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Chapter 4
“…My doubts are less now, but I still want to be sure.”
“Of course. It’s better to be certain. A merchant never lowers their guard until the payment is complete.”
“Unfortunately, I’m not a merchant.”
Diana replied coldly and held out her hand to Uber, who was on her shoulder. The golden flame moved into her hand and gently settled onto the table.
“Is that a spirit?”
“It’s Uber.”
Edward looked at it with curiosity. But Uber didn’t even look at him. It felt like it was turning its back on him, even though it had no face.
Soon, Uber burned brightly and floated into the air. Then it turned into a document.
“…A marriage contract.”
“I included all the conditions you mentioned. We will fulfill the duties of husband and wife. You cannot touch me without my permission. And the duration is one year, starting from the wedding day.”
Edward read the contract faster than she spoke and nodded.
“That is enough.”
Diana looked at him.
Even after hearing such a cold contract, he showed no reaction. It was strange.
“…After one year, leave me without delay.”
“Alright.”
“……”
Edward looked at her gently, his eyes full of affection.
“Use me however you want for one year. I’ll help you achieve everything you want.”
“……”
“And when the time comes…”
His eyes curved into a bright smile—but somehow, it looked sad.
“Throw me away.”
Diana stared at him silently. His blue eyes held no hidden meaning.
“…Choose a finger and press it on the document.”
“Understood.”
Without hesitation, Edward pressed his thumb onto the document.
To ordinary people, Uber would just look like fire. Yet he showed no fear.
Diana hesitated for a moment, then pressed her own thumb onto it.
The room glowed gold for a moment before Uber returned quietly to her shoulder.
“…This is a spirit’s oath. Whoever breaks it will die.”
“I see.”
Diana wanted to scold him.
Why didn’t he question it? Why wasn’t he afraid?
But that didn’t matter now.
“…Give me your hand for a moment.”
He obediently placed his hand in front of her.
Diana held it and traced something on the back of his hand with her finger.
His hand was large and rough—a hand that showed hardship.
“Edward, if your life is ever in danger, I will know.”
“…For one year, right?”
“Yes.”
When she let go, Edward pulled his hand back with a hint of regret.
A golden mark briefly appeared, then disappeared.
“I’ll leave now.”
“May I send you a gift?”
“What gift?”
“A gift for my bride.”
“…Do as you like.”
Edward smiled brightly like a child.
Before leaving, Diana hesitated.
Should she say something kind? Should she smile?
But she couldn’t.
Her sharp eyes couldn’t form a soft smile like his. Her cold nature wouldn’t let her speak gently.
She was about to leave when—
“Ed.”
“…?”
Edward smiled.
“Next time, call me Ed, Diana.”
“…I’ll think about it.”
Diana disappeared in golden flames.
“See you again.”
Because I want to see you.
* * *
At the Kailum Grand Ducal residence—
Butler Fides was sweating as he guided carriage after carriage.
“Place this over there, and that one here.”
Dietrich stepped outside and watched.
“These are gifts from the Mare Guild.”
“Mare?”
“Yes. Baron Mare sent them for Lady Diana.”
“…No wonder he’s the richest man in the empire.”
Even the Grand Duke’s family was wealthy.
But this… was beyond normal.
“He personally selected them—jewelry, dresses, shoes, books, spices…”
“That’s impressive.”
Jewelry and dresses were expensive.
Books and spices were also rare. Especially spices—they had become sixty times more expensive recently.
“…He’s insane.”
“What?”
“I mean… he’s very sincere.”
Even the carriages themselves were shining.
“…Sister, your future husband is quite impressive.”
“…Hmph.”
Fides approached respectfully.
“I will organize everything and report to you.”
“Good work.”
“I knew the Mare Guild was powerful, but… I didn’t expect this. Endless golden carriages…”
“…Golden?”
“Yes. All the carriages are made of gold and mahogany.”
Diana fell silent.
“That’s some serious affection.”
“…Be quiet.”
As she walked inside, Dietrich followed.
“A spirit oath and all these gifts… impressive.”
Diana didn’t deny it.
But it made her feel guilty.
‘I have nothing to give him.’
She shouldn’t feel sympathy.
He chose this himself.
Why would someone give love knowing they won’t receive it back?
Even Diana, who understood people well, couldn’t understand Edward.
“My lady, you have a guest.”
“Who—”
She turned and froze.
Edward de Mare stood at the door.
“It’s been a while, Diana.”
“…He really came,” Dietrich muttered.
“He made an appointment.”
“…An appointment?”
“Yes, with the Grand Duke.”
“With father?”
“Yes. Since I’ll be his son-in-law, I thought I should greet him.”
“……”
“And now, I can meet you without an appointment…”
He walked toward her and handed her a small bouquet.
“I missed you.”
“……”
Diana accepted it without thinking.
It was a simple bouquet—hard to believe it came from a man who sent golden carriages.
“You look beautiful today, Diana.”
She couldn’t even say thank you. She just nodded.
“And it’s my first time greeting you. I am Edward de Mare.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Dietrich de Kailum.”
“I hope you’ve heard good things about me.”
They spoke politely.
“Those gifts were impressive.”
“I personally chose them for my bride and her family.”
Dietrich looked at Diana but said nothing.
“I’m relieved. My sister will be happy during this short marriage.”
“Of course. I will make Diana happy.”
Diana cut in.
“…Father must be waiting.”
“Will you guide me, Diana?”
His blue eyes looked at her gently, almost pleading.
She couldn’t refuse.
She was kind and generous.
And Edward knew that well.
“This way.”
“Yes, Diana.”
As they walked away, Dietrich muttered quietly:
“…I really don’t understand that man.”
