Gold Coin and Freesia

“The blue diamond matches Princess Cordelia’s eyes perfectly.”

“Our relationship isn’t based on affection, Scott. As long as we maintain respect…”

“When you meet Princess Cordelia, make sure to tell her it matches her eye color.”

A few days ago, Scott had sternly instructed Edwin when he brought the blue diamond. Cutting him off was rude, but Scott was a competent secretary, so Edwin decided to follow his advice.

Edwin noticed Cordelia’s misunderstanding but didn’t correct it. He simply watched with a smile as things progressed smoothly, knowing it would enhance Cordelia’s opinion of him.

“You are very kind.”

Conversely, Cordelia tried not to smile in front of Edwin, as if to hide her growing interest in him. Her expression was a mix of softness and aloofness.

Even in such moments, Cordelia’s innocent gaze followed Edwin’s every move. Edwin understood the gap between her actions and her feelings.

Cute.

The princess still showed signs of not fully embracing the marriage, trying to assert dominance in the relationship. But her affection for him was growing steadily.

In reality, Edwin’s participation in this relationship was minimal, so he didn’t care whether Cordelia held a superficial upper hand or not.

It’s both endearing and pitiful.

“Thank you.”

Edwin kindly thanked the servant who opened the door for him as he left the palace. He had exhausted all the time allocated for escorting the princess, so he planned to return home and rest.

“His Majesty requests your presence.”

But his dreams of rest were shattered by the king’s summons. Edwin suppressed a sigh and followed the servant. He tried to think pleasant thoughts to avoid scowling in front of the king.

At that moment, he recalled the voice of Mrs. Lian mocking him that morning.

“It seems you’re quite the romantic.”

The story of Edwin carefully selecting and presenting a gift to the princess had spread throughout the capital.

Initially, people doubted the romance between a princess and a commoner businessman. But now, the articles focused solely on their romance, as it sold more papers than questioning its authenticity.

“Of course, you were quite flashy during your first marriage, weren’t you?”

Mrs. Lian’s voice was casual as she wiped the oil from her lips after a meal. Anyone unfamiliar with her wouldn’t have guessed her twisted inner thoughts.

But having lived under the same roof for over twenty years, Edwin knew how much of an eyesore he was to Mrs. Lian.

“It’s boring to live as uneventfully as Barton.”

Edwin didn’t miss the opportunity to mention Mrs. Lian’s beloved son’s name, mocking her generously.

“I thought you said you’d never love again, but I guess the princess is pretty?”

Mrs. Lian brought up Edwin’s first marriage, knowing it was his weak point.

“Indeed. Everyone thinks their wife is the prettiest. Barton, too, claims his wife is the most beautiful in the world.”

But Edwin’s heart was not fragile enough to be wounded by that.

“You must be pleased with your son’s harmonious marriage, but can you really compare a peasant to the most noble and beautiful lady in Rochester? She is incomparable to Hailey Tride.”

“Edwin Tride!”

Mrs. Lian shrieked. Already upset she couldn’t match Barton with the princess, she was driven to madness by Edwin’s comparison of Hailey and Cordelia. Recalling that moment made Edwin chuckle.

However, his words were not entirely false. Though intended to taunt Mrs. Lian, they were also sincere.

She is pretty.

Edwin objectively assessed as a man with eyes.

“Your Majesty, Edwin Tride is here.”

At that moment, the door opened, revealing the king. Indeed, the king’s noble features bore a resemblance to Cordelia. Next to him was the unexpected figure of Crown Prince Laurenson.

“Edwin Tride greets His Majesty the King and His Highness the Crown Prince of Rochester.”

Edwin bowed deeply to them. The king, seated with dignity, nodded.

“Sit.”

He gestured to a seat opposite Laurenson and ordered.

“As you might have guessed, I called you here because of Cordelia.”

There was no other topic for Edwin and the king to discuss. Edwin nodded at the unsurprising subject.

“This wouldn’t have happened if not for the incident, you know that, right?”

The king spoke in a cold voice. Edwin knew he was sincere. The king’s affection for his daughter was common knowledge.

“I feel guilty towards her.”

Sending his precious daughter to marry a commoner must have been painful. Moreover, his future wife had wept as if the world had ended on the day their marriage was decided.

“Never hurt her.”

Perhaps that was why the king’s gaze was particularly sharp and displeased when directed at Edwin.

“Especially don’t trouble her with any woman-related issues. If you do, I’ll divorce you immediately.”

Despite the king’s harsh warning, Edwin smiled softly. Years of dealing with people had made controlling his expressions easy.

“I can promise you that there will be no such issues, now or in the future.”

The king’s attitude was expected. It seemed unfair since the Rochester royal family needed Tride’s help more than the other way around, but such was the way of the elite.

“Even if Cordelia divorces, there will be plenty of men who want her. Don’t think of her as a flower in your grasp. Understand?”

“Your Majesty, the Tride family is well aware, so please don’t worry.”

Laurenson stepped forward, breaking the tense atmosphere. He gently reassured the king, showing no animosity towards Edwin.

“The Tride family has pledged their utmost as part of the royal family.”

Laurenson smiled at Edwin, who nodded briefly in agreement.

“Yes, I have pledged myself.”

The Rochester royal family and the Tride family had made an unbreakable pact, each offering a key member of their families.

The royal family gained a chance to silence the truth-seeking lower house and maintain their image. Prolonged controversy would have harmed their reputation.

The Tride family could protect and expand their business, using their connection to the royal family to secure business interests previously threatened by nobles entering various enterprises.

“The king still sees Cordelia as his child. Please understand.”

Laurenson spoke softly to Edwin, who felt that Laurenson was the only sensible person in the palace.

“I have already vowed to do my best as both a member of the Tride family and as her husband.”

“…”

“Rest assured, I understand the significance of entrusting your most cherished one.”

Edwin’s continuous tea times with Cordelia were part of that vow.

“I will be the man the articles portray.”

Edwin disliked wasting time on meaningless activities, but spending time with Cordelia was the best way to gain her favor. If giving her time could earn her affection, it was efficient.

The king looked at his future son-in-law with displeasure. Edwin’s handsome face was annoying, and his preemptive words left the king with nothing to say.

“I’ll grant you the duke title before the wedding.”

Despite his reluctance, the king tried to calm himself by reminding himself that Edwin would soon be his son-in-law. He formally announced the conferment of the title to Edwin.

“The royal family wants to shed the stigma of disregarding lower house as a political institution, correct?”

Edwin’s unexpected question felt insolent to the king.