A Contract Marriage with My Child’s Father Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Conrad was stunned.

From his investigation, Viola had received no formal education. Everything she knew, she had learned on her own.

An Analysis of the Mechanisms and Principles of Pharmacological Reactions Acting Specifically Within Dragon Blood.

Even so… reading something like that at such a young age?

And in ancient script?

I knew she wasn’t ordinary, but this goes beyond that.

Simply watching how she handled Jaden had been proof enough.

And the fact that she did not fear Kain—a dragon-blooded duke—

She may very well become this household’s benefactor.

With that thought, Conrad resolved to instruct the staff to treat her with even greater care. Then he left to carry out his duties.

Back in Viola’s Room

Viola immediately changed out of her ruined clothes.

“Wow… this is worse than I thought.”

The sleeves were shredded and stiff with dried blood.

“My shirt’s finished… Ah. I should hang this properly.”

She had removed Kain’s coat the moment she returned, careful not to wrinkle or damage it.

“His build is seriously huge…”

The shoulders were nearly twice her width.

No wonder she had mistaken him for a knight.

Knock knock.

“Come in!”

The door flew open, and a small figure launched herself forward.

“Melody!”

“Moooom!”

The child crashed into her arms.

“Why are you so excited?”

“Heehee!”

Melody beamed, perfectly content.

Behind her stood two young maids, blinking nervously.

Viola took Melody’s hand and approached them.

“Hello. We didn’t properly greet each other this morning. I’m Viola.”

“Ah! Hello! I’m Becky!”

“H-hello. I’m Marie…”

Becky had a lively sparkle in her eyes. Marie seemed more timid.

Melody bounced happily between them.

They seem like good people.

Most importantly—Melody looked delighted.

“Nice to meet you, Becky. Marie.”

Both maids froze.

“Please speak casually to us!”

“Yes, that’s far too formal…”

Viola smiled gently.

“You’re taking care of someone precious to me. How could I not be polite?”

Becky blinked.

Viola understood how difficult childcare could be.

And Melody had selective mutism.

It was not easy.

“Melody looks so happy. That means you’ve taken good care of her. Thank you.”

Becky’s mouth fell open.

Marie’s eyes began to glisten.

The Rumors

Unbeknownst to Viola, she had already become the center of gossip within the ducal estate.

It began with Guard John’s girlfriend, Susan.

“Have you heard of Squirrel Lady?”

“Who?”

“John said Conrad ordered that if Squirrel Lady appears, report it immediately! His Grace is looking for her!”

“What kind of nickname is that?”

“No idea!”

No one believed it at first.

Kain looking for a woman?

Calling her Squirrel Lady?

Impossible.

But within a day, the mysterious woman had appeared—

And moved into the estate.

As Young Master Jaden’s dedicated apothecary.

Receiving special treatment.

Even Conrad had instructed the staff to show her particular care.

There must be something more to her.

Becky and Marie had been assigned to look after Melody.

And now—

After meeting Viola in person—

She exceeded all imagination.

Her smile was radiant.

Her smallest gestures carried natural elegance.

The refinement of nobility was unmistakable.

The two maids exchanged subtle glances.

She must be a princess from some distant kingdom.

Clearly concealing her identity.

Seeking refuge within the Duchy of Ashellen.

That had to be it.

Flustered, Marie blurted out:

“P-please speak comfortably to us!”

“But—”

“Viola, pleeease? We’ll get scolded!”

Both maids stared at her with pleading eyes.

Viola’s Defeat

Viola squeezed her eyes shut.

I’m weak against this…

Even Melody joined the assault, looking up at her expectantly.

She let out a soft sigh.

“…Alright.”

Victory.

The maids clapped in delight.

“Thank you!”

They were so happy over something so small.

Viola couldn’t help but smile.

Then—

“Hmm?”

Becky pointed toward the wardrobe.

Kain’s coat was hanging neatly inside.

“That’s His Grace’s coat, isn’t it?”

“Oh—”

She almost responded formally again.

“Yes. I spilled something earlier, so he lent it to me.”

She scratched her cheek awkwardly.

In truth, it had been to conceal bloodstains.

But she couldn’t mention that in front of Melody.

Becky and Marie nodded slowly—

And misunderstood entirely.

His Grace personally lent her his coat?!

Their eyes widened.

The rumor mill was about to erupt.