Chapter 5
Blair awkwardly greeted the man who had once been her kidnapper and would soon become her husband. Instead of replying, he simply gave her a small nod.
“So… you’re back home now?”
“…I just came back from the imperial palace. I had to inform His Majesty about our marriage.”
Seeing how tired he looked, it was clear he’d had a rough time of it.
“Judging by your face, it didn’t go too well, did it?”
“…He simply said he understood.”
Blair tried to think of something to say but ended up just laughing awkwardly instead.
Cassel Hermann. Bavaria’s most famous noble. The blue-eyed Reaper of War who had led them to victory in the last war.
Not just a baron or a count — but a marquis whose influence rivaled that of a duke. The emperor’s closest aide, who could meet His Majesty in person to announce his marriage.
The fact that the man standing in front of her was that man made Blair want to burst into tears.
‘What have I gotten myself into… I’m so screwed.’
This had become too big to handle.
For nobles, marriage was not just about love — it was a tool for alliances, unity, and expanding power.
And Cassel Hermann was the ultimate golden apple no one could reach. For him to suddenly marry a commoner — there was no doubt the imperial family and the entire social circle would be thrown into chaos. And at the center of it all was Blair Marie.
“I came to give you this.”
While Blair stood frozen between laughing and crying, Cassel held out a few documents.
“What’s this?”
“The contract and marriage certificate for our contract marriage. I summarized all the terms we agreed on verbally. If there’s anything more you need, say so now.”
Blair quickly skimmed through the papers. They were filled with clauses about the marquis’s military forces, secrecy about the contract marriage, and the one-year term.
“I’ve written in the payment we agreed on for when you make medicine for me or accompany me to events. Is that sufficient?”
At his words, Blair’s eyes locked on one line.
‘2,000 peeks per task.’
Her green eyes gleamed. That was about the same as her living expenses for an entire month — money she’d normally have to run her pharmacy non-stop to earn.
‘Screwed? Pull yourself together, Blair Marie. This is your turning point — your chance!’
“Hmm, I think that’s fair enough. Customer — I mean, Marquis.”
Blair braced herself once again. Just one year — she only needed to keep her head straight for one year.
“Very well. But remember — if you back out before the year is up or if the secret leaks out, you’ll owe a hefty penalty.”
The look on his face as he spoke about the penalty felt oddly cold. It was clear he meant don’t even think about breaking the contract.
“All right. That won’t happen. Oh, and… may I add just one condition?”
Blair nodded seriously.
“What is it?”
“Please let me visit my teacher at least once a month. I need to bring him his medicine, and I’m his only family — I must look after him. I’ll keep the secret from him too.”
“…Fine. For your information, this marriage certificate will serve as our wedding ceremony. We’ll submit it to the temple tomorrow.”
“Perfect. Then I’ll sign it now.”
＊＊＊
The next day.
Early that morning, two people walked slowly out of the temple, both wearing strangely mixed expressions.
Cassel and Blair had just finished registering their marriage. The atmosphere between them was far too awkward for a newlywed couple.
No bridal aisle, no heartfelt vows, no sealing kiss — just a clean, straightforward contract signing.
Blair had never imagined her first marriage registration would be so dry and empty. She felt a little hollow inside.
‘Well, the contract is official now. From here on out, I just need to focus on customer satisfaction — and money.’
Resolving herself, Blair swallowed her thoughts and turned around with a determined face. Cassel looked down at her with eyes that seemed almost devoid of emotion.
“For the next year, I’ll do my best. I promise you a very satisfying ‘married life.’”
Blair gave him a bright, playful smile and held out her hand for a handshake.
“…I look forward to it. I’ll make sure you’re well rewarded, so you won’t regret your choice.”
Cassel stared at her hand for a moment before finally accepting it. For just a second, Blair thought she saw a faint smile cross his face — or maybe she imagined it.
“Since today is meaningful for both of us, would you like to have lunch together?”
“Sure. Our first event as a married couple — having lunch together doesn’t sound bad. It’ll help us get used to things too.”
Blair climbed into the carriage with a spring in her step. But then—
“Wow, so you really did get married? Then this must be the marquis’s wife? My goodness, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Edwin Kapit.”
So soon — her first test arrived earlier than expected.
Shining platinum blond hair, soft, upturned eyes, and lips that curved into a sly smile — like the golden dawn sky itself, the man walked up to Blair Marie.
Surprised by the sudden appearance of this unknown man who’d barged right into the marquis’s estate, Blair shot Cassel a glance.
“You — what are you doing here without notice—”
Judging by Cassel’s annoyed expression, he hadn’t expected this either.
‘They look like friends… but we haven’t prepared anything yet — is this bad?’
“Shouldn’t I be asking you that? Such a huge event — marriage! — and I had to hear about it as palace gossip? And just how passionate was it for you to rush it through so fast? I just had to see for myself.”
The man handed his coat to a servant like he owned the place and started questioning Cassel with a bright smile that didn’t match his sharp tone.
“A lifelong bachelor with zero interest in women suddenly marries out of nowhere? Anyone would think you’d been conned. Right?”
“Shut your mouth.”
‘They’re definitely friends. But wait — Edwin Kapit? Why does that name sound so familiar… where did I hear it?’
While the two bickered, Blair stepped back and racked her brain. Seeing him hand over his coat so casually, she knew he wasn’t leaving anytime soon.
‘If only I could meet Sir Edwin once — he must be so refined and romantic, nothing like the small-town riffraff back home…’
Then it clicked — Edwin Kapit.
Blair remembered Linda, the neighborhood gossip who would chatter for half an hour every time she visited the pharmacy.
The fairytale prince-like second son of the Kapit dukedom, the family that produced the current empress. The Golden Lion of Bavaria, commander of the 2nd Knights Division — Edwin Kapit.
Cassel, who had been granted a marquisate for his military merits despite being born a commoner, was close friends with Edwin, the son of one of Bavaria’s oldest noble houses.
‘Wait — so right now, I have the legendary Commander of the Imperial Knights and the commander of the 2nd Knights Division standing side by side in front of me?’
Blair unconsciously clamped her mouth shut and gave a tiny shiver. For the first time, the reality of who she had married truly sank in.
“I’m terribly sorry if I was being rude to your wife. This man is more naïve than he looks, so I worry about him.”
“Pardon? Oh — no, it’s fine.”
“Seeing you now, I realize he must have been afraid someone would snatch you away. You’re far too beautiful — congratulations on the marriage. And trust me, he really is a good man.”
Words poured smoothly from Edwin’s lips like a waterfall. He lowered himself slightly and extended his hand.
Blair, half lost in thought, snapped back to reality a beat late and placed her hand in his.
“I’m the only true friend who rushed over to congratulate him like this — you wouldn’t kick me out, would you? Right?”
Edwin gently pulled her hand closer and brushed his lips over her knuckles, smiling brightly. Behind him, Cassel rubbed his forehead and shook his head in disbelief.
“Ah, yes — of course. But… we didn’t know we’d have such an important guest today, so we’re not exactly prepared…”
‘Please — just go home today.’
Blair tried her best to look sincerely apologetic, even though her heart was begging otherwise.
“I’m not picky, I promise. I’ll be fine with anything.”
But Edwin clearly had no intention of leaving easily. Blair rolled her eyes toward Cassel, silently begging for help, but he had already given up, hands and all.
“My apologies. We’ll just share a simple meal together and send him on his way.”
