Reasons for Contract Marriage - Chapter 133

Around that point, Brianna was about to wrap up her story about her parents. However, Lucius kept asking questions.

“Then did your parents get married in Harzen and continue living there afterward?”

“No, originally, right after they got married, they went to where my father was living. There’s a village where mercenaries gather and live together. But once my mother got pregnant with me, I think she started having doubts. My father had to stay on the battlefield for months to earn money, and she would have been alone during that time. In the end, they returned to Harzen, where they could be together as a family, even if it meant earning less.”

There was another reason her father gave up making big money and settled in Harzen. He didn’t want to show his wife and child the cruel side of a mercenary who would do brutal things for money.

“When I was little, we used to visit that village sometimes to see my father’s old comrades. They were so fond of me…”

Just then, the butler entered the room. Sensing that he had something urgent to say to Lucius, Brianna quietly withdrew and returned to her own room.

Lucius’s eyes did not leave her until she had completely closed the door. As if trying to capture even the lingering scent she left behind.

“…Should I come back later?”

Carl’s teasing question was filled with mischief, and Lucius finally turned his head, wearing a sheepish expression.

“Is it really that obvious?”

“It’s not just obvious. Everyone’s talking about it lately. That the Duke has changed. Even the postman who comes to the estate asked if something good had happened to you.”

Lately, Lucius looked like a man unmistakably in love, and everyone knew the reason behind it was the Duchess. From the moment they started sharing a room, he had been that way.

“…I see.”

Lucius cleared his throat unnecessarily and rubbed his neck. Even he had to admit he had been a bit out of sorts lately.

And who could blame him? Lately, Brianna had been especially sweet. She came to greet him every day, and today, she had personally taken care of something that could’ve easily been left to a servant.

To be honest, every time her hands touched him, he had the urge to lay her back down on the bed. If he wrinkled the dress she had carefully put on and messed up her hair accessories, she’d probably complain at first, asking when she’d have time to dress up again.

But that would only last a moment, and soon she would open herself to him. As he peeled back the layers of her clothing and bit into the soft swell of her breast hidden underneath, sweet moans would pour out. And lower down, surely…

“Hoo…”

Lucius let out a soft sigh, deciding he’d better not let his thoughts wander any further. He loosened his collar to calm his rising breath. If Carl hadn’t come in just then, things really might have escalated. Maybe it was a good thing he had.

“Is this about the Crown Prince’s movements?” Now back to his usual composed self, Lucius asked.

Carl responded, “Yes, it seems the Crown Prince is trying to make contact with mercenary groups.”

“Mercenaries?”

“They’re the easiest forces to hire, after all. Since the Empire can’t move openly, it seems the Crown Prince is trying to make secret contracts.”

If the Empire openly hired mercenaries, it would expose their lack of military strength. Having the Crown Prince handle it in the background made sense.

“But they don’t have the funds to buy mercenaries, do they?”

According to recent intelligence, the Kazakh Empire was suffering from a severe financial crisis. They were reportedly planning to implement rationing due to a food shortage.

In such a situation, being able to hire mercenaries would be a major help. Mercenaries didn’t need to be supplied— they provided their own weapons and food. But of course, hiring such self-sufficient forces required considerable funding.

“It’s likely he’s just sounding out conditions. It’s not as though the Crown Prince has his own funds. At this stage, I don’t think it’s something you need to worry too much about.”

Lucius nodded. Mercenaries were never ones to take a loss, so they wouldn’t move unless they were paid. Just as Carl said, it was enough to simply observe for now.

Still, mercenaries…

Lucius stroked his chin, falling into thought. The topic of mercenaries had come up right after hearing a story from Brianna about her father. Naturally, his thoughts circled back to her.

It had been a long time since he last heard her talk about her family. Perhaps the first time since the story of her father’s watch. He had always known she was deeply affectionate toward her parents, but hearing her speak just now, it became even more apparent why.

Her parents seemed to have loved each other deeply. And for the sake of his wife and daughter, her father had given up his life’s work and settled in the countryside. It was no wonder Brianna, born to such parents, turned out so gentle and warm-hearted.

Surely, she must want a family like that of her own.

He wished they could have a child soon…

Lucius recalled a wish he had long kept only in his mind.

He hoped Brianna would become pregnant as soon as possible. When she’d asked recently whether he wanted to see her rolling around from getting fat, the image of her belly round with child had come to mind. Just imagining her waddling about with his child made him smile.

“…If it’s quick, she could be pregnant within a few months, right?”

Though the question came out of nowhere, Carl quickly grasped what he meant and answered, “Ah, of course. I’m sure you and the Duchess will receive good news soon.”

Then he carefully suggested, “Or perhaps it might be a good idea to have her see a physician? Given the timing, she might already be expecting.”

Lucius shook his head. “I don’t want that. It might only make Brie feel more pressured.”

Especially since he had brought up an heir as the excuse for their marriage. Forcing her to see a doctor now would only feel like urging her to conceive.

“Then just take your time and wait a little longer. You two get along so well—what’s the rush?”

Carl’s words suggested there was nothing to worry about, but Lucius gave a wry smile. If he hadn’t seen Brianna that night, perhaps he wouldn’t be feeling so impatient now.

He had woken in the middle of the night and immediately noticed she was no longer beside him. Lately, whenever he held her in his arms, he slept so soundly that even being carried off wouldn’t wake him. For him to stir in the middle of the night was rare.

He rubbed his sleepy eyes absentmindedly and caught sight of Brianna sitting by the window.

She was curled up tight, gazing out at the distant sky beyond the glass. In that moment, his heart sank. Strangely, she looked as though she might vanish at any second.

Since when had she been sitting there like that? Was this the first time? Why did she seem so forlorn, as though she had no place to belong?

“Brie.”

When he called her name, she turned her head and smiled at him, as sweetly as ever. Through the slightly open robe, he could see the red marks he had left on her body the night before. She hadn’t disappeared. She was still right here.

Even so, he couldn’t feel at ease. It was only after pulling her into bed, pushing himself inside her heat, that a breath of relief escaped him.

It hadn’t happened again since that night…

“Let’s head out.”

Lucius brushed off his tangled thoughts and started walking.

***

This year’s Thanksgiving event had far more attendees than usual. Since there was no set agenda and everyone simply did as they pleased, Brianna felt more relaxed than before.

She spent most of her time walking. Just as Lucius had said, the forest dyed in autumn colors was truly beautiful. When her legs grew tired, she spread a blanket on the sun-drenched grass and rested. Lucius stayed by her side most of the time, though he also joined the other men for some hunting and light games.

It was a peaceful time—until a suspicious figure caught Brianna’s eye.