Gold Coin and Freesia

After finishing her bath, Cordelia’s surroundings became bustling with activity. The maids dried and styled her hair, bringing several dresses for her to choose from. Her maids, Chester Blackwood and Anna Spender, offered their opinions and chatted to keep Cordelia entertained.

Meanwhile, Edwin sat by the table next to the bed, reading the front page of a newspaper. The brave Rochester Navy had triumphed again…

“I think this hairpiece would look best, Your Highness.”
“I prefer this pink flower hairpin!”
“Should we braid your hair this way, Your Highness?”
The brave Rochester Navy had triumphed again…

Edwin’s eyebrow twitched with irritation. It felt like listening to dozens of birds chirping in a park, which was tolerable for one but unbearable for dozens.

“How do you think, Edwin?”
As if waiting for this moment, Cordelia asked Edwin through the mirror, breaking his repetitive reading.

“The hairpiece?”
Edwin put down the teacup he had just lifted. His movement was smooth and seamless, perfectly masking his irritation.

Chester and Anna turned eagerly to Edwin, their faces a mix of expectation and tension, as his choice would validate their own.

“I think something else would be better.”
Edwin stood and approached Cordelia, bypassing the maids to reach the jewelry box on the vanity table.

“Something that matches your eye color and holds special meaning for us.”
Edwin picked up the blue diamond hairpin he had given Cordelia and held it against her golden hair.

“That’s a wonderful choice.”
“I think this hairpin suits you well, Your Highness.”
Chester and Anna, though initially disappointed, soon realized neither of them had won and praised Edwin’s taste.

“And as for the dress, I think that one would suit you best. It’s not too revealing.”
Taking advantage of the moment, Edwin also chose Cordelia’s dress.

“Oh, but the dress…”
Chester immediately tried to protest, having a dress in mind already.

“Prepare that one. Edwin says it suits me best.”
But Cordelia paid no mind and chose the dress her husband suggested.

“Well, it is a special day for you both. Help Her Highness change.”
Chester rationalized and hid her bruised pride.

“Your Highness, please come this way to change behind the screen.”
The maids took Cordelia behind the screen to change, and Chester and Anna finally quieted down. Edwin returned to his seat and resumed reading the newspaper.

[The brave Rochester Navy has triumphed again.]
The navy reported successive victories along the Reels coast.

(Cut)
Shortly after Princess Cordelia married the eldest son of the commoner Tride family, his name, unrecognized for any reward, resurfaced in Parliament’s discussions alongside the victorious heroes’ reward proposals.

The aroma of tea and the regained peace felt leisurely and satisfying.

***
“Our princess is as lovely as ever today.”
Cordelia accepted her father’s praise with a bright face, fully aware of her beauty and not uttering a word of modesty.

“Is everything comfortable?”
“I’m a bit tired, but I’m fine.”
The king doted on Cordelia. The queen thought there was no reason for her to feel uncomfortable waking up in her own home but chose not to point it out with Edwin present.

“Do you enjoy the food?”
“The palace has the best chefs, so of course, it’s delicious.”
“Cordelia, with her picky tastes, loves the food here. Eat plenty while you can.”
A warning was necessary for Edwin. Though they had handed their only princess to someone they considered beneath her, it didn’t mean Cordelia’s status was diminished or that she could be disrespected.

“It’s not far, so we could send palace dishes to the Tride estate.”
The king suggested tentatively, ready to deliver meals personally if Cordelia wished.

“We can’t do that for every meal.”
The queen, tired of the king’s excessive fondness, stepped on his foot. The king, gritting his teeth to maintain dignity, bore the pain.

“I will find a chef with similar skills for the estate. We cannot let the princess feel uncomfortable.”
Despite noticing, Edwin didn’t show any disdain. Instead, he humbly promised to ensure Cordelia’s comfort, showing respect for the royal family.

“Thank you for your kindness.”
The queen smiled warmly, pleased with Edwin’s attitude. He was now part of the royal family, and as long as he respected Cordelia and the family, there was no reason to be hostile.

“Enough. Edwin should eat as well.”
Seeing Cordelia looking after Edwin made the queen hopeful that they would manage well together.

“Cordelia is right. It’s already an uncomfortable situation.”
Prince Lorenson, who had been eating gracefully, sided with Cordelia, wiping his mouth with a napkin. The queen turned her gaze to her admirable son.

“It’s fine, Your Highness. And Prince Lorenson.”
“If we continue to be too formal, it might create unnecessary misunderstandings.”
Lorenson subtly pointed out the excessive formality and the royal family’s high-handedness.

“Edwin, feel free to speak comfortably here as you would when alone. You are now family, and the king and queen are not just royal figures but also your parents.”
The marriage was meant to show that the royal family and the House of Lords did not look down on commoners. If the royal family continued to treat Edwin disdainfully and the couple did not appear genuinely close, it would cast doubt on the marriage.

“Right, Cordelia?”
Lorenson asked his sister with a kind smile, while the queen nodded quietly.

However, Cordelia looked like someone caught off guard. She wanted to say she liked things the way they were but found it difficult to oppose. Unlike their parents, Lorenson didn’t indulge Cordelia’s whims, even if she cried.

“Yes.”
Cordelia gave in, recognizing that when Lorenson insisted, she usually had to comply.

“See, Cordelia agrees.”
Lorenson always acted in a way that upheld the royal family’s honor, making resistance futile. The queen watched her daughter with a slightly sympathetic smile.

“I was short-sighted. I merely intended to treat her with the respect she deserves, but I see how it could be misunderstood.”
Watching the situation unfold, Edwin intervened with a charming smile, explaining that no one had forced him into his deferential behavior.

“We’re not scolding you, Edwin. Don’t be too formal.”
Lorenson laughed, his bright smile charming the maids who discreetly admired him.

“Oh.”
A sharp sound cut through the air as Cordelia accidentally dropped her fork.

“Could you bring a new utensil for Cordelia?”
Edwin quickly raised his hand to ask a maid. His voice, calling her name, was sweet and soft. Cordelia’s cheeks flushed instantly.

“Here you go.”
“Thank you.”
The maid hurriedly brought a new utensil, which Edwin inspected before handing it to Cordelia.

During this exchange, the maid briefly glanced at Edwin. It was understandable; human instinct naturally drew eyes to beauty. Cordelia’s blush explained everything—how could she not be smitten?

But understanding it and allowing it are different matters. The queen, about to reprimand the maid, paused.

Lorenson, noticing the maid’s stare, silently directed her to leave with a pointed look. It was reassuring to see Lorenson looking after his sister. The queen felt proud of the close-knit bond she had fostered between her children.