Reasons for Contract Marriage - Chapter 88

Rumors about the new fiancée of the Duke of Carlisle spread rapidly throughout Bastogne.

People were first shocked to learn that the woman was a commoner who had spent a night with him. Then, they were even more surprised by the new revelation that she had been his long-time first love.

“Did you hear? The Duke of Carlisle has been in love with her since before his engagement to Lady Kirchner.”

“Then why did he get engaged to Lady Kirchner?”

“It must have been for the interests of their families. But when the Duke was imprisoned in Luton Castle, the Count’s family initiated the breakup, which naturally led him to reconnect with her.”

“Even so, spending the night at an inn with a man who already had a fiancée… it’s a bit much, isn’t it?”

“The innkeeper said the woman was unconscious when they arrived. She seemed to be injured. Maybe there were circumstances they couldn’t speak of.”

“I heard the Duke kept silent to protect his new fiancée’s reputation.”

“Goodness. So the Duke was willing to bear the accusation of murder just to protect her? And she revealed the truth because she couldn’t let him suffer for her. Even though she knew she would be blamed.”

What had once been a scandal engulfing Bastogne was now transforming into the love story of the century. Public attention shifted to the woman who was about to become the new Duchess of Carlisle, Brianna Everett. A romantic tale straight out of a novel was unfolding in real life.

“…The rumors are spreading just as planned. While some still view the incident at the inn negatively, their opinions will quickly change once the two of you begin your married life and display affection for each other.”

Carl handed Lucius a report as he spoke, and Lucius nodded.

“How are the wedding preparations going?”

“As you instructed, everything is being prepared to the highest standards. However, Miss Brianna has repeatedly tried to decline, saying it’s too extravagant…”

“Push forward regardless. If anything cannot be resolved on your end, bring it directly to me.”

“Understood.”

“Hasten the preparations, but ensure nothing is lacking. It must be so luxurious that it leaves everyone speechless. No matter the cost.”

Ordinarily, a wedding of this scale would require at least six months of preparation. Now, they were attempting to complete everything in just one month, making for an incredibly demanding schedule. The bride-to-be, aware of these challenges, suggested simplifying the arrangements. The problem, however, lay with the man sitting before Carl.

The most demanding and infuriating order in the world was to hurry without compromising on perfection.

“Yes, I’ll see to it,” Carl replied. Despite having barely slept for a week, constantly overworked alongside the head maid, he understood how much Lucius cared about this wedding.

As soon as Lucius decided to marry, the first thing he did was reshape the rumors about Brianna. He mobilized people to spread the narrative that she had done nothing wrong, portraying himself as someone who had loved her in secret for years. In many ways, this wasn’t far from the truth.

Afterward, Lucius began showering her with gifts. A man who had previously shown no interest in spending money now acquired the most precious items he could find and presented them to her in abundance—dresses, jewelry, gemstones, even a new carriage and horses.

It was a display calculated to attract attention, ensuring everyone understood how much she meant to him. It was also the fastest and simplest way to make his feelings known to others.

“But will that alone be enough?”

Carl’s question made Lucius lift his head sharply.

“Do you think I’ve missed something? What is it?”

Looking at Lucius, who appeared anxious and impatient at the suggestion, Carl couldn’t help but smile. Lucius had been handling his duties as Duke remarkably well, as if he had been trained as an heir from the start.

While Daniel, the late Duke, had also managed his responsibilities well despite inheriting the title suddenly, he had been groomed for it from a young age. Moreover, Count Kirchner had provided substantial support during that time. In contrast, Lucius was navigating his challenges alone and excelling nonetheless.

Seeing this seemingly unshakable man express unease about his fiancée’s gifts made Carl chuckle.

“Expensive and precious gifts are fine, but shouldn’t there be at least one with personal meaning?”

“Ah…”

Lucius’ expression became troubled.

“I’d like that too, but I’m not sure what to give her. What do people usually give their future wives?”

Carl looked at him, feeling a pang of pity for the man’s lack of experience in romance, before responding.

“How about a piece of jewelry?”

“Jewelry? But I’ve already given her plenty…”

“Not a store-bought piece, but one custom-made with a design you choose for her. I know a renowned jeweler who could handle this. Although time is tight, they should be able to finish it before the wedding.”

He added, “For reference, your father gave a similar gift to the Dowager Duchess. I’m talking about the ring she always wears.”

The Dowager Duchess consistently wore a ring set with a blue sapphire on her left ring finger. The traditional Carlisle family wedding ring was far too large and heavy for daily wear. Lucius recalled her often gazing at the ring, gently stroking it as if lost in thought.

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

“…Very well. Do as you suggest. Summon the jeweler tomorrow.”

“Understood.”

“And don’t let Brianna know.”

“Of course.”

With that, Carl left the study. As he walked down the corridor, he reflected.

Perhaps this is for the best. Even Daniel regretted that they hadn’t been able to come together before. Yes, he must be smiling now, happy that his brother has found joy.

Carl thought back to the day at Luton Castle when he had pretended not to see Brianna. The guilt of that memory had stayed with him. But now that she was becoming the Duchess, he felt relieved. Perhaps their entangled paths had always been destined to bring them together.

It’s time to let go of the dead and let the living find happiness together…

As he lightened his heart, he saw the head maid approaching from a distance.

“Ah, Head Maid. I actually had something to say to…”

The head maid grabbed his arm firmly, like a shackle, and looked at him sharply. Her eyes gleamed as she spoke in a low tone.

“Butler, you must come with me.”

The place she dragged him to was the Dowager Duchess’s room. From the moment he entered, Carl’s mind began racing. Something felt off about the situation. It was rare for the Dowager Duchess to summon him privately.

Come to think of it, she had called him discreetly once before. At that time, she interrogated him to uncover details about Daniel’s relationships with women. In the end, Carl had confessed everything, and the Dowager Duchess had learned all about Daniel’s complicated love life. From then on, she frequently scolded Daniel for fooling around instead of considering marriage. As a result, Carl had earned Daniel’s lasting resentment.

A similar purpose for this summons struck Carl like lightning.

“M-my apologies, madam! I have urgent business to attend to…”

As he tried to excuse himself, the door slammed shut with a loud bang. The head maid blocked the door like a giant, cracking her knuckles ominously as she turned her neck slowly.

Carl gulped and turned back, only to find the Dowager Duchess standing firmly behind him.

Carl realized his escape route was completely cut off. There was no way out.

“M-madam… Why are you doing this to me?”

Veronica smiled sweetly at his pleading tone.

“Carl, there’s something I want to ask you. A woman’s intuition is pointing me to something.”