Alicia quickly organized the situation in her mind and looked with a slightly surprised expression at Eric, who was casually picking up a pen.

The Eric she had seen so far mostly showed expressions of embarrassment, awkwardness, or sheepish smiles, so his current appearance felt a bit unfamiliar.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

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

Alicia also quickly hid her expression and picked up a pen to draft the contract.

***

“I suppose confidentiality is the most important, right?”

“That’s correct. Since this is my first engagement, I’m not sure exactly what obligations and responsibilities there are, so let’s write it comprehensively.”

“Alright. Are there any other clauses you’d like to include?”

After pondering for a moment, Eric looked at Alicia, who was concentrating on writing the contract in front of him.

Alicia could surely meet a good man and get married, so wouldn’t it be a shame if she missed out on a good opportunity because of this contract?

“What if one of us finds someone we truly care for during the contract period? Wouldn’t that be troublesome?”

Alicia’s eyes widened at the unexpected question.

“Oh, do you have someone in mind? Then why this contract?”

“I’m not talking about myself. I don’t have anyone like that, nor will I in the future.”

The tone was more resolute than expected, causing Alicia to tilt her head in confusion.

“Then why are you asking such a thing?”

“It’s not about me—”

“Ah, you mean me? I don’t have anyone like that either, nor will I in the future.”

“…Why?”

“Why are you asking, Count?”

He thought it was just that he didn’t want to get married right now, but later when the time came, he could possibly connect with a better woman and live well.

For a moment, they stared at each other in bewilderment.

***

Eric Russell Gloucester (hereinafter “G”) and Alicia Lancaster (hereinafter “L”) shall faithfully perform the terms set forth in this contract in accordance with the principle of good faith.

1. Both parties shall maintain an engagement relationship in accordance with this contract and faithfully perform all words and actions generally recognized in this relationship.

2. In maintaining the engagement relationship, “G” may request “L” to participate in all internal and external activities required by the Duke’s family and the Count’s family, and “L” shall diligently comply.

3. “G” shall pay “L” monetary compensation or its equivalent, and the method of payment shall be determined by “L”.

4. “L” shall be responsible for advising on and managing the affairs of “G”‘s mansion and may demand separate compensation for this.

5. Both parties are prohibited from mentioning this contract and must not disclose its contents.

6. The contract period shall be determined by mutual agreement, but in the absence of a separate agreement, it shall be until the return of “L”‘s father.

1. Physical contact is not permitted. However, this excludes physical contact that is typically allowed to maintain or prove the engagement relationship, such as escorting or waltzing.

2. If either party develops genuine feelings for someone else during the contract period, they shall not object to the early termination of this contract.

3. If this contract is terminated by mutual agreement, no additional or extended contract shall be made.

4. After the termination of this contract, there shall be no further contact or communication.

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

***

“Welcome.”

“Hello.”

Eric greeted Alicia more naturally than before.

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

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

“Welcome, Madam.”

Alicia and Eric stopped in their tracks, taken aback.

“Butler. Don’t you think that title is a bit premature?”

“Oh, is it? I just thought it would be good to get used to it quickly. If you don’t like it—”

After a moment of contemplation, he spoke again.

“Future Madam.”

“That doesn’t seem right either.”

At Eric’s rebuke, the butler thought for a moment and then, with a voice of great disappointment, reluctantly said:

“Well then, since you’re not yet married, I will have to call you ‘Miss’.”

“I am Beth, the head maid. We sincerely welcome you, Madam— I mean, Miss.”

“Thank you, Beth. And everyone.”

As the head maid standing beside her greeted her, Alicia smiled kindly and made eye contact with everyone.

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

“Yes, understood. We will do our best to assist you.”

“Shall we go inside?”

Eric led Alicia inside.

***

Once they were alone, Alicia let out a sigh as if tension had been released, and Eric gave her an apologetic smile.

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

“It’s not as easy as I thought.”

“Indeed. Please, have a seat.”

Eric sat down across from Alicia.

“I think we need to discuss the details to avoid raising suspicion.”

“You’re right. There seems to be a lot we need to coordinate.”

Both of them were generally diligent when it came to work, so they were prepared to do their best to fulfill the contract. And to do it as perfectly as possible.

“Eric.”

“?”

“Is it okay if I call you Eric? I think it would feel more natural.”

“That would be good. Um, Alicia.”

“Are you okay with that? You sound really awkward right now.”

“Is it so awkward that you have to laugh about it?”

“A little? Ah, try thinking back to when you called a lover in the past.”

“I’ve never had one.”

“Oh.”

“Are you able to call me so naturally because you’re recalling past experiences?”

“It’s not difficult for me thanks to my friends.”

“Ah, friends.”

Eric nodded reluctantly.

“I’m sure it’ll get better with time. Let’s take it slow, shall we?”

“Let’s do that.”

“How should we handle the handover?”

“I plan to transfer the Count’s residence affairs myself. As for the Duke’s family business matters, let’s take it step by step.”

“Alright.”

“I should warn you in advance, given my parents’ tendencies, it won’t take more than a few days for news of the engagement to spread. Prepare yourself mentally. You might be quite hassled.”

“I don’t participate much in social activities, so I should be fine.”

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

“Ah.”

“I wish my mother would take it easy, but…”

“Is this the overwhelming drive you mentioned last time?”

When Alicia asked jokingly, Eric nodded with a smile.

“Looking back later, we’ll probably wonder why we went this far. How did we end up here?”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“I do have a few tricks up my sleeve, but I’ll share those when the time comes. I can’t guarantee they’ll work, though.”

“Alright. I’m counting on you.”

The atmosphere seemed much lighter than before, so after a moment’s hesitation, Alicia spoke up.

“By the way, do you often go to that VIP salon in the city?”

“I used to.”

He answered simply, as it was a place he frequently visited for arranged meetings.

After all, he wouldn’t have any reason to go there for that purpose anymore.

“Why do you ask? Perhaps—”

He cautiously asked, wondering if she had heard about how he had countless meetings there or how he had been rude to potential matches.

“Yes, that’s right. I often went there too because I help manage the salon. But I didn’t recognize you.”

“No, there’s no need to recognize me.”

“Still, I should have said something earlier, but the situation took such an unexpected turn that I missed the chance to speak up.”

“It’s fine. You don’t need to worry about such things at all. Or rather, I’d prefer if you didn’t.”

“Thank you for being so considerate. But I really should have properly expressed my gratitude.”

“…Gratitude? For what?”

“Huh?”

Only then did they realize that the focus of their conversation was oddly misaligned, and they stared at each other blankly.

Alicia was the first to avert her gaze.

‘He doesn’t remember at all. No, how could he not recognize me?’

She thought he had recognized her. She thought he was a good person who didn’t mention helping her.

Of course, not recognizing her doesn’t mean he’s not a good person, but Alicia felt somewhat disappointed inside.

“Do you usually just help anyone?”

“Pardon?”

“…No, it’s nothing.”

Eric is a knight, so helping people is probably natural and not special, so he might not remember.

Nevertheless, Alicia thought her own sulky behavior was strange and quickly shook her head.

“?”

“Really, it’s nothing. More importantly, what should we do now?”

Alicia’s bright smile bothered Eric, but seeing that she deliberately changed the subject, he thought there must be a reason and didn’t ask further.

“First, I’ll show you around the mansion. It would be good for you to get familiar with it quickly.”

“Alright.”

“To be honest, there’s not much to see, but shall we go?”

Alicia stood up, following Eric.

***

“The people here are very kind.”

“Indeed they are.”

“?”

During their tour of the mansion, the employees they encountered were truly kind and friendly.

Even Eric, the owner of the mansion, had never seen them like this before.

“It’s nothing. How do you find the mansion?”

“I like it. It’s like you, Eric.”

Wondering what she meant, he looked at her, and Alicia smiled brightly.

“It’s neat and warm.”

While he could understand ‘neat’, Eric had never been described as ‘warm’ in his entire life.

“It must be because the sunlight is warm today. This mansion has good lighting.”

“Is that so?”

“It is.”

Alicia laughed at Eric, who awkwardly averted his gaze out of embarrassment, and then stopped walking near the end of the corridor.

“Is this the study by any chance?”

“Yes, although it’s small.”

“May I take a look?”

“As you wish.”

After Alicia entered the study, Eric was about to follow when he stopped in his tracks, hearing the maids whispering.

“He smiled, the Count smiled. I’ve never seen the Count smile since I started working here.”

“Me neither. I was so surprised when he suddenly announced his engagement, but there must really be something going on.”

“Right? It didn’t feel like they were dating though. What is it? Was it love at first sight? Like, feeling destiny at their first meeting or something?”

“I know. Last time, he even packed up a bunch of gifts to take with him. It was quite a scene. And it was only their second meeting.”

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

‘No, that’s not it. Everything you just said is wrong. Besides, what do you mean I never smile? I just didn’t have anything to smile about.’

Eric tried to deny it inwardly out of indignation, but then gave up.

He had ruined so many arranged meetings and then suddenly got engaged, so everyone must be wondering what was going on.

So Eric consoled himself, thinking that this was something he had to deal with, and that at least Alicia hadn’t heard it.

“Eric?”

Alicia poked her head out, looking for Eric who hadn’t come in.

“Ah, I’m coming.”

Thinking it would be better not to hear any more, Eric quickly entered the study.

***

He quietly followed Alicia as she moved between the bookshelves, scanning the book titles with an interested look.

He seemed to have something to say, occasionally moving his lips, but he would flinch and close his mouth whenever Alicia moved.

After doing this several times, Alicia seemed to notice and turned to Eric.

“Do you have something to say?”

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

“What is it?”

Looking a bit embarrassed, Eric ran his hand through his hair and averted his gaze for a moment before meeting Alicia’s eyes again.

“Don’t we need rings?”