The Dragon Duke's Wife - Chapter 4
Then, she saw a poster on the street and, without thinking, signed up to be a wartime nurse.
It was the second year of the war with the neighboring country. The Roden Empire, a prosperous nation, was being devastated by a seemingly endless war that left everyone drained.
The young men were being conscripted, and there were few healthy, able-bodied young men left in the streets. Women and the elderly had to take on the available jobs. Noblemen’s sons also volunteered to fight to preserve their honor, leaving the academies empty.
It was during this time that the perception of wartime nurses became very positive. Before the war, nursing had been considered a dirty and difficult job, something only poor women did. But just as the sons of noble families enlisted as soldiers, the daughters enlisted as nurses, and people began to regard it as an honorable profession.
Given that a lady from a wealthy family was throwing herself into such a noble cause out of compassion and honor, it might seem crude that Ancia had joined simply because it seemed like a respectable way to earn her keep.
“Haah…”
She sighed softly.
She would be fine here. Despite the concerns about marriage and heirs, fundamentally, she was caring for the sick. She had seen countless horrific injuries on the battlefield, and she had sent many patients to their deaths. At one point, her first task each morning was to cover the face of someone who had died overnight with a cloth and offer a prayer.
The patients kept pouring in, and supplies were scarce. She had watched a soldier, who had screamed through the night in pain and could not sleep, lose his sight from the fever because she couldn’t give him even a single painkiller.
She had seen patients left with bodies covered in mud and dried blood because there was no clean water or bandages to help them. The only thing she could do for them was sit by their side and read from a prayer book, even though it was a heavy task, forcing herself to stay awake and do so without sleep.
In comparison, this place seemed to be far better in terms of environment. There would be medicine and doctors here. Duke Velados, no matter how hideous his appearance, couldn’t possibly be in such a dire state internally. After all, if he was capable of having a marital relationship, he couldn’t be in too poor a condition.
Still, she felt some worry. She had no experience. She understood the theoretical aspects of a marriage relationship and the process of conceiving a child, but when it came to actually leading the patient in such matters, could she really manage it?
But that was not something to dwell on right now. At least for her, she now had a debt-free, clean financial situation and a beautiful room with a view of the garden, bathed in sunlight.
She leaned out of the window, eager to see how far the garden extended, when someone spoke to her from behind.
“You seem to like it.”
She was startled and spun around quickly.
The man, who had been standing by the door, was suddenly at her side, pulling her by the waist. Ancia couldn’t even process how he moved so quickly.
“You almost fell. Are you a child?”
“Y-You…?”
Ancia was shocked. It was the idle man from the interview.
Since she had already found him unpleasant, she narrowed her eyes. Perhaps he wasn’t just following the family’s servant around, but actually a member of the Velados family. Still, there was no reason for him to be so rude.
“Entering a lady’s bedroom without permission is completely disrespectful. What do you think you’re doing?”
“I did knock. But you were so excited, you didn’t hear it.”
He clicked his tongue. Ancia tried to push him away.
“Now there’s no way I’ll fall, I—Ah!”
The man swiftly lifted her off the ground, spun her halfway around, and positioned himself with his back to the window. Instead of letting her go, he pulled her closer.
“This view is better.”
His red eyes curved into a smile. Ancia involuntarily sucked in a breath. The backlight cast shadows, making his sharp and handsome features appear even more striking. When he had been idly swaggering around, he had only seemed like a handsome rake, but now, with the intensity in his eyes, he seemed more like a predator, threatening her like a wild beast.
“Let me go.”
Her body heated up quickly. Whether it was from being held so tightly or from sheer embarrassment, Ancia wasn’t sure. There was a dangerous scent emanating from him, like the smell of fire from a battlefield.
“I refuse.”
“You do know that I’m here as Duke Velados’ fiance, right? Even if it’s a contract marriage…” Ah!
Once again, the man lifted her, completely cradling her in his arms. Her feet dangled in the air as he smiled mischievously at her.
“I know. I chose you.”
“W-What?”
“I thought you’d be a more mature and solemn person, but you’re rather charming. I’m Khalid Velados, the Duke of Velados. I’ll be your husband.”
Ancia’s mouth dropped open in shock.
“You? No, this… I mean…”
Her head was spinning. No, it wasn’t her head that was spinning—her body was turning in the air. Ancia forgot for a moment where she was and, despite being in front of the Duke, she shouted.
“Put me down!”
“Alright.”
Thud.
It was a relief to be set down, but her back hit the bed. Ancia froze in shock.
Khalid’s shadow loomed over her. A calloused hand gently cupped her cheek.
