Losing her balance happened in an instant. Yelodia’s waist faltered against the window frame, and her legs lifted into the air.

She flailed her arms wildly, but nothing was within reach. Beyond the window, only pitch-black darkness stretched out before her.

“I’m falling!”

A shiver of terror ran down her spine at the thought of plummeting.

In that moment, a large, firm hand gripped her waist tightly.

“Be careful.”

“Ah! Oh… Please, grab my hand!”

Panting heavily, Yelodia reached out with all her might. Before Edward could extend his hand, she seized his wrist desperately.

Her throat tightened with anxiety, and the hand grasping Edward’s wrist clenched hard.

Edward carefully lowered Yelodia onto solid ground and examined her with urgency.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes. No, I mean… I don’t think I’m alright. I’m terrified out of my mind.”

Yelodia whispered, her eyes shut tightly in fear.

She had nearly fallen—off a sheer cliff. If the waves had swept her away, not even a trace of her would remain.

Her heart pounded so hard it felt as though it might burst.

“Take a deep breath.”

Yelodia followed Edward’s instruction but found little solace.

Below the window lay an abyss. The waves crashing against the jagged cliffs below churned into white foam before vanishing. The image lingered in her mind like an imprint.

Muttering to herself in disbelief, she said, “Thank you. I was so close to dying just now.”

“You wouldn’t have fallen. I was watching you the whole time.”

“You… were, Baron?”

Yelodia blinked at Edward in a daze, her trembling eyelids lifting to meet his gaze.

“Truly?”

“Yes, truly.”

Edward nodded, swallowing a sigh. Her wide, tear-brimmed eyes glistened like morning dew, betraying just how shaken she was.

Without realizing it, Edward gently wiped the corner of Yelodia’s eye with his fingertips and murmured, “Nothing dangerous will ever happen to you, my lady. I’ll protect you, no matter what.”

“Really?”

“If you don’t believe me, I’ll swear on it.”

Yelodia’s cheeks began to flush faintly.

“I believe you.”

She sighed as she responded, a mixture of relief and discomfort laced into her breath.

It was only then that she noticed how close Edward was—close enough to hear his voice directly in her ear.

She could even feel his breath on her skin.

“Um, could you help me up now?”

“Stay as you are for a moment. It’s better to stand once your nerves have settled.”

“That’s not….”

Yelodia hesitated, unable to bring herself to admit their proximity was unnerving. Instead, she bit her lip.

“Then could you try putting weight on your legs?”

Edward, noticing her unease, helped her to her feet. His strength lifted her with ease.

Yelodia briefly lost her balance and instinctively grabbed Edward’s arm for support, causing him to steady her by placing a hand on her waist.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes. I mean, I’m fine.”

Her voice faltered as she became conscious of the hand on her waist. Her cheeks grew noticeably redder, her eyes shimmering slightly.

Suddenly, Edward’s gaze softened as it traveled over Yelodia’s forehead, cheeks, and lips, as though he were observing something extraordinary.

Perhaps it was her imagination, but his gaze seemed to grow more intense.

Yelodia froze in place, unable to move.

“Lord Adrian, are you here?”

It was Hester’s voice.

Startled, Yelodia quickly stepped back as Edward turned toward the sound.

Moments later, Hester entered through the door, slightly out of breath.

“I heard Yelodia was here. I hope I’m not too late.”

Hester’s forehead glistened with sweat, evidence of her haste.

Edward, unfazed as if nothing had happened, calmly addressed Hester.

“You’re just in time.”

As his words ended, vibrant fireworks exploded against the deep blue sky outside the window.

Hester, forgetting to check on her sister, stepped between them and fixed her gaze on the night sky.

“Indeed, it’s much more beautiful from here.”

As if her sole reason for being there was the view, Hester spoke with awe.

“I’d love to try something like this at the academy. I feel like we could create even more vibrant colors.”

Her eyes glimmered with the curiosity of a scholar delving into new possibilities.

“Are you alright?” Edward mouthed silently to Yelodia.

She nodded faintly, though her thoughts screamed the opposite.

‘I don’t think I’m okay.’

Swallowing hard, she tried to ignore the tingling sensation in her throat.

Every time the fireworks lit up the dark sky, Edward’s face was painted in brilliant hues.

Yelodia found herself unable to focus on the fireworks any longer.

***

Edward’s breakfast was simple. It was a habit from his days at war when he often skipped the meal altogether. Usually, two slices of apple and a cup of tea sufficed.

But ever since Lady Selina began staying at the estate, his breakfast had become noticeably elaborate.

The table now held freshly baked scones with butter, salads, scrambled eggs, and sausages.

On certain days, whole roasted boar meat or steamed fish was served with fruits, an extravagance Edward found overwhelming.

He reached for his tea to moisten his parched throat, and Lady Selina, watching him closely, finally spoke.

“You look tired.”

“I’ve been preoccupied with preparations for the inspection ceremony.”

“It was splendid. Even I, who know nothing of such matters, could tell it was perfect. I’m sure His Majesty was pleased as well.”

“I’m glad you like it, Aunt.”

Edward responded as he unfolded the newspaper and skimmed through it. The privately published paper contained three days’ worth of continental news and notable incidents in Freia.

Selina, watching Edward intently, sighed and spoke.

“You still haven’t broken the habit of reading at the table. There’s no harm in waiting until after your meal—or even reading it in the carriage.”

“I have other documents to read in the carriage.”

He was so much like his father that, despite being her nephew, Selina sometimes found him downright infuriating.

“The scones are delicious. The chef did an excellent job—make sure to commend him.”

“I’ll eat later. But yes, I’ll be sure to commend him.”

Edward, who didn’t want to put anything besides tea in his dry mouth, politely declined, but Selina wouldn’t relent.

“Still, eat something from the table, even just a little. Skipping breakfast isn’t good for you.”

“…Understood.”

Edward glanced at Selina, then reluctantly took a slice of apple and slowly chewed it. The sweet, tangy juice filled his mouth, causing him to frown involuntarily.

Selina clicked her tongue.

“Just like your father, you’re particularly useless in the mornings. You’ve inherited only the habits I wished you wouldn’t.”

“…”

Edward blinked slowly, as if to say he didn’t understand what she was talking about. A side of him his soldiers would never dream of seeing.

Selina chuckled softly, finding it almost absurd that this young man was the one leading the Feorn Navy.

“That young lady has truly grown into a fine woman. She’s more beautiful and kind-hearted than any other I know. Once she matures a bit more, every man in Freia will be lining up for her.”

“…You find my fiancée to your liking, Aunt?”

“More than that. She’s far too good for you.”

Selina’s blunt assessment made Edward straighten his posture. He suddenly felt much more awake.

The memory of Yelodia staring at the fireworks that night came to mind. Her youthful, radiant eyes seemed to absorb the glowing lights in the sky.

Yelodia always looked at everything with curious eyes. Was that why she sparkled with such energy and liveliness?

Selina’s next words snapped Edward out of his thoughts.

“There will come a time when you’ll need to risk your life to keep her by your side. If you’re willing to do so, I’ll support you.”

“I appreciate your encouragement.”

“I’m not joking.”

“…Understood.”

Edward answered, though his curt response didn’t seem to please Selina, who continued.

“For your sake, I’d even wear the shackles the Emperor gives you without hesitation.”

“Shackles, Aunt?”

Edward’s brow furrowed slightly. Selina shrugged nonchalantly and elaborated.

“The ones around your ankles. Others may not see them, but they’re clear as day to me.”

“I am a soldier who has sworn loyalty to His Majesty, Aunt.”

“Yes, which is why you’ll wear the shackles he gives you and charge into the fire, even with nothing to protect you.”

“…”

Edward couldn’t dismiss his sharp aunt’s prediction so easily, especially since he’d felt something similar looming himself.

Selina smiled slyly and said, “I don’t mind. If sacrificing you secures that beautiful young lady, it seems like a fair trade to me.”