the capital.

‘They call this an engagement ceremony? It’s basically a royal wedding.’

Holding not just one but two extravagant ceremonies as a tradition—now I could grasp just how absurdly rich Ivernum was.

“My lady, congratulations on your engagement.”

“Thank you.”

“I’d only heard rumors about Ivernum’s engagement ceremonies, but seeing it in person… It truly deserves its legendary reputation.”

Guests who had never seen such a grand engagement ceremony couldn’t stop complimenting it.

Thanks to them, I learned in detail just how beautiful the venue was—without even getting up.

“This is the most beautiful engagement I’ve ever seen. You must be so happy.”

“Of course.”

I’d lost count of how many guests I’d smiled at. My face was about to freeze in place from holding the same polite smile.

‘Anyway, he should be here by now.’

During a brief lull in the line of guests, I moved my lips and glanced toward the door.

“Oh my goodness! Are those real crystal roses decorating the outside? Aren’t those as expensive as gold right now?”

“I heard the indoor decorations were done by Renaulet himself! Isn’t there a ten-year wait to hire him?”

“I’ve never seen a whole temple lent out for a ceremony! It must be because it’s the Duke of Ivernum!”

Just in time, familiar voices filled the space, chattering with amazement.

Nobles, they’re so easy to impress.

I smiled and happily watched as the familiar faces I’d been waiting for entered.

“Ah, Leader!”

Noticing my gaze, Mitchell led the other merchant members toward me.

They swarmed around like chirping birds, each one eager to say something.

“Congratulations, Leader!”

“The sudden engagement news surprised us, but we’re thrilled for you!”

“Wishing you a happy marriage!”

I could feel the smile on my face grow more genuine.

“Thank you, everyone.”

“Come on, your joy is our joy, Leader!”

“Exactly!”

As they spoke in unison, the merchant members glanced toward Mitchell, as if giving a signal.

‘Hm?’

I blinked, wondering what was going on.

Clearing his throat, Mitchell stepped forward and pulled a velvet box from behind his back.

“Leader, we prepared a gift together for you.”

“What?”

I looked at him in surprise, and Mitchell proudly opened the box.

“A bracelet? And gemstones?”

It was a gold chain bracelet, adorned with a small pink gem.

For middle-class merchants, this was definitely a luxurious item.

I was speechless from the unexpected gift.

“I picked the color to match your eyes!”

“It’s our leader’s engagement—we couldn’t show up empty-handed!”

“We know your tastes better than anyone! The cost might not match the nobles’, but…”

Their excited voices were overflowing with warmth.

“You guys…”

My voice cracked without me realizing.

“Come on. I know how much you all make—I’m the one paying you. Why’d you go all out?”

“Ahem. We didn’t go all out.”

Mitchell adjusted his glasses with a serious expression, denying any extravagance.

“He’s right! For our leader, this is nothing!”

“Today’s not the wedding—it’s just the engagement.”

“Right, engagement. Still, this barely scratches the surface of how much we want to celebrate you!”

Seeing them bicker playfully, yet united in their sincerity, made my chest tighten with emotion.

“This… is more than enough.”

I gently brushed my fingers along the bracelet’s chain.

Through the gloves, it didn’t feel cold like metal but warm—like their hearts.

Their proud eyes watching me made the moment even more special.

“I’m so glad you like it, Leader.”

As I looked at each of their genuinely happy expressions, I made a vow again.

That I’d take full responsibility for these people.

“…When I’m back on my feet, I’ll bring you all back.”

I steadied my voice and smiled.

“I’ll prepare great conditions. You’ll come, right?”

“Uh…”

But instead of the enthusiastic “Of course!” I expected, I saw them exchanging meaningful glances.

It was like they’d made some secret decision without me.

“Hey, if you’ve found better opportunities, that’s fine too.”

“N-no, Leader. It’s not that…”

“I just meant I won’t forget you and I’ll make sure you always have a place—”

“Uuuh…”

I didn’t mean to make them uncomfortable.

The usually chatty merchants suddenly looked like nervous puppies. Even Mitchell looked like he wanted to say something but kept his mouth shut.

‘Wait… am I being that clingy boss who doesn’t know when to let go?’

Yikes.

I’d better change the subject.

There was something I’d been wondering, anyway.

“By the way, where’s Dragonyan? He didn’t come?”

“Oh, he hasn’t returned from his research site yet. But he sent a letter.”

Dragonyan wasn’t part of the merchant group—he was a researcher from the foundation I’d established.

He was obsessed with ancient history, especially dragons, and often traveled to explore ruins.

‘The Ivernum family is linked to dragons. I was hoping to ask him a few things if he showed up.’

I sighed a little in disappointment.

Then Mitchell pulled out a letter from his coat and continued.

“He left a message for you, Leader.”

“Huh? For me?”

“Yes. I informed him of your engagement, but he said he couldn’t just send an ordinary gift like everyone else…”

Huh?

As I widened my eyes, Mitchell pointed to a part of the letter and read it aloud.

“I happened to be conducting dragon-related research—it must be fate. Isn’t the Duke of Ivernum deeply connected to dragons? I, Dragonyan, will find a gift no one else could offer and deliver it to you.”

Hmm. Dragonyan had often made big promises only to return empty-handed.

‘Well, whatever. I won’t expect much but I’ll wait.’

Countless guests arrived. Some were shockingly high in status, others from surprising factions.

I must have greeted dozens of people.

‘Finally over—or rather, just beginning.’

The guest reception was over.

Which meant it was time for the main ceremony.

Led by a temple priest, I stood at the front of the central hall, which was decorated like a wedding venue.

The grand doors of the ancient hall, once used even for coronations, were adorned with flowers.

“When the doors fully open, that’s when you’ll enter.”

I nodded at the kind instruction and looked at the slowly opening grand doors.

‘My contract husband is waiting inside, huh.’

Because of an old superstition that the bride and groom shouldn’t see each other before the ceremony, I hadn’t seen the Duke today.

‘Not that it matters. He’s always been handsome. What difference could it make?’

Thinking that, I recalled his face from the estate.

Yes. Even with all that charm, my heart didn’t flutter anymore. I had grown immune to that level of beauty.

‘I’m fully trained now!’

I confidently looked ahead.

He’s been handsome since day one—no reason to get flustered now. I’d keep calm and collected―

“!”

But as I looked into the hall through the now fully opened doors, I couldn’t help but gape.