🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 15
‘Crazy.’
It was purely a victory of my reason that I didn’t blurt out the word that reflexively came to mind.
Only today did I realize that the Duke’s usual attire was strictly functional and businesslike.
The way he had dressed up on purpose today… Even my eyes, which thought they’d grown used to his handsomeness, had to awaken anew.
‘He’s insane. Is he shining a spotlight on himself or what?’
His dazzling looks, like some holy glow was shining on him, made me lower my gaze slightly and calm my racing heart.
I had a flutter of excitement at the shockingly handsome attack—but that’s just a natural instinctive reaction! Let’s not make it too obvious on my face!
While I silently chanted this mantra and composed my expression…
‘Huh? Come to think of it, why is this contract husband just standing there?’
The groom, who was supposed to escort the bride up the steps by the hand, showed no reaction. Curious, I cautiously looked up.
“……”
The Duke was staring at me silently for some reason.
His crimson eyes locked onto me like an anchor and wouldn’t budge.
‘W-What is that?!’
Why are you looking at me like that?
The heart I had just managed to calm began pounding like crazy again.
‘No way! Handsome people shouldn’t look at others like that!’
Even though I told him to go along with the “in love marriage” act!
He said he didn’t like me—so why’s he looking at me like that?! It’s making my heart flutter!
Handsome man looking softly at someone he claims not to like? Guilty!
‘Is he trying to seduce someone or what!’
Grinding my teeth, I deliberately tilted my chin up and spoke with playful sass.
“What? Do I suddenly look prettier to you? Can’t take your eyes off me?”
It was the kind of thing I could say today. I had dressed up that much.
I’d woken up before dawn and gone through massages, skincare, makeup—so many hands had gone into this look!
Though I tried to fill myself with confidence, I couldn’t stop my cheeks from flushing.
‘Ughhh. Say something already!’
Even if he hit back with some snide “You’re embarrassing” remark, I’d take it now!
While I fidgeted nervously, eyes spinning in circles—
“As you said.”
Huh?
The Duke, who had been quietly watching me, let a trace of laughter seep into his eyes.
“I can’t take my eyes off you.”
His lips curved into a soft smile, the kind I had never seen from him before.
What?! Is he teasing me? Or is that real?
“My bride. Will you give me your hand now?”
The Duke gently smiled with half-closed eyes and reached out his hand to me.
And why did his low, mellow voice linger so sweetly in my ears!
‘Aaaahhh!’
You said you didn’t like me! Didn’t like me!
Smiling at someone you don’t like like that should be illegal!
While screaming internally, I had no choice but to take his outstretched hand with a burning face.
The engagement ceremony passed in a flash.
“With this, the two are now engaged. May the divine bless them.”
During the ceremony, I occasionally caught glimpses of familiar faces tearing up.
Despite their sniffles, they clasped their hands and sincerely wished us happiness.
‘Guess I didn’t live such a useless life after all.’
I think I smiled a little too.
“Feels like just yesterday when you first walked into the temple as a little girl, and now here you are, all grown up and getting engaged…”
It was unexpected that the high priest, who officiated the ceremony, came to speak with me personally.
‘He’s always treated me nicely, but I thought it was just because my family, the Sinqere, had ties to the Saintess.’
Given that I was now effectively separating from Sinqere, I figured even the friendly clergy would start treating me differently.
But his words—kind and full of warmth in his wrinkled eyes—made me feel guilty for assuming that.
“If the distant duchy feels unfamiliar, or if your new life ever feels heavy… or if you just need someone to listen, the temple is always open to you.”
“Of course. I’ve heard the duchy has a fine temple as well—I’ll make sure to visit.”
“Good. It puts this old man’s heart at ease knowing that the doors of the temple are always open to you. Our Lord will always welcome your presence.”
“…Thank you.”
His words held an odd sincerity beyond typical well-wishes.
‘Feels more like what a real parent would say.’
Unlike my real family, who didn’t even show up just to express how much they opposed this union.
I lowered my gaze briefly, thinking of the empty chairs we had prepared just in case.
“Ah, this old man is rambling again. As you age, all you gain are worries…”
“No, not at all! I’m grateful. I’ll cherish your blessing.”
“My dear…”
The high priest looked at me with a gentle smile.
Then, holding the sacred object in both hands and bowing his head as if in prayer, he added,
“I will continue to pray for your happiness, however lacking these two hands may be.”
Maybe it was the setting, or the occasion—but his words touched my heart.
Time flew by in a whirlwind.
After the official engagement ceremony, I had to mingle with people again at the reception.
‘I think I saw every famous person on the continent today.’
It wasn’t until the sun was setting that I finally caught a breather.
“If you need anything, just pull this bell rope, my lady.”
“Got it. Thank you.”
As soon as the maid left after helping me change—
Flop.
I threw myself onto the soft chaise and buried my face in a cushion.
“Wow. This is the first time I’ve sat down today.”
Marriage—no, engagement—is no joke.
Lying limp like a wilted veggie, I just rolled my eyes around to look at the room.
It was a spacious and luxurious room, befitting a duke’s house. The only notable thing was a door on the wall next to the bed.
‘That leads to the Duke’s bedroom, right?’
Actually, our case was a bit special.
Normally, couples don’t live together before marriage.
But going back to the Sinqere estate with that fake family meant I might end up gift-wrapped and delivered straight to the senile Marquis.
‘Good call to go straight to the duchy instead.’
Anyway, since we weren’t married yet, sharing a room would be too much—but staying completely apart would contradict our “madly-in-love couple” act.
Hence, the connected rooms.
‘Is the Duke back yet?’
He must’ve been exhausted too from dealing with so many people at the reception.
As I was thinking about my partner for the day, I heard a knock.
Surprised by the perfectly timed interruption, I blinked and called out.
“It’s open! Come in.”
Click.
The door connecting to the Duke’s room opened, and the familiar face I’d spent all day with entered.
‘Maybe it’s because of the earlier shock, but even seeing him in loungewear is… wow.’
Thinking I’d gotten used to Duke Ivernum’s face was clearly overconfidence.
His ceremonial attire was a visual shock, and now his relaxed, partially unbuttoned look was just as dangerous.
‘Stay focused. He’s not just a husband—he’s a contract husband.’
I straightened up and lightly slapped my cheeks.
Then the Duke, who had been stepping in, suddenly paused.
‘Oh, is it because I’m still in a nightgown?’
“May I come closer?”
“Of course. Please, sit.”
I replied naturally, grabbing a large shawl nearby and draping it over my shoulders.
“You worked hard today, Your Grace.”
“You too.”
“You must be tired. Would you like a drink?”
By drink, I meant tea—not alcohol.
We weren’t exactly a warm couple ready to toast with wine.
Drip.
As I poured tea from the pot the maid left, a rich aroma filled the room.
I poured him a cup, then one for myself. The warm steam and scent helped me relax.
“Are you going to keep calling me ‘Your Grace’?”
Pfft.
The sudden question nearly made me spit out my tea.
After barely swallowing it, I cleared my throat and replied,
“Is there a title you’d prefer?”
“Hmm.”
Unlike me, the Duke elegantly sipped his tea.
He placed the now-empty cup down and looked at me.
“Well, ‘Your Grace’ doesn’t suit someone who supposedly left their family out of love for their fiancé.”
“W-Well…”
His calm words somehow made me feel embarrassed. Or was it… cringe?
I thought of all the words I’d heard today and responded.
“I suppose that’s true.”
Judging from the stares and rumors floating around the banquet hall, our image in society was pretty clear:
‘A total Romeo and Juliet situation.’
Though I was far from Juliet, considering my household’s status…
Still, I understood what he meant.
“You’re saying since we’re claiming love as the reason, we should act the part, right?”
He nodded, confirming my understanding.
“No need to talk to me like I’m your superior.”
“Ah… right. I’ll be careful.”
“Don’t be too careful.”
Ugh. That wasn’t my intention…
“It’s just reflexive! You normally speak so formally and intimidatingly—”
“So I seem better as ‘Your Grace’ than ‘Duke’?”
“‘Duke’ at least sounds softer, doesn’t it?”
“I can’t tell the difference.”
Sigh. What a picky contract partner.
I paused to think, then said,
“Then… how about ‘Lord Kyle’?”
“That’s a bit better.”
“So you like it?”
I was a little worried he might dislike me using his name, but thankfully, he seemed fine.
His eyes lingered on me like I was a cheeky puppy.
“There’s no need for honorifics between fiancés, right?”
“…You want me to call you by your name?”
Guess I wasn’t bold enough yet.
Because his reply totally caught me off guard.
