Episode 01
The Future Plan of the Duchess-to-Be: Becoming the Duke’s Family family
The children were far cuter than I had ever imagined.
So much so that I completely forgot my own situation as I stepped down from the carriage, my hand gently guided by their tiny fingers.
At that moment, the youngest-looking child tugged at the hem of my dress.
“Hug… me…”
A little girl with violet hair. This must be Jasmine.
I bent down and lifted her into my arms. As soon as I did, Jasmine relaxed completely, leaning into me as if she had always belonged there.
“Jasmine, you mustn’t! She’s a guest!”
The oldest-looking boy, who carried himself with surprising maturity, spoke up.
“It’s alright.”
Even though I reassured him, he still looked apologetic, casting a small glare at the now-sleeping Jasmine before bowing politely.
“My apologies for the late greeting. I am Thomas Child, the second.”
As we made our way toward the mansion, the children introduced themselves one by one.
“I’m the third, Ren Child.”
“I’m Lemon, the fourth!”
“What are you saying? I’m the fourth. I’m Green.”
The twins—Lemon and Green—began bickering over who had been born first. Watching them, I couldn’t help but smile.
Then Ren approached me. She gently stroked the head of the sleeping child in my arms and said,
“And this is the youngest, Jasmine.”
At Ren’s smile, I nearly clutched my chest and collapsed on the spot, barely managing to maintain my composure as I returned a smile.
“It’s nice to meet you.”
Just as we were about to reach the mansion, having finished all introductions, the children walking ahead suddenly froze.
Sensing something, I turned my head.
A man stood behind me.
At first glance, I knew exactly who he was.
Just as described in the novel—jet-black hair and crimson eyes, the symbol of the Child family. A breathtakingly handsome man stood before me.
His gaze turned cold as he looked at the children. Even Jasmine, still in my arms, was not spared.
Sensing the atmosphere, a quick-witted maid approached and carefully took Jasmine from me.
“Mm….”
Jasmine clutched at my clothes as if unwilling to part, but seeing the maid on the verge of tears, I gently let her go.
As soon as Jasmine left my arms, Baridas stepped closer to me. He bowed his head, then took my hand and pressed his lips against it.
The unfamiliar sensation of lips touching bare skin made warmth rise instantly where he touched.
“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Baridas Child.”
Snapping out of my thoughts, I hastily lifted my skirt slightly and greeted him.
“I am Fiora Tiane… de Daman.”
I carefully recalled and spoke her full name, hoping I hadn’t made a mistake.
He nodded, then lightly held my hand again.
“I apologize for being late to receive you.”
His expressionless face didn’t look apologetic at all. If anything, he probably found this bothersome.
Still, there was no way I could say that.
“It’s alright. Your siblings are very adorable.”
I said it with a smile, noticing how the children had shrunk under his presence. At my words, their expressions brightened slightly.
But Baridas merely looked at them and spoke in a low voice.
“I believe I told you not to come out today, as we have an important guest.”
His voice—and his gaze—were cold as ice.
Even I could feel the pressure, and I wasn’t the one being addressed.
The children flinched.
Just as I was about to speak up for them, Ren stepped forward first.
“You were late, brother… so we came to welcome the princess instead…”
Her voice grew softer toward the end, shrinking under his gaze.
Baridas let out a quiet sigh.
“Even so, disobeying my words is not acceptable. Make sure this does not happen again.”
His tone was softer than before, yet still firm.
He wasn’t wrong.
Still… they were just children.
The children answered in unison, their faces downcast.
“Yes…”
“We hope you both have a good day.”
As they greeted us politely, I gently patted their heads with a smile.
“You too. Have a good day.”
Their expressions seemed to brighten just a little before they walked away hand in hand.
Soon, only a few servants, Baridas, and I remained in the garden.
An awkward silence fell between us.
“Shall we go inside?”
He extended his hand.
Hesitantly, I took it. Being treated like this felt incredibly unfamiliar.
Linking arms awkwardly, I followed him into the ducal mansion.
As soon as we stepped inside, the doors opened on their own, and countless servants greeted us.
I tried my best not to show my surprise.
But the moment I saw the interior, I could no longer maintain my composure.
The mansion was magnificent—befitting a family that had stood alongside the empire’s history.
Sculptures and paintings adorned every wall, elegant wallpaper stretched across the halls, and the ceilings were lavishly decorated.
It felt less like a home and more like a museum.
I couldn’t hide my awe as I looked around.
“Do you like it?”
Was it that obvious?
Regaining myself, I tried to compose my expression.
“Yes, it’s very beautiful.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
Baridas smiled.
And for a brief moment, my heart dropped.
So this is why he’s the male lead…
After being shown around, I was guided to the drawing room. As soon as I sat down, maids appeared as if from nowhere and began setting down an array of luxurious desserts.
In an instant, the table was filled with sweets and tea.
I picked up a madeleine and took a bite.
…Delicious.
The subtle orange flavor blended perfectly with its soft texture, and the black tea was rich yet smooth.
So this is what “high-class taste” feels like?
“It seems it suits your palate.”
Baridas looked as though he was faintly amused.
…Did I show it on my face?
I laughed lightly, though my cheeks burned with embarrassment.
Thinking back, Baridas and Fiora hadn’t been on bad terms from the beginning.
Their engagement was one of mutual convenience, and it was supposed to lead to marriage soon.
But Fiora had been foolish and vain—using the Child family name to commit all sorts of misdeeds.
That must be why he had delayed the marriage for three years.
Though I hadn’t read the original novel carefully, one thing was certain:
This was before the story truly began.
The female lead wouldn’t appear until three years after their engagement.
Which meant—
All I have to do is delay the marriage as much as possible… and when the heroine appears, quietly step down from the position of fiancée and become the children’s tutor!
It was a perfect plan.
Just imagining the children calling me “teacher” made a smile spread across my face.
At that moment, Baridas set down his teacup and spoke.
“The engagement ceremony will be held in a month. For today, you should return to your room and rest. Starting tomorrow, my butler will assist you. I apologize that I cannot escort you further due to work, Your Highness.”
Of course he’d be busy—he had only recently become duke.
“That’s alright.”
And I meant it.
Honestly, being guided by the butler sounded much more comfortable.
And it would make it easier to spend time with the children.
“Though this engagement was made out of necessity, I will do my best to ensure I do not fall short.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
And I’ll do my best as a teacher as well, so please think kindly of me… dear guardian.
“I look forward to working with you.”
He stood and extended his hand.
“I look forward to it as well.”
I took it, feeling his grip tighten briefly before loosening.
“Then, I shall take my leave. If you need anything, please inform the butler. He will handle most matters promptly.”
As he turned to leave, I reached out and caught his sleeve.
For a moment, his crimson eyes widened in surprise.
Realizing what I had done, I quickly let go and met his gaze.
“If it’s alright… may I speak with your younger siblings?”
He looked puzzled for a brief moment before masking it.
“That is for the children to decide, not me.”
I nodded.
“That’s true. But I thought it was only proper to ask their guardian first.”
He seemed to hesitate.
Then—
“You seem to like children.”
At his question, the images of those adorable faces filled my mind.
A smile bloomed effortlessly.
“Yes.”
For just a fleeting second, his eyes wavered.
“…I see. Then, have a good day.”
With that, Baridas left the room.
Tilting my head, I muttered to myself,
Why did he ask that?
…Could it be he was worried I might harm or mistreat them?
Considering what Fiora had done in the original story, that was entirely possible.
Still—
Don’t worry, dear guardian.
I’m a kind and proper teacher.
You can trust me completely!
