The Duchess’s Contract Marriage

Chapter 4

After several repeat incidents, options consisted of a tailcoat, suit, or gold-tasseled uniform instead of dresses. Of course, they didn’t dare bring skirts either, only pants. Rubiana decided to put up with it, although the golden tassels and belts as well as the agate and onyx adornments were equally uncomfortable. Despite not being measured once, the head maid was able to skillfully make clothes that fit just right.

Why waste your time? I’m always in the same state.

Rubiana took a swig from the wine in her hand and sighed. At the banquet, dozens of young aristocrats were showing off their jewels and gold watches. Their careless laughter carried throughout the hall. Rubiana couldn’t bring herself to join in on their friendly atmosphere and was left alone in the corner. She never found the chance to pull out the diamond-encrusted pocket watch that the head lady-in-waiting had given her.

She told me that it’s the latest trend and to casually take it out to show others when we talk.

Rubiana thought the head maid’s meticulous efforts would once again go to waste. Today’s banquet was attended by many attractive bachelors and bachelorettes who admired the high reputation of Marchioness Rivadour and showed off their opinions about the state of the empire.

But that isn’t the important part.

In reality, it was a gathering for those who rushed to freely date before getting married. The original purpose was the aforementioned sophisticated one, but it quickly changed.

How could you gather men and women in their youth and expect them just to share their knowledge? Of course, what they’re actually going to share are quick glances that could lead to them also sharing their hearts or bodies.

The atmosphere of dignity and manners was barely held together by Marchioness Rivadour’s reputation. The head maid had no doubt that this was the perfect gathering for Rubiana’s mission. So, without even asking Rubiana, she’d replied to the invitation they received, announcing her attendance. As always, Rubiana only found out about it when it was too late to back out.

What can I do? I can’t go and get a reply that’s already been sent.

Instead of scolding the head maid, who resembled her grandmother, Rubiana attended the banquet wearing a tailcoat with golden tassels and propped herself up against the wall, gulping down drinks. At least the head lady-in-waiting couldn’t see how Rubiana conducted herself at these banquets.

“It’s strange. This is usually when many young bachelors would start to eye your duke’s title and money.”

“What? Are you hoping one of those idiots will stick to me?”

“My lady, you only need to choose a man that has an adequate face and a capable lower body. It would be too much trouble to have a husband who is too smart and ambitious. I’m sure you feel the same way, Duchess.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

“However, I do suggest that for the sake of your future children, you don’t choose someone with an empty head.”

The head maid, who spoke with a kind smile, looked exactly like Rubiana’s grandmother.

“Ruby, my child. You must choose a husband that is just dumb enough, just handsome enough, and has good power in his lower extremities.”

“What?”

“Why not? You are the firstborn child and must become the next Countess Luxen after your father. Don’t even look at someone who seems like they will overstep your authority.”

“Oh, then I could just find a husband that is smart and handsome.”

“A man who is smart and handsome? There are not many of those. If there were one out there, I’m sure the news would spread, and he would be snatched up by one of the families in power at the capital.”

“So my turn will never come.”

“I’m afraid that is the reality. You would have to be a princess or high aristocrat to have such an opportunity. You’ll simply have to choose the best among the leftovers.”

“I don’t want toooooo.”

“What can you do? It’s rare to find a man like that in this world. You need to know when to give up. That way, you won’t become greedy and make foolish decisions.”

“Grandma, now that I hear what you’re saying, I think you’re right.”

“Of course, my child. You take after me, so you understand well. Ruby, the most beautiful jewel in my life—you must remember my words. Choose a husband who won’t challenge your authority and won’t try to take control over your reputation and property.”

“Yeees.”

“However, don’t compromise on the face. Whether it’s during the day or in your bed at night, the man’s face is very important.”

Her grandmother always spoke seriously. Whenever they were caught by Rubiana’s father and mother, she heard one thing:

“She’s only five. What are you teaching her, mother?!”

“I was telling her a fact of life.”

“Mother!”

Her grandmother continued Rubiana’s early education until she passed away. Thanks to her, Rubiana had a firm belief in her idea of a potential husband. He had to be a little dumb but handsome, and his lower body had to be strong. Yes, she was now a duchess thanks to her sister, but she didn’t dare give in to the desire to meet a smart and handsome man.

Many good men must have died during the civil war and the following wars of conquest. Let’s just accept reality and not waste time looking for something rare. I just need to have two children. The rare ones belong to my sister, the empress. For example, people like Cedric or Ludante. Ludante tends to run wild without knowing his place, though. That’s rather annoying.

Rubiana simply was looking for a husband, anyone that was handsome and had a strong lower body. However, no matter how many social gatherings or banquets she attended, no one caught her eye.

Did all the decent men go and get themselves killed during the wars?

Forget the handsome and strong men—it was hard to find someone who would even approach her. At every banquet she attended, there was empty space all around her. No one dared to come near Rubiana.

If they don’t even have the guts to do that, they can’t possibly be very strong down there.

She spotted some idiots gathered together and laughing loudly as they bluffed and showed off. They kept secretly looking at her. It finally looked like one of them was going to put his money where his mouth was and ask Rubiana to dance.

I figured if one of them was brave enough to talk to me, it would open the door for others to approach me more comfortably, so I left it alone. But why should I show them any mercy?

Once the idiots made eye contact with her, even just by chance, they quickly ran off. No one was left behind as they ran away, screaming loudly. Afterward, the same rumors started making their rounds again. Bloodthirsty duchess, vicious murderer, the northern duchess who has no blood or tears, Queen of Monsters, the one who commands beasts and persecutes the poor northerners—they were all nicknames she couldn’t understand.

What did I do? Bloodthirsty duchess? What? Because I killed the lieges of the tyrant during the Battle of Dawn? But I did that with Cedric and Ludante. They were the unruly ones who were running around like wild dogs. I killed those men respectfully, with one strike of my sword, so that they wouldn’t feel any pain. I have never killed anyone in vain.

Then there’s the vicious murderer, the northern duchess who has no blood or tears, the Queen of Monsters. Where do those nicknames come from? Is it because I captured and killed the beasts in the north? Is it because I attacked the lawless cities and turned the criminals there into soldiers that listen to commands?

This is what is keeping the empire safe from any monster attacks. We were even able to recruit the necessary supplies and troops so that we didn’t need to burden the state’s treasury. The empire is able to remain so peaceful because it’s being held up by the north. They need to be thankful instead of being afraid.

It wasn’t fair. However, she didn’t try to stop the people who ran from her and explain away the rumors. It was too much of a hassle.

If they want to misunderstand me, fine. Why should I have to do anything about it apart from thinking, “Do whatever you want?”

The glass in her hand cracked with a crunching noise. It wasn’t like she was so upset that she gripped the glass hard enough to break it—she would never.

Does the marquess not have enough money? Why would she use such cheap glassware? What if someone got hurt?

She clicked her tongue and shook her hand.

“Oh my, are you ok?”

“H-here. Quickly, bring some medicine and bandages.”

The maids nearby rushed to her.

“Oh, sorry about that. By the way, I don’t need any medicine.”

She wrapped her hand in a dry cloth while apologizing to the maids, who didn’t know how to react. Shards of glass showered from her hand, but not a drop of blood fell with them. The small pieces of glass were unable to penetrate the calluses on her palm.

“She certainly is the Duchess of Bl—”

“I-it’s good that you are not hurt.”

The maids looked at Rubiana with a mixture of respect and fear in their eyes. The young aristocrats, who had been standing nearby, winced in shock and backed away. A muffled screm came from somewhere in the room.

“Oh, Duchess Ashelion.”

“How could she be a girl like me?”

“How nice would it be to be held in her arms just once?”

Rubiana felt the intense stares of the young bachelorettes. It was a common occurrence, and she didn’t think it was a hindrance to find a husband, so she didn’t stop them.

What is that?

Suddenly, she felt an unfamiliar gaze. Desperation, eagerness, emotion—the three words that Rubiana hated most were present in the steamy look. The overwhelming gaze came from someone hiding behind a pillar close by.

Is it another one of those guys whose pride got hurt because their fiancée said she was into me? Is it some loser like that?

Rubiana didn’t pay it any mind. Usually, they would do something like that for a little while and then call it quits. The worst they would do was whisper behind her back. There had been no man brave enough to actually stand before her and challenge her to a duel.

I guess today’s another failure.

Rubiana sighed and went to find Marchioness Rivadour.

“Thank you for inviting me to this esteemed event. If you would excuse me, my clothes are wet, so I must go home.”

Rubiana held up her wet sleeve. It was a lame excuse. Marchioness Rivadour could read the bored expression on her face.

“I hope you attend the next event.”

Marchioness Rivadour was a sensible woman. She didn’t try to force Rubiana to stay—rather, she was genuinely sorry to see her go.

“If only in words, it would be my pleasure,” Rubiana said.

“I do not say it in vain. Ever since you, the duchess, started attending my little banquets, they’ve become much larger.”

“You don’t need to try and help me save face. Your reputation is well-known even in the north. There is no nobility in the kingdom who would not know that these gatherings continue due to your reputation.”

Rubiana smiled as she pressed her lips to the back of Marchioness Rivadour’s hand. The latter’s cheeks reddened.

“Oh, my. It seems like you must think that my words are a light pleasantry, but that’s all right. You are in a position where it is fine to be so arrogant, Duchess Ashelion.”

The marchioness laughed as she spoke. Rubiana thought that the marchioness was quite sweet to be so welcoming to a person who came to each banquet just to lean against the wall and leave. She hadn’t been able to succeed in her original goal of finding a potential husband. However, she had unexpectedly gained a good relationship with Marchioness Rivadour, the most influential member of high society.

Who knows? Maybe this elegant lady will be able to introduce me to a potential husband.

Somehow, all her thoughts came down to finding a husband. Rubiana bashfully shrugged for no reason.