Chapter 40
The Crown Prince glanced alternately at the two nervous nobles, tapping the single-page document with his fingertips.
“You heard that, didn’t you? I’m curious about the progress since then.”
“Yes, Your Highness. We will report on the progress as soon as possible.”
Peyton observed the peculiar atmosphere in the state council room, masking his complex feelings with a businesslike expression.
It was the moment he confirmed with his own eyes the rumors that Edith was the Crown Prince’s right-hand.
—
As the doors of the council room opened, a dozen nobles and officials poured out.
Near the palace’s main gate, Adrian was waiting, looking fresh and cheerful as if he had just arrived, possibly informed of the meeting’s end time. Even with a bare face, he was beautiful, and he had applied light makeup and adorned his attire with a large jeweled brooch. Sparkling like a star, Adrian drew the attention of everyone, regardless of rank.
He waved warmly to the crowd.
Edith was startled.
“Your Highness—.”
She thought he was looking at her while smiling. However, the person he called out to in a loud voice was Clyde. Judging by his well-dressed appearance and the location in front of the council room, it was clear he had an appointment with Clyde, and Edith had simply misunderstood due to the similar direction.
She quickly composed herself, gripping her notepad. After a simple bow, she stepped aside, and Adrian gracefully approached the Crown Prince.
“Adrian, have you been waiting long?”
“I just arrived. If I had come early and waited, would Your Highness have been anxious thinking of me?”
“Perhaps.”
The perfectly matched alpha and omega couple stood side by side, drawing everyone’s attention.
Those who had been dissatisfied with Edith’s notepad throughout the meeting quickly shifted their focus to Adrian. They hid their hostility behind seemingly friendly glances, perhaps trying to gain his favor.
Being the Crown Prince’s lover was a significant position, potentially leading to becoming the Crown Princess and eventually the Empress.
“Sir Katsumorris, you need not follow me after this. Just ensure there are no issues with the early morning schedule tomorrow.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Most of those who had left the council room ahead of the Crown Prince and his companion had not gone far, subtly keeping an eye on the situation. The scene of them pretending not to be interested was somewhat amusing.
Edith had never directly involved herself in power struggles, thanks to Clyde shielding her. However, she was aware of what was happening from observing and hearing things.
It was obvious that Adrian, as the Crown Prince’s lover, would be slandered and undermined by opposing factions.
Although Adrian said he was used to being disliked, Edith couldn’t help but worry about him. She could imagine how much he might be suffering in unseen ways. She hoped that whatever he was aiming for by playing his part would bring him significant benefits. While Adrian, as Edith knew him, was not particularly ambitious, she still wished for him to gain wealth.
Clyde deliberately took Adrian’s hand.
Adrian, smiling, was a perfect living portrait.
Everyone believed the rumor that Clyde had fallen for him at first sight, as his beauty was both plausible and convincing.
As Edith, who had stepped back from jealousy and envy, tried to quietly slip away, a man approached her.
“Edith, could you spare a moment?”
“Ah, Peyton.”
She had forgotten that she wanted to chat with Peyton after a long time. The daily life at the palace was so tumultuous that she had forgotten about Peyton while watching the show put on by the Crown Prince and his companion.
“I’m glad to see you too.”
“I hurried over, afraid you might leave.”
“Perfect timing. Shall we move somewhere?”
“It would be an honor.”
“How about a walk in the garden?”
“If you have time, could we go outside the palace for a breath of fresh air?”
As a personal attendant, Edith needed to inform the Crown Prince if she was going outside. She approached Clyde, who had stepped back a bit.
“Your Highness, may I go outside the palace for a bit?”
Whatever conversation he was having with Adrian, Clyde suddenly fell silent. The abrupt quiet was not natural.
After a moment of hesitation, he nodded slowly.
“Don’t be too late.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
As Edith and Peyton walked out, passing by the still affectionate Crown Prince and Adrian, she focused on Peyton’s friendly conversation, paying no mind to those left behind.
Someone was watching Edith intently as she disappeared with Peyton. The side glances and discreet looks were telling.
Adrian buried his face in the Crown Prince’s shoulder, who was much taller than him. While he spoke with a mix of pleasantries in his voice, he subtly observed Edith through his long eyelashes.
Not knowing who the man taking Edith away was, Adrian felt anxious.
Standing almost with his back to them, Clyde listened to the sound of footsteps. He paid attention to the light, delicate clicks of high heels.
“Chief attendant, you can take your rest now.”
He created an excuse to turn around.
He didn’t look at the side attendant. His eyes were filled only with Edith, who was caught in his peripheral vision. He had to watch as Lord Graves, who was negotiating a marriage with her, finally took her away.
His insides boiled with frustration.
He blamed himself for not being able to win her heart, even though she was by his side as his close attendant. He also resented Edith for continuing the marriage talks despite his clear disapproval. It was a miserable situation, where he had no choice but to let Edith and Peyton meet.
He caught a hint of their conversation, hearing that they were heading to the Graves estate.
If he followed them, he’d surely be caught.
Listening to the soft rustling of the crowd like dry leaves, Clyde’s eyes clouded over in helplessness.
* * *
Edith didn’t miss the opportunity to cross the main gate of the palace. She gladly accepted Peyton’s invitation to his house.
As they rode in the carriage, she felt the fiery intensity of Peyton’s presence. Their conversation flowed seamlessly, and Edith found herself captivated, often agreeing with his passionate talk.
She recalled the past marriage negotiations.
Peyton had said he was fine with her continuing as an attendant or focusing on her family’s household. It was one of his many advantages. She could escape the hectic life of the royal court. There were other benefits too. She wouldn’t have to worry about debts and could avoid the potential disasters surrounding Clyde in the future.
She thought to herself, ‘Thank you,’ as a heart-shaped smile naturally formed on her lips.
But there are always hidden challenges. There were aspects of Peyton she needed to consider.
Part of the reason she accepted his invitation so readily was to confirm a curious feeling she had.
“We’re already here. The garden is still beautiful.”
“Thank you for saying so. We’re neighbors on the same hill, so all houses here are much the same.”
The hand extended to help her from the carriage was warm, and his bright smile was dazzling. She took his hand without hesitation.
“You’re too modest. This is a wonderful house, one I’d love to live in.”
She hoped her flattery wasn’t overdone and carefully showed her interest in Peyton, making sure not to go overboard or seem disinterested.
The staff at the house moved briskly, efficiently attending to the unexpected guests. Did Peyton only hire high-paid staff? The speed at which tea was served was incomparable to the Katsumorris household.
As she sat at the table in the drawing room, Edith only saw staff with impeccable manners.
She couldn’t gauge the real atmosphere of the place as a brief visitor, as Peyton kept how he treated his subordinates under tight control.
“It was nice seeing you at the state council meeting.”
“I was happy to see you there too, Edith.”
They exchanged pleasantries, avoiding sensitive topics.
Even though Edith wasn’t rushing the marriage talks, Peyton didn’t press the matter. Perhaps they were both taking a measured approach, just like she hadn’t made up her mind. She appreciated his patience.
They spent a peaceful moment, occasionally glancing out the window.
After a while, a few men with guns slung over their shoulders passed through the well-kept garden. They seemed unaware that the master was home and loitered around, casually walking past the window.
But something seemed off.
The guns they carried weren’t ordinary.
They looked similar to those used exclusively by the Royal Rifle Corps. Edith recognized the style, as she used to fire one every morning.
The weapon, developed with Clyde’s full support, had excellent balance. The high-quality imported wood used for the stock had a distinctive dark brown color.
Although various merchants sold guns, none matched the Royal Rifle Corps’ design.
How did such weapons end up in this house? Maybe she had mistaken another gun for the Royal Corps’ gun in the brief moment they passed by.
Keeping her expression neutral, Edith smiled brightly.
“I heard there’s going to be a royal rifle competition soon. Are you interested in such events, Peyton?”
Peyton’s demeanor remained natural as he set his teacup down.
“Of course. Who wouldn’t be interested in competitions and banquets?”
“Right, that’s true.”
“It’s the largest event in recent years.”
“Many people seem to be planning something special for the occasion. Sending acquaintances to compete in the rifle contest, or supplying goods for the royal banquet. Are you involved in any of these activities?”
“Yes, in various ways. Including the two you mentioned.”
Edith expressed admiration and respect, making her eyes sparkle.
“Oh, really?”
“We’ve been contracted to supply coffee for the banquet. I hope it receives a favorable review.”
“It surely will. A positive reception at an official event could lead to soaring sales.”
She then subtly approached the real topic she was curious about, feeling a bit nervous that Peyton might catch on to her intentions too quickly.
