A Contract Marriage with My Child’s Father Chapter 42

Chapter 42

It was surprising to see Jaden approach me first like this.

Come to think of it, something similar had happened before. I remembered the day Jaden came to my office for the first time.

“…That woman actually tried to kill Viola.”

He had looked desperate then—driven by nothing but the need to protect Viola.

I had felt it clearly.

Viola was someone who could make this boy overcome even fear itself.

“I—I tried it on…”

His shoulders were stiff with tension; he had clearly forced himself to gather the courage.

Kain, as always, was about to answer indifferently—then stopped.

Suddenly, he recalled what Viola had whispered when she brushed past him earlier in the boutique.

“Kids are pure, which makes them surprisingly simple sometimes. Just meeting them at eye level can change a lot.”

She must have said that for this moment.

Kain slowly bent his knees and lowered himself.

Not from an adult’s point of view—

But from a child’s.

Looking Jaden gently in the eyes, he said quietly,

“It suits you.”

“…Huh.”

Jaden looked startled, as if he hadn’t expected praise.

But the corner of his mouth twitched upward.

He was pleased.

Seeing that small positive reaction, Kain decided to take one more step.

“Jaden.”

When he called his name softly, the boy’s expression tightened again.

What now?

A warm presence touched Jaden’s back as he hesitated.

Viola.

When he glanced back, she beamed at him—as if to say there was nothing to worry about.

Really? It’s okay?

Still doubtful, Jaden inched forward in tiny steps.

And then—

Something felt different.

The duke, who had always seemed as massive as a mountain, was now at his eye level.

Only then did Jaden truly see his uncle’s face.

Silver hair—just like his own.

Red eyes.

Up close, Kain’s expression wasn’t as hard as he had imagined.

Then Kain slowly extended his hand.

Jaden flinched—but he didn’t retreat.

He squeezed his eyes shut.

A faint sensation brushed the back of his neck.

Then the hand withdrew.

When Jaden opened his eyes, the collar that had been sticking up awkwardly was neatly smoothed down.

“It’ll be easier to wear it like that.”

Kain stepped back again.

“Wow, Young Master—you’re perfect now! It looks amazing on you!”

Clap, clap, clap.

Viola applauded brightly.

“Yes. You look good.”

Jaden turned toward the mirror.

A fine little gentleman stared back.

Just as the Duke had said.

It really did look better.

Ahem.

The corner of his mouth twitched again.

His fingers fidgeted unconsciously.

Embarrassed?

Something else?

He didn’t know what this feeling was.

But for the first time, Jaden thought—

Maybe Uncle wasn’t as scary as he had believed.

Just like Viola said.

Viola

I watched the bashful Jaden and Kain with a satisfied smile.

This counts as a success, right?

It was more progress than I had expected.

All I did was give them an opportunity.

If they had come this far already, then surely—

Deep down, neither of them hated the idea of this.

If I keep nudging them closer little by little, then someday…

Hehe.

I let out a suspicious little laugh while planning my next steps.

That was when—

“Ugh! U!”

Melody tugged at my skirt and pointed at the glamorous dress displayed in the center of the shop.

“Mom. Uu?”

Mom, try that one on!

Her eyes sparkled.

Then Jaden joined in.

“Yeah, Viola! That would look great on you! Can’t you try it once? Please?”

“Ah—no. I’m fine.”

What reason would I have to wear something that flashy?

Back when I was the adopted daughter of the Marquis Deboire, I attended banquets, sure.

But not anymore.

Now I trimmed and ground herbs.

A dress like that would be pure extravagance.

And besides—

It’s way too expensive!

Earlier, I had glimpsed the price tag on Melody’s outfit and nearly fainted.

And Kain, as if it were nothing, bought not only the clothes Melody liked—but even the ones she merely glanced at.

I tried refusing.

Repeatedly.

He ignored me.

That dress was obviously even more expensive.

No way.

Even with my salary, I couldn’t justify something like that.

Instead—

My eyes drifted to a simpler outfit on the wall.

A neat blouse and deep green skirt.

Easy to move in.

Practical.

I could actually work in that.

I could probably afford it, too…

But I quickly shook the thought away.

I had already planned where my salary would go.

“I’m really fine. My current clothes are comfortable.”

Just as I turned away—

Kain somehow appeared behind me.

He nodded toward the simpler outfit.

“I think that would suit you.”

“Gah—”

“Uu!”

Melody grabbed Kain’s sleeve and pointed insistently at the glamorous dress again.

“Uu?”

What about this one?

“Indeed. That would suit you as well. We can have them ring up everything—”

“N-no! No! Melody—don’t do that to the Duke!”

He looked ready to call the shop owner immediately.

I panicked and flailed my arms.

“I’m really fine! I’d never have a chance to wear something like that!”

“You never know.”

What is that supposed to mean?

Should I wear a ballroom gown while sorting herbs?

I should have known.

As the head of House Ashellen, reputed to be the wealthiest in the empire—

The Duke had a surprisingly extravagant side.

“Dresses are uncomfortable to work in… I’m really fine! More importantly—”

If this continued, he would truly buy it.

Buying clothes for me would be a waste.

No matter how much money he had, I couldn’t let him purchase something that would get ruined in an herb workshop.

Carefully studying his expression, I spoke.

“Duke, I’m sorry, but may I step out for a moment?”

“Where?”

“Viola? Where are you going?”

“U?”

All three of them reacted at once.

“I think I left something in the carriage.”

“We’ll be leaving soon anyway. Let’s go together.”

Ah.

That was an extremely weak excuse.

Lying truly isn’t my strength.

But words spoken cannot be swallowed.

Just run!

“N-no! I’ll be right back!”

Leaving Melody and Jaden behind, I hurried out.

After taking care of what had been bothering me, I returned, and we headed to a restaurant.

Because we had promised.

The restaurant was famous—always crowded with nobles, according to Mari.

But—

“There’s nobody here? I heard evenings are especially busy.”

A dreadful sense of déjà vu crept up on me.

Wait.

Don’t tell me—

After the boutique…

Did he rent this place too?

I looked at Kain.

He behaved as if nothing was unusual.

From now on, I must never casually suggest dining out.

The Duke’s “standard” operates on a completely different scale.

The restaurant looked like a banquet hall.

Crystal chandeliers.

Fresh flowers on every table.

“Waaah! Mom! Uu!”

Look at that!

Melody bounced excitedly, pointing at the chandelier.

“You’re right. It’s so sparkly.”

A waiter led us to our table.

We ordered.

Dishes arrived one by one.

Every plate looked exquisite.

“Waaah!”

Melody lifted her fork heroically—

Whiff.

The food slipped away.

The fork was still awkward in her hands.

Oh dear.

“Mom will feed you. Melody, ah—”

“Aaah~”

I twirled the noodles into a neat bite and fed her.

She accepted happily, cheeks puffing.

Adorable.

“Is it good?”

“U!”

While she chewed, I picked up my fork—

“Viola.”

“Yes? Young Master?”

Jaden had set down his spoon and was staring at me expectantly.

“Um… nothing.”

That was absolutely not nothing.

He clearly wanted something.

Is he… asking to be fed too?

Just in case, I reached toward his fork.

His eyes sparkled even brighter.

Oh?