The End Of The Special Contract Marriage (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 5
“I never dreamed you’d get married, Aracila.”
Pola set down her teacup and said. She was the daughter of Marquis Hayden and Aracila’s classmate at the academy.
“You used to sing that you’d never marry because you couldn’t become Archmage if you did.”
Pola could still vividly recall her friend’s furious declaration back in their academy days.
‘Those old fogeys at the Mage Tower—no, most of them—are so outdated they think a married woman shouldn’t even practice magic. They’re the ones who stop us, yet they act as if it’s our own fault. I’ll become Archmage just to rip them all out by the roots and pave the way for future generations. Work matters more to me than love anyway.’
Back then, Aracila had already been scouted by the Mage Tower due to her extraordinary magical talent, juggling both studies and work.
Because of this, she had early on recognized the limitations imposed on married female mages and declared herself celibate by mid-teens.
Yet now, out of the blue, she was getting married. Pola had been so shocked she nearly fell over.
“And of all people, to Lord Vandermir! At least the wedding portrait will be beautiful.”
Pola rested her chin in her hand, leaning toward her friend with sparkling eyes.
“But seriously, just how handsome is Lord Vandermir for you to finally give in?”
“He’s just handsome.”
Aracila replied indifferently. Just as she understood her own looks objectively, she could judge others’ appearances objectively too.
Damian Vandermir would still be undeniably handsome even if you saw him tripping on the street.
“But he’s kind of unlucky. Maybe it’s because he’s a knight.”
“And yet you agreed to marry him?”
“Looks and personality are separate things.”
At that, Pola burst into laughter, then added with a wistful expression,
“Still, I really wanted to see you achieve your dream. It’s a little disappointing.”
“It’s fine. I can always divorce later.”
“Honestly, who thinks about divorce before even getting married?”
Though scolding her, Pola looked at her friend fondly—it was such a quintessentially Aracila way of thinking.
“Then I’ll keep cheering for you to become Archmage.”
“While you’re at it, cheer for my marriage and divorce too.”
“Ugh, that divorce of yours. Should I go pray at the temple every day for it?”
“Yes, ‘Blessed marriage, peaceful divorce, and safe ascension as Archmage.’ Pray for all three.”
Pola laughed at the shamelessly cheeky reply and shook her head with amusement.
“You know, that eccentric side of yours might actually suit Lord Vandermir well. Isn’t it like a meeting between a weirdo and a lone wolf?”
“A lone wolf?”
“That’s Lord Vandermir’s nickname—the Lone Wolf Knight. He went alone to study abroad in a foreign land at a young age and returned as the youngest Sword Master ever. You can’t help but call him relentless.”
Ah, so that’s what Damian’s nickname was. Aracila nodded, hearing it for the first time.
Weirdo and lone wolf.
Side by side, they actually sounded like a decent pair.
“Oh, it’s already this late! Pola, I have to go—I’ve got plans with Frederick.”
Aracila rose from her seat after checking the clock. She’d made a brief stop to see Pola before meeting Frederick.
“Got it. Say hello to Frederick for me.”
“Sure, see you again soon.”
After leaving Marquis Hayden’s estate, she headed to a famous restaurant in the bustling district.
At the central table on the restaurant’s second floor—an establishment run strictly by reservation—her appointment was already seated, having arrived first.
“Frederick!”
At the sound of his name, a gentle-looking man with sunlit golden hair and ruby-red eyes turned his head.
“When did you get here? You didn’t have to wait long, did you?”
“No, Aracila. I just arrived myself.”
Frederick softened his eyes warmly. His speech was gentle and soft-spoken.
He rose from his seat before she could sit and personally pulled out her chair for her.
“Oh, as expected of His Royal Highness—the manners are unmatched.”
“Don’t tease me.”
Frederick laughed shyly and returned to his seat.
The two had first met seven years ago at the academy.
On the day of enrollment, Frederick, having lost his way, happened upon Aracila strolling leisurely through the campus and struck up a conversation, beginning their bond.
‘Excuse me, my lady. Do you know where the enrollment ceremony is being held?’
‘Over there.’
Aracila, basking in the sunlight like a languid cat, pointed casually toward a building.
‘Thank you. Might I also ask your department and year?’
‘Me?’
When Frederick asked—wanting to properly thank her later—Aracila blinked her large eyes and replied,
‘I’m a freshman.’
‘Huh…? Then why are you here…?’
‘I overslept and just got here.’
‘…’
‘Well, shall we go together?’
Thus, the two became the only tardy students on enrollment day and friends thereafter. With Pola Hayden joining them, the trio stuck together most of the time.
Now adults, they no longer met as frequently as before, but they still kept in regular contact and occasionally shared meals.
“Are you still busy with Mage Tower duties these days?”
“As always. So many people are vying to be the next Archmage.”
Aracila chewed a small piece of meat thoughtfully. Watching her, a smile spread across Frederick’s lips.
He subtly pushed his plate toward her and teased playfully,
“It’s truly an honor that such a busy person would spare precious time for me.”
“I appreciate your understanding, Your Highness. Another month safely maintaining our friendship.”
They bantered lightheartedly, enjoying their conversation.
When the atmosphere had warmed sufficiently, Aracila sipped water, wiped her mouth, and brought up her main request.
“Frederick, you’re hosting a ball next week, right? The one celebrating your successful monster hunt.”
“Yes.”
“I’d like to make a surprise announcement there. Would that be alright?”
Frederick, dabbing his lips with a napkin, widened his eyes in surprise.
“You’re coming to the ball? You said you wouldn’t last time.”
“I changed my mind. I have something I need to say in front of everyone.”
“What kind of surprise announcement is it?”
“Hmm… I can’t tell you yet. You’ll hear it then too.”
Frederick had always been wary of men approaching Aracila, worrying as a friend that she might meet someone unsuitable.
If he found out she’d agreed to marry the very knight she’d claimed to dislike so much, he’d surely grow suspicious and pry into it immediately.
‘Sorry, Frederick. I want your help—but not your interference.’
With so many obstacles already ahead, she didn’t want her friend to become another one.
Unaware of Aracila’s inner thoughts, Frederick simply smiled brightly.
“If it’s good news for you, it’d be an honor to have you announce it at my ball.”
“Well… it’s not bad news. It’s something I personally wanted.”
“What is it, then? Did you earn another commendation at the Mage Tower? Get another star?”
“I told you—I can’t say yet. Anyway, it’s fine if I use your ball, right?”
If Aracila wished for it, Frederick would hold a ball out of thin air. He nodded immediately.
“Yes, even though you’re a friend who leaves me feeling rather neglected. Please, go ahead.”
“Thank you, Your Highness. As a token of gratitude, I’ll treat you to dinner today.”
“Really? Then I’ll order something expensive.”
“Nope, too late—it’s already over. Go home.”
Frederick burst out laughing as Aracila quickly hid the menu behind her back.
His ever-smiling eyes held an affection for his friend that was, perhaps, a little too intense.
[This is the timeline separator]Aracila had bought a new dress for the first time in ages, specifically for her marriage announcement.
The rose-colored gown featured a deep décolletage and a skirt layered like flower petals. Her left shoulder and waist were lavishly adorned with floral embellishments.
Odrey was moved to tears—our young lady, who always wore robes, had finally bought new clothes!
“Ari, are you really announcing your engagement today?”
Iris, also invited to the Crown Prince’s ball, asked as she rode in the carriage with her younger sister toward the imperial capital.
At least she’d already been given a heads-up about today’s surprise announcement.
“Of course. By tomorrow, even three-year-olds will be shouting it from rooftops.”
“Ari…”
“My parents aren’t attending anyway, right? No one can stop me.”
Seeing her mischievous younger sister—adorable like a fairy yet grinning like a troublemaker—Iris sighed.
“Who could ever stop you in the first place…?”
As the carriage passed through the city gates, Iris spoke again.
“Be careful. Several young ladies who admire Lord Vandermir will be at the party tonight.”
“So what? He’s marrying me regardless. What does it matter if someone admires him alone?”
“It matters because your marriage alone will make enemies of people in high society.”
Still wearing that “what’s it to me?” expression, Iris gently clasped her sister’s hand and murmured softly,
“In particular, Miss White of Duke White’s house has been chasing after Lord Vandermir for a long time. Once you announce your engagement today, she’ll come to loathe you.”
“It’s fine. I don’t care.”
“That’s exactly the problem…”
As the elder sister’s worry deepened, the carriage arrived at the banquet hall.
Aracila stepped out of the carriage hand in hand with her sister. The servants at the entrance stared, spellbound by the two stunning women.
The sisters stood side by side before the heavy doors emblazoned with the imperial crest.
“Lady Iris Hugo and Lady Aracila Hugo have arrived!”
At the steward’s booming announcement, every noble in the hall turned their gaze toward them.
It was rare to see both Hugo sisters together.
Unlike Iris, who was socially active like most young noblewomen, Aracila remained secluded in the Mage Tower and was seldom seen in public.
Though Aracila alone usually drew attention, appearing with her sister made Iris feel utterly overwhelmed by the sudden flood of notice.
“Sis, there are so many people.”
“All the prominent young nobles from the capital were invited to tonight’s ball.”
“Perfect.”
Her lips—rosy like flower petals—curled into a sharp smile. The larger the audience, the better; the news of her engagement would spread beyond anyone’s control.
‘Has Lord Vandermir not arrived yet?’
Aracila casually scanned the crowd. The surrounding nobles’ eyes were also fixed on the two sisters.
“Why, the sisters came together for once?”
“They truly deserve to be called the pride of House Hugo.”
Though the sisters differed greatly in appearance—one inheriting her mother’s features, the other her father’s—they were both undeniably beautiful in their own ways.
If Iris was a delicate lily in full bloom, Aracila was a vibrant rose of spring.
Iris was elegant, just as her looks suggested; Aracila, meanwhile, exuded an unwitting freshness that captivated all eyes.
“Tonight’s dance requests will surely be monopolized by the Hugo ladies.”
“Not necessarily—if the crowd here isn’t full of fools who only care about appearances.”
As murmurs of half-admiration and half-envy circulated, a man crossed the hall toward the Hugo sisters.
Aracila also spotted the man striding gracefully through the crowd.
His silver hair shimmered like powdered sugar under the chandelier’s light.
Gasps of astonishment escaped those who recognized him—the moment Damian stood before the sisters and extended his hand toward the younger one.
“Did Lord Vandermir just ask a lady to dance?”
“And not just any lady—the mage, Lady Hugo?”
“No, what on earth is their relationship…?”
Everyone gaped in disbelief as Aracila took Damian’s hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
The two breathtaking figures began dancing a waltz at the center of the hall.
It was a rare sight in the Sertron Empire, where relations between mages and knights were notoriously poor.
But as they held each other and danced—
Damian’s expression, gripping Aracila’s slender waist and stepping through the rhythm, was far from pleasant.
Though not obvious to onlookers, Aracila could easily read his mood from up close.
“Are you unwell? You look like I dragged you out here against your will.”
“…I simply dislike dancing. Let’s finish quickly and get your announcement over with.”
“Oh, right.”
What a difficult man. Though she didn’t say it aloud, Aracila’s eyes conveyed the thought as she shrugged slightly.
Finally, the waltz ended. She stepped away from Damian and searched for Frederick—who, oddly, stood frozen among the crowd.
‘Frederick, time for my announcement.’
Aracila mouthed silently and gave her friend a meaningful look. Snapping out of his daze, Frederick guided her to the dais and whispered,
“Aracila, are you close with Lord Vandermir?”
“No?”
Since their relationship was merely a contractual engagement rather than genuine closeness, Aracila answered honestly.
“But why…?”
By then they’d already reached the dais, so Frederick couldn’t continue his question and instead announced plainly,
“Everyone, please pay attention! Lady Aracila Hugo has an important announcement to make.”
Having drawn the crowd’s focus, Frederick stepped down from the dais. Aracila, now alone on stage, surveyed the audience.
Seeing every single person staring at her, she smiled sweetly and began,
“Everyone, I’m getting married.”
A murmur rippled through the hall. Aracila raised her hand.
“To whom, you ask? To Lord Damian Vandermir over there. I’ll be sending out invitations soon—please all come!”
And then the hall fell utterly silent.
When scheming men desperately battle for her favor in the male harem
This one’s also on my reread list! The rivalry, scheming between the men in the imperial harem are just as intense and thrilling as in classic palace drama novels, where concubines fight to the death. Give it a read, girls! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Synopsis:
“I am not worthy of her… but I still want to be by her side, even if only as a loyal dog…”
Those were the painful whispers of Yue Guanyi – the proud Crown Prince of the Great Qi, who was torn between deep love and a guilty conscience. Despite holding the supreme power of the Imperial Guard, he still could not forget the dark past when he was sold into a brothel.
Fate played a cruel twist when Qiu Shuzhi – a young female official who had just passed the imperial examinations with top honors – stepped into his life. She did not know that she was the one who had saved him from a tragic fate many years ago. And now, her heart was the target of pursuit for both Yue Guanyi and the powerful Empress Dowager Qin Qing.
While Yue Guanyi only dared to silently care for and protect the one he loved from afar, the Empress Dowager Qin Qing openly expressed his feelings and did not hesitate to take advantage of his power to approach Qiu Shuzhi. The covert struggle between the two most powerful forces in the imperial court began…
Trigger warning: All men in this novel are yandere style.
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Thank you for translating/sharing this. Such an adorable story!