Gold Coin and Freesia

Edwin found the time boring, while Cordelia enjoyed a peaceful respite. The week-long grace period, enforced by the king before moving to the Tride estate, had come to an end. Cordelia climbed into the carriage with Edwin, ready to move to the Tride estate.

The king, who had been wearing a sullen expression, did not come out to see them off, perhaps fearing he would show tears in front of a son-in-law he did not approve of. Only the queen, who found her husband’s behavior pitiful, stood by.

“Remember what your mother told you, Cordelia,” the queen reminded her.

Cordelia nodded, fighting back tears as she recalled her mother’s words that this was always her home, and she could return anytime. Leaving Mrs. Lament and her maids behind for the sake of sleeping in, the reality of her departure finally set in.

The carriage wheels began to roll, breaking Cordelia’s reverie. The thick cushions absorbed the shocks, making the ride quite comfortable.

“Are there any things I should be careful about at the estate?” Cordelia asked.

The Tride estate was large and close to the city, so it wouldn’t take long to reach from the royal palace. There was no need for her to be overly cautious.

“No one at my father’s estate would dare threaten or oppose you, Your Highness, but…”

Edwin lowered his eyes, lost in thought.

“Be wary of Hayley Tride if she acts overly friendly. Don’t trust her.”

Hayley Tride, the wife of Edwin’s half-brother Barton Tride. Cordelia nodded as she dredged up the unfamiliar name from her memory.

“Lady Lian will probably treat you with difficulty simply because you are royalty, so you needn’t worry about her.”

Cordelia had led a peaceful life in the palace, free from the common intrigues. No one dared to cross her, the flower of the royal couple. 

Thus, it was no surprise that Edwin’s warnings faded from her mind when she saw Hayley Tride smiling in the front yard of the Tride estate.

***

The servants lined up in front of the mansion bowed deeply as Edwin and Cordelia dismounted the carriage. Cordelia greeted them with a kind smile.

“Greetings, Princess Cordelia. I am Hayley Tride, wife of Barton Tride, the second son.”

“Nice to meet you, Hayley.”

Hayley approached Cordelia with a smiling face and greeted her, unfazed by Edwin’s cold gaze, as if she had expected it.

“You must be tired from the journey, Your Highness. Are you feeling well?” Hayley asked.

“I am fine, thank you for your concern,” Cordelia replied just as Hayley finished her greeting. The door burst open, and Aaron hurried out, followed by Lady Lian, who walked briskly but with a neutral expression. Edwin’s face remained unchanged, though he did not appear pleased.

“Welcome, Your Highness. I am Aaron Tride.”

“I am Lady Lian, Princess Cordelia.”

“Thank you for the warm welcome,” Cordelia greeted Aaron cheerfully and nodded politely at Lady Lian, who responded awkwardly.

“My second son Barton is not here today due to an urgent matter, so please do not mind his absence.”

Barton’s presence was of little importance to Cordelia. Instead of commenting, she smiled and greeted the servants before entering the mansion.

Though she had thought the estate was vast while the carriage passed through the gates, the interior was even more impressive. It was grander than her residence in the royal palace.

The mansion was not overly decorated but featured artworks and sculptures that caught the eye at intervals. The windows were large enough to make cleaning difficult, but they allowed sunlight to fill the reception room, making a fireplace unnecessary.

Cordelia, her eyes wide, followed Aaron’s gesture and sat down.

“It may seem humble compared to the palace, but the staff here has served for a long time, so you will not lack anything,” Aaron boasted nervously. Meanwhile, Edwin watched his father’s joy with an indifferent face, then looked away.

Cordelia followed his gaze to see Lady Lian looking uncomfortable and Hayley smiling warmly. Edwin’s gaze lingered on Hayley for a moment longer before he turned away.

“Your room is not yet fully prepared,” Lady Lian whispered to Aaron, who then spoke up as if remembering something.

“We intended to prepare your room during the honeymoon, but the trip was canceled, so we are short on time. For now, you will share a room with Edwin.”

“What?” Cordelia exclaimed, having heard this for the first time.

“Edwin will soon leave for the Estana branch, so you will only share the room until then. We will have your room ready by the time he returns. Since you are married, it should not be a problem, right?”

Leaving for Estana? Cordelia looked at Edwin in surprise. He sighed shortly, noticing Lady Lian and Hayley had picked up on the tension between the couple, while Aaron smiled obliviously.

“Father, perhaps we should show them to their room so they can rest,” Edwin suggested.

“Yes, let’s get the princess settled in.”

“Your Highness, please follow me,” Hayley said, rising. Cordelia, after a brief, awkward smile at her in-laws, followed Hayley.

“Your rooms will be in the annex, while the rest of us are in the main building,” Hayley explained as she led Cordelia to her room. Although it was a task for the butler, Hayley was exceptionally friendly.

“This room will eventually be yours, but for now, you will share a room with Edwin.”

“Understood,” Cordelia replied, her expression growing slightly uncomfortable at the word “eventually.” Hayley noticed and tilted her head sympathetically.

“Did Edwin not mention this to you?” Hayley asked, frowning slightly when Cordelia forced a smile.

“Edwin can be a bit indifferent at times. He should have told you such an important thing…”

“I’ll explain everything. You may leave,” Edwin’s voice interrupted from behind Cordelia, causing Hayley to stop.

Hayley froze, realizing Edwin’s icy stare was directed at her.

“Very well. If you need anything, call for a maid or let me know,” Hayley said politely to Cordelia before leaving quickly.

Cordelia entered the room only when Hayley was out of sight, followed by Edwin.

“Your Highness, about the room…”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Cordelia cut him off, her voice sharp with irritation.

“Tell me about leaving for Estana. What about the honeymoon?”

“There’s an issue at the Estana branch that needs my attention. It’s work I handle, so I must go personally.”

“Can’t you send someone else? Are you canceling the honeymoon because of work?” Cordelia demanded.

She didn’t expect love and trust in their arranged marriage, but canceling their plans without consulting her?

“This was the best option. My father wanted to send Barton instead, so I had no choice.”

Edwin smiled awkwardly as he explained, but Cordelia’s frustration was clear.

“How is this the best option?” she snapped.

Edwin sighed softly.

“The successor of Tride Corporation hasn’t been decided yet.”

“……”

“Would you prefer me to be seen as a fool who loses out to my half-brother and fails at my job?”

Cordelia blinked, taken aback by Edwin’s firm words. Though he smiled, his tone held a hint of irritation.