The Real Reason We Are In An Arranged Marriage

『To Edward K. Adrian, Baron

It’s a gentle morning with the warmth of spring, Baron.

The garden at the estate is in full bloom with hyacinths and geraniums. Daffodils and adonis flowers are also blossoming beautifully.

I imagine your estate must also be adorned with charming spring flowers, mustn’t it?

If you are not too busy, could you visit Sona’s Atelier on Ionel Street at 4 p.m. today?

Please don’t worry too much if you cannot come.

I pray that the warm blessings of Raihel are always with you.

Yelodia R. Xavier

P.S. The scent from the card is geranium. I hope you like it. 』

The atelier was located at the entrance of a shopping district renowned for its jewelers.

Edward briskly passed by the extravagant buildings, holding the reins of his horse, until he finally spotted a sign at the corner of an alley.

<Sona’s Atelier>

It was a place he had never imagined himself associated with.

A breeze from the Lilith River cooled Edward’s brow, but soon sweat began to trickle down his forehead.

“Now that I think about it, this is where my measurements were taken.”

As he recalled, the tailor had taken his measurements long before he dined with the emperor.

At the time, Edward had believed that the benevolent emperor was bestowing gifts in recognition of his loyal service. However, it turned out to be preparations for his engagement attire.

“When did His Majesty start planning this marriage?”

The lord he had sworn loyalty to might be more cunning and mischievous than Edward had realized.

Two days ago, his estate received a ring and bracelet adorned with elegantly cut blue diamonds, along with lambskin shoes and gloves.

His newly hired butler, mesmerized by the resplendence of the diamonds, subtly suggested depositing them in the Imperial Bank’s vault.

Taking the butler’s advice, Edward secured the lavish gifts in the navy headquarters’ secret vault.

Though he wasn’t aware of the other items, it was clear that renowned artisans were diligently crafting them.

***

Lingering momentarily in front of the ornately embossed iron doors, Edward finally steeled himself and pushed them open.

*Chime.*

At the sound of the bell, the noble ladies and attendants in the reception area, flipping through catalogs, all raised their heads.

“…”

The silent yet peculiar scene made Edward want to retreat.

Had it not been for an attendant with large spectacles kindly addressing him, he might have turned back.

“How can I assist you?”

“I… have an appointment to meet someone here.”

“You must have a reservation. May I have your name?”

“Edward K. Adrian.”

“Ah, of course. Please wait a moment.”

The attendant wiped his hands on his apron before disappearing behind a curtain.

Meanwhile, the noble ladies in the atelier subtly observed Edward.

Feeling as if he were standing bare in the middle of Lilith Park, Edward cautiously took in his surroundings.

The meticulously crafted dresses hanging on racks were dazzlingly beautiful, even to a soldier’s eyes.

White satin dresses adorned with jewels, peach-colored muslin gowns, and bright yellow satin ones—it was as though they were scenes from a masterpiece painted by a celebrated artist.

Even the noblewomen and maids examining the dresses with care seemed to be part of the artwork.

“Baron Adrian, the lady is waiting for you.”

Startled, Edward turned his head at the attendant’s words.

“This way, please.”

The attendant led him to the curtained area he had disappeared into earlier. Edward followed in silence.

As the deep indigo curtain parted, a narrow, elongated hallway was revealed. The vintage wallpaper and intricate pewter decorations hinted at the meticulous effort the atelier’s owner had put into its construction.

“We’ve arrived.”

Without hesitation, the attendant opened the innermost door.

The first thing that caught Edward’s eye was the pristine white curtain adorned with lace.

Sunlight streamed through the triple-layered fabric, casting a soft ivory hue across the room. The space had an intimate, clandestine air, reminiscent of a lovers’ rendezvous.

“Baron, you’re here?”

“Lady Xavier.”

Yelodia turned to face him, clad in a pristine white satin gown.

Edward unconsciously held his breath as he gazed at her.

The light from the chandelier cascaded onto her like scattered stardust.

Her long, flowing red hair shimmered like silk, and her pale complexion glowed with the freshness of a peach blossom.

“…”

Yelodia momentarily averted her eyes, as if embarrassed by her appearance, before lifting them again with resolute clarity.

“I heard they’re finishing your ceremonial suit here as well. I thought it might be easier for the tailor to identify any adjustments if we tried them on together.”

“Ah… I see.”

“If calling you here like this was inconvenient, I apologize.”

“No, not at all. I was just a bit surprised.”

Though a hint of unease laced Edward’s tone, his expression showed no signs of discomfort or displeasure.

Soon, the attendant handed Edward his ceremonial attire, and he looked at it with mild bewilderment.

“The changing room is over there. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if anything feels uncomfortable.”

Edward gave a brief nod and stepped into the fitting room. Only then did Yelodia let out a long sigh.

“What do you think?”

“Other than being a bit surprised, I can’t tell. He didn’t seem particularly uncomfortable, though.”

“That’s not what I meant. I was asking if the ceremonial attire would suit him.”

Yelodia’s unexpected question made Martha suppress a chuckle as she replied, “It’ll look great on him. He’s so tall and well-built.”

“What if it doesn’t suit me, though? Compared to the Baron, don’t you think I look too short?”

“That’s why I keep telling you to eat a balanced diet at every meal.”

“Well, it’s too late for that now. Don’t you have any other solutions?”

“It’s not too late if you start eating more now. Please increase your portions.”

“Increase my portions?”

Surprisingly, the one who interrupted Martha was Sona, the tailor. Believing Edward to be a servant, Sona adjusted her thick glasses on her nose and spoke firmly.

“Not until after the engagement ceremony. Sudden weight gain could prevent the dress from fitting properly. Surely, you don’t intend to ruin my masterpiece?”

“Rest assured, I have no such intention.”

“Of course not. I’ve been working tirelessly for a month without proper sleep to craft the two of your ceremonial outfits.”

At Sona’s resentful comment, Yelodia narrowed her eyes in a glare.

Wearing a navy pleated skirt that reached her calves and a pristine muslin apron tied over it, Sona resembled a maid or perhaps a governess. While her attire was likely chosen for practicality, it unfortunately didn’t convey much authority as the owner of a dress shop.

Sona had known Yelodia for years, so it was natural for her to grumble in response to Yelodia’s comments.

“What did I ever do to deserve your scolding? I’m the one who’s upset here. How could you work on my engagement dress without even saying a word to me?”

“His Majesty the Emperor strictly ordered secrecy. How could I dare disobey? You have no idea how shocked I was to take measurements for someone who had just received their title.”

The two bickered without yielding an inch until Edward opened the curtain and stepped out. Instantly, they fell silent as if by mutual agreement.

“Oh my…”

Sona gasped in admiration, while Yelodia exhaled a deep sigh.

“It looks absolutely stunning! If the ladies of Feorn knew about the Baron, they’d be vying for his attention with all their might. How unfortunate that you’re already having the engagement ceremony before your social debut.”

“…Hm, thank you.”

Edward, who had overheard the entire conversation from the fitting room, briefly averted his gaze and cleared his throat.

Yelodia was glaring at Sona with a thoroughly annoyed expression—the same look she sometimes directed at Edward. The more he learned about his fiancée, the more convinced Edward became that she was no ordinary woman. He barely stifled a chuckle.

“I’ll need to make a few more adjustments to the lapel. Could you stand still for a moment?”

Sona, now holding a measuring tape and chalk, carefully examined the jacket with a serious expression.

“The sleeve length looks fine. Could you lift your arms?”

Edward silently complied. Sona instructed him to turn around, undo the buttons, and bend his knees, all while occasionally glancing at Yelodia.

“Lastly, could you both stand side by side?”

Resigned, Edward moved to stand next to Yelodia.

Perhaps she was wearing high heels, as the top of Yelodia’s head seemed higher than when they had last met. Even so, when Edward embraced her, her head would barely reach his chest.

Evidently not used to having a man so close, Yelodia appeared visibly tense.

“Hm, you two look quite harmonious. The bouquet will be a mix of pale pink, purple, and blue roses. Do you need anything else?”

Edward felt like cheering.

“I’m fine.”

“I’m not. I’d like to try on my jewelry here.”

Sona blinked in surprise, looking at Yelodia. Edward, too, was taken aback.

“My Lady, your jewelry is kept at the Duke’s residence. It’s impossible to bring such valuable items out before the engagement ceremony.”

That was why Sona had planned to personally bring the dresses to the duke’s mansion.

Yelodia stared at Sona with a discontented gaze, as if to say, ‘Do you think I don’t know that?’

‘Sigh…’

Sona narrowed her eyes and sighed inwardly.

“If I rummage through the safe, I might find some accessories similar to the actual jewelry. Please wait a moment; I’ll fetch them.”