CH prologue 2

So why did I get the nod? It was simply because I was not very interested in the Duke.

For that simple reason, thank you very much.

To put it bluntly, it was terribly rude of me, but I accepted the offer because I thought it would be to my advantage.

My house was in debt or anything, or that I was going to be married off to some old pervert, but if I could just get the hell out of a house where I was in a dedication position and where the family weren’t on the best terms, I decided to temporarily turn a blind eye to the troublesome circumstances.

Because I really thought that if I stayed at home, I would be used up and might die sooner or later.

Now that I thought about it, I realized I didn’t make a calm decision.

Two things worried me: catching the princess’ attention and having my life guaranteed at my parents’ house.

Either way, I believed that the Duke would probably protect me from the Royal Family – or rather, from the Princess.

At any rate, if my marriage were to break down, he would be in trouble as well.

Well, I’d think of it as a kind of shared destiny.

I was clearly the less powerful member of the community.

“What’s the matter?”

I stared at the face of the man I married, and he looked at me suspiciously.

“Nothing, nothing at all.”

Our relationship was plain dry.

I wasn’t looking for anything from the Duke, and if he were to ask me for something, he would not only find it extremely annoying, but also a hassle.

Well, it might be wrong to say that I was not asking for anything, because the only thing I was asking for was for him to strictly adhere to the terms of our marriage. 

“You’re probably tired today, so I’ll introduce you to the servants tomorrow. Let me show you to your room, Risha.”

“I’m honored to have Your Grace to show me around.”

I smiled as a courtesy, but I wanted to go to bed as soon as possible.

Today was supposed to be our wedding night, but neither of us had the slightest intention of doing so.

First off, His Grace didn’t find me attractive as a woman, and if I might say so myself, my body didn’t arouse him in any way.

It saddened me to say this, but until now, His Grace ―― From here on, the person who became my husband, even nominal, would choose a beautiful, experienced, and buxom woman who was used to having fun. 

I did not match any of those preferences.

In other words, we were a genuinely pretend couple. Seriously, we would live a life at cross paths.

“This is your room. If you need anything, just tell the servants.”

“I will.”

Does that mean he’ll hardly be here?

That didn’t matter because it was too late now.

However, I couldn’t ignore the hostility I felt from the moment we entered this castle.

I hoped it was just my imagination, but if otherwise, I’d really like to see it addressed.

Anyway, for the time being ――……

“You must live up to your end of the bargain, Husband.”

“Rest assured. Three meals, a nap, and a minimum standard of living ―― they will be maintained as long as you stay in this house. More on that tomorrow morning in the dining hall.”

We exchanged a quick greeting and I fell into bed.

Yes, that was the condition I put forward before our marriage.

That was; three meals, a nap, and a minimum standard of living.

I didn’t even have to go out to socialize.

I would also be exempted from working as a Duchess.

Wasn’t it wonderful not having to work!

Of course, it was necessary for a nobleman to bear children as a duty, but in my opinion, he might bring in some woman someday to give birth to a baby boy, and I’d raise him as my own.

I didn’t mind.

I’ve been relieved of many of my duties as a Duchess, so I’d do at least that.

I didn’t have any special feelings for my husband, but I was indeed fond of children more than I thought.

I will raise the child with love and care ―― I really told my husband this, but he gave me a subtle look.

I also told him that he could bring his mistress in, as long as she didn’t threaten my life of three meals and a nap, but he let out a sigh.

I didn’t understand.

“If this were about the legal wife of a beloved husband, I wouldn’t blame her for being grieved and hostile.”

Muttering to myself, I reminded myself that it didn’t matter if there was hostility.

If the marriage partner of a master who was so full of charm and sex appeal was someone who was completely out of his league in terms of appearance; people might have reservations about it, regardless of her bloodline, so I’d better ignore them generously.

Anyhow, I was supposed to do nothing here. I was just going to enjoy my life of depravity with three meals and a nap.

“Hahaha…Finally, I finally got it! I found my peace!”

With an unladylike mischievousness, I did a guts pose as hard as I could in the room I was left alone in, and rolled around in the soft bed.

When I was satisfied to some extent, I called a servant for me to take a bath before going to bed.

I took a long hot bath, and for the first time in seven years, I was able to enjoy a peaceful, stress-free, and satisfying sleep.