Isabel, elegantly dressed in a periwinkle gown, stood in the first-floor drawing room alongside her daughter, Clara.

“I couldn’t sit still after hearing that you were unwell following your visit to the Empress’s Palace. Are you feeling better now?”

Even as she expressed concern, Isabel kept a sharp eye on the man standing by Yelodia’s side.

As a mother with an unmarried daughter, it was only natural for Isabel’s attention to linger on a tall, handsome man.

‘Who is he? I’ve never seen that face at any social gathering before.’

“And who might this gentleman be? Would you care to introduce him to me?” Isabel asked, trying hard not to reveal her excitement as she introduced herself first.

“Oh, I am Isabel Bellus Tanesia. You may address me as Baroness Tanesia. This is my daughter, Clara Tanesia.”

“……”

Clara, who had been sulking while staring idly at the edge of the sofa, lowered herself into a graceful curtsy.

“I’m Clara Tanesia. Pleased to meet you for the first time.”

Yelodia could have bet her month’s allowance that Clara’s attention was entirely focused on Edward.

When Yelodia remained silent, it was Rellia who introduced Edward.

“This is Baron Edward Adrian. He is Lady Yelodia’s fiancé.”

“Oh my, could it be… him?”

Isabel scrutinized Edward from head to toe as though struck by immense shock, completely disregarding the etiquette that prohibited openly assessing others in noble society.

‘I never imagined the much-rumored military fiancé could be this stunning!’

Her mind raced.

‘With a face like that and an emperor-bestowed barony, he’s destined to be a top contender in high society.’

The thought of being unable to personally introduce such a man to social circles caused Isabel’s stomach to twist with regret.

‘The attention and envy of every noblewoman could have been mine!’

In an instant, Isabel’s eyes betrayed her selfish desires.

‘He could’ve been perfect for Clara… What a shame.’

Edward, who had accompanied Yelodia to the drawing room, raised an eyebrow at the unexpected situation.

Though he maintained a polite smile, inwardly he held back a wry chuckle at the baroness’s blatant interest.

‘I suppose this is a typical reaction from nobles.’

It was impossible not to think so.

Edward placed his right hand over his heart and greeted them courteously.

“A pleasure to meet you, Baroness Tanesia. I am Edward Kieri Adrian. Good afternoon.”

“Ah, good afternoon.”

“It is an honor to meet you, Lady Clara,” Edward said with utmost politeness before turning his gaze back to Yelodia, his expression softening noticeably.

“Yelodia, I shall take my leave now.”

“You won’t even meet Fabian?”

“There’s no rush. Now that I know you are well, I can arrange to meet Sir Xavier at a more convenient time.”

“Then may I escort you out?”

At Yelodia’s suggestion, Rellia couldn’t suppress a small smile. The longing on Yelodia’s face as she looked up at her fiancé was unmistakable.

“It would be my greatest honor if you did. I bid you farewell for now, Baroness Tanesia.”

Edward offered a final bow to Isabel and escorted Yelodia as they left the room, their interactions exuding an air of warmth and familiarity.

“……”

Rellia noticed Clara biting her lower lip but refrained from commenting.

Dealing with the demanding Tanesia mother and daughter was a hassle even for Rellia.

“Well then, I shall return to my residence. I wish you a pleasant afternoon, Baroness Tanesia, Lady Clara.”

“Have a pleasant afternoon.”

The baroness maintained her decorum until the very end, though her words were halfhearted.

Though Rellia found the gesture irksome, she kept her expression neutral as she exited the drawing room.

‘Uninvited visitors again. That mother and daughter always leave me irritated.’

Her annoyance, however, didn’t last long.

The moment the door to the drawing room closed, a large hand pulled her aside, followed by a low voice rebuking her.

“Why did it take you so long just to say goodbye?”

“Fabian.”

“I’ve been waiting so long my legs are practically numb,” Fabian said, frowning down at her.

Rellia gave her husband a bemused look before scolding him sharply.

“And where have you been all this time?”

Fabian shrugged nonchalantly, as though the answer were obvious.

“Avoiding those two, of course. They’re too much trouble to deal with.”

“What? Do you even realize whose house this is?”

“My father’s house, of course. Anyway, your voice is too loud. Let’s leave. I’ve already arranged for a carriage at the front.”

“Fabian…”

With Fabian pulling insistently on her hand, Rellia had no choice but to follow.

As they passed through the grand hall and reached the front entrance, they found two carriages waiting. Standing nearby were Yelodia and Edward.

“Rellia.”

Yelodia greeted her enthusiastically, clearly feeling guilty for leaving her behind in the drawing room.

Fabian scowled the moment he saw his sister.

“Judging by how you look, your illness must have been an act.”

“I knew you’d figure it out. But why are you even here?”

“The Emperor sent me. He was worried about you. Apparently, you left the palace the other day without even meeting His Majesty.”

“I only had a slight headache… Nothing serious. Let His Majesty know that I’ll visit him soon.”

It was then Yelodia realized why Edward had heard about her feigned illness. Since the Emperor was concerned, the news had likely spread across the entire empire.

“That’s great. Since your fiancé will be playing a chess match with His Majesty the Emperor, you can visit at the same time.”

“…What?”

Yelodia looked at Fabian in bewilderment, then turned to Edward.

“Is what he said true?”

Edward nodded with a wry smile.

“If I may explain, it was hard to refuse His Majesty’s request.”

“His Majesty is an excellent chess player, you know that, right?”

“I’ve heard that Duke Quito was His Majesty’s teacher.”

“Well then… I’ll be cheering for the Baron.”

“That would be a great honor.”

Edward answered with a gentle smile.

Watching the two exchange such a warm moment, Fabian rubbed his arms as if he was creeped out. Relia shot him a glare.

“I can’t stand seeing my sister act all bashful like that.”

“Let it go. Isn’t she adorable?”

“She might be to you. It just gives me chills.”

Fabian abruptly grabbed his wife’s hand and led her to the carriage standing in the back.

“At this rate, we’ll be standing here until sunset. We’ll head out first. Baron Adrian, shall we set the dinner appointment for the evening of the chess match?”

“Dinner appointment?”

“I haven’t heard the rest of your story about the Battle of Phoenicia yet. You promised, so you have to keep it.”

At Fabian’s borderline-demanding tone, Edward hesitated briefly before nodding.

“If His Majesty doesn’t detain me that evening, let’s meet for dinner.”

“Perfect. There’s a club I frequent in Lilith Park. It’ll be delightful to have a man-to-man conversation there.”

Fabian grinned broadly, helped Relia into the back seat of the open-top carriage, and climbed into the driver’s seat, taking the reins himself. It seemed he intended to drive the carriage personally.

“See you next time, then.”

Rellia smiled brightly and gave a small nod.

“Safe travels.”

Yelodia waved enthusiastically at the couple. Rellia, seemingly amused, waved back lightly.

Fabian gave a half-hearted wave with his left hand before urging the horses forward.

“I should be going as well,” said Edward.

“Travel safely, Edward.”

“….”

Edward didn’t reply but gazed down at Yelodia in silence.

Yelodia pressed her lips together and pretended to focus on the garden. When she cautiously glanced sideways, she found his deep blue eyes still fixed on her.

‘For someone so flexible in other areas, he’s surprisingly rigid about this.’

Intending to call her fiancé by his first name, Yelodia pouted slightly and bent her knees in a slight curtsy.

“See you next time, Baron.”

“Until next time, Yelodia.”

Edward stepped back with a soft smile.

‘Calling him by his name will have to wait until another time.’

＊ ＊ ＊

Back in the mansion’s drawing room, Yelodia felt a sudden wave of exhaustion.

“So, you’re finally back,” Isabel greeted her with a delighted expression.

Clara, seated primly on the sofa, cast sideways glances at Yelodia, scrutinizing her.

“For a soldier, he seemed quite polished. Didn’t they say the Baron’s father was also a soldier?”

“That’s what I heard.”

At Yelodia’s reply, Isabel subtly furrowed her brows. Whatever displeased her, it seemed better not to ask. Yelodia didn’t particularly care to know, anyway.

“Is Baron Adrian’s father still in service?”

“He passed away during the war.”

“Oh, I see. My apologies. I hadn’t realized.”

Although Yelodia had no desire to continue talking about Edward, Isabel persisted with her questions.

Most of Isabel’s inquiries went unanswered, which seemed to amuse her as she offered a knowing smile.

“Did you say he’s twenty-three? He looks much younger than his age.”

“He does.”

“You could believe he’d just completed his coming-of-age ceremony. He’d go well with Clara.”

“….”

Yelodia could only stare in disbelief at Isabel, too stunned to respond. Isabel fanned herself with a silk fan, wearing a seemingly innocuous smile.