TNBTW | Episode 8

‘Is it… because it’s a proper Korean etiquette?’

Of course, Edith knew that this was an uncommon way of greeting in the Empire. The people of this country didn’t ask, “Have you eaten?” as casually as one might ask about someone’s well-being.

But still, no one had ever said something like, “Why are you asking that?” like what the Duke did. When she couldn’t shake her Korean habits and asked that same question, most people responded with a smile.

“Well… I thought perhaps you hadn’t had time for a meal and I came without giving you the chance to rest?”

“Are you worried that you might have been rude?”

“Something like that…?”

Though the meaning seemed a little different, Edith gave a vague affirmative.

She had a feeling that if she responded with, ‘Because it’s the proper etiquette!’, the Duke might return with a, ‘Why would that be considered etiquette?’

“I don’t usually enjoy dinner. There’s no need to worry about that, considering the conversation is more important.”

Fortunately, the Duke seemed to accept that reasoning without further comment.

‘He seems very logical and rational, yet oddly unique…’

Almost like a perfectly programmed robot, Edith thought.

Swallowing a quiet sigh, Edith realized she needed to be more careful with her words.

“I wanted to discuss a few things before the marriage,” the Duke said.

“Ah, yes! I actually had something I wanted to ask as well.”

“Perfect.”

The Duke gestured to a booklet placed on the table. Edith cautiously opened it, revealing several documents inside.

「Marriage Contract」

The heading was very brief. Edith immediately lowered her gaze to the next line.

「1. The marriage duration between Skyle Elliott Devion and Edith Irene Brussels is set to a maximum of three years, starting from the wedding day. The contract will terminate immediately upon the achievement of each party’s objective.」

The first section was acceptable. She was especially relieved that the duration and terms were clearly defined.

As Edith continued reading, her eyes paused on a specific clause.

「1-1. In the event that the contract cannot be fulfilled, the duration may be extended by mutual agreement.」

“‘In case the contract can’t be fulfilled…’?”

“The time when the Red Moon covers the Sun can be roughly predicted, but the exact day cannot be specified. It might extend a little beyond three years.”

That clause was clearly in place for Edith’s wish. It was a very reasonable stipulation.

She continued to read through the rest of the contract. The more she read, the more surprised she became.

‘This is incredibly well-organized. There are no complicated, twisted phrases…’

Given their difference in status, Edith had worried there might be unfavorable terms for her, but there was nothing like that. On the contrary, it seemed like the Duke had taken her circumstances into careful consideration, which was more surprising than anything.

「12. Edith Irene Brussel shall hold the rights of a Duchess for the duration of the marriage.」

「12-1. The allowance for maintaining dignity is set at 2,000 gold per month. (Expenses for luxury items are an exemption.)」

The twelfth clause took Edith’s breath away.

‘Two thousand gold a month?!’

Edith’s current salary was 20 gold a month. It was a decent amount for her experience, and among her peers, she was considered to be earning well.

But here, the allowance for maintaining her dignity was 2,000 gold a month. Just for existing! And that was per month!

Even more shocking was that expenses for luxury items weren’t even included in this allowance. She couldn’t even begin to imagine how much gold she would be receiving monthly.

“If the budget falls short, you can discuss it with the butler.”

“If it falls short?”

Suddenly overwhelmed by thoughts of gold, Edith stammered. She briefly tried to estimate how much this was worth in her previous world but gave up. The higher the number, the more her head spun.

‘For an ordinary citizen, this amount is unimaginable…’

Looking at the staggering amount for maintaining dignity only made her more dizzy instead of calming her mind.

Forcing her gaze away from the number, Edith continued reading. Most of the rest of the clauses were fairly standard.

「Each party’s privacy shall be respected. (However, acts that may lead to accusations reported to the temple are prohibited.)」

As she continued reading, Edith came to a halt at a special clause at the end.

‘What does this mean?’

She couldn’t understand it, and as she stared at it in confusion, the Duke noticed and quietly spoke.

“Miss Edith, during our marriage, you are free to meet with anyone you wish. It’s better to refrain from doing so immediately after the wedding, considering public opinion, but I won’t force you.”

Ah. Edith’s mouth hung open as she belatedly understood. So, now…

“But having a child out of wedlock could cause issues if it involves the temple…”

“I understand! That won’t happen, I promise.”

Though it wasn’t proper etiquette, Edith quickly interrupted him.

In noble society, where arranged marriages were the norm, it was not uncommon to have lovers on the side, and the Duke had every right to be concerned. But hearing this directly from her future husband was an entirely different matter.

Moreover, the Duke’s voice as he spoke so nonchalantly made Edith feel even more embarrassed.

‘Now that he mentioned it, he could be seeing someone else too… right?’

Feeling an unexpected heat rise in her chest, Edith began to fan herself with her hand, her mind suddenly taken over by another thought.

‘What if the Duke already has a lover hidden away?’

Sigh. Subtly, Edith glanced at him. She had noticed it the first time they met, but every time she looked at him, he seemed unreal.

No one had ever looked so natural with silvery hair like he did, and his mercury-like eyes gleamed as they caught the light, evoking admiration.

‘Whoever he meets, they must be someone similar, right?’

Edith quickly came to a conclusion. According to Daisy, the Duke was both an undesirable suitor and yet someone everyone secretly wanted to meet.

It wouldn’t be strange at all if he had someone on the side. In fact, it would feel more unusual if he didn’t.

‘Oh right, he had asked me if I had any feelings for him as a man earlier.’

It had seemed like a strange question at the time, but if he already had a lover, it made sense. The Duke must have wanted to avoid any potential issues.

There was no need for him to explain everything to Edith. It was likely more convenient for him to simply include it in the contract like this.

“Please let me know if there’s anything you wish to modify. I will accommodate it.”

Having momentarily drifted into other thoughts, Edith was brought back to reality by his words.

‘It’s definitely a contract I can sign as is.’

However, she hesitated before signing immediately. The memories of a past bad contract still lingered in her mind when was just entering society.

“I think it’s fine as is, but just in case, would it be alright if I reviewed it a bit more?”

“Of course.”

She had worried that he might be offended, but the Duke readily allowed it. In fact, he seemed pleased that she had asked. Edith felt reassured.

“You mentioned you had a question?”

“Ah, yes… but it’s been resolved.”

Edith laughed awkwardly. She had forgotten about it, but the Duke must have remembered. Truly, the genius magician seemed to have an exceptional memory.

In fact, she had planned to ask about the matter of her work, as she had been supporting herself as a tutor, but as the Duchess, she wouldn’t be able to work anymore. However, with the allowance for maintaining dignity, that concern became meaningless.

“I see. There is one matter I’d like to ask for your understanding on, Miss Edith.”

“From you, Your Grace?”

“Since we haven’t held the wedding yet, our contract hasn’t truly begun. However, since His Majesty wishes for it, I must ask for your cooperation.”

“His Majesty wishes for it…”

Edith tensed. The Emperor’s wishes always made her heart race.

“His Majesty wishes for people to believe that there was no intervention in our relationship. He wants it to appear that way, at least.”

‘He wants it to appear that way?’