ILTDAMH | CHAPTER 03

Chapter 03

 The Terminal ILL Duke (03) 

Entering the Study Room of the Canoluf Duke.

“Have you returned safely, Cassel?”

As Cassel walked into the room, Luann leaned back in his chair and asked. 

Cassel nodded and replied,
“I delivered all the duke’s messages along with the gifts.”

“Oh? Did they like the jewels and dresses?”

“They liked them… the marchioness and the eldest daughter, that is.”

“?”

 “The second daughter didn’t seem interested. Or rather, she couldn’t even show interest.”

“What do you mean?”

“Before the second daughter could even look at them, the Marchioness and the eldest daughter were already digging through them like they were their own. What’s strange is that the second daughter just watched them calmly, as if she were used to it.”

“……”

“Also, the second daughter set one more condition for this marriage.”

“What is it?”

“She said that if the duke passes away in six months—”

“She wants to stay as the duchess? That’s fine with me. Or did she ask for extra money regardless of whether there’s a child? I was planning to give everything to the duchess anyway, aside from my aunt’s share.”

“She stated that she would leave the Duke’s house,”

“Leave the duke’s house? Doesn’t the contract already cover that? Did you say something different to her?

Frustrated, Cassel yelled, “Duke, do you think I would say something like that? I feared she would insist on remaining a duchess indefinitely.

“Then why would she say that?”

Cassel made a strange expression and answered,
“I was curious too. She is getting married, but seems not fully aware of the contract details. She said she wouldn’t take compensation, so it seems she didn’t even know that the marchioness had taken both the dowry and compensation. It’s worse than the rumours.”

“Worse than the rumours?”

“Yes. It’s like the second daughter doesn’t even exist in that house.”

Luann smiled with interest,
“Non-existent, right…”

“She asked to clearly state in the contract that if no child is born, she must leave the house after six months. We’ll be sure to mention that.

I believed it made no difference when Penelope first requested both dowry and compensation because the money would be given anyhow. 

However…

Although I had heard that the Marchioness gives her two daughters different treatment, I didn’t anticipate it to be this severe.

“Add one more condition.”

“What condition?”

“Make sure that when she leaves the duke’s house after six months, she is given enough compensation to live on comfortably.”

“What? But compensation has already been given?”

“Do you think the second daughter will get even a single gold coin from what you took to the house today?”

“Well, that’s true… but still!”

“Still or not, make sure she gets it! But deliver it to her personally and secretly, understood?”

“Sigh, yes, Duke. I will make sure that is included.”

“So, when can we have the wedding?”

“The second daughter said she doesn’t mind having it tomorrow.”

“Really? Then let’s have the wedding tomorrow.”

“Yes, we’ll proceed. Wait, did I hear that right?”

“What?”

“You said the wedding is tomorrow.”

“Oh. Is that a problem?”

Does this man think marriage is a joke?

Nothing is ready, not even a dress. How can he simply say that tomorrow is the wedding?

Cassel gave Luann a sharp look with his eyes.

“Duke, no matter how urgent the situation is, you need to consider the other party.”

“She said she doesn’t mind even if it’s tomorrow, right?”

“Still, that’s not right. Even if it’s a six-month marriage, she is still a noble lady, and the ceremony should be done properly. It’s also untrue that there is nobody to invite. Lady Noma is advising you to pick a bride as soon as possible, rather than having such a hurried wedding.

“Okay, stop bothering me. You prepare for the wedding. I’m not well enough to go out anyhow.

“Understood. I’ll speak with the Marchioness and get ready for the earliest date feasible.

***

After two days, at the dress store.

“Oh my! Miss, you look absolutely beautiful.”

The dressmaker praised Lucianne, who was wearing a pink dress. 

Penelope smiled proudly.

Penelope smiled happily and said,
“This dress looks like it was made just for you. It would be perfect for a royal ball someday.”

“Marchioness, any dress would look good on you because of your beauty and slim figure,” the madam said.

Luciene was pleased as she gazed at herself in the mirror.

“Mother, I agree this dress is the nicest I’ve ever worn. But I don’t think I can wear this to Mer’s wedding.”

“Why not? It’s so pretty, and the pink doesn’t clash with the wedding dress.”

Luciene smiled as she looked at Mercian, who was staring blankly, and replied,
“Mother, that may be true, but since it’s Mer’s only wedding, it wouldn’t be right to look prettier than the bride.”

Of course. 

What were you thinking? 

You, who loves all the attention, won’t wear that dress?

Honestly, I’d sooner believe that you’re the one marrying the duke instead of me on that day.

Mercian watched Luciene speak with what felt like careful consideration for her, and she was certain Luciene would show up at the wedding wearing that dress.

Seeing Mersianne sitting silently without reacting, Penelope poked her belly with her finger and said in frustration, “Mer, I don’t understand you. 

Most brides lose weight before the wedding, but you look like you’ve gained more.

Not even your wedding dress is a concern, and the wedding is less than a week away?

How will you deal with that belly? 

If your dress is too tight and your belly sticks out, people will think you’re already pregnant before the wedding.”

“Mom, it’s not that bad. And I haven’t gained any more weight.”

But neither had she lost any.

Penelope frowned and looked at the madam.

“I’m tired of talking to someone who won’t listen.

 Madam, what about her wedding dress? 

We couldn’t even see the design of the duke’s house because it was pushing so hard.

Push? 

The moment Cassel came to discuss the wedding, Penelope immediately agreed to follow the duke’s wishes.

Mercian felt upset again seeing Penelope focus only on Luciene’s dress, even now, when they were here to see her wedding dress.

“It’s all finished, of course,” the dressmaker said. “The wedding dress was specially ordered by the Duke’s house. We worked overnight to finish it just yesterday. Madam, please wait here for a moment. Miss, please follow me.”

“Yes? Ah, okay.”

Mercian followed the madam inside, who seated her at the vanity and said,
“Miss, a wedding dress doesn’t look very pretty on its own, so we’ll do your makeup and hair to match the dress.”

“Now? I don’t think makeup makes much difference on me,” Mercian said, as she usually didn’t wear much makeup.

The madam gently held Mercian’s shoulders and sat her down.

“Oh, no one knows that, Miss. Everyone who has been in my care has undergone a stunning transformation, I assure you. Trust me just once.

Two female helpers arrived at the madam’s signal and began putting on makeup and styling Mercian’s hair.

After a little while…

“Is this me?” Mercian was surprised as he glanced at her reflection.

Her hair was curled strongly and pinned up with a flower crown, making her face look smaller.

 The makeup highlighted her clear skin without being too heavy, enhancing her cute image.

The white and silver wedding dress changes colour depending on how the light hits it. 

Its design, falling straight from the chest, hid some of Mercian’s plump figure, and even she thought she looked cute and lovely in the mirror.

“It suits you perfectly. Now, shall we go outside?”

…

“Oh my, is that you, Mer?”

Penelope, talking with Lucienne outside while looking at dresses, was shocked to see Merciann come out in the wedding dress.

“Madam, it suits her, right? This dress was specially made by the duke’s house. Depending on the light, its colour looks different. It’s also very light, so it’s comfortable even when worn for a long time. With the hair and makeup, she truly looks like a lovely bride.”

“Oh my goodness, you’re really beautiful. I can’t believe that’s you.”