A Stranger Wearing the Name of Your Wife - Chapter 7

I didn’t accept the protective charm that had originally been planned. If I fully understood the situation with the marriage registration, then it would be fine. But right now, it’s too soon. That’s what I decided.

After returning to the mansion by carriage, I summoned the butler. I questioned him, but he knew nothing. Then, was this something my husband decided on his own?
No—he wasn’t even my husband to begin with.

I wasn’t sure what to call him anymore, so for now, I decided to refer to him as *the Duke*.

I couldn’t think of any reason the Duke wouldn’t submit the marriage registration. The proposal came from the Kingdom of Addison in the first place. When a dispute arose at the border and nearly turned into war, they approached us with the idea. I had agreed to the marriage with understanding.

The Richter Empire is supported by my three brothers, each with his own role:
—Eldest brother Ludwig, who unites people with his charisma.
—Second brother Eckhart, skilled in strategy and intelligence.
—Youngest brother Forthart, an expert in warfare and combat.

I wanted to protect the empire they all worked so hard to uphold.

It was a political marriage, yes, but it was still a noble marriage involving royal bl00d. Maurice, the Earl of Stuart, was the illegitimate son of the previous king of Addison. He was officially recognized, but due to the jealousy of the former queen, he was not given a duke’s title. Not even the title of marquis—only the bare minimum noble status of an earl, granted reluctantly.

Despite this harsh treatment, he never gave in to resentment. He worked hard and rose through his own ability to become the captain of the knights—a promising figure. I believed the information I had beforehand and married him based on that. I never imagined that our marriage registration hadn’t been accepted.
I never even considered the possibility that the information itself might have been wrong.
I trusted it simply because it came from the Empire’s nobility—maybe that was my mistake.

Maurice was promoted to duke because he prevented a war through our marriage. The royal family of Addison must have judged that marrying a princess of the Richter Empire was too much for an earl, and so granted him the title. We held grand wedding ceremonies in both countries, and everyone around me acknowledged me as a duchess.

And yet—because of a single missing document, I was made into an unwed mother who gave birth to an illegitimate child.

“Drink some tea. It’s hard to talk about everything at once.”

Nodding to Brother Rui’s concern, I sipped from the newly prepared cup. They changed the type of tea.

“This is my favorite floral tea.”

“Yes, I picked the white one.”

This kind of gesture is just like Brother Rui. He must have ordered it right away for me. I enjoyed the scent, admired the soft color, and took another sip. I felt at ease.

“The first thing we need to do is that! Ingrid’s protective charm!”

Brother Fort said proudly, puffing out his chest. He still wasn’t good at thinking deeply—but this time, he had the right answer.

“Yes… A protective charm for Ingrid is essential. Let’s get one quickly.”

“The situation has already been confirmed. As for revenge, I’ll take my time. Slowly. Like tightening a noose made of silk—that’s my style.”

Brother Eck gave a wicked smile. His face looked terrifying, covered in shadows—but to me, he seemed reliable.
If I leave it to my brothers, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
They’ve always protected me and put me first.

But this time—no.

“Brother Eck, I agree with taking it slowly. But I’m not handing over my prey.”

*They are mine.*

I said it in a calm voice.
For some reason, all three of my brothers turned pale.

How rude—reacting like that to a proper lady’s gentle smile.