Gold Coin and Freesia

Edwin, who had been having a private conversation with his secretary in the garden, turned around. Cordelia, who had been watching her intelligent and neat-looking secretary and her even more handsome husband through the window, quickly sat down on a chair in the first-floor lobby and pretended to read a small book.

Before long, Edwin came inside. He noticed Cordelia pretending to read while glancing at him and chuckled.

“What book are you reading?” Edwin asked, approaching her instead of pretending not to notice. Cordelia, startled by her husband’s sudden approach, widened her eyes.

“It’s just…,” she stammered.

“Just?” he repeated, sensing she didn’t know what book she was holding. She had simply picked up a random book lying on the table.

“It’s a book Chester recommended,” she said.

“Miss Blackwood has good taste, it seems,” Edwin commented as he pulled up a nearby chair and sat down. Meanwhile, Cordelia quietly checked the book’s spine to see the title.

“Capitalism and Domination.”

What on earth?

“Mind if I work here?” Edwin asked, pulling up the chair.

“Go ahead,” Cordelia replied, a bit delayed due to the surprising book title. Edwin didn’t seem to mind and asked a servant to bring him the papers he was reviewing.

“Bring some tea as well,” she added.

Even if she couldn’t help him with his work, she could at least make sure he had tea. Cordelia commanded in a prim tone, then returned her gaze to the book. Edwin gave her an affectionate glance before taking the papers from the servant and focusing on his work.

Cordelia pretended to read the book but kept glancing at Edwin. He was deeply engrossed in his work, having loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves, revealing his firm, muscular arms. His broad chest and shoulders hinted at a powerful physique, making him look exceptionally handsome. The sight reminded her of the previous night, making her heart flutter.

“Tea is served,” a maid said, placing the tea set on the table. Cordelia quickly buried her nose in the book, pretending not to have been watching Edwin.

“……”

Edwin remained focused on his work, seemingly unaware of Cordelia’s lingering gaze. The afternoon sun shone brightly on him, making his brown hair appear lighter with a reddish tint, more beautiful than she had ever noticed before.

“Do you have something to say?” he asked, perhaps sensing her intense stare. Startled, Cordelia quickly lowered her head.

“No, nothing,” she replied. She felt embarrassed, wondering if he had caught her staring. Edwin simply responded with a noncommittal hum and returned to his work.

Cordelia glanced at the top page of the documents Edwin was reviewing and saw the word “Estana.” Her interest in his work waned. She wanted to look intelligent in front of her husband, so she refocused on the book.

[Capitalism grew with the cooperation and assistance of the monarchy, which saw it as a means to check the nobility.]

Cordelia had no way of knowing if this was true. History was history, and she had little interest in complex matters, especially politics, which were Lorenzen’s domain as the crown prince. 

[However, capitalism inherently sought to disrupt existing power structures, making it fundamentally difficult to coexist with ruling powers indefinitely.]

Without genuine curiosity, she found it hard to turn the pages. She forced herself to read a few more pages, then covered her mouth to stifle a yawn.

So sleepy.

Cordelia blinked slowly, her vision blurring. She tried to hold on to her pride by keeping her eyes on the book but found herself nodding off. She jerked awake, surprised to find Edwin still engrossed in his work.

Pretending nothing had happened, she tried to read again but soon started dozing off.

I have to stay awake…

***

“……?”

Edwin looked up at the sound of something falling onto a cushion. His wife had fallen asleep on the sofa, her golden hair catching the glow of the sunset. Her cheeks were a soft pink, making her look like she was wrapped in the afternoon light.

As beautiful as she was.

Edwin quickly surveyed the area. It wouldn’t do for the princess to appear vulnerable to the servants.

But his worry was unfounded; none of the servants seemed surprised by Cordelia falling asleep while pretending to read. It seemed it was a common occurrence.

“Unbelievable,” he muttered, rubbing his temples with a wry smile. His eyes felt strained from staring at documents too long. It was time to rest. Edwin rose and gently lifted Cordelia, her delicate body feeling light in his arms. The book she had been pretending to read fell to the floor with a thud.

“Chester recommended it, huh?” he chuckled softly, seeing the book’s title. Cordelia had lied about it, and he found her attempt to appear knowledgeable endearing.

“We can handle it,” a servant offered.

“No need. Stand aside,” Edwin replied kindly but firmly, carrying Cordelia up the stairs. She remained deeply asleep, breathing softly, as he laid her on the bed.

“Princess…”

A maid approached cautiously to tend to Cordelia. Edwin signaled for quiet, raising a finger to his lips.

“Yes, sir.”

The maid nodded, standing still as Edwin left the room. He sensed the shy, lingering gaze of a young maid behind him but chose not to reprimand her. Such things were common and didn’t bother him. Cordelia, on the other hand, would have been furious if she had known.

Luckily, she was asleep.

With that thought, Edwin gently closed the door and descended the stairs. The personal musings and the serenity of the sunset melted away, overshadowed by the shriek Cordelia would let out when she woke up.