The atmosphere in the conference hall became chilly.
I blinked.
I clearly remembered what Edwin had whispered to me before we'd come here.
"I couldn't tell you in advance. You might be a little surprised when we go in."
Entering the conference hall without any further explanation, I'd thought what Edwin had meant was that he was worried about a face-to-face meeting between me and the Duke of Madeleine.
But—
"Let's deal with that problem later."
"What is urgent today is the marriage between the Grand Duke and Princess Madeleine."
When the Emperor blatantly refused to allow Edwin to attend the meeting—and, as if changing the topic, turned the conversation to the marriage issue—
I understood what Edwin had meant when he'd said, You might be surprised.
The Emperor is preventing the empire's only Grand Duke from attending a meeting. This is ridiculous—beyond surprising.
Why? Why is the Emperor openly wary of Edwin's attendance at the meeting? Is he worried that power will gather under Edwin, who has become a war hero?
It was a time when my thoughts became deeper and deeper.
---
"Isn't it a perfect day? As you said, I attended the noble meeting, received permission to marry, and we'll be able to go down to Vikander territory."
It was the garden of the Emperor's palace after the aristocratic council had disbanded.
"My Lady even achieved a complete victory."
Edwin looked at my expression in the warm, sunny garden and opened his mouth.
"...But why do you look so sad, hm?"
A soothing, gentle voice was addressed to me.
I shook my head.
"I don't look sad."
"No way. Your voice sank like this."
"I'm just a little disappointed. I shouldn't have told you in advance. It's not that you didn't attend the meeting—it's that you couldn't."
I pursed my lips and lowered my head.
Stupid Olivia Madeleine. No—you stupid Olivia.
There must have been a reason why Edwin didn't participate in the noble council. And I strongly encouraged participation.
The result was to announce in front of all the nobles that the Emperor disliked Edwin's attendance at the meeting.
"...I appreciate you trying for me, but if it's something Edwin doesn't want, don't do it. This is what I want too."
I slowly raised my head.
I deliberately looked at Edwin's face to make a sincere request.
Ha ha ha.
A wonderful sound of laughter spread throughout the garden.
I opened my eyes wide.
I thought he'd tell me not to worry, or that I'd gotten it wrong.
Edwin smiled as if he were genuinely happy.
"Ed—Edwin."
"Olivia. My innocent girl."
Edwin called me as if lamenting.
Innocent.
Edwin used words without hesitation that no one could relate to me.
"How can you be so soft-hearted? Hm?"
These were words that would have been devastating for the Marquis of Ethel—who'd been treated with a sharp tongue by the tender-hearted Olivia Madeleine.
"I thought your boldness had grown. Is this why Olivia keeps breaking her promise?"
"What is that!"
"I really 'didn't' attend the meeting until now. I fell for your persuasion and decided to attend from now on."
"But—"
"The Emperor's reluctance to have me attend is something you shouldn't worry about."
Edwin—who had been speaking without hesitation—suddenly opened his eyes wide.
Because I'd covered his mouth with my hand.
I turned into wide-eyed shock and looked around.
Luckily for me, there was no sign of anyone passing by.
"Edwin! This isn't even the Grand Duke's residence!"
I, who was trying to scold him, stiffened.
The red eyes that met mine were close.
It was then that our unavoidable gazes locked intently.