Chapter 3

Taken aback, I couldn’t speak immediately.

...Wife?

Wife, and, that is, my wife... right? Why?

The man with black hair stood up smoothly.

He stared at me sharply, his expression cold and unreadable, and said,

"Nice to meet you, Miss Seraphina Archibald. Please forgive my rudeness for coming unannounced. I am Lord Alexis Middleton of the Shaffield family. I hope we can get to know each other better."

"Nice to meet you, Lord Middleton. I am Seraphina Archibald. It’s an honor to meet you."

I hurriedly bent my knees in a bow.

When I looked up, he was still staring at me with a cold gaze, as if trying to confirm something.

Still, he’s terrifying... his eyes are so intense, especially for someone so handsome.

"Please, sit down, Seraphina. Lord, please take a seat as well."

At Father’s words, I sat next to him, and Lord Middleton took the seat opposite.

When I glanced at the Lord, he seemed like a cold, beautiful ice statue.

I was first surprised that the "Ice Lord" was as handsome as rumored.

Black hair, black eyes, and a perfectly chiseled face. He was so beautiful that I almost lost myself in his appearance.

Not only was he beautiful, but he was also skilled in martial arts.

Though slender, his rough hands and muscle tone clearly showed that he was well-trained.

At the young age of twenty-two, he had already inherited his title as the head of the Middleton family. Despite rumors of his cruelty, he was very popular among noble young ladies.

...Such a person wants me, a "needlework lady," as his wife?

Impossible.

...Is this a scam...?

Ignoring my suspicions, Father started talking cheerfully.

"Lord Middleton met you at last year’s garden party at the palace and fell in love with you at first sight. At that time, you were engaged to Conrad, but when he heard that the engagement was dissolved, he came to propose."

"Garden party..."

I did attend the garden party with Conrad last year, but he was talking to Miriam and other women.

I was mostly alone, occasionally chatting with other guests.

There were so many guests that I’m not sure if I even spoke to the Lord in front of me. I couldn’t say, “I don’t remember,” though...

But, “fell in love at first sight” sounds ridiculous.

Father, oblivious to my confusion, continued cheerfully.

"What a wonderful proposal! Our daughter had just had her engagement dissolved due to unforeseen circumstances. She was depressed, and now to be favored by a Lord! It’s a dream come true. Isn’t it, Seraphina?"

"Father... I haven’t... decided anything yet..."

"What? Do you think you’re in a position to choose?"

Father glared at me with a frightening look.

I immediately fell silent.

Father had never respected my opinions before.

However, Lord Middleton, who had been sitting with his legs crossed and silently observing, suddenly spoke.

"Of course, Miss Seraphina can make her own choice. Not just Father."

It felt like being pierced by a sharp icicle.

Father’s face turned red and then blue as he was spoken to by a Lord half his age.

I stared at the Lord in surprise.

I had never seen a noble speak so straightforwardly.

The Lord asked Father in a slightly more polite tone,

"Lord Archibald, I know this is a very impolite request, but if it’s not too much trouble, could I have a moment alone with her?"

"Ah! My apologies. Of course, that’s fine. Please take your time."

Father’s face was still tense, but he decided not to argue with a superior. He stood up immediately.

"Father...!"

I whispered, clinging to him, and he gave me a look that seemed to say, “Do your best.”

...Father is determined to push me into this.

I was supposed to marry Conrad and leave this house soon, but now that the engagement is off, it’s understandable that he wants to get rid of me quickly. Still, this is too convenient...

Father left, and the door slammed shut.

The drawing room was now just me and Lord Middleton.

I hesitantly looked at him, and he coldly said,

"Miss Seraphina, since you seem puzzled by my proposal, I’ll be frank. I’m proposing a ‘white marriage,’ a marriage in name only."

"...A ‘white marriage’?"

I was truly surprised today.

A white marriage.

A loveless, formal marriage.

I’ve heard about it in popular novels and plays, but I never thought it would be proposed to me.

"That’s right. ...Actually, I have a troublesome relative who refuses to recognize me as the head of the family because I haven’t married. Her cooperation is essential for managing our vast territory, so I need a wife to convince her. You would only need to play the role of a wife in name. You wouldn’t need to share a bed with me."

I blushed.

Seeing this, the Lord also looked slightly embarrassed, his cheeks tinged with red.

...Well, even the “Ice Lord” can blush. It makes him a bit more approachable.

"...I apologize for being so direct."

"No, no... But why... me? With someone of your status, there must be many other suitable candidates for a ‘white marriage’..."

"There are no such candidates."

He said it more firmly than I expected, and I couldn’t help but stare at him.

Lord Middleton looked away awkwardly and said something I never expected.

"...I heard that you enjoy embroidery. Our castle in Shaffield has a modest sewing room. If you accept this proposal, I will make it your personal space. You can order any materials you like from our suppliers."

"I accept."

"Excuse me, what did you just say?"

This time, he looked at me with a puzzled expression.

I repeated clearly,

"I gladly accept."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course. Thank you, Lord Middleton!"

I couldn’t help but smile.

To be able to do embroidery to my heart’s content in a castle! I want to thank Lord Middleton and God for bringing me such a dream-like offer.

The Lord looked at me with a slightly bewildered expression, but it quickly returned to his usual icy demeanor.

"Then, we have a deal. Could you sign this document?"

"Ah, yes."

Without much thought, I quickly read through the thick contract he handed me and signed it with a quill.

And so, I decided to become Lord Middleton’s decorative wife.