Ouch.
“Are you trying to interfere in their relationship again? Are you going to deceive me again?”
Right after listening to Edmund, I revealed that I was the one who had brought the two together.
The expression on Edmund’s face at that moment, as he let out a hollow laugh, was unforgettable.
I smiled sheepishly and gently lowered his hand, which had been holding my nose without hurting it.
“I didn’t deceive you… But inviting Jake formally means you’re allowing it, right? If Lilien finds out, she might soften her heart a little.”
“I think the same.”
He chuckled and picked up the lantern on the bedside table.
“Then let’s leave their relationship to Jake and talk about us. Where shall we go for our date?”
“Hmm, shouldn’t we finish the banquet first?”
At my words, I smoothed down the blanket that was already covering me up to my neck.
“Then let’s enjoy the afterglow of the banquet. It’s late, so get some rest, Etricia.”
As Edmund was about to get up, I hastily grabbed the hem of his shirt.
He turned to look at me with questioning eyes.
Feeling embarrassed by his innocent gaze, I hesitated for a moment.
“Are you really… just going to leave like this?”
Without doing anything? As if understanding the implication, his eyes trembled slightly.
But soon, he smiled smoothly and placed a light kiss on my forehead.
“You haven’t fully recovered yet. Get a good night’s sleep.”
Tonight…?
Yesterday and the day before, he just left too…
Before I could say anything, he closed the door behind him and left.
“He was so upset when Lilien said we should sleep separately, and now this…”
Pursing my lips, I glared at the closed door before turning over with a huff.
Then suddenly, I realized that we hadn’t even kissed since that incident. A sense of unease crept over me.
“Why is he acting like this…?”
Tossing and turning in my thoughts, I only managed to fall asleep when morning came.
[What is going on? You’ve been out of touch for a month!]
Gah…!
As soon as the communication device beeped on, an angry voice burst out, making me clutch my chest in shock.
Rail, who was serving tea beside me, glared sharply at the communication device.
I gestured to him that it was fine and let out a small sigh.
The morning after the audience, I had finally sent Edmund back to his duchy so I could breathe.
Although it was endearing how he clung to me like a loyal puppy, for the sake of appearances, it was better to maintain some distance.
Besides, if he wasn’t even going to touch me, what was the point of sticking around? My rebellious streak made me send him away.
Enjoying some rare alone time, I was leisurely drinking tea on the terrace of the annex while admiring the garden. I had intended to contact Baron Totair to thank him for his help with the Lebron weapons.
But who would’ve thought he’d be this furious?
Well, I hadn’t given him any notice, and my being asleep had been classified information, so his worry was understandable.
“I’m sorry for not reaching out.”
[Do you know how much your uncle worried about you?]
“A lot has happened. By the way, how is the business I entrusted to you going?”
[Still thriving. But… may I ask something?]
He hesitated, letting out a groan.
“Of course.”
[Did you know in advance that a monster would appear at the Mipedian Ducal estate? Is that why you gave me the Lebron weapons…?]
He trailed off, then let out a deep sigh.
[No, never mind. At my age, I’d rather not deal with such troublesome matters.]
I lowered my eyebrows and gave a bitter smile.
“That’s a wise choice. It wouldn’t be pleasant news anyway. I’ll visit Buell’s territory soon. I’ll return to work at the shop once I’ve fully recovered, so don’t worry. And…”
Thank you for worrying about me, Baron Totair.
Blushing slightly, I whispered the words barely audibly, and with a beep, the communication device shut off.
I stared at it with mild irritation.
‘I gathered my courage to say that, and he just cuts me off… What a stubborn old man.’
Chuckling, I leaned back comfortably in my chair.
As I sipped my tea and watched the servants move through the garden, I picked up the Imperial Daily from the table.
“Hmm, all the articles are about the Mipedian Ducal family.”
Rail, standing behind me, smiled knowingly and bowed slightly.
“I thought it would be easier for you to read.”
“Thank you, Rail.”
As I scanned the articles, it was as Edmund had said. The battle at the Mipedian estate had been officially dismissed as a simple monster outbreak caused by a gate.
However, suspicions were growing among some people about the strange events surrounding the Mipedian family.
Some malicious articles even speculated that there must be a specific reason why only their estate suffered disasters.
Fortunately, the news of the High Priest awakening from his long slumber had spread widely, quelling the unsettling rumors.
‘Of course, I was the one who arranged for that.’
They say one issue can cover another.
After silently thanking the High Priest, I folded the newspaper.
‘We need to publish our own article as well.’
Before someone with ill intent spread rumors about the Mipedian family.
I set the newspaper aside and turned to Rail.
“Call Rainbutton soon.”
“You mean the lawyer who helped with your divorce?”
“That’s right. He knows some clever journalists who can write a fitting article.”
Considering he became a top divorce attorney and even bought a building in the commercial district because of me, he owed me that much.
As I reached for my tea again, I suddenly remembered something I had forgotten.
“Oh, right. What about the maid who was held by Lunox and her mother?”
Since Lunox had perished, their contract was nullified, meaning she was now free.
Rail, as if reassuring me, lowered his gaze with a gentle smile.
“As per your instructions before you collapsed, we helped them relocate and provided them with a new home. The master approved as well.”
“I’m always indebted to you, Rail. Thank you.”
“Not at all. But more importantly…”
More importantly?
I noticed that since I last saw him, he had switched from a monocle to silver-rimmed glasses, which made him look even more amicable.
“I’m truly relieved that you’re safe, Countess. Tale, the knights, and the staff at the Ducal estate were all deeply worried about you.”
“I was able to return safely because of all of you. Thank you for staying by Edmund’s side. And I’ll be counting on you in the future as well.”
Rail’s eyes widened.
“That means…”
“Well, isn’t it obvious?”
I smiled vaguely and turned my head. Partly to hide the faint blush on my face, but also to conceal the bitter smile spreading on my lips.
Before marriage, I had things to settle.
I needed to pass the countship to my uncle and stabilize the Lebron business.
But more than anything…
‘I need to find out why Edmund is avoiding me.’
I narrowed my sharp eyes, then turned to look at Rail.
“By the way, where’s Lilien? I thought she was going to take a walk today.”
Rail quickly understood that I was trying to change the subject and gave a slight smile as he replied.
“She left, feeling sorry, saying she had forgotten about her breakfast and current events discussion with Marchioness Wickely.”
Rail took a pocket watch from his coat and adjusted his glasses.
“She should be back soon, though.”
That’s good. I had something important to discuss about Lilien and Jake.
I smiled and stood up from my chair.
“Then, may I take a walk in the garden until she returns?”
“A walk… you say?”
Rail asked back with a rather serious expression.
“Yes. Is there a problem?”
He asked me to wait for a moment and quickly left the greenhouse.
A short while later, knights suddenly gathered in front of me.
I was stunned by the scene, which looked more like a busy market.
“What… is this?”
Rail scratched his head and gave an awkward smile.
“I’m sorry. I only called one knight to carry you on his back, but they all rushed to volunteer…”
In fact, they were raising their hands, asking to be chosen, while pushing and bumping each other like racehorses ready to run.
‘Ugh. A headache.’
I held my pounding head and shut my eyes tightly. Then the knights, and even Rail, began fussing over me, asking if I was feeling unwell.
‘I’ve been asleep for a month since the incident, so it’s understandable that they’re worried about my health. But still…’
Sighing deeply, I lowered my hand from my forehead and looked around at them.
“I’m very thankful for such treatment, but you should care more about your own health. You’re the ones who truly suffered in battle.”
I smiled and spoke gently, trying to persuade them calmly. But that only made them more impressed by my kindness, and the competition grew even fiercer.
‘…This is not what I wanted.’
Panicking, I quickly turned when I spotted Tale walking down the hallway at a relaxed pace.
“Tale! Perfect timing. Could you take the knights and—”
But pushing past the other knights, Tale walked right up to me and sat with his back turned in front of me.
“What are you doing?”
“It’s unthinkable for the future Duchess to walk on her own two feet. Please get on. I’ll gladly carry you.”
“Tale, not you too. I was just kidnapped and then asleep for a while. There’s no need for this—it’s embarrassing.”
But he still kept his back in front of me, insisting. I felt even more awkward.
In the end, I glanced toward Rail, silently asking for help. Realizing too late, he came over and whispered,
“Should I prepare a different knight if you’re uncomfortable?”
No! That’s enough!
So I stormed out to the terrace and had to hide in my room, avoiding the chasing knights, until Lilien returned home.
