A Contract Marriage with My Child’s Father Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Whew. That was exhausting…

Kain accepted the paper and skimmed the ancient script with ease. Unlike Viola, he appeared completely fluent.

“There is still very little known about Dragon Blood. Even we lack complete understanding. This book may prove useful.”

That was good news.

But also strange.

The Duchy of Ashellen doesn’t have this book?

Judging by his reaction, it wasn’t common.

How had such a rare manuscript ended up gathering dust in the library of Marquis Deboreux?

Regardless, it worked in her favor.

Kain pressed the small silver bell on his desk—likely summoning Conrad.

I should leave now…

He was still studying the title thoughtfully.

Viola cleared her throat softly.

“Then I’ll take my—”

“Before that.”

She jumped.

What now?

Kain stepped toward her and, without warning, draped his coat over her shoulders.

“Wear it.”

“…What?”

Kain’s POV

She looked confused.

Of course she did.

Not indifferent—never that.

She had rushed forward like a squirrel to treat him when he was injured.

But she was careless with herself.

“Why the coat…?”

Her bright green eyes blinked.

“You intend to walk through the estate dressed like that?”

He gestured toward her bloodstained sleeve.

“Oh!”

Only then did she seem to notice.

“But… it looks expensive…”

“Clothing is replaceable.”

“But still…”

She blinked slowly, pink lashes fluttering.

Even casual conversation animated her entire face.

Kain found it… interesting.

He stared a moment too long.

She mistook it for intimidation and shrank slightly.

“Then… thank you for Your Grace’s kindness…”

She obediently slipped her arms into the coat.

It swallowed her whole.

She looks like she’s been devoured by it.

Was she truly an adult?

Then again—squirrels were small.

“This will suffice.”

She took it as dismissal.

She reached the door—

Then hesitated.

Her pink hair shifted like spun cotton.

A faint herbal scent lingered in the air.

Not heavy like aristocratic perfume.

Subtle.

Sweet.

Comfortable.

Kain realized something.

Her scent never irritated him.

Even with heightened Dragon Blood senses.

She turned back and smiled faintly.

“Thank you…”

Viola’s POV

“Thank you… for the coat. And for treating me so carefully.”

She gestured shyly toward her bandaged arm.

Kain folded his arms.

“I received advice recently.”

“What kind?”

“That even small wounds should not be ignored. The speaker was quite insistent.”

There was weight in his voice.

Viola blinked.

“Oh! That’s absolutely true! Small wounds can become dangerous!”

She nodded earnestly.

Like a diligent little squirrel.

She has no idea she’s talking about herself.

“Small cuts can get infected! It might become serious next time!”

The exact words she had once scolded him with.

He suppressed a laugh.

“Indeed. I remembered it well.”

He looked at her pointedly.

“I simply did not expect the one giving such advice to ignore it when it concerned herself.”

“…Oh! That was me?”

She gasped.

“You have an excellent memory.”

“At least you realized it.”

Her cheeks flushed a deep pink.

“That’s embarrassing…”

She shifted awkwardly.

Kain nearly smiled—

Wait.

Did he just… smile?

He touched his lips lightly.

The sensation felt unfamiliar.

Strange.

He rarely smiled.

A knock interrupted.

“Your Grace, may I enter?”

“Enter.”

Conrad stepped inside, documents in hand.

He froze.

“…Miss Viola is here.”

“Not at all! I was just leaving!”

She brightened instantly, clearly grateful for the interruption.

She bowed quickly and slipped out.

Conrad stared at the door after her.

Wasn’t that His Grace’s coat?

It looked enormous on her.

He frowned.

No… impossible.

Kain did not allow others to touch his belongings.

It must be fashion.

Oversized garments, perhaps.

Before Conrad could ponder further, Kain handed him the paper.

“Investigate this.”

Conrad examined it.

“Ancient script… The title is rather dense. A thesis?”

“Viola read it frequently as a child.”

“…She read this?”