Reasons for Contract Marriage - Chapter 103

I have already received more than I deserve—a kind husband, the title of Duchess, a Dowager Duchess who welcomed me as family, and the kind people of the ducal household.

Yes, I shouldn’t be greedy for more.

“Come to think of it, you’ll soon have to start meeting people in high society properly. Will you be alright? If it’s too much, you can take it slowly.”

At Veronica’s concerned words, Brianna smiled.

If she had been a noblewoman, she would have debuted in high society before becoming a Duchess, forming connections with countless aristocrats. However, as a commoner, high society had always been an unreachable dream. Ever since her marriage had been arranged, everything had moved so quickly that she hadn’t even had the chance to properly greet them.

As Veronica said, it was now time to face them head-on.

“I’ll be fine. If it’s something I have to go through anyway, I won’t avoid it—I’ll confront it.”

Brianna’s resolute answer made Veronica smile and nod approvingly.

“Alright. But don’t push yourself too hard. Aside from the royal ball, you’re free to choose which gatherings to attend.”

A month from now, a ball was scheduled to be held at the royal palace. Leading up to it, Brianna’s schedule was packed with large and small balls, tea parties, charity events, and various other engagements.

As they dined together, Veronica provided information about the noble families Brianna would soon meet—their individual personalities, detailed backgrounds, and even their family histories. She also explained the various duties of a Duchess, one of which was the patronage of artists.

“If you come across a promising artist, consider sponsoring them. Cultivating talented artists and helping their skills flourish is one of the responsibilities of the nobility.”

Veronica was already supporting several painters and musicians. As Brianna pondered her words, a name came to mind—Lily.

“I do have someone I’d like to sponsor.”

“Oh? Who might that be?”

“There’s a soprano singer named Lily Serna at the La Fenice Theater. I’d like to sponsor her. She has truly dazzling talent.”

“A soprano? You mean an opera singer?”

Veronica looked surprised for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter. Soon after, she offered an apology.

“Oh, forgive me for laughing. It’s just that it’s quite rare for a noblewoman to sponsor a female opera singer. Typically, noblemen are the ones who do so, and most of the time, it’s not out of pure patronage.”

As Veronica said, it was usually noblemen who sponsored female opera singers, and many of them had ulterior motives. Under the guise of sponsorship, they would take the singers as their mistresses. Because of this, even those who received genuine patronage were often met with suspicion.

Lily had confided in Brianna about this concern before. She had said that while she desperately wanted a sponsor, she feared that no one would offer pure support. Even more frightening were the judgments of society.

Having once been caught in a scandal herself, Brianna understood that fear all too well. It was like being trapped alone in a room full of prying eyes—a terrifying experience.

“That’s exactly why I want to be her sponsor. If more women start supporting female artists, those prejudices will eventually fade, won’t they?”

Lily had even urged Brianna to keep their friendship a secret, afraid that just being associated with her as an opera singer might bring harm. But in reality, all Lily wanted was to sing—opera was her passion.

A pure patronage was the only way Brianna could truly help her. If Lily didn’t have to worry about rent or living expenses and could devote herself entirely to practice, she would improve far beyond her current level.

“Your dream will surely come true, Lily.”

Brianna recalled the words she had once spoken to Lily inside the theater. That day, Lily had sparkled like a precious gem. Brianna had simply wanted to help her achieve her dreams. And now, she might actually be able to.

Veronica nodded approvingly, smiling. “That’s a wonderful idea. I’ve never thought about that issue before. If that’s your wish, then do as you see fit. In fact, why not take it a step further and establish a foundation for supporting female artists?”

“A foundation?”

“Yes. Supporting female artists is a great endeavor, but if it depends solely on you, it might fade after your passing. Creating an institution to preserve your legacy would ensure its continuation. I have no doubt you would manage it well.”

Brianna was momentarily stunned by the unexpected suggestion and murmured to herself.

“So there was a way…”

Until now, she had been unsure of what to do with the wealth Leona had left her. If she had been in need of living expenses, she would have used it, but as the Duchess, she had no particular need for that money. Even if she were to divorce Lucius, she would be given a substantial settlement that would last her a lifetime.

Leona had been a literary genius, yet even in death, she had been forced to hide her true gender. Brianna had always found that deeply unfortunate—that societal barriers had prevented her from fully embracing her dreams as an artist.

The money Leona had earned through her writing—what better use could there be for it than supporting female artists?

The thought made Brianna’s heart race for the first time in a long while. For the first time, she had found something she truly wanted to do. If she could, she wanted to give wings to talented women like Leona and Lily, allowing them to soar.

“I want to try. Please help me, Mother.”

When Brianna asked for help, Veronica readily agreed.

“Of course. If you need anything, just let me know.”

Brianna beamed. More than anything, she was excited at the thought of seeing Lily again.

When she married Lucius, she had sent an invitation to Lily as well, but Lily had politely declined. She had said that as a Duchess, Brianna needed to maintain a certain image and should not be seen associating with someone like her.

But if she invited her not as a friend, but as a patron, Lily would surely accept.

And when she came and saw things for herself, she would likely feel reassured.

Lily hadn’t approved of Brianna’s marriage. She knew all about Florian, so it was only natural that she didn’t believe the rumors.

[Be honest. That Duke—he didn’t force you into this marriage, did he? Are you really okay?]

Brianna had laughed when she read Lily’s letter, which was filled with such concerns. It seemed Lily had imagined her being locked away in the Duke’s residence, forced into marriage against her will. She had even sworn to come and rescue her like a knight saving a princess.

Brianna had responded by assuring her that while there were complicated circumstances she couldn’t explain, the marriage had been her choice. She also wrote that Lucius Carlisle was truly a good man.

And perhaps, one day, she might even come to love him…

“What could be so entertaining that you didn’t even notice me arriving?”

Just then, a voice rang out. Looking up, Brianna saw Lucius approaching, and she smiled. Veronica, on the other hand, scoffed and turned her head away sharply.

“Hmph, the nuisance is here. We were in the middle of an interesting conversation. Why are you here?”

Lucius gently kissed Veronica’s cheek, appeasing her irritation.

“I’m sorry. Something unexpected came up, so I was a little late.”

“You should be apologizing to Brianna. What kind of husband shows up late to his first dinner with his wife after the wedding, without even sending word?”

Lucius’ gaze shifted to Brianna. “I’m sorry, Brianna. I didn’t realize how late it had gotten.”

His face was filled with sincere regret. He was smiling as usual, but something about him felt different. It was then that Brianna noticed the heavy gloom in his dark eyes.

He was skilled at hiding his emotions, to the point where she usually had no idea what he was thinking. But right now, he looked strangely empty and lonely.

“Luce, are you okay?”

The words escaped her before she could think.

“Did your meeting with the House of Commons representatives not go well?”

Lucius blinked for a moment before smiling brightly. “Of course it went well. Thanks to you, everything went smoothly.”

“Thanks to me?”

“They had a favorable impression of my marriage to you. Unlike the other nobles, they seemed to believe I was sincere.”

Brianna took a small breath. She had never imagined that their marriage could provide him with an advantage.

“I’m so glad. I’m happy I could be of help.”

As Brianna sincerely rejoiced, Veronica shook her head in exasperation.

Instead of scolding her husband for arriving late to dinner without notice, she was just smiling happily.

That sweet nature of hers—how would she ever manage to deal with him?