“He really came.”

“It seems the Baron anticipated that you might be troubled. Truly, he’s a thoughtful fiancé.”

“How do I look today? Is this dress too dull?”

“What are you saying? You look as beautiful as a flower.”

“I don’t believe you. You’re always full of compliments.”

Despite murmuring those words, a rosy blush spread across Yelodia’s cheeks, a sign of her excitement over her fiancé’s unexpected visit.

Martha, meanwhile, had exercised great patience, waiting for Yelodia’s response. She wore an expression that readily joined in her mistress’s excitement.

“Escort the Baron to the drawing room. With Rellia here, there shouldn’t be any issue with formalities.”

“Understood, My Lady.”

Martha quickly left the drawing room at a brisk pace.

Yelodia, bouncing on her toes in anticipation, grabbed a white shawl casually tossed onto the sofa and draped it over her shoulders.

“How does this look?”

“The light green muslin dress suits you wonderfully, My Lady. It complements the color of your eyes, truly stunning.”

“Doesn’t the glossy fabric clash with me?”

“The black beads covering the upper bodice make it look more refined. And whoever added that floral design deserves an award.”

Rellia seized the opportunity to shower Yelodia with praise. Even someone as indifferent to fashion as Rellia could see how elegantly Yelodia carried the dress.

Rellia couldn’t help but recall the first time she’d encountered Yelodia.

Peeking shyly from behind Fabian, the little lady had met her gaze with bright, curious eyes. It was impossible not to be captivated.

“Honestly, my brother is unworthy of someone like you.”

That was what the young Yelodia had declared in a clear, bold voice, though she was only a child. How could anyone not be charmed?

When Rellia heard later that her husband had challenged Baron Adrian to a duel over his sister, she was initially dumbfounded. Soon enough, she understood him. If she’d been in his shoes, she would have done the same.

“Still, isn’t this showing too much shoulder?”

“Just make sure you keep the shawl in place.”

The sound of footsteps approaching from beyond the drawing room silenced Yelodia’s worries in an instant.

“He must be here now.”

“I hear it too.”

Rellia, unable to contain her excitement, let out a small squeal.

Finally, the drawing room doors opened, and Edward entered, accompanied by the butler. As he stepped inside, both women immediately returned to their composed, ladylike manners.

The butler formally announced, “Baron Adrian has arrived,” and bowed before leaving the room.

“Welcome, my lord. Zeppelin, would you ask the servants to prepare tea for the Baron?”

“Yes, My Lady.”

The butler quickly exited the drawing room, likely feeling he had fulfilled his duty by escorting Edward here amidst the whirlwind of wedding preparations.

Determined to play the role of hostess, Yelodia spoke first.

“Please, have a seat, my lord. A good afternoon to you.”

“…”

Edward remained silent, showing no intention of sitting. Suspicious, Yelodia glanced up and froze. His expression, tinged with concern and worry, startled her.

“I heard you were unwell.”

“Oh…”

“Are you feeling better?”

Yelodia coughed awkwardly, realizing that the excuse she’d given her tutor had somehow reached Edward’s ears.

“Um, well, you see…”

Caught off guard, Yelodia hesitated to admit it had been a feigned illness. She couldn’t fathom how the information had traveled so quickly. Before she could explain, Rellia interjected.

“She couldn’t even get out of bed this morning, but after having lunch, she felt much better. She’s been under a lot of stress lately.”

Edward turned to Rellia, as if noticing her for the first time.

“I am Edward Adrian. May I have the honor of knowing your name, my lady?”

“Oh, I’m Rellia Felix Xavier, wife of Sir Fabian Xavier.”

“I see. A pleasure to meet you.”

Edward bowed courteously, and Rellia, startled, stood and curtsied in return. She glanced at Yelodia with sparkling eyes.

“Even better than I imagined—”

Before Rellia could finish her strange remark, Yelodia quickly interjected.

“Both of you, please sit down.”

At last, Edward seemed to relax and took a seat, as did Rellia.

Watching them in silence, Yelodia suddenly came to her senses and broke the quiet.

“Is it not working hours for you, my lord?”

“I heard the young lady was feeling unwell, so I left work early.”

“Oh my…”

Rellia let out another soft “Oh my,” her voice tinged with surprise. Her reaction only deepened the guilt gnawing at Yelodia’s conscience.

Mumbling her habitual “Um,” Yelodia eventually confessed honestly.

“Actually, I pretended to be sick to get out of lessons with my tutor. I didn’t expect that news to reach you, Baron. So, um… I’m not really sick.”

“…Is that true?”

Unaware of it herself, Edward’s voice grew stern. Like a child being scolded by an older sibling, Yelodia lowered her gaze with a sheepish expression.

“Yes.”

“Why did you make such an excuse?”

“Well, I didn’t want to attend geometry class. If it had been literature or history, I could’ve endured it, but researching the mathematical properties of space? Seriously! It’s the last thing I wanted to do in my current mood.”

Even though there was never a time she felt like studying geometry, Yelodia tried to salvage her explanation.

Despite her brief outburst, Edward slowly nodded in understanding.

“If you’re never planning to survey land in your lifetime, I suppose it’s not that useful.”

Edward’s lighthearted response left Rellia’s mouth agape before she managed to close it again.

Unfortunately, Yelodia missed Edward’s expression and, pouting slightly, said:

“At one point, I dreamed of becoming an architect, so I begged Father to arrange extra lessons. That’s how I ended up with five additional subjects. If I could go back in time, I’d strangle my younger self!”

Edward cleared his throat, seemingly holding back laughter.

“Then, are you feeling unwell in any way?”

“No… Honestly, I’m so healthy these days that there are moments I resent His Majesty. But I’m overwhelmingly more grateful to him, so no, I’m not sick.”

“That’s truly a relief.”

As Edward replied, Rellia, who had been quietly observing the two, barely stifled her laughter.

‘Goodness, what a perfect match!’

Edward hung on to Yelodia’s every word with attentive care, his gaze tender as it rested on her.

What stood out was how Edward’s demeanor didn’t change in the slightest, even after discovering Yelodia had feigned illness.

It was proof that Edward would make an excellent husband.

After glancing around the parlor as if inspecting it, Edward finally spoke.

“I’m glad to hear you’re not unwell. In that case, I’ll…”

Rellia cut him off abruptly.

“Instead of staying here, why don’t we take a walk in the garden? I suddenly feel like seeing the lovely pond on this estate. The ash tree beside it must still be standing, right?”

“I think so… Baron, what about you?”

“…I’m fine with that.”

Edward agreed, rising gracefully from his seat. His crisp white linen shirt and well-tailored navy trousers suited him so perfectly that they could make one forget the situation at hand.

This year’s social trend favored slim-fit trousers, which had caused many noblemen with fuller figures to struggle. However, Edward’s attire seemed made for him, emphasizing his lean, athletic frame.

“Allow me to escort you.”

“Oh, uh, yes. Thank you.”

Yelodia, who had been momentarily dazed, snapped out of it and offered her hand to Edward. She thought she heard faint giggling behind her but decided to dismiss it as her imagination.

“Oh my, the roses are in full bloom!”

Rellia exclaimed enthusiastically as they entered the rose garden, flitting about as energetically as a puppy on a walk.

Before long, she grew tired and lagged behind.

Rellia plopped herself onto a bench beneath a hawthorn tree, catching her breath.

“It’s unbearably hot,” she muttered, fanning her forehead with her gloved hand.

Yelodia gave her a knowing look, seemingly expecting this outcome. Rellia, still fanning herself, said:

“I think I’ll rest here for a bit. You two go ahead to the pond. I’ll catch up shortly.”

“Will you be okay?”

“Of course. I’m stronger than I look.”

Rellia winked at Yelodia, a gesture only she would understand. It was then that Yelodia realized Rellia was feigning fatigue to give them some alone time.

With a gentle smile, Rellia added, “Don’t worry about me. I’ll join you soon.”

“Alright, take your time and rest.”

Yelodia turned to Edward, who gave a small nod. Her cheeks flushed almost instantly.

“I’ll guide you to the pond.”

“That would be an honor.”

Edward extended his left hand toward Yelodia, but instead of taking it, she skipped forward and lightly linked arms with him.

Edward’s entire body stiffened as he let out a faint “Um,” looking as if he had been caught off guard by an unexpected attack.

“Let’s go!” Yelodia said cheerfully, urging him forward.

Edward resigned himself and began walking. Once again, Yelodia thought she heard faint laughter behind her.