chapter 9
The Beginning of a Contract Marriage
The next day, from early morning, Rebelina instructed the servants of the marquis household to hurry and prepare. Fully dressed, she moved about overseeing the preparations for receiving a guest, prompting the butler to ask:
“Who is coming? We haven’t received any notice.”
“They’ll definitely come today.”
“Pardon?”
“There’s someone coming, so it’s better to prepare in advance.”
Since Rebelina didn’t specify who the guest was, the butler didn’t press further. After all, as servants of the marquis family, they were expected to follow their young lady’s orders regardless of her intentions.
They also knew well that Rebelina didn’t speak carelessly. Bound by unwavering loyalty to Marquis Asilius and his bloodline, the servants obeyed her without complaint. It was a unique trait of the Asilius household, rarely seen in other noble families.
Typically, servants in noble families were paid wages and often changed jobs. But the Asilius household was different. Servants were not easily dismissed, and many had worked there for generations.
With loyalty ingrained to the bone, the servants busied themselves with preparations. At the center of it all was Rebelina, gracefully directing everything. Her elegant gestures highlighted her capability as the lady managing the internal affairs of the marquisate.
“Our lady is truly perfect!”
“She’d be even more perfect if she didn’t hide her personality.”
“Oh, hush! If someone is too perfect, they lose charm!”
“That’s true.”
Chattering among themselves, they finished preparing for the guest. Once everything was ready, Rebelina quietly sat in the drawing room, waiting for Tartenon to arrive.
He’ll definitely come.
He wasn’t someone who made empty promises. The Tartenon she had seen had eyes that shone with sincerity. A man like that would always keep his word.
Having met countless people while managing the estate and business, Rebelina was certain—Tartenon was trustworthy.
He will come.
After allowing the exhausted servants to rest, Rebelina saw off the marquis, who was heading to the imperial palace for work. He, too, was curious about the identity of the guest but chose not to question her further when she remained silent.
Not long after the marquis left, the guest Rebelina had been waiting for finally arrived.
Tartenon had come early in the morning to the Asilius estate. As if she had been expecting him, Rebelina came out to the entrance to greet him. Despite the early hour, she was impeccably dressed, drawing admiration from him.
“Did you know I’d come at this hour?”
“I sent an invitation, so I should welcome my guest warmly no matter when they arrive.”
Rebelina replied calmly, even though she had just been estimating his arrival time while preparing with the servants.
Bathed in the bright morning sunlight, Tartenon looked every bit the model nobleman. His fitted shirt and jacket concealed his solid upper body, while black trousers emphasized his long legs. Though lightly dressed, his attire adhered perfectly to etiquette.
He was completely different from Inferno, who used to visit the estate in flashy, over-the-top outfits.
Rebelina bowed with perfect decorum and spoke:
“Welcome to the Asilius estate.”
“The pleasure is mine, my lady.”
After exchanging formal greetings, they entered the estate. Rebelina guided him to the drawing room where they had first met and instructed the butler to bring tea. Though startled to realize that the guest was none other than the Grand Duke of Speraum, the butler quickly composed himself and stepped out to prepare it.
As soon as the butler left, Tartenon spoke first:
“Have you already made your decision? If you’re thinking of refusing—”
“I’ll do it. The marriage.”
“What? What did you just—”
“I’d like to draft the contract right now. Let’s do it immediately!”
Startled by her sudden declaration, Tartenon stared at Rebelina with wide eyes. She met his gaze calmly, without the slightest change in expression.
A fiery intensity burned in her golden eyes. Whether it was anger or affection, he couldn’t tell—but it intrigued him.
With a faint chuckle, he muttered:
“I thought you’d say that.”
His voice was too soft for Rebelina to hear.
“Did you say something?”
“No, nothing.”
He smiled gently, shaking his head. Though she tilted her head in curiosity, he said nothing further. His eyes curved as he looked at her—just like the smile she had seen before.
“So, you want to draft the contract?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“A contract period of three years. After that, I’ll grant you a divorce if you wish.”
“Sounds good. Please include that you’ll give me anything I want as alimony.”
As if he had been waiting, Tartenon pulled out documents from his coat and handed them to her. Rebelina carefully read through every line.
His thorough preparation nearly made her forget he was sitting in front of her. There wasn’t a single flaw in the document—it perfectly reflected all the terms he had proposed.
He prepared all this already?
She had expected they would need time to negotiate and refine the contract together, and she had even prepared things to say. But seeing the perfectly drafted document, there was nothing left to add.
Once she finished reading, Tartenon handed her a pen. She took it and moved to sign her name.
Just before signing, her hand hesitated—and Tartenon’s shoulders twitched slightly.
Unaware, she asked:
“Since we’re proceeding with the contract marriage as you wished, you’ll handle persuading His Majesty and my father, right?”
“Of course.”
Relief flickered in his eyes, though Rebelina didn’t notice as she focused on the document.
With his agreement, she signed her name in elegant handwriting. Smiling brightly, she looked at him.
“Then when should we hold the wedding? I’ll need to prepare to leave for the North, and since it’s a marriage between high-ranking nobles, there’s a lot to arrange. Would next spring be reasonable?”
“Next spring?”
“Yes.”
As she chattered about dresses and furniture to take north, Tartenon tapped the table lightly and cut her off.
“Next month. In Speraum.”
“…Excuse me? Next month?”
Her eyes widened in shock, but he didn’t retract his statement. Instead, he smiled faintly.
“Next month. Speraum.”
“Next month?!”
“You just need to prepare to leave for the North.”
“Is that even possible? Even if it’s a contract marriage, it’s still a wedding. It should take at least half a year to prepare—”
“I can do anything I decide to. Even if it’s a rushed wedding, if I handle it, it will be the most luxurious and elegant one.”
Rebelina fell silent. For a moment, she had forgotten his status.
If the imperial family ruled the Prinate Empire, then the one who ruled the North—Speraum—was the man sitting before her: Tartenon Speraum.
He collected the signed contract and placed it into an envelope. Taking out his seal, he stamped it—the mark of the Grand Duke of Speraum. A faint white glow appeared. It was the magical seal she had only heard about.
Used only by the imperial family and grand ducal houses, it protected important documents—punishing anyone who touched them without permission.
Tartenon tucked the document away and leaned toward her. His large frame loomed closer, his blue eyes stopping just before hers.
The sudden closeness stole her breath. His eyes burned like blue flames, making her fingertips tingle with tension.
She clenched her fists slightly as goosebumps rose along her neck.
Then he spoke:
“Anything I set my mind to—I can achieve.”
“I—I suppose so.”
Her voice trembled.
“Even if that means turning against the imperial family.”
