Side Story –  Chapter 1

It had already been half a year since then.

Now, the Winderton estate was as peaceful as if nothing had ever happened.

The fact that this place, which had long been a source of discomfort for me, had become comfortable in just six months still felt strange.

“Lirie, the weather is lovely today. How about we go out together?”

It was thanks to Edward’s efforts that such a change had been possible.

Since canceling our divorce, not once had I regretted that decision.

Edward had become my strongest shield, keeping every promise he had made back then.

“Yes, I’d like that.”

I no longer feared or felt pain when I looked at Edward.

On the contrary, seeing him made me happy, and being with him brought out a smile I couldn’t hide.

After finishing lunch, we strolled arm in arm into the garden, where the flowers were in full bloom.

“Lirie, the Imperial banquet will be held soon.”

Edward’s voice carried a trace of concern, even in the serene atmosphere.

“His Majesty has expressed that he would like you to attend as well.”

Edward glanced at me, gauging my reaction.

“If I’m attending with you, I’m fine with it, Edward.”

“But…”

I lightly squeezed his hand and gave him a gentle smile, as if to say he needn’t worry.

Whenever an important banquet was held, Edward attended alone.

I had neither hosted nor attended any of them.

Though invitations poured in daily, I had politely declined them all.

“Half a year has already passed, Edward. So you don’t need to worry so much.”

Though I spoke casually, a trace of guilt lingered in Edward’s eyes.

“Since it’s an Imperial banquet, the Duke of Scarlett will also attend. His Majesty may trouble you as well.”

I knew exactly what he was worried about.

The Emperor and the Duke of Scarlett were the ones who had made my life most difficult.

Of course, it was because of them that I met Edward, but if we were to face each other now, it was inevitable that tempers might flare.

“You’ll be by my side the whole time, won’t you? I’m no longer afraid of His Majesty or the Duke of Scarlett. So let’s not avoid them anymore.”

Seeing Edward worry more than I did, I smiled as if to ease his mind.

“I will always be at your side—so they will never be able to harm you.”

There was firm resolve in Edward’s eyes, and it made me smile even more.

“Edward, I’m glad you’re here with me.”

The fragrance of flowers brushed my nose.

A soft breeze swept by.

But more than anything, what made this moment perfect was the fact that Edward was beside me.

Even the servants watching from a distance wore warm, contented smiles.

It was a sight I had grown used to.

“Let’s go inside now, Edward.”

“Understood.”

When our walk ended, Edward returned to his office.

Once he was out of sight, I headed for my room.

“My lady, what about your dress for the Imperial banquet?”

The maids were brimming with excitement—probably because it had been so long since I last attended one.

Having avoided banquets for half a year, I truly had no idea what to wear.

“Or perhaps you’ll have a new one made together with His Grace?”

Saying that would be nice, the maids exchanged playful laughter.

I found myself smiling along.

“I’ll decide after discussing it with the Duke.”

I was certain Edward would suggest we have one made together.

By now, I could predict his reactions and preferences without even asking.

To think we’ve changed this much.

Savoring the peaceful moment, I sipped the tea the maids had brought.

A now slightly grown fox kit toddled over on its short legs and curled into my lap.

When I stroked its soft fur, it purred and nuzzled against me, clearly pleased.

“My lady, aren’t you nervous about attending the banquet after so long?”

I had no fond memories of banquets—given the life I’d led, it was impossible to have any.

Young ladies newly debuted into society claimed banquets were romantic occasions, but for me, they had never been so.

Even as the Scarlett young lady, banquets had been more burdensome than enjoyable, and after marrying Edward, they had been nothing but arenas for ridicule.

“Well… I suppose you could call it nervousness…”

My voice trailed off.

To feel nervous, there had to be some expectation—but as always, I had none for banquets.

Yet, strangely enough, the thought of attending with Edward made my heart flutter a little.

“I’m not sure. All I know is, I’m looking forward to seeing how His Grace looks, all dressed up for the banquet.”

Hearing this, the younger maids blushed at the display of marital affection.

“If His Grace hears what you just said, my lady, he’ll be overjoyed.”

“Yes, he dotes on you so much.”

Their excited teasing made my face grow hot.

My blush deepened until I couldn’t raise my head, and I shooed them out with a wave of my hand.

“Phew…”

To cool my flushed cheeks, I opened the large window.

“Huh?”

Far in the distance, my gaze found Edward.

He seemed to be training with the knights.

He was in a comfortable outfit—just a white shirt—holding a sword.

I had seen him like this a few times before, but somehow, every time I did, my heart skipped all over again.

I had opened the window to cool down, but somehow it only made me feel hotter.

“This is bad for my heart…”

I shut the window again.

The little fox beside me tilted its head, watching my movements.

It can’t possibly understand, but sometimes it looks almost human.

I chuckled quietly and scooped the fox back into my arms.

The simple act was comforting.

Before long, someone knocked on the door.

“I’m coming in, Lirie.”

It was Edward.

He was damp with sweat, as if he’d come straight from training.

“Did something urgent happen?”

I set the fox down and took out a handkerchief, stepping closer to wipe the sweat from his face.

Cute.

I liked how he, who normally disliked anyone touching him, stayed still and let me.

“Ahem. So, why did you come in the middle of training?”

Instead of answering, Edward took my hand.

“Edward…?”

“I saw you watching from the window.”

“What?”

What was that supposed to mean?

Like the fox earlier, I tilted my head in confusion.

Edward gave a faint chuckle.

“I came because you were looking at me.”

“You came just for that?”

He had been training with the knights.

After living with him, I’d come to know how important the Order was to him.

No matter how busy he was, he always made time to lead their training personally.

And yet he came all this way just because I was watching him?

Edward’s hand slid gently through my hair.

“With eyes like that, how could I not come?”

“What’s wrong with my eyes—”

Before I could finish, Edward’s lips were on mine.

The suddenness didn’t bother me; instead, I closed my eyes and wrapped my arms around his neck.

Even though he was sweaty, it wasn’t unpleasant. I was hopelessly in love with this man.

“Mmh…”

A soft sound escaped me, and Edward deepened the kiss, exploring me so thoroughly I could hardly breathe.

We had kissed countless times, yet keeping up with him still left me breathless.

“You’ll make me lose my breath, Lirie.”

He gave a playful smile at the sight of my ragged breathing.

“Are you teasing me again?”

I lightly punched his firm chest, but he didn’t budge—instead, he leisurely wiped away the faint tears at the corners of my eyes.

Then he pressed brief kisses over my face, coaxing laughter out of me with the ticklish sensation.

Finally, he wrapped me tightly in his arms.

“Aren’t you busy?”

“I’m not.”

Edward averted his gaze—a habit he had whenever he was hiding something or lying.

My eyes narrowed.

“Really?”

“…It’s something that can be handled without me.”

He made a flimsy excuse, clearly just trying to stay by my side.

“The training with the knights isn’t over yet, is it?”

“The captain can handle it.”

I gently pushed him away.

His expression turned pitiful, like a dog abandoned by its owner.

“Hmm, that won’t do. I don’t like men who put off their own duties, Edward.”

At the single word don’t, Edward’s gaze shifted.

“I’ll be back quickly.”

I couldn’t hold back a laugh and let out a quiet giggle.

“Come back soon, Edward.”

Even as he left, he stole another kiss from me, and when he finally turned away, his slow, reluctant steps lingered in my eyes.