“Is that so?”
“Yes. Take a seat. You, sit over there.”
Isaac gestured to the sofa opposite where Lewis had been sitting, directing Clea to sit.
Clea obediently followed his instructions.
Though she didn’t know the full details, it was commonly said that once an Imperial trial began, the verdict was always guilty.
Even minor offenses would often result in severe punishments once they reached the Imperial court.
Decades of forced labor or even execution weren’t uncommon.
So the fact that Lewis managed to reduce the sentence meant he was quite skilled.
Of course, Clea, who had only hastily absorbed shallow knowledge after arriving in this world, couldn’t truly appreciate the significance.
“I heard there are two documents we need to draw up. Is that correct, Acting Count Rino?”
“…Just Clea is fine. Please call me Clea.”
‘Acting Count Rino’? Where did that title even come from?
She could already imagine how awkward it would be to hear it every time she was addressed.
Lewis’s eyes widened slightly in surprise at her words, but he soon nodded while fidgeting with his hands.
“Th-then… I’ll do that. Miss Clea.”
“Yes, and there are two documents to prepare.”
“One for the marriage paperwork and the other for the associated contract, correct?”
“Right.”
Lewis nodded at her response, picked up a quill, and began writing on the blank parchment before him.
His handwriting was elegant and fluid, with not even a moment’s hesitation.
“I’ve already told Lewis about what we discussed last night.”
“Yes, the witness should be informed.”
“This is truly your last chance. Is there anything you want to change from what we discussed yesterday?”
Clea silently gazed at Isaac.
Then she let out a low chuckle.
Isaac crossed his arms, looking annoyed as he watched her shoulders tremble with laughter.
He kept asking her that, and now she understood why.
He was suggesting she secure some sort of backup plan for herself.
Even though she had promised to hand over everything she owned.
It was a contract he had practically forced on her.
Honestly, he might have thought she was lying.
And yet he still offered her a chance.
…I think I understand now why Clea Rino disappeared.
He’d probably be an attractive man even in the real world.
Not just because of his looks or his personality, but that stoic kindness of his…
“No changes,” Clea answered firmly.
She didn’t forget to shrug her shoulders.
Thankfully, since she hadn’t walked much today, her body was in decent condition.
So, staying still really is the answer, huh.
Still, hiding under the covers forever wouldn’t make for a happy marriage.
…Wait, but could this body even handle that part of marriage?
Surely, physical intimacy was part of a happy married life.
But if she passed out mid-act, she’d be opening the gates of hell herself.
“Well then, how about this draft? It’s just a temporary one, so feel free to review it casually.”
Lewis held out a sheet of paper to Clea.
She took it and began reading it carefully.
《Contract》
1. Isaac Detroit and Clea Rino shall enter into a contractual marriage effective immediately, for a duration of exactly six months.
2. Isaac Detroit shall fulfill all marital obligations during this period, refraining from any acts that go against said obligations, and shall provide Clea Rino with a satisfactory married life.
3. Upon the conclusion of the six-month contract, Clea Rino shall grant Isaac Detroit full authority over all assets, including the lands owned by the Rino family.
4. The contract marriage shall be terminated by signing divorce documents after six months, at which point Isaac Detroit will be granted full control over the Count’s estate.
5. All terms within this contract are mutually agreed upon by Isaac Detroit and Clea Rino, and the contract is guaranteed by Lewis Auclair.
Failure to uphold the contract, barring unavoidable circumstances such as natural disasters or acts of God, will result in severe consequences.
For something written in such a short time, the contract was concise and well-structured.
Not too long, but not too short either.
After scanning it, Clea nodded and handed the paper to Isaac.
“I think it’s fine. If you agree too, let’s go with it.”
Isaac looked over the paper as he listened to her.
It was indeed a clean contract.
No unnecessary parts—just mutual obligations clearly stated.
“…This will really suffice?”
“Yes.”
She nodded.
“Alright. Let’s proceed with this.”
“Then I’ll organize everything into a formal document. And here’s the marriage certificate. Please sign.”
Lewis pulled out a paper from a file folder and handed it to them.
Clea signed first, followed by Isaac.
Clea sighed deeply, thinking she had just passed a major hurdle.
Five months and two weeks.
There wasn’t much time.
She’d probably have to prepare the divorce papers in advance and hide them somewhere.
She never knew when her condition might worsen, so it was best to be ready.
To be able to walk away from all this at any moment.
“I’ll lend you some servants—bring anything you need.”
“Alright. I’ll sign the documents after I return.”
“Yes, of course.”
Lewis scratched the back of his head and replied meekly.
Watching his fidgeting fingers, Clea stood from her seat.
“Where are you going?”
“To the Count’s residence to pack…”
Isaac frowned.
“You’re going yourself?”
“Yes.”
“What if you collapse on the way?”
He looked genuinely serious.
Clea blinked a few times before giving an awkward smile.
“It’s fine…”
“I’ll send a steward. Just tell him what you need. It’s better if you… stay here.”
Seeing the look in his eyes, Clea closed her mouth.
It really did seem serious now.
He looked at her like she was some fragile laboratory slide that would shatter with a single touch.
A slide.
She remembered how carefully she used those in science class to examine cells.
Too little pressure, and they’d slip and fall. Too much, and they’d shatter in her hands.
If anything was more fragile than the notorious sunfish in that game, it would be a glass slide.
Holding one required precise, delicate control.
“Then…”
Lewis, shoulders hunched, fidgeted again and cautiously looked up.
To Clea, he seemed extremely timid.
Always watching others’ reactions, never keeping his hands still.
“Shall we proceed as planned?”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
Isaac turned to Clea as she calmly responded.
But Clea, without hesitation, picked up the quill and signed.
There was no turning back now.
“Here.”
She passed the pen to Isaac.
He nodded, signed the document, and pushed it to Lewis.
“Hehe, thank you. I’ll hold onto this. As agreed, this matter will remain confidential. I’ll take this to the appropriate department for approval.”
“Alright. Appreciate the effort.”
“Oh no, don’t mention it.”
Lewis shook his head vehemently and cautiously stood up.
He packed the document into his cloth shoulder bag, bowed deeply, and left the room with Denver guiding him.
Watching his almost groveling behavior, suspicion clouded Clea’s eyes.
She was genuinely concerned.
Forget keeping secrets—could he even do the job properly?
“You look like you don’t trust Lewis.”
“…It’s true I’m a bit worried.”
Clea had planned to deny it, but she ended up admitting her real feelings.
She was anxious.
She didn’t want this matter leaking at all.
Clea herself would soon be gone, but Isaac would suffer from the rumors for a long time.
“You don’t need to worry. He’s truly reliable.”
“…If you say so, I’ll believe it.”
“You switch between formal and casual speech quite a lot.”
Clea let out a small gasp at Isaac’s observation.
His name didn’t come easily to her lips.
She gave a sheepish look.
“You’re right. I’ll be more careful, Isaac.”
“Good. I’ll count on you too, Clea.”
Thump. Her heart dropped at the sound of her name from his lips.
No, it felt like it had fallen to the floor.
Clea’s eyes widened.
