Gold Coin and Freesia

“How could we dare to call the princess’s beloved by his name?”

Chester glanced at Cordelia, stopping others from calling Edwin by his name. This gesture unexpectedly calmed Cordelia.

“Would it be alright to call you Edwin, then?”

Chester cautiously asked, gauging Cordelia’s reaction.

“Whatever Edwin prefers.”

“I don’t mind.”

Cordelia nodded calmly at Edwin’s response, not wanting to push further.

“I felt bad for keeping him a secret from all of you, so I wanted to introduce Edwin today. Edwin, this is Miss Chester from Blackwood, and Miss Anna from the Spender family.”

Cordelia proudly introduced Edwin to her close companions, feeling pleased that her soon-to-be husband was presentable and impressive.

“I’ve met your fathers before for business, so it’s nice to meet you both formally.”

Edwin’s kind words made Anna blush. He was not only handsome but also spoke gently. Cordelia understood Anna’s reaction.

“I brought small gifts, hoping you would like them.”

Edwin said, directing his gaze at Cordelia. His look was so sweet it almost seemed to melt. As Chester and Anna exchanged knowing looks, Cordelia couldn’t hide her excitement and embarrassment.

Everything just seemed to fall into place.

***

After the maid left with Cordelia’s bonnet, only Cordelia and Edwin remained in the drawing room.

“Thank you for coming.”

“Of course.”

Cordelia expressed gratitude to Edwin for coming despite the sudden request. Edwin shrugged it off as no big deal. It had been a busy day, but it wasn’t too much trouble to spare a moment.

“When did you prepare these gifts?”

As Cordelia lifted her teacup, Edwin felt the spring sunlight streaming through the window and squinted slightly.

“To uphold your honor.”

“…”

“Your Highness?”

Cordelia, in a half-raised position, stared at him without sipping her tea. She stumbled over her words when Edwin gave her a curious look.

“It was a success.”

Seeing Edwin’s slight smile, Cordelia realized she had been staring at him and felt a bit foolish. His handsome appearance made her actions seem endearing.

“Chester and Anna both loved their gifts.”

Of course, they did. Edwin had chosen the presents according to their tastes, but he didn’t mention that.

“Is there anything you need?”

Edwin acted like a man trying to win Cordelia’s favor even more.

“With the wedding less than a month away, I worried you might feel down.”

After the ceremony, Cordelia would spend one night in the palace before leaving for the Tride estate with Edwin. The prospect of leaving the palace for a marriage she didn’t fully embrace could cause a crisis.

“Feel free to tell me anything.”

“I… have nothing particular in mind.”

Cordelia’s unexpected response left Edwin puzzled. He tilted his head, surprised.

“I trust you won’t neglect me when we move to the estate.”

Cordelia’s gaze sought reassurance, and Edwin simply nodded. As long as her expectations weren’t about his affection, he could comply. Empty gestures were easy enough.

“Do you really plan to write that book?”

“Which book… Ah.”

Edwin chuckled.

“I’m quite busy now, but if you wish.”

Writing a love confession for the public wasn’t difficult. It wasn’t like he was confessing his love to Cordelia for real.

“I’ll let you know if I need it.”

“Anytime.”

Lies came easily to his lips.

“I heard a designer is coming.”

Remembering today’s main purpose, Edwin brought up the topic. Cordelia nodded, and he watched her closely.

“Yes. I wanted your help in choosing the wedding and reception dresses.”

“I don’t know how much help I’ll be.”

Time would pass smoothly with proper interest and diligent execution of their relationship. While Edwin had no plans to have affairs, Cordelia might find a suitable lover within her social status, sparing him from too much bother in the future.

“Even if you’re not helpful, you should at least play the role of a loving fiancé.”

Cordelia said with a hint of warning in her eyes. She feared he might refuse out of embarrassment.

“I’ll fulfill my role, so don’t worry.”

Edwin knew his role well. His reassuring words brightened Cordelia’s face.

“Were you worried I might refuse?”

Cordelia’s eyes widened, and she bit her lower lip.

“Don’t tease me!”

She jumped up, looking like a child reacting to a jab. It felt odd to say this to a princess, but her reactions were akin to a five-year-old’s.

“Princess, the designer has arrived.”

“Let them in.”

Upon Cordelia’s command, the door opened, and the designer entered, followed by staff carrying various dresses.

“I had several dresses made. We only need to choose the best one…”

The king, worried about Cordelia’s indifferent attitude towards the wedding, had ordered two wedding dresses and three reception dresses.

One person, five dresses. Edwin’s long fingers tapped irregularly on his thigh.

“I don’t know if I can choose.”

“The princess looks lovely in anything.”

But Edwin kept his thoughts on the royal family’s extravagance to himself. The money was already spent. He just smiled and praised Cordelia, like a lovestruck fool.

“…”

One of the staff gasped softly, and Cordelia blushed slightly.

How can he remain so composed and act so casually in front of others? It was transparent what they thought.

“Edwin.”

“Have I gone too far again?”

Edwin feigned surprise at his words. Cordelia gave him a playful glare.

“You look good together. Don’t be embarrassed, Your Highness.”

The designer smiled warmly, having worked with Cordelia since her first public appearance. They were close enough to share such moments.

“I called you, Edwin, because it’s too burdensome to try on all the dresses alone.”

Cordelia changed the subject, stating the purpose of today’s meeting. Edwin, pretending to be honored, briefly kissed Cordelia’s hand.

“Even the wedding dress?”

“I’ll choose that myself. I want it to be a surprise for the day.”

Cordelia pulled her hand away with a smile.

“You plan to make a fool of me at the wedding.”

Cordelia playfully glared at him, hinting he should mind his language.

“Alright. Let’s focus on the reception dresses today. I would love for you to try them all, but if it’s too tiring…”

Edwin stood and scanned the line of dresses.

“For the reception, something off-shoulder would be nice. You have a graceful neck and shoulder line.”

“Do I?”

Cordelia touched her neck, feeling complimented.

“I’ll try this one.”

She indicated the dress Edwin mentioned. The designer handed it to her maids, and they set up a screen for Cordelia to change behind.

“How do I look?”

After a while, Cordelia emerged from behind the screen.

The soft, pastel dress with green highlights suited her pale skin and golden hair perfectly.

“…Beautiful.”

She looked stunning. The response, a beat late, was lower and huskier, making those nearby chuckle. Edwin felt slightly embarrassed, realizing he sounded genuinely smitten.

“Truly.”

But there was no need to be embarrassed. Edwin quickly regained his composure. He was not interested in romance but appreciated beauty.

“Did you match the dress to my eyes?”

Both the dress and Cordelia looked stunning, though the unusual bright green fabric piqued his curiosity.

“Why ask such strange questions?”

Cordelia glanced around nervously, then protested softly. Her red ears gave away her true feelings.

Cute.

Edwin began to understand why the king and crown prince were so protective of her.