It was late at night, with darkness creeping in beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.
I—who had been exhausted by the endless line of jewelers and shoemakers who'd lined up in the early morning—forgot my fatigue and stared in admiration.
"You put this together in one day?"
The dressing room, reminiscent of a high-end boutique, was perfectly organized.
Dresses delivered from Madame Pluto's boutique were hung on hangers, and the delicately crafted glass display cases were perfect for stocking the jewelry and shoes purchased today.
"I told you—Sobel is capable."
Edwin, who was sitting on the velvet sofa, said it as if it were obvious.
I remembered Edwin saying the same thing earlier when I'd made a joke about where to put so many things while choosing items.
I thought he was joking, but he was serious.
I chuckled—the scale of the Grand Duke's residence was extraordinary.
Sobel nodded with a calm look on his face.
"It would have been nice if we'd had a little more time, but considering we'd soon be heading to Vikander territory, we hurried as much as possible."
Ah.
I blinked.
The obvious fact that I would leave for Vikander territory as long as I received permission from the Emperor to marry was somehow refreshing.
It seems like I've become attached to the Grand Duke's residence in just a few days.
A strange feeling of regret arose at the thought of leaving.
I turned and sat down opposite Edwin.
"But was it really okay that you didn't go to the palace today?"
"Even when I call them, they won't open the door. Instead, I sent a letter saying I'd visit tomorrow afternoon, so I'll go then."
Tomorrow.
I checked the date.
It was a noble meeting day in the morning.
It was a well-known fact that on the afternoon of the meeting day, the Emperor would abstain from government affairs in order to rest.
"You chose a good day."
Then, as a thought came to mind, I paused for a moment and looked at Edwin.
When our gazes intertwined in the air for a long time, Edwin's eyes turned mischievous.
"Why are you looking at me so intently? It excites people."
"I was suddenly wondering why Edwin doesn't attend the noble meetings."
When I answered calmly despite his very seductive tone, disappointment spread across Edwin's face.
But I slowly fell into thought.
Although there are many nobles who have difficulty attending because their territories are far away, it's a noble meeting that all high-ranking nobles are required to attend. Yet the only Grand Duke in the empire doesn't attend.
The more I thought about it, the stranger it became, but Edwin shrugged his shoulders as if it was no big deal.
"Well, it's because I was always at war."
"You might not have known it before, but the war is over now."
Edwin's reputation as a war hero had soared.
Now would be a good time to solidify his position in the system.
I, who had been speaking without hesitation, bit my lip.
"Oops."
"If you know so well, why don't you come forward yourself?"
I vividly remembered Leopold's voice, as if he were annoyed.
It's funny. Ex-fiancé. Now the relationship is nothing. But it seems like what Leopold said still remains deep in my mind.
He wouldn't be happy—no matter how kind Edwin was to me.
My eyes widened as I unconsciously looked at Edwin.
His red eyes were looking at me seriously.
"Do you want me to attend the noble meeting?"
"I was just saying it because I was curious. Can you please stop taking it so seriously?"
I tried to gloss over what I'd said as if it were a joke.
I'm used to working behind the scenes, but expressing my opinion like this is unfamiliar.
But Edwin cautiously—yet persistently—looked at me and asked again.
"Don't do that—just tell me. If I attend the noble meeting, what will Vikander gain?"
What Vikander can gain.
At that moment, the taxes that increased every year came to mind.
Taxes—which increased significantly under the pretext of gem mining—were one of the Empire's wealth sources.
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The feeling of going to bed happily lasted well into the morning.
I thought the whole day would be great.
If it weren't for the meeting attendance letter that suddenly arrived from the Imperial Palace.
"I can't believe they're talking about marriage at the morning meeting. Meeting notifications are delivered very quickly."
"Morning meeting?"
My eyes widened as I reacted to Edwin's bored voice.
There was less than an hour until the meeting time.
Even if we made hasty preparations and went by carriage now, it would be impossible to arrive on time for the meeting to start.
Unlike me—whose heart fluttered anxiously—Edwin waved the letter and acted as if it were someone else's business.
I was the only one who felt urgent.
"Edwin, get ready quickly. It's your first meeting. What should we do if you're late?"
"Wouldn't Olivia also take a little while to get ready?"
"Yes?"
I blinked.
Edwin pointed to one part of the letter.
My face turned pale at the command that Princess Madeleine should also attend.
The dress, makeup, and Edwin's preparations will take some time.
It was a moment when I was getting anxious.
"Don't worry, Olivia. What if we're late?"
"Still—"
"If we're late, it's the Emperor's fault for notifying us late."
Edwin unhesitatingly blamed the Emperor.
I unconsciously chuckled at Edwin's seemingly nonchalant attitude—even though he'd said something that could be considered an insult to the royal family.
Edwin, who had been casually setting the letter aside as if it was no big deal, looked at me with a grin.
"And the main character usually appears last."
I didn't know what Edwin meant by his boastful words.
"So, Olivia—let's finish our tea. I don't like cold tea."
Strangely enough, Edwin's voice had a strange power.
A power like wind—assuring me that everything would turn out well.
"...Then I'll just drink some tea and get ready."
In the end, I sat in front of Edwin again.
Edwin's eyes curved sweetly, as if I'd done well.
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