A Contract Marriage with My Child’s Father Chapter 44

Chapter 44

A short breath of laughter escaped him—whether it was a snort or a hollow chuckle, even he couldn’t tell.

She truly was an absurd woman.

To think she would try to bribe a duke with something like that.

“A-And while you’re at it, if you could also forget about the incident from earlier…!”

Her hurried voice as she added that last part lingered in his ears.

Forget?

Was she referring to the moment she held food out to him and said, “Aaah~”?

Those of Dragon Blood possessed memories far sharper than ordinary people. There was no chance he could forget something that vivid. Even without his heightened senses, it would have been difficult to erase.

In truth, the entire outing had been like that.

When Viola suggested going out, he hadn’t imagined it would unfold this way.

Kain Ashellen rarely left the estate for personal reasons. The only times he crossed its gates were to subjugate monsters or fulfill his duties as Duke of Ashellen.

Especially in the three years since inheriting the title, monster activity had surged for unknown reasons. Until recently, he had barely had time to breathe, let alone leisure. He scarcely even remained at the estate.

Even if he had been given free time, it would not have changed anything.

He simply lacked such desires.

The impulse to seek amusement.

The inclination to enjoy something for its own sake.

His life was a dry repetition of duty—as Duke, and as one of Dragon Blood.

That was why today felt so strange.

Detached.

Unfamiliar.

“…It was the same during the meal.”

Kain, whose Dragon Blood ran particularly strong, possessed extremely sensitive senses. His sense of taste was no exception.

He experienced flavors far more intensely than others.

Perhaps because of that, food had always felt bland.

As someone often called emotionally muted, he had never cared much for taste.

It was merely sustenance.

But—

“Wow. I think this is the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten!”

Viola’s face flashed through his mind—smiling brightly with a piece of steak in her mouth.

In that instant, Kain realized something.

I see.

So this is what it means for something to be delicious.

For him, food had only ever been survival.

Yet watching Viola eat so happily made it feel as if flavor itself had come alive.

…Did she even eat properly?

He remembered how she had been so busy feeding the children that she barely touched her own meal.

So distracted that her food had gone cold.

No wonder she had absentmindedly held her fork out to him.

“…Next time, I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen.”

So her food wouldn’t grow cold.

So she could enjoy her portion fully.

To do that—

Viola would naturally tend to the children first.

Next time, it would be better if they went out alone.

Kain thought this without realizing he was already picturing another outing.

Just the two of them.

The Next Morning

I rubbed my eyes as clothes flooded into my room.

What exactly is going on?

Blouses I never ordered.

Skirts in every imaginable cut.

Dresses.

Outerwear.

Shoes.

Accessories.

And…

Why do they all look familiar?

The luxurious fabric. The elegant tailoring.

I had definitely seen them before.

“…No way.”

Yesterday’s boutique flashed in my mind.

That blouse.

The one I clearly refused when Kain offered to buy it.

So why is it here?

And not just that blouse.

It looked as though the entire boutique had been transported into my room.

Formal gowns.

Outing dresses.

Even hunting attire.

And those shoes—are those hand-stitched?!

As if answering my thoughts, Conrad smiled, his glasses glinting.

“His Grace, Kain Ashellen, has sent these. He hopes they are to your liking.”

He looked refreshed.

I did not.

“W-Wait, Sir Conrad! This is far too sudden!”

“Are they not to your taste? If so, I shall immediately arrange a reservation with another atelier.”

Why would that escalate so fast?!

“N-No! That’s not it at all! It’s just… too much!”

I gestured helplessly at the mountain of garments.

“Melody’s clothes were already more than enough. And now this many for me too…!”

Even if I wore a different outfit every day, it would take over a month to cycle through them all.

Conrad remained perfectly composed.

“This is merely appropriate treatment for the benefactor of House Ashellen. If anything, I regret that it is so modest.”

Modest?

If this is modest, next they’ll be offering me a small territory.

“Please accept them comfortably, Lady Viola. It is simply His Grace’s wish to repay even a fraction of his gratitude.”

That only made it harder.

When I first stepped forward to treat Jaden Ashellen’s Tamutur Disease, I had indeed set a price.

There had been no other way to secure Melody’s and my safety.

But now—

I had grown deeply attached to Jaden.

They called me a benefactor.

But it wasn’t just House Ashellen who wanted him healed.

I wanted it too.

I wanted that child to stop suffering.

It was something I chose.

I cannot accept compensation for something I would have done anyway.

“I truly am fine, Sir Conrad. I’ll gratefully accept the sentiment alone.”

He studied me carefully.

Then nodded.

“Very well. If they do not suit your taste, we shall return them.”

Good.

Resolved—

“We shall return these and summon another atelier entirely. You may personally select everything—from gowns to accessories.”

…What?

“C-Can I refuse that too?”

“Of course. Nothing is forced upon Lady Viola. If you are dissatisfied, we shall summon the next atelier. And the next. Until you are satisfied.”

There was something quietly unhinged in the firmness of his tone.

I surrendered.

“Th-Then… I’ll gratefully accept these.”

“Ah. How wonderful.”

His glasses glinted again.

He is terrifying.

Trying Them On

Unable to manage the pile alone, I eventually enlisted Marie and Becky.

“Wow, Lady Viola! This would suit you so well!”

Being girls, they couldn’t resist admiring each piece.

“Please try one! You just received them!”

Under their sparkling eyes, I gave in.

Becky subtly pointed toward a particularly glamorous gown.

“…That one feels burdensome.”

Even when I lived under Marquis Deboreux, I had rarely worn extravagant dresses.

Instead, I chose the simpler blouse and skirt.

At least that would be practical.

I changed quickly.

The style was similar to what I usually wore.

But the fabric—

Soft. Luxurious.

“Um… I’ve changed.”

I stepped out awkwardly.

Surely there wouldn’t be much difference.

Just as I wondered whether I had met their expectations—