Chapter 2

So, why was I chosen? It seems it was simply because I wasn't very interested in the Duke.

Thank you very much for such a simple reason.

To be honest, it was a really rude thing to say about me, but I accepted the proposal thinking it would benefit me. It's not like I was being sold into a family drowning in debt or to some perverted old man, but our family relations are far from good, and my position is rather delicate. If I could leave all that behind, I thought I could overlook some troublesome situations for now. After all, I genuinely believed that if I stayed, I would be used up and might even die eventually. Looking back, I think I wasn't making very rational decisions.

Being noticed by the Princess and the guarantee of my life at home—both are questionable, but I believe the Duke will protect me from the royal family, or rather, from the Princess. After all, if our marriage fails, he will be in trouble too. Well, I guess we can think of ourselves as a community of fate, in a sense.

Though, it's a community where I clearly have less power.

"What is it?"

When I stared at him, my fiancé looked at me suspiciously.

"Nothing, really."

Our relationship is very dry. I don't expect anything from the Duke, and if he were to expect anything from me, it would be very troublesome and inconvenient. Well, I might be wrong to say I don't expect anything, since there is one condition I presented for the marriage that I expect him to fulfill properly.

"Since you must be tired today, I'll introduce the servants to you tomorrow. Let me show you to your room, Leisha."

"It's an honor to be shown around by the busy Duke, my lord."

I smiled as a formality, but I just wanted to go to bed.

Today is technically our wedding night, but neither of us has any such intentions. To be honest, the Duke doesn't find me attractive as a woman, and to be frank, I don't think my body would excite him. It's sad to say, but the women the Duke—my husband from today—chooses are usually experienced, well-endowed beauties. I don't fit any of those criteria. So, we are essentially a real sham marriage and will live separate lives.

"Here is your room. If you have any problems, let the servants know."

"I will."

Does this mean he will hardly be around? But that's not a big deal anymore.

However, I can't ignore the hostility I feel from the moment I entered this castle. I hope it's just my imagination, but if it's not, I would really like it to be addressed.

Well, for now—

"I expect you to fulfill the contract, my lord."

"The three meals and nap lifestyle, and the minimum living standards—these will be absolutely guaranteed as long as you live in this house. We can discuss the details over breakfast tomorrow in the dining room."

We exchanged brief greetings, and I collapsed onto the bed.

That's right, the conditions I presented for the marriage. They are "a three-meals-and-nap lifestyle with minimum living standards." I don't have to attend social events, and I am exempt from the duties of a Duchess, which is a great deal.

Not having to work is wonderful, isn't it?

Of course, as a noble duty, I need to have children, but I think eventually, he will probably have some other woman bear a son and raise him as my child.

I don't mind that.

Since I am exempt from various duties as a Duchess, I am willing to do that much. I don't have any special feelings for my husband, but I do like children. I will raise them with love—though if I really said that, I got a strange look.

Incidentally, I told him it's fine for him to bring a mistress as long as it doesn't interfere with my three-meals-and-nap lifestyle, and he sighed.

I don't understand.

"If someone like me were the beloved wife of such a charming and sexy lord, I might lament and hold a grudge too."

Muttering to myself, I reconsidered that the hostility doesn't matter. If the person chosen to be the partner of such a charming lord, regardless of bloodline, looks completely mismatched, it's understandable to have some thoughts. I will generously ignore it.

For now, I don't have to do anything here, so I decided to enjoy my decadent life with three meals and naps, rubbing my cheek against the highest-quality bedding.

"Hehehe... Finally, finally, I have it! My peace and tranquility!!"

I made an unbecoming ladylike pose and rolled around on the fluffy bed, alone in my room. When I was somewhat satisfied, I called a servant because I wanted to take a bath before sleeping.

I soaked in the bath leisurely and then, for the first time in seven years, enjoyed a peaceful, stress-free, and satisfying sleep.

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