Reasons for Contract Marriage - Chapter 74

***

The day before the memorial of the late Duke Carlisle’s death, the sky was filled with clouds from early morning. Veronica Carlisle looked at her eldest son with a worried expression.

“It looks like it might rain. Maybe you shouldn’t go this year?”

Daniel, adjusting his tie, replied in a cheerful voice, “Mother, if we stayed in just because it rains or snows, we’d never be able to go anywhere in this world.”

“I’m worried about Luce. What if he gets caught in the rain, and his wound flares up again?”

“You were so worried about your youngest son, yet you let him go to the battlefield?”

“Which is why I’m asking—when his wound is healed, can’t you pull some strings to send him somewhere safer? Or maybe delay his return a bit longer? What if he gets hurt again…?”

“No, Mother. If I did that, Luce would be disobeying his orders, and he’d end up in prison. More importantly, I can’t misuse my authority for personal matters.”

“You heartless boy, you wicked child!”

Veronica scolded him and struck his chest, but Daniel responded by gently kissing her cheek.

“I’ve only heard that kind of talk from women, but it’s quite novel coming from you, Mother.”

“Oh, just stop talking!”

Despite her words, Veronica straightened his crooked tie and brushed off his suit.

“You’re going to the lodge right after the meeting, right?”

“Yes, Luce will head there directly.”

“Take care. And this year, don’t just think about your father—talk to Luce about your marriage, too. For all your charm, why can’t you find a woman to marry…?”

Daniel’s face stiffened slightly at the topic he’d been hoping to avoid. Before she could continue, he quickly hugged her tightly and bid his farewell.

“I’ll be off, Mother! See you tomorrow!”

Before Veronica could hold onto him, Daniel hurried out of the room. As he headed to the front door, he met Lucius, who was approaching.

“Heading out now?”

“Yes. How’s your arm?”

Lucius casually rotated his arm. “Almost healed. I’m ready to return anytime.”

Daniel leaned closer and whispered into his brother’s ear, “Don’t be so honest; play it up a bit. It’s not like this war has any real justification—there’s no benefit in going back early. Mother is worried sick about you.”

Lucius nodded in agreement. “Until I uncover what I’m looking for, I don’t plan to return.”

“Right, right. I’ll do my best to help you, dear brother. See you later.”

“Brother.”

Lucius called out just as Daniel was about to leave.

“…Thank you. For everything,” Lucius spoke, his eyes downcast.

Daniel blinked in surprise and took a deep breath. “What’s going on here? Did I just hear you thanking me?”

“I’ve always been grateful.”

Suddenly, Daniel’s eyes sparkled mischievously.

“Then how about a kiss to show your gratitude?”

“…Are you insane?”

“Guess you’re not that thankful. Maybe I shouldn’t help anymore. I’ve got enough on my plate without anyone appreciating my efforts…”

Daniel pretended to sulk and turned to leave, but Lucius grabbed his shoulder. Before Daniel could react, Lucius’s lips brushed lightly against his cheek.

“You pervert.”

Lucius muttered through gritted teeth before walking away.

Shortly after, the butler approached with a handkerchief and found Daniel standing there, rubbing his cheek.

“Is something wrong, Your Grace? Are you feeling unwell?”

Daniel muttered blankly, “…It’s the first time.”

“Pardon?”

He turned to the butler and continued, “Since the toy assembly. It’s the first time Lucius kissed me on the cheek since then. No matter how much I begged, he never did it after that.”

The butler nearly dropped the handkerchief in his hands. As Daniel was overcome with emotion, his face grew serious.

“But does he really like her that much? Enough to go that far?”

“Your Grace, perhaps saying ‘going that far’ is a bit…”

“If he gave his lips, he gave it all.”

“……”

The butler sighed softly but didn’t dare to do so aloud. Daniel then looked at the butler with a bright smile.

“I have a good feeling today. Maybe it’s a sign that something wonderful will happen!”

***

Brianna was looking at the many hats displayed at a street stall.

Cecile approached her as she pondered. “Miss Brianna, are you buying a hat?”

Brianna smiled and nodded. “Yes. The one I have is getting a bit too old.”

Cecile examined the hat Brianna was wearing. It was pretty and suited her well, but it was indeed a bit worn.

“Let me pick one for you. I’m good at finding things that match!”

Cecile enthusiastically began searching for a hat, even more determined than if she were shopping for herself. Brianna took a step back and watched her with a smile.

Today, Brianna had come shopping with the count’s maids. The others had gone into another shop for a bit, leaving their bags with Brianna and Cecile. Brianna didn’t refuse when they invited her to join—it was time for her to adjust to life without Florian.

“How about trying this one?”

Brianna put down the bags she was holding and tried on the hat Cecile handed her. It was a muslin bonnet in a light beige color, adorned with pink flowers. Cecile looked at Brianna, her eyes wide with admiration, and began handing her other hats in quick succession.

“Wow, Miss Brianna, you have such a small face and such a round head—everything suits you! Try this one too!”

Brianna tried on another hat and looked at her reflection in a small mirror. She forced herself to smile as she saw her reflection. Yes, with time, she would slowly forget Florian. Just as she had eventually come to terms with Leona’s death.

“By the way, Miss Brianna, would you be interested in meeting a man?”

The sudden question made Brianna turn to look at Cecile.

“Pardon?”

“Actually, I have a cousin who runs a pretty big business in Bastogne. He’s looking for a bride, and when he came to visit me near the count’s residence, he saw you and seemed quite interested. If you’re okay with it, I’d like to introduce you.”

“Ah…”

Brianna looked around nervously. If she wasn’t going to live alone forever, she would eventually need to marry someone. But not now. Not yet.

“I’m sorry. I don’t think I’m ready for that right now.”

“Aw, come on. Just meet him once. I hate to brag, but my cousin’s really handsome and smart—he’s broken quite a few hearts back home. You might feel differently after meeting him.”

“It’s just… there are some personal reasons…”

“Personal reasons? What kind?”

“Well…”

Brianna was flustered by Cecile’s persistence. Just then, someone bumped into her.

“Oh no! A pickpocket!”

Cecile’s voice was almost a scream. Brianna looked around, startled. The bag she had placed on the ground while trying on hats was gone.

Without hesitation, Brianna ran after the man.

“You were so reckless before, jumping in front of that carriage, chasing a thief—all of it was foolish.”

Lucius’s reprimanding words echoed in her mind. But the bag contained items the maids had saved up for and purchased. She couldn’t just do nothing.

The thief ran down the main street rather than turning into an alley. There was a carriage parked on the side of the road. Was he planning to escape by carriage? It would be hard to keep up if he got away like that. She had to catch him before that happened.

As Brianna got closer to the carriage, something unexpected happened.

Suddenly, the carriage door opened.

“Mmph!”

A large man stepped out of the carriage, covering Brianna’s mouth and pulling her inside. The door shut, and the carriage set off immediately. Everything happened in an instant.

“Miss Brianna?”

Cecile, arriving moments later, looked around the now-empty street. Brianna had been there just a moment ago, but she was gone without a trace.

A man who had been watching from a distance signaled to someone else, who immediately followed the departing carriage. The observer quickly turned and hurried off. He needed to report this to the Duke of Carlisle as soon as possible.

***

When the time came, Lucius closed the book he had been reading. If he left now, he would reach the lodge around the same time as Daniel.

He stood up from the sofa, put on his coat, and had just finished buttoning it when there was a knock at the door.

The person who entered was the informant assigned to Brianna.

“Just now, Miss Brianna was kidnapped by unknown individuals.”