Chapter 7

"By the way, are you really sure it's okay for me to do this?"

I ask just to be sure.

I would be in a very difficult position if you were to regret it later.

After all, if you were to regret it and get a divorce, I would be the one in the most trouble.

While divorces are almost unheard of in noble society, I would still want some insurance just in case. I never want to return to this house again.

"In this marriage, nothing other than bloodline is important. If you're talking about your reputation—... I don't believe any of it. At least, after talking to you today, I haven't felt that we can't communicate, nor do I think you're as bad as the rumors suggest. Rather, I find your family to be more troublesome."

I felt a bit relieved.

The bad reputation the Duke of Lindbergh mentioned refers to the stories circulating in the territory and social circles.

It seems he has investigated even those he isn't interested in, and from his tone, he knows them well.

My bad reputation is, bluntly put, that I am mentally unstable and not normal.

Well, I can understand why I might be judged that way based on my appearance.

My golden hair has lost its luster and is dry and frizzy, like a broom. The dark circles under my eyes and my pale skin make me look lifeless, and I am so thin that it's noticeable even through my dress.

Only my deep blue eyes stand out, which makes the overall impression even more unbalanced and eerie.

If I paid a bit more attention to my appearance, it might help, but with sleep deprivation, work stress, and the pain of not being able to rely on anyone, even if I tried, my body just kept deteriorating.

Honestly, I don't even want to attend social events.

If I had the choice, I would rather just sleep.

However, my half-sister, who wants to show off how much better she is by comparing her appearance to mine, forces me to go.

My haggard and worn-out appearance is so pitiful that it perfectly matches the image of a wicked old woman in a story. The rumor that a mentally unstable woman is involved in some suspicious activities and is eating away at the earl's family fortune is spreading and gaining credibility.

In the territory, it is said that no matter how much the earl tries to maintain the estate, the lifestyle does not improve due to her extravagance.

Thinking about it makes me want to sigh.

Even if I work hard, all the results go to my father, and I end up being criticized.

"Furthermore, if it comes to a divorce, unless it is your fault, I am considering a financial settlement that would ensure you can live comfortably for the rest of your life."

"That would be a relief."

He is very considerate.

In fact, it almost feels like this marriage is based on the premise of a potential divorce.

"Also, since you have agreed to the marriage, I should mention that as a duchess, there is a possibility that you might get involved in some troublesome matters, but that's just part of the deal."

I nod, as I had already considered this.

Just the fact that I am guaranteed three meals a day and naps is enough to make me happy.

I am also exempt from work, so I can indulge in as much sleep as I want... Oh, I can't wait to get married.

"By the way, when do you plan to get married?"

Ideally, I would prefer a low-key wedding, but since it's the head of the Lindbergh family getting married, that's probably not possible.

As I was thinking this, the Duke of Lindbergh casually said something surprising.

"Day after tomorrow. We have a special marriage permit, so we can get married anytime. Tomorrow might be a bit too soon, but the day after tomorrow should work. All the preparations will be made on our side, so you just need to come to the cathedral alone."

I was speechless.

When I looked at him to see if he was serious, he was clearly not joking.

In this country, marriage involves several stages: engagement contract, engagement ceremony, prenuptial contract, prenuptial ceremony, and finally, the wedding ceremony. All of these ceremonies are conducted under the supervision of the church to officially recognize the marriage.

Of course, only nobles go through all these formalities, but even commoners perform the engagement and prenuptial ceremonies. Since they have to pay for each step, the church does not allow skipping them for financial reasons.

However, there is always a loophole, and that is the special marriage permit.

With this, you can skip all the ceremonies.

To be honest, it costs a fortune to obtain one.

I wonder how much money he paid.

"I'm afraid we don't have that much time. We need to get married before it becomes widely known."

It seems we don't have much time.

But for me, it's not a bad thing. I want to leave this house as soon as possible, so I'm actually grateful.

Perhaps the reason they chose me is because of the rumors about my mental instability.

A normal young lady or family would never accept such conditions.

"My side won't have any family members arrive in time for the wedding, so I will have my secretary attend. At least, we need a witness in case something happens."

The secretary attending as a witness made the Duke of Lindbergh's secretary seem like a poor, overworked employee.

I was curious about what kind of person he was, but my intuition whispered that I shouldn't delve too deep, so I decided not to worry about it.

"By the way, it's fine with me who attends, but do you want my parents to be there? Personally, I don't mind if they're not."

The Duke of Lindbergh seemed to recall my family's behavior and said quietly,

"Either way is fine. I'll leave it to you. ... You must be having a hard time."

I am having a very hard time.

You also seem to be having a hard time.

We somehow understood each other, and we both sighed. The meeting ended there.

After the Duke of Lindbergh left, I reported the conversation to my father, stepmother, and half-sister, who scolded me.

Being scolded is a daily occurrence, so I just let it pass.

I wonder what my mother would say if she knew I decided to get married so easily.

She wished for my happiness.

While I don't know if this will make me happy, I believe it is the best path for me.

I think she would understand, even if she complained a bit.

I did feel a bit guilty about leaving the earl's estate in a half-finished state, but I believe my half-sister and the earl will take care of it.

Incidentally, the butler who supported me will also leave this house when I get married, but since the head of the house wanted to dismiss him, he will probably be happy.

Thinking that I will be free from all the complications after tomorrow's wedding, the feeling of all my hard work being worth it was overwhelming.

And then—

I welcomed my first morning as a duchess.

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