The Military Doctor Excels at Being a Contracted Duchess - Chapter 6

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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【Chapter 6】

Honestly, I came here half-believing, half-doubting, but who would have thought the Grand Duke of Bayern would actually be here.

Moreover, with just a few words, he had let her know that he was in the same situation as her.

After being shown to her room by his aide, that evening.

Ebel was sitting at the same table as Victor as a guest.

“I assumed that since I had returned, you could have returned too. Or if not, I would have made other plans, but I needed you.”

“Why me?”

“Because it has to be someone I can trust.”

The Grand Duke’s appearance as he poured wine wearing only a white shirt was strangely sensual.

The shirt that naturally fell along his solid shoulder line was loosely tucked in at the waist, and his sleeves were roughly rolled up.

Having shed his usual commanding, neat, and cold appearance, he seemed much more relaxed.

Though it felt strange to think the Grand Duke had this side to him, Ebel didn’t show it.

She still didn’t know how to process all the memories from the battlefield.

“Couldn’t someone else besides you and me have returned?”

“That’s right. But if they had, they surely would have come to me. The fact that there’s been no word from anyone means it’s just the two of us for now.”

“Ah.”

Well, that would be the case.

Among the remaining members except for her, there were those of status who could immediately contact the Grand Duke.

Even if they were of a status that couldn’t write directly to the Grand Duke, they could contact him through Lucas or Heinrich… there were many ways.

“We should wait and see as memories might return slowly over time. However, I plan to bring all twelve who remained until the end to the estate.”

“I understand.”

Just as the final twelve were special to her, they would be to the Grand Duke as well.

‘Still… I wish at least one more person had their memories.’

It’s not something that happens just because you wish for it.

For that person’s sake, it would be better if they had no memories.

“After grasping the entire situation, the reason I sought you out first was…”

Victor von Bayern was a man who never rushed.

He always took his time when speaking too.

Knowing this, she waited without urging him.

“I’ve told you about my nephews before. I want someone who can properly care for those nephews. Someone who won’t reveal what they see and hear anywhere.”

Veins stood out clearly on the back of his hand as he set down the wine bottle.

Watching his hand slowly turning the glass as if revisiting an old worry, Ebel swallowed nervously and asked casually.

“Do they have an illness?”

“Something like that. Whether mental or physical.”

A self-deprecating smile flickered across his unrealistically handsome face before quickly fading.

Soon, his deep blue eyes looked directly at her.

“I want to try living differently.”

“Yes.”

“I’d like you to help me.”

“…Yes.”

A request rather than an order was quite unfamiliar.

To have the right to refuse. Wasn’t that quite a luxurious freedom?

“This is a contract, so look it over carefully. If you agree, just stamp it. If you don’t agree, I’ll buy you a house wherever you want. You deserve it.”

Ebel silently stared at the documents extended to her.

They contained quite detailed content.

“Bedrooms will be separate before marriage, but must be shared after the formal ceremony. Of course, a separate private bedroom will be provided in addition to the marital one…”

“Though we met this way, I plan to set it up as if I fell in love at first sight.”

Though he spoke matter-of-factly, Ebel nearly spat out the wine she was drinking.

Love at first sight?

Victor von Bayern?

“…So you mean it’s a contract marriage but should appear like a love marriage?”

“Right. You’ll also have to play the role of a high noble. You’ll need to have at least basic etiquette. Here.”

Ebel decided not to pry deeply.

She needed money anyway. And she had to keep it from being taken by her twin brother.

‘He said just receiving a house would be fine, but then Abel might come looking. But if I enter the House of the Grand Duke, he won’t be able to threaten me.’

Being a quick-witted fellow, he might be able to connect her disappearance with the House of Bayern.

But that’s all.

What could he possibly do?

‘Once I secure safe funds, I can go abroad to do research and continue my life as a doctor.’

In some countries, it’s said that women becoming doctors isn’t such a strange thing.

Time and funds to gradually prepare for exile. And escaping from her detestable family.

All of this was too tempting a proposal for her current situation.

“Taking control within the family and handling actual duties as Grand Duchess…”

As she skimmed through the documents, she realized there was no mention of heirs.

“I don’t have to bear children?”

Was that too direct?

Seeing the Grand Duke hesitate, she blinked and was relieved by his answer.

“No need for an heir. I plan to pass it on to one of my nephews.”

“That’s fortunate. I don’t want to have children.”

“You don’t have to try to love me. Just pretend to. You seem like you’d be good at acting.”

“Since I’ve been acting like a man?”

The Grand Duke silently affirmed. Ebel took a short breath.

“When did you know I was a woman?”

“From the beginning.”

“…Excuse me?”

Did she hear wrong?

She thought she had hidden it well.

Seeing her stare blankly, the Grand Duke raised an eyebrow.

“I don’t understand how one could fail to notice.”

“…You have good perception. Then did other people know too?”

“Half and half. Your bone structure is different.”

That’s a bit hurtful to her pride.

She had cut her hair short and deliberately chose only oversized clothes.

Grumbling inwardly, she turned her gaze back to the documents.

“I have one condition.”

“Anything.”

“My twin brother knows my identity. Please send him somewhere ‘he can’t return from.'”

“What else do you need?”

She thought this might not work, but this works too.

The Grand Duke nodding seemed willing to grant almost anything she wanted.

“Um… then later, when the contract ends, please arrange passage for me. So I can safely travel to a foreign country. Preferably somewhere war won’t break out.”

“That’s easy.”

They shared memories of the future.

They knew which countries would start wars and where would be peaceful.

The difference between him and her was that Ebel lacked the money and power to change the future.

‘But my life at least… will definitely change with this much.’

As long as her leech-like family doesn’t find her and cling to her.

“There’s one more thing. Please keep my face out of the newspapers.”

“I’ll arrange it.”

Just as she was about to relax, thinking everything was finished now.

“Now that the contract is settled, how about we speak more comfortably?”

“…Pardon?”

“This isn’t a battlefield. And I’m not your superior either. I think calling each other by name would seem more natural for our relationship.”

She was momentarily speechless. It wasn’t wrong, but her first thought was ‘How dare I?’ which left her stunned.

It was true that they had agreed to marry… but from her perspective, the Grand Duke was still far too high-ranking a superior.

“We can gradually work on it during the wedding preparation period. I’ll make the effort first.”

“Ah, well… Your Grace.”

“If it’s difficult for you to speak casually, wouldn’t it look better if we both use formal speech with each other?”

Somehow her heart sank as if she had done something wrong.

At some point, his way of addressing her had changed from ‘you’ to ‘thee.’

It wasn’t the way one addresses a subordinate, but rather an equal, or the way one addresses a lady.

“…I understand.”

“Then I’ll escort you to your bedroom.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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