Four months into our marriage. I began to grow suspicious of my husband’s frequent outings.

He left early every morning and came home late at night, so I did some digging out of curiosity.
But it turned out my husband was simply working diligently and coming back.
There was nothing odd about it.

We had agreed not to interfere in each other’s personal lives anyway—it was a contract marriage, after all.
But… why did he sometimes give me an odd sense of discomfort?

“The Emperor still isn’t married.”
“That’s a serious problem.”
“I really hope he dumps me soon and marries someone else...”

My contract husband was a mercenary named Dale, who was fully aware of the situation.
He was a one-year contract husband—364 days—hired to break off my engagement with the Emperor.

Unlike the original Emperor, he was pure, innocent, and kind.
One day, I found myself thinking: If I were to marry for real, it should be with someone like him.

And then, something happened.

The day I had to return to the ducal house finally arrived.
But I made a firm vow to return to Dale's side no matter what, and left him with some earnest instructions.

“Don’t open the door for strangers while I’m gone.”
“Okay.”
“Even if it’s someone you know, don’t lend them money carelessly.”
“I’ll remember that.”
“And don’t cry just because you miss me.”

Ah… I don’t want to leave Dale.
But since I had no choice but to return to the duchy, I forced my reluctant steps forward.

“Your Majesty, the teleportation circle is ready.”
“Let’s go.”

Unaware of what was about to unfold behind me.