A Contract Marriage with My Child’s Father Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Even a mere peacock spreads its feathers flamboyantly to attract a mate.

How could His Grace possibly take interest in such a plain, rustic woman?

(Unfortunately, Celia was unaware that in reality, it is the male peacock who shows off its feathers.)

In any case, the maids’ explanation made no sense to her.

“Then perhaps that woman stole it.”

Celia spoke confidently, as though her reasoning were flawless.

Becky and Marie nearly burst out laughing.

They both knew it was wiser to endure a superior’s bullying quietly rather than resist.

And Celia was no ordinary maid—she was the beloved daughter of a count.

Among the staff, there was even an unspoken rule: humor Celia whenever possible.

But this time, they couldn’t remain silent.

She had gone too far—insulting not only them, but their angelic Lady Viola.

Just as Becky was about to protest, Marie—usually the slower one—spoke first.

“D-don’t insult Lady Viola…!”

“That’s right! We haven’t done anything wrong!”

Celia visibly flinched at their boldness.

“If you’re innocent, simply say so. Why shout? How uncultured.”

She snatched the coat from their hands.

“I’ll confirm this myself. If you’re lying to a noble, you’ll pay for it.”

“Yes, please do!” Becky replied boldly.
“You can ask Lord Conrad. He personally told us to treat her with special care.”

“Conrad?”

Celia frowned.

Conrad held genuine authority within the estate.

Even Celia had attempted to curry favor with him—without success.

And now he was giving someone special treatment?

Unacceptable.

She grabbed a passing servant.

“Is it true that Conrad gave such orders?”

“Yes, he did.”

Becky smiled smugly.

Serves you right.

Celia’s expression stiffened.

Celia’s Thoughts

She had made no secret of her ambition to become duchess.

Becoming Jaden’s attendant had been part of her strategy—to draw close to Kain.

As if that would ever succeed.

A sly fox could never defeat a gentle squirrel.

After all, it wasn’t the wind but the sun that made the traveler remove his coat.

Satisfied, Becky and Marie headed toward the laundry.

Meanwhile — Viola’s Crisis

The moment the maids left, Viola encountered a disaster.

A very large one.

“Moooom! Waaah!”

“Wait, calm down! I just tripped!”

Melody had seen the bandage.

During bath time, water soaked the sleeve and exposed it.

This is exactly why I tried to hide it!

“See? It only looks bad because of the bandage.”

“Uuu…”

“I just scratched myself cleaning up broken glass.”

Melody’s crying slowed.

Then she looked up sharply.

“Mom?”

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

Ah.

Earlier she had said she tripped.

Sharp child.

Tears welled up again.

“Uwaaaah!”

Which jerk did that to you?!

Even while crying, Melody stomped angrily.

That meant she was truly furious.

“I made a mistake, that’s all.”

“Uu!”

Liar!

“It’s true.”

“Uu!”

Don’t believe you!

Melody demanded to know who had hurt her.

But Viola couldn’t say.

“Melody, I’m sorry. I’ll be more careful.”

The child pouted deeply.

“U.”

Hate you.

“You hate me?”

“Uu.”

…No.

She shook her head faintly.

Viola smiled.

“You’re too kind.”

Suddenly, Melody grabbed her wrist.

“Melody… You’re not going to heal me, are you? It’s fine.”

“Humph!”

Stubborn.

I’m really fine though…

Holy power was a blessing—accelerating regeneration.

Useful, yes.

But mentally exhausting, especially for a child.

In the original story, Melody had suffered because of it.

After enduring abuse at the Temple, using her power had never come easily.

I don’t want her straining herself for me.

But refusing might result in a week-long sulk.

Worse—

She might refuse to brush her teeth.

That was unacceptable.

So Viola relented.

Golden light flowed from Melody’s small body and wrapped around Viola’s arm.

The pain vanished instantly.

When Viola removed the bandage, the wound had completely closed.

Melody yawned heavily.

“Thank you. It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

“Heehee.”

Moments ago she had been crying; now she smiled faintly.

Viola tucked her into bed.

“Sleep well.”

Melody fell asleep almost immediately.

She’s adapting well here.

Viola lay down soon after.

She didn’t know—

That the next morning, she would meet someone far less pleasant.

The Next Morning

After stopping by the apothecary room, Viola made her way toward Jaden’s chamber.

Outside the door, she paused.

Voices.

Someone was inside.

The walls were thick. Normally she wouldn’t have heard anything.

But then—

A woman’s voice slipped through the narrow crack.

“When will this illness be cured? Hah. For someone with Dragon Blood, isn’t he weaker than common street brats? His Grace would have it much easier if the young master recovered quickly…”

Viola frowned.

What kind of way was that to speak?