The Stand-In Villainess's Contract Marriage: I Was Divorced After a Year, But For Some Reason, My Ex-Husband Seems to Be Looking for Me - Chapter 16

Eventually, the carriage arrived in the royal capital.

The residence of the Kirina Duke’s family is located near the royal castle, even among the noble houses in the capital.

Although I had attended parties held at various noble houses, this was my first time visiting the royal castle.

I was captivated by the castle, which was even larger than I had imagined.

(Wow…)

The town of the royal capital was bustling with activity.

It was filled with many people, and markets and shops lined the streets.

The cobblestone roads were neatly paved, adorned with many flowers and greenery, making the townscape very beautiful.

Watching the people bustling about was something I could gaze at endlessly without growing bored.

The carriage, which was moving slowly through this lovely town, eventually arrived at a large mansion near the royal castle.

(This is the Kirina Duke’s residence…)

Passing through the wide gate, I found a vast garden.

Water gushed from a large fountain in the garden, sparkling in the sunlight.

Since it was spring, a lovely fragrance wafted from the colorful flowers in bloom.

I momentarily forgot my position, lost in the beautiful scenery.

At the back of the garden stood a mansion so large it could easily be mistaken for the royal castle; if I hadn’t seen it before, I might have thought it was the royal castle itself.

The mansion I grew up in was probably no larger than the stable here.

It was on a completely different scale from the historically significant house of the Viscount Hord.

Even among the nobility, the disparity was astonishing.

(Am I really going to live in a place like this for a year?)

Considering that it was a contract marriage and I wouldn’t be meeting anyone, I knew that I wouldn’t be given the Duchess’s room, but rather a guest room or perhaps a servant’s room.

Even so, the mansion was so enormous that I felt I might get lost inside.

Though I was completely overwhelmed, the carriage gradually slowed down and eventually came to a quiet stop.

The maid accompanying me opened the door.

I felt a strong urge to escape from the lavish mansion visible from there, but I steeled myself and descended from the carriage with the help of the driver.

The entrance doors were so tall that I had to look up to see them, intricately carved and magnificent.

As I passed through the doors opened by the two guards, I entered a wide hall.

Stairs led up on both sides, and many paintings adorned the walls.

Even the servants bustling about were refined and beautiful, making me acutely aware of how out of place I was in my worn dress with just a single bag.

When I instinctively lowered my gaze, I noticed the soft carpet covering the floor.

The accompanying maid led me to a certain room.

It seemed to be one of the guest rooms, and it was quite spacious as well.

The one waiting there was not the Kirina Duke himself, but rather a male butler.

From his slightly graying hair, he seemed to be of a certain age, but his posture was polished, and he appeared to be a meticulous individual.

He introduced himself as Felice.

“I would like to confirm the details of this contract on behalf of Lord Kararize,” he said in a low yet clear voice, urging me to take a seat.

I silently complied.

“The conditions and remuneration are as stated in the document you signed earlier,” he continued.

He showed me the document I had signed at the Viscount Hord residence once again, and I nodded.

“Now, let me explain the conditions of living in this mansion,” Felice said, continuing.

I would not be allowed to leave the assigned room.

Meals would be eaten alone in the room.

I must not bring anyone into the mansion.

While I could attend balls and parties freely, I would not be provided an escort.

In return, I was allowed to buy as many dresses and accessories as I liked.

For a typical noblewoman, these would be shocking conditions.

It seemed that, despite it being a contract marriage, they had no intention of treating me as a wife at all.

But I had come this far knowing that.

Moreover, they were willing to pay such a large sum and I would be released after one year.

I might face slander as a villainess, but my sister had endured for five years.

No matter what I faced, I would be free after a year, so I resolved to do my best.

“Do you have any questions?”

After some thought, I asked, “Am I allowed to go out? And about letters…”

“You may go out, but depending on your destination, we can provide a carriage without the duke’s crest, so please inform us of the place and time in advance. If you would like us to check your letters, that can be arranged as well.”

It seemed that leaving the room and sending letters required permission.

It felt as if I was being treated like a prisoner, but I had no complaints.

My destinations would likely be the tailor I had been working with or a convent. The only person I would be sending letters to was my sister.

“Understood.”

Felice seemed slightly surprised by my easy acceptance, but he presented a document summarizing the explanations he had just given.

“Please sign here.”

I was told that if I violated the contract, I would have to pay a penalty, and I scrutinized the text carefully.

I read it several times to ensure I wouldn’t breach it before signing the contract.

Next, Felice presented the marriage registration form.

The husband’s section already bore the name of the Duke’s family.

(Kararize Kirina…)

The handwriting of the husband, who would merely be a name for a year, was very beautiful.

He must have received an advanced education, unlike me, who had been unable to attend the noble academy.

I carefully wrote my name next to his.