He read the letter thoroughly, down to the last period, and then began reading it again, this time striving to catch every nuance hidden between the lines.

“……”

“……”

The two aides were scrutinizing Edward’s face with unabashed curiosity.

What on earth could the letter say to make their normally stern superior alternate between smiling, frowning, and going completely expressionless?

Their curiosity was practically eating them alive.

“Will you be sending a reply?”

“Hmm, I suppose I should…”

Edward stared at the letter with a contemplative expression. Then, once again, he began reading it from start to finish.

For the fourth time.

Beyhern, barely restraining his impatience, swallowed dryly. If he could, he’d snatch the letter from Edward’s hands and read it himself…!

Sensing an opportunity, Livia cautiously asked,

“Is it something serious?”

“Not exactly. Aren’t you two still here?”

Edward looked at them with a trace of surprise.

“Well… we thought we might be of help to you somehow,” Beyhern replied with a quick-witted excuse, though Edward found it far from convincing.

The two aides now gazed at Edward with desperate eyes, but he had no intention of sharing his personal affairs with them.

“There seems to be plenty of work to do today, so I suggest you leave now.”

“Both of us? Wouldn’t it be better to keep at least one of us here…?” Livia tried her luck one last time, but Edward remained firm.

“No. Both of you, out.”

“Yes, sir…”

“Understood.”

The two turned to leave, looking like defeated soldiers. Livia, ever bold, muttered silently with her lips as they exited:

“It’s not like letting us see the letter would wear it out…”

Had Edward overheard, he would have been utterly appalled by the audacity of her complaint.

Once outside in the hallway, the two aides exchanged glances.

“He usually tucks letters between the pages of tactical manuals, doesn’t he?”

“Yeah, but those tactical manuals number in the hundreds.”

At Beyhern’s observation, Livia groaned.

If they were caught trying to sneak a peek at the letter from the Vice Admiral’s fiancée, the consequences would be disastrous.

“What do you think it says? He read it three times already.”

“Correction—four times. Normally, letters just mention the weather, ask after your health, or propose a meeting, right?”

“But you saw his expressions. This doesn’t seem like an ordinary letter. There’s no way I’m getting any sleep tonight with this much curiosity!”

Beyhern clicked his tongue disapprovingly.

“Major Livia, your boundless curiosity over trivial matters is bound to get you in trouble someday.”

“As if I could ever surpass you, Lieutenant Beyhern,” she shot back with a smirk.

Beyhern shook his head in exasperation.

Meanwhile, back in his office, Edward was reading the letter for the fifth time.

“…Hah.”

He let out a deep sigh, struggling to wrap his mind around the fact that the Emperor, to honor a long-standing promise, had chosen him as the most “suitable” husband for his beloved niece.

A groan almost escaped his throat. He had narrowly avoided letting his aides witness such an unbecoming sound.

‘So the Emperor spent over seven years looking for a match for his niece, only to end up with me,’ Edward thought wryly.

At last, he began to understand the hostile glares from the men of Yelodia’s household. To them, he must have seemed like a thief who had snatched away their most treasured jewel.

Yelodia was not only destined to become the mistress of a prestigious noble family but was also capable of sitting beside a foreign crown prince if she wished. The Emperor, who cherished his late sister’s daughter more than his own life, would have granted her anything.

And yet, Yelodia had become his fiancée.

Edward found himself utterly captivated by this girl who was simultaneously straightforward, witty, and resolutely firm when the occasion demanded it.

It was an entirely unfamiliar sensation for him, all the more so because he rarely experienced emotions like this.

After a brief pause, Edward picked up a quill and began drafting a reply.

“To the esteemed Yelodia Louise Xavier,

I received your letter via the courier, and I must say, its colorful and varied content took me by surprise.

As I picked up my pen to answer your questions, I realized something rather embarrassing—I’ve never given much thought to what I like or dislike.

I think I like the emerald hue of the Mediterranean, but I must admit, the pristine white dress you wore left quite an impression on me. It was the first time I’d been so struck by a color.

If the opportunity arises, I’d like to give your questions more consideration before answering.

While I could jot down whatever comes to mind, it feels too impulsive to do so.

On the other hand, I don’t think there’s any harm in taking our time to get to know each other better. After all, there’s no rush.

Observing my fiancée’s habits and discovering her likes and dislikes may well turn out to be one of the most satisfying and delightful tasks for me.

I hope to see you again soon.

With that, I shall conclude this letter.

Your fiancé, Edward K. Adrian”

***

Yelodia folded the letter in half, let out a deep sigh, and closed her eyes.

Her fiancé even had elegant handwriting.

Watching her intently, Martha impatiently asked,

“What did he say?”

“He said he misses me.”

“Oh my, really?”

Martha’s cheeks turned a soft shade of pink, her large brown eyes brimming with curiosity.

“And? What else did he write?”

“Nothing much.”

“Nothing much? Wasn’t the letter rather long? You spent quite some time reading it.”

Yelodia shrugged as she replied,

“It was just small talk, really. Oh, and he has beautiful handwriting.”

“You’re not keeping it from me, are you?”

When Yelodia shook her head, Martha let out a mocking laugh, as if she found the idea absurd. Yelodia carefully folded the letter and placed it gently on the nightstand.

“Should I put it away?”

“I’m going to read it again before bed.”

“I thought as much,” Martha answered with a cheerful smile.

Yelodia glanced out the window, noticing the unusually lively scene outside, and asked Martha,

“What’s going on?”

“What do you mean? They’re obviously preparing for your engagement ceremony. I heard they’re deciding on the placement of the platform and the chairs.”

At Martha’s explanation, Yelodia finally understood why the garden had been bustling since morning.

A glance beyond the window showed the butler and the head maid deep in discussion with some contractors from outside.

“The engagement is about two weeks away, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it’s really not far off now.”

Martha’s eyes grew moist, and she dabbed at them with her fingers. Having cared for Yelodia since she was a child, Martha seemed overwhelmed, as if she had never anticipated this moment would come.

“To think you’re getting engaged…”

Yelodia, exasperated, handed Martha a handkerchief.

“That’s enough. Even after I get married, I’m taking you with me.”

“That goes without saying… but still, can’t I be moved?”

Martha wiped her teary eyes with the handkerchief, sniffled loudly, and blew her nose.

The servants of the Xavier estate were all far too sentimental for their own good.

“As your employer, I’m commanding you: cry just this once. If the engagement ceremony turns into a sob fest, I’ll hold you responsible.”

“I’ll do my best, sniff…”

Martha hiccupped as she struggled to hold back more tears. Yelodia sighed deeply.

“You’re already crying—how are you going to make it through the ceremony?”

Martha gave Yelodia a tear-stained glare before neatly folding the handkerchief and slipping it into her pocket.

“I’ll have this laundered and returned to you.”

“Do as you like.”

“Now, it’s time to get ready. You have an ancient language class coming up.”

Ancient languages. One of her least favorite subjects, alongside geometry and mathematics.

“The weather’s so nice today. I wish I could go horseback riding instead…”

“You’ll have time after your ancient language class.”

Instead of replying, Yelodia flicked her finger toward the window.

Her silent protest was clear—how could she go riding with the garden in such disarray?

“You’re not training to compete as a jockey at Hippos Racetrack. Can’t you be content with riding near the ashwood pond?”

“I want to come up with a witty retort to pinch you with, but nothing’s coming to mind. Seriously, what use is ancient language in everyday life?”

“Yes, yes…” Martha responded absentmindedly, a maid who mirrored her employer in personality.

“If you’re done complaining, it’s time to get ready.”

With a groan, Yelodia rose and left the bedroom.