Gold Coin and Freesia

“Yes, that’s right.”

The response came from Laurenson, as the king, irritated by the audacity of Edwin’s suggestion, closed his mouth to listen. His frustration was evident, given the impertinence of challenging the king’s word.

“If I become a noble before the wedding, it will be seen as an attempt to elevate my status solely for the marriage. Trying to balance our relationship by raising my status isn’t recommended.”

Edwin spoke calmly.

“Then what exactly do you propose I do?” 

The king’s face twisted in irritation. He didn’t want to see his daughter despair or cry. This situation was already troubling enough for him, having to marry off his only daughter in such a manner.

“Recall the matter of dealing with the pirates.”

Edwin’s quiet voice seemed to jog Laurenson’s memory, who reacted with a start.

At that time, there was widespread public opinion that Edwin should be rewarded for his actions. Especially in the lower house, there were calls to treat him as a national hero. Naturally, the upper house, dominated by nobles, was reluctant to elevate a commoner.

The debate over the reward drifted without resolution, especially after Edwin lost his wife to illness. They used his grief as an excuse to delay the reward.

“Grant me my reward through the parliament. This way, there will be no stories doubting the royal family.”

“…I’ll think about it. You may leave.”

The king, clearly displeased, turned his head away, signaling the end of the audience. Edwin bowed once more and exited the room.

“Edwin.”

Just as he was about to enjoy his newfound freedom, a voice called him. Edwin quickly composed himself, turning with a smile.

“Your Highness.”

“Don’t take my father’s words to heart. He’s just worried because Cordelia is still so young. He means no offense.”

Laurenson’s voice was soothing, aiming to comfort Edwin.

“Given the situation, I hope to maintain a good relationship with the Tride family. It’s the only way to prove my words’ sincerity and the balanced society I envision for the future.”

Laurenson showed the qualities of a true crown prince. His words sounded trustworthy, not just focused on the present but looking toward the future.

“So please take good care of Cordelia.”

“I too wish for your aspirations to come true. Will you help me?”

“She loves anything sweet and beautiful. Will that be helpful?”

Laurenson smiled as he offered this advice.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Edwin smiled sharply, recognizing the advice as practically useless. He turned and walked away, his face turning indifferent again.

***

The wedding was less than a month away.

To protect the princess’s skin from the sun, a maid carefully tied the ribbons of Cordelia’s bonnet under her chin. Cordelia waited with her hands neatly placed on her lap, like a doll, as the maid finished. The sunlight in the garden was quite intense.

“Your skin is so beautiful.”

Chester of the Blackwood Marquessate admired as she sat nearby.

“Yours is lovely too, Chester.”

“My skin can’t compare to yours, Princess.”

Cordelia’s skin was as smooth and pale as flour, without a single freckle. It was exceptionally good even among Rochesterians, and Cordelia knew this well.

“But your red hair is as beautiful as the evening sunset.”

Cordelia complimented Chester’s hair color to soothe her. She gently touched the ends of Chester’s hair. The princess only kept beautiful things close, so her praise was not entirely false. Chester, aware of Cordelia’s clear preferences, looked touched.

“So, will you tell us today?”

Viscountess Anna of the Spender family asked, her eyes mischievous. Cordelia, momentarily confused, blushed as she understood the question.

“When did you start your secret romance?”

Cordelia had two maids, Mrs. Lament, and several other maids. Officially, Cordelia and Edwin’s meeting was known to have happened accidentally when they were alone.

Ignoring the subtle reproach, Cordelia lowered her eyes halfway.

“I just felt like moving alone that day.”

Cordelia explained the story she had prepared with Mrs. Lament.

Chester had temporarily left for the marquessate, and another maid had gone for lunch, leaving only Mrs. Lament with Cordelia. They decided to take a walk because of the nice weather.

“No one stopped the princess from walking. Cordelia headed to the palace garden without any interruption, where she met Edwin.”

“I was startled, lost my balance, and broke my shoe heel.”

Chester nodded, believing the story about meeting such a handsome man.

“There was no one else to help me but Mrs. Lament.”

Seeing Cordelia in distress, Edwin ran over, picked her up, and carried her to the palace.

“May I know your name?”

“I’m Edwin Tride.”

They fell in love the moment their bodies brushed against each other.

“Thanks to everyone being away, I could meet Edwin.”

This was the romantic story they had concocted.

“Did you exchange letters in secret afterward?”

“Mrs. Lament did all the hard work.”

Cordelia giggled. Mrs. Lament also smiled slightly.

“I thought it was just a spring fling.”

Cordelia realized Mrs. Lament was surprisingly good at acting, speaking as if she hadn’t expected their feelings to deepen.

“People call it the romance of the century.”

“And you are both beautiful.”

A commoner businessman and a princess, a handsome man and a beautiful woman—such titles followed Edwin and Cordelia everywhere.

“My father was so shocked he almost fainted.”

The Blackwood Marquis had served the royal family loyally and was a staunch supporter of the monarchy. The news of this marriage hit him like a personal blow.

“I envy you, Princess.”

Cordelia widened her eyes at Chester’s unexpected remark. She couldn’t understand why anyone would envy a marriage between a commoner and a noble.

“Marrying someone chosen by your family isn’t always pleasant.”

Chester’s cautious explanation made Cordelia nod. Chester envied the romance.

“What’s it like to marry and live with someone you love?”

Cordelia awkwardly smiled, trying not to reveal the discomfort she felt about the question. Her smile trembled slightly.

“…”

Mrs. Lament noticed Cordelia’s discomfort and gave her a stern look, reminding her to control her expressions.

“The princess will soon find out.”

Viscountess Anna, resting her chin on her hand, gazed dreamily at Cordelia.

“I heard someone is already writing a novel about your love story.”

Cordelia glanced past Anna to see a familiar figure approaching.

“If there’s a book about Lord Edwin’s love confession, it would cause a sensation in Rochester.”

“I might just do that if given the chance.”

A low voice startled Anna, who jumped in her seat.

“Edwin!”

Cordelia’s call made Edwin smile and greet the gathered ladies.

“I’m sorry to intrude on your time, dear ladies. I am Edwin Tride.”

The ladies, unsure how to address him, awkwardly smiled at him.

“As you all know, this is Edwin Tride, whom I will soon marry.”

Despite being the princess’s future husband, Edwin was still a commoner without any title. It was awkward to call him “sir” or use his name directly. Cordelia was aware of this.

“Please feel free to call me Edwin.”

As the ladies found a solution to the awkwardness of addressing him, Cordelia felt inexplicably annoyed.