“It was just a passing remark. Is it really necessary to take it so seriously?”

“I’m not sure that’s the kind of comment one should make in front of their fiancé.”

“Oh, dear, Yelodia. Don’t be so upset. I was merely musing aloud. Clara is three years older than you, closer in age to the Baron, and since they’re both from baronial families, there would be fewer rumors to contend with, wouldn’t there?”

“And so?”

Yelodia’s expression had completely hardened, any trace of emotion erased from her face.

“What exactly are you trying to say?”

Isabel waved her fan dismissively, seemingly oblivious to Yelodia’s frosty gaze.

“Isn’t it natural for similar families to form alliances? Perhaps even the Duke shares this view.”

“My father has already given his approval to this engagement.”

“Oh, my, are you angry? I was merely suggesting that, from a parent’s perspective, opinions might differ.”

Yelodia stared at the shameless Isabel for a moment before letting out a hollow laugh.

“Does Clara think the same way?”

“I only follow my mother’s guidance,” Clara replied primly. Isabel, as if trying to soften the situation, offered a gentle smile.

“The Duke may outwardly align with His Majesty’s wishes, but inwardly, he might believe that an alliance with a family of equal standing would be more suitable. Yelodia, I hope you won’t take this too harshly. You’re still young and not yet well-versed in the intricacies of society, so consider this sincere advice.”

Tilting her head slightly, Yelodia responded, “By that logic, wouldn’t someone like Mr. Calyx or Mr. Vinter suit Clara better?”

Clara’s expression froze, her face stiff as stone.

Isabel’s lips trembled as she retorted, “How could you possibly suggest pairing Clara with the likes of Calyx or Vinter?”

“Both are second sons of baronial families, and their family wealth is comparable to the Tanesia family,” Yelodia said with a light shrug. She added with mock sincerity, “Ah, and they’re both unmarried. That’s a plus, isn’t it?”

Both Isabel and Clara turned red with indignation. Clara’s delicate cheeks flushed as if scalded by the sheer humiliation.

Calyx was infamous in society as a debauched rake, while Vinter was known for his gambling addiction.

“How dare you…”

“Exactly. How dare I? Since someone from the Ducal House is so freely running their mouth, I thought I’d offer some ‘sincere advice’ in return,” Yelodia said, her cold gaze piercing into Isabel.

Isabel, about to argue further, faltered under Yelodia’s icy glare.

It was a look unlike anything Yelodia had shown before—chilling, imperious, and utterly resolute.

Yelodia was the only daughter of Princess Anais, a royal born with the holy but merciless blood of the imperial family.

“A-ah…!”

Only then did Isabel tremble as if struck by cold water, realizing with dread that this young girl before her held the power to ruin her family with a mere gesture.

“Zeppelin,” Yelodia called, her voice calm and steady. The butler entered the drawing room promptly, as if he had been waiting.

“You called for me, My Lady.”

“Who keeps letting uninvited guests into the mansion?”

“My apologies. It seems one of the staff made a mistake.”

The butler didn’t elaborate that Isabel likely bribed one of the estate’s newer servants. The Duke’s household was generally forgiving of minor errors, and newer staff often overstepped their bounds without fully understanding the repercussions.

But Yelodia had no intention of letting this slide.

“Find the servant responsible. From now on, no one enters the Ducal House without an official invitation.”

“Understood, My Lady,” Zeppelin replied obediently, knowing it would fall to him to discipline the offender.

“Then, have a pleasant afternoon.”

Yelodia, her expression icy, bid Isabel and Clara farewell.

The mother and daughter stiffly rose and exited the drawing room, their faces pale. Isabel didn’t even dare to breathe until Yelodia’s gaze was no longer on her.

***

“You’re here early,” commented Beyhern.

“I’ve fallen behind on work,” Edward replied, looking weary.

After rushing to visit the Ducal House upon hearing his fiancée was unwell, Edward had spent the rest of the night buried in paperwork. He had barely managed to finish and returned early the next morning to stamp his approval on additional documents.

“How did things go at the Ducal House?”

“There wasn’t much of an issue. My fiancée, it seems, is healthier than she appears.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Beyhern heaved a sigh of relief, as though a great burden had been lifted from his chest.

When news of Yelodia’s illness reached the naval headquarters, Beyhern had been more worried than anyone—perhaps even more than his superior, Edward.

Not just Beyhern, but nearly every naval officer acquainted with Edward had offered a concerned word of advice before retreating.

Oddly enough, Edward’s subordinates seemed overly eager to involve themselves in his engagement, as if it were a matter concerning their own children…

Edward found it difficult to be entirely comfortable with the sudden surge of unsolicited advisors in his life.

“The young lady seems more spirited and bold than she appears,” Beyhern remarked, and it was true.

Edward’s earlier concern that Yelodia might have been upset by her experience at the Empress’s Palace proved unnecessary. She greeted him with cheer and energy that exceeded his expectations.

Seeing his fiancée’s lively demeanor left Edward not only relieved but also in an unexpectedly good mood.

‘To the point of being a little bewildered,’ he thought, recalling how effortlessly Yelodia had linked arms with him. Without realizing it, he let out a low hum.

Edward pondered whether he should gently caution her about her open and affectionate demeanor toward others.

While he personally didn’t mind, the idea of her being so unreserved with others made him uneasy.

‘Why does that even bother me?’

As Edward narrowed his eyes in thought, a light knock at the door interrupted him.

“It’s me, sir,” came the voice of his aide, Livia.

“Come in.”

Livia entered the room, holding an envelope adorned with an elegant floral design. Judging by the faint fragrance of flowers emanating from it, it was undoubtedly a letter from Yelodia.

“A letter has arrived from the Ducal House,” she announced.

“Hand it over quickly.”

Edward reached out, and Livia smiled lightly before handing over the envelope.

The rich floral scent confirmed it was indeed from Yelodia.

Edward glanced briefly at his aides and then let out a sigh before speaking.

“Are you two not busy?”

“Not at all, sir,” Livia replied.

“Perhaps you should read the letter immediately—it could be urgent,” Beyhern added, encouraging him.

The two aides exchanged glances before standing at ease, clearly unwilling to leave the office until explicitly dismissed.

Shaking his head, Edward opened the envelope with a letter opener.

“Baron Adrian, did you have a good morning?

I know the most important part of a letter is a warm greeting, but as always, I find myself with little to say in the first line.

After all, we just parted ways yesterday, didn’t we?”

Edward couldn’t help but chuckle as he read this. He could practically hear Yelodia’s voice in the words on the page.

Composing himself, he continued reading.

“I’m not sure if you’re curious about my daily life, but I’ll share a bit nonetheless.

Yesterday, I had tea with Baroness Tanesia and her daughter, Clara. Between us, Baroness Tanesia is quite a challenging personality to deal with.

Throughout the tea, she persistently inquired about my fiancé.

When I told her I knew very little, she looked so disappointed. It was as if I’d delivered news of a disaster at Lilith Park.

Hmm, on second thought, perhaps I should have handled it differently.

Still, in case similar questions arise in the future, I’d like to ask you a few things:

• What is your favorite color?

• What is your favorite food?

• What are your hobbies? (Is it chess?)

• What are your dislikes? (This one is purely personal curiosity!)

Now that I’ve written them out, I find myself genuinely curious.

Ah! But I didn’t pick up my pen just to ask about your preferences.

I wanted to share something I’ve been meaning to tell you but haven’t had the chance due to constant interruptions.

There’s something I’ve wanted to tell you twice now.

Did you know that His Majesty once promised to find me the perfect husband? (Surprising, isn’t it?)

I believe I was around ten years old at the time, battling a mysterious and sinister illness. His Majesty spared no effort to save me.

One day, when it seemed I might not live to see another dawn, His Majesty held my hand tightly and said with great sincerity:

‘If you recover, I will find you the finest husband in the Empire.’

Because it was a promise made with his very name, I believed him wholeheartedly.

So when I heard about my engagement, I wasn’t nearly as shocked or devastated as you might have imagined. (Surprised?)

I hope this letter alleviates some of your curiosity and concerns.

Wishing you a wonderful day.

Your fiancée, Yelodia

P.S. If I had to describe my first impression of you, I’d say you seemed more honest and composed than refined.”

Edward read the letter from start to finish again, a faint smile playing on his lips.