Please Marry My Son (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 8

Alicia quickly gathered her thoughts and looked at Eric, who was picking up a pen indifferently, with a slightly surprised expression.

Eric had mostly seemed flustered, awkward, or sheepishly smiling until now, so his current demeanor felt somewhat unfamiliar.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Huh? Oh, no, it’s nothing. Shall we begin?”

Alicia quickly masked her expression and picked up her pen to start drafting the contract.

[This is the timeline separator]

“Confidentiality is indeed the most important, isn’t it?”

“Yes. Since this is my first engagement, I’m not entirely sure what duties and responsibilities it entails, so let’s write it broadly.”

“I see. Is there anything else you’d like to add?”

Eric paused briefly, then looked at Alicia, who was focused on drafting the contract ahead of him.

Alicia could easily meet and marry a fine man—she shouldn’t miss a good opportunity because of this contract.

“What if one of us develops genuine feelings for someone else during the term of this agreement? Wouldn’t that be problematic?”

Taken aback by his unexpected remark, Alicia’s eyes widened.

“Oh! Do you have someone in mind? Then why enter this contract at all?”

“It’s not about me. I don’t have anyone like that, won’t have anyone like that, and never will.”

His tone was firmer than she’d expected, making Alicia tilt her head in confusion.

“Then why ask something like that?”

“It’s not me—”

“Oh! You mean me? Well, I don’t have anyone like that either, won’t have anyone like that, and never will.”

“…Why?”

“Why do you, my lord Earl?”

She herself didn’t want to marry right now, but surely, when the time came, he could meet a better woman, form a connection, and live happily together.

For a moment, they stared at each other, puzzled.

[This is the timeline separator] [Contract]

Eric Russell Gloucester (hereinafter referred to as “G”) and Alicia Lancaster (hereinafter referred to as “L”) shall fulfill the terms stipulated herein in good faith.

1. Both parties shall maintain their engagement as outlined in this contract and faithfully uphold all words and actions generally recognized within such a relationship.

2. In maintaining this engagement, “G” may request “L” to participate in all internal and external activities required by the ducal and earl households, and “L” shall carry them out diligently.

3. “G” shall provide “L” with financial compensation and equivalent remuneration, with payment methods determined by “L.”

4. “L” shall serve as an advisor and manage operations related to “G”’s estate and may request separate compensation for these duties.

5. Both parties are prohibited from making any mention of this contract and must not disclose its contents.

6. The contract term shall be mutually agreed upon; in the absence of a separate agreement, it shall last until “L”’s father returns.

[Special Clauses]

1. Physical contact is not permitted, except for customary forms of contact such as escorting or waltzing, which are ordinarily allowed to maintain and demonstrate an engagement.

2. Should either party develop genuine feelings for another person during the contract term, neither shall object to the early termination of this agreement.

3. Should this contract be terminated by mutual consent, no additional or extended agreements shall be made.

4. After termination of this contract, neither party shall initiate further contact or communication.

5. Should changes to this contract become unavoidable, they shall be determined by mutual agreement.

[This is the timeline separator]

“Welcome.”

“Hello.”

Eric greeted Alicia more naturally than before.

This was her first visit since they had officially announced their engagement to both families after signing the contract.

As he escorted her into the earl’s residence, the servants had already lined up neatly to greet them.

“Welcome, my lady.”

Alicia and Eric froze in surprise.

“Butler, isn’t that title a bit premature?”

“Oh, is it? I merely thought it best to get accustomed quickly. If it displeases you—”

He paused briefly, then spoke again.

“Future Lady.”

“That doesn’t seem right either.”

Chided by Eric, the butler hesitated once more, then reluctantly spoke in a deeply disappointed tone.

“Then, since you’re not yet married… I suppose… I’ll have to… call you… Miss.”

“I’m Beth, the head maid. I sincerely welcome you, my lady—no, Miss.”

“Thank you, Beth. And thank you all.”

When the head maid beside her bowed, Alicia smiled gently and met everyone’s eyes.

“I’ll be managing the estate from now on, so I look forward to working with you.”

“Yes, understood. We’ll do our utmost to assist you.”

“Shall we go in, then?”

Eric led Alicia inside.

[This is the timeline separator]

Once they were alone, Alicia let out a breath as if releasing tension, and Eric gave her an apologetic smile.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t expect them to go that far.”

“It’s harder than I thought.”

“Indeed. Please, sit.”

Eric also took a seat opposite Alicia.

“We’ll need to discuss the details thoroughly to avoid arousing suspicion.”

“It seems that way. There’s a lot we’ll need to coordinate.”

Both were fundamentally diligent individuals, fully prepared to fulfill their contract as perfectly as possible.

“Eric.”

“Hmm?”

“Is it alright if I call you Eric? It would feel more natural.”

“That would be best. Um… Alicia.”

“Are you sure? It feels incredibly awkward right now.”

“Is it so awkward that you’re laughing?”

“A little? Oh—try recalling how you used to call your lover.”

“I’ve never had one.”

“Oh.”

“Did you become so natural at calling names because of past experience?”

“I’ve had friends, so it’s not that difficult for me.”

“Oh… friends.”

Eric reluctantly nodded.

“It’ll get easier with time. Let’s take it slowly.”

“Agreed.”

“How should we handle the handover?”

“I plan to personally transfer the earl’s household duties. As for the ducal business affairs, we’ll proceed step by step.”

“I see.”

“Just so you know, given my parents’ nature, word of our engagement will spread within days. Prepare yourself—you might be overwhelmed.”

“I don’t really engage in social activities, so I’ll be fine.”

“That’s exactly what worries me—you’re not used to it.”

“Oh.”

“I wish Mother would show a bit more restraint.”

“Is that the ‘embarrassing momentum’ you mentioned last time, Eric?”

Alicia asked teasingly, and Eric chuckled as he nodded.

“Looking back later, we’ll probably think, ‘Why on earth did we go this far?’”

“That’s probably true.”

“I do have a few tricks up my sleeve—I’ll share them when the time comes. Though I can’t guarantee they’ll work.”

“Alright. I’ll count on you.”

The atmosphere felt much lighter than before, and after a brief hesitation, Alicia spoke.

“Um… about that VIP salon in town—do you visit it often?”

“I used to, yes.”

It was a place he’d frequented while being presented as a suitor, so he answered simply.

He wouldn’t be going there for that purpose anymore, anyway.

“Why do you ask? Did you perhaps—”

He asked cautiously, wondering if she’d heard about how he’d attended countless matchmaking meetings there or behaved rudely toward prospective partners.

“Yes, exactly. I also visited often since I oversee the salon’s operations. But I didn’t recognize you then.”

“No, there was no need to recognize me.”

“Still, I should’ve said something earlier. Things spiraled so unexpectedly that I missed my chance.”

“It’s fine. You really don’t need to worry about it. In fact, I’d prefer you hadn’t mentioned it.”

“Thank you for being so considerate. But I really should’ve properly thanked you.”

“…Thanked me? For what?”

“Huh?”

Only then did they realize their conversation had veered oddly off track, and they stared blankly at each other.

Alicia was the first to look away.

‘He doesn’t remember me at all. How is that even possible?’

She’d assumed he recognized her—she’d thought he was the kind of good person who helps without seeking recognition.

Of course, not remembering her didn’t make him a bad person, but Alicia still felt quietly disappointed.

“Do you usually just help anyone at random like that?”

“Pardon?”

“…Never mind. It’s nothing.”

Eric was a knight—it was only natural for him to help others, and nothing special enough to remember.

Yet Alicia felt silly for acting sullen and quickly shook her head.

“Hm?”

“Really, it’s fine. What should we do next?”

Though Eric noticed Alicia’s forced cheerful smile, he figured she had her reasons for changing the subject and didn’t press further.

“First, I’ll give you a tour of the estate. It’d be good for you to get familiar quickly.”

“Yes.”

“There’s not much to see, but shall we go?”

Alicia rose and followed Eric.

[This is the timeline separator]

“The people here are truly kind.”

“Indeed they are.”

“Hm?”

During the tour, every servant they encountered was remarkably kind and warm.

Even Eric, the estate’s master, seemed different—she’d never seen him like this before.

“It’s nothing. What do you think of the estate?”

“It’s lovely. Very much like you.”

Confused by her words, he looked at her—and Alicia smiled brightly.

“Neat and warm.”

Neat, he could understand—but warm? Eric had never heard anyone describe him that way in his life.

“Perhaps it’s just the warm sunlight today. This estate gets good natural light.”

“Is that so?”

“That’s exactly it.”

Alicia laughed at Eric’s awkward attempt to avoid her gaze out of embarrassment, then stopped near the end of the corridor.

“Is this your study?”

“Yes. It’s small, though.”

“May I take a look?”

“As you wish.”

After Alicia stepped inside, Eric was about to follow when he overheard the maids whispering.

“He smiled! The Earl actually smiled! I’ve never seen him smile since I started working here!”

“Me neither! I was so shocked when he suddenly announced his engagement out of nowhere—but I guess there really is something between them.”

“Right? It didn’t feel like love at first, though. What is it? Love at first sight? Destiny on their first meeting or something?”

“Exactly! Last time, he showed up carrying armfuls of gifts like a madman—and it was only their second meeting!”

He hadn’t meant to listen, and didn’t want to—but he heard it all anyway.

‘No, that’s all wrong. And besides, it’s not like I never smile—I just never had a reason to.’

Frustrated, Eric tried to deny it inwardly, then gave up.

After all, he’d ruined every matchmaking opportunity and suddenly announced an engagement—of course everyone would be curious.

He told himself this was just another thing to endure—and at least Alicia hadn’t overheard, which was a relief.

“Eric?”

Alicia peeked out, looking for him since he hadn’t entered.

“Oh—coming.”

Deciding it was best not to hear any more, Eric quickly stepped into the study.

[This is the timeline separator]

He quietly followed Alicia as she browsed the bookshelves, her eyes gleaming with interest as she skimmed the titles.

He kept opening his mouth as if to say something, but each time Alicia moved, he flinched and fell silent again.

After this happened several times, Alicia finally noticed and turned to him.

“Do you have something to say?”

“There is something I’d like to discuss.”

“What is it?”

Eric ran a hand through his hair, looking embarrassed as he briefly avoided her gaze before meeting her eyes again.

“Don’t you need a ring?”