NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10
While Cordelia was experiencing moments of excitement, the news that her soon-to-be husband would not be granted a title spread like wildfire through the capital. No one had anticipated that Edwin would not receive a title. Even if it was merely honorary, having a title was advantageous.
“To sacrifice a beloved daughter to show such sincerity, is it necessary? At this point, it’s not just about proving sincerity, but isn’t the situation itself genuine?”
Even the House of Commons began to buzz with such thoughts.
“He’s quite the character.”
Of course, this was something that had been discussed and agreed upon long ago between Edwin and the royal family.
“Should we think positively about having Cordelia nearby as a pretext or not….”
When deciding on Cordelia and Edwin’s marriage, the king naturally intended to grant Edwin a title to elevate his status and give him a position worthy of marrying a princess. Although Edwin’s commoner bloodline would not disappear, the king wanted to at least make him look respectable.
“The stigma the royal family wants to shed is looking down on others because of their status and not recognizing the House of Commons as a political body, correct?”
However, Edwin surprisingly questioned and opposed the king’s intentions.
“In that case, it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to become a noble before the marriage. Trying to elevate my status to match the princess through marriage is not advisable either.”
Despite the king’s offer to grant him a title for marrying Cordelia, Edwin refused, which made the king quite annoyed.
“Give me my due rewards. That way, there will be no suspicions about the royal family’s intentions.”
Though irritated, the king recognized the logic in Edwin’s words. Despite his annoyance, he decided to award Edwin a title through parliament under the guise of a fair reward, acknowledging Edwin’s capabilities.
Still, the king’s annoyance lingered, as he felt manipulated by Edwin.
“An award for competence.”
The king’s thick hand tapped the back of his other hand. Edwin sought to earn a title for himself through his abilities, even while gaining a princess through negotiation.
“Times are changing.”
Prince Lawrence, sitting opposite, placed his teacup down silently and spoke.
“In the old days, he would have been beheaded for such arrogance, but times have changed.”
The king’s gaze slowly shifted to his son. Lawrence had grown into a refined and composed crown prince, a stabilizing presence in turbulent times. The king took great pride in this aspect of his son.
“I think he’s right.”
However, there was one thing about his son that the king did not appreciate. As times changed, so did perspectives between parents and children. While the king saw Edwin as a rogue, Lawrence maintained a positive attitude toward him.
“By maintaining his status until the marriage, the royal family can demonstrate that they do not discriminate. Afterward, giving him his overdue reward as equals will silence any critics.”
Despite his affection for his sister, Lawrence understood the necessity of maintaining his future position, a quality the king admired in a future ruler, though as a father, it left a bitter taste.
***
Time flowed smoothly, and the wedding day arrived.
In the meantime, Cordelia had met privately with Edwin three more times. Their meetings were always covered by the press, making Cordelia feel like she was in a publicly scrutinized relationship.
“Your Highness…”
Raya, the maid tending to Cordelia’s hair, sniffled. Cordelia smiled slightly at Raya’s pouting face through the vanity mirror.
“Why do you look so upset?”
“It’s hard to believe you’re leaving, Your Highness…”
The palace staff tended to think Cordelia would live within the royal walls forever. Raya seemed to feel the same way.
But reality was different. Cordelia remembered the fact that she would have to leave the palace she was born and raised in after marrying Edwin, and her expression turned bittersweet.
“Why are you so gloomy? Wasn’t this supposed to be good news?”
But there was no way around it. Her marriage to Edwin was inevitable.
“We might never see you again.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll visit the palace often. I’ll make sure to call you and show you how well I’m doing.”
Cordelia replied playfully, which brought a tender look from Raya.
“You will be the most beautiful bride in the world today, Your Highness.”
“Of course. Well, maybe not.”
Raya’s eyes widened, as if to ask who could be more beautiful than the bride on her wedding day. It was an endearing reaction.
“Edwin is more beautiful than most women, isn’t he?”
“Good heavens, Your Highness!”
Raya finally burst into laughter. Her previously somber face lit up with a smile, and Cordelia’s own smile widened in response. The bright smile from her mistress seemed to lighten Raya’s feelings about Cordelia’s impending departure.
“You seem very happy.”
A voice from behind made Cordelia turn around. It was the queen.
“Mother.”
The queen, dressed more modestly than usual to highlight Cordelia, crossed the threshold.
“We are the ones feeling sad, while our daughter seems so cheerful. Should we be happy or sad?”
“You told me to marry and leave the palace quickly, but now you’re sad.”
“Cordelia.”
Cordelia playfully teased her mother to lighten the mood, but then she noticed the concern and sadness on the queen’s face and regretted her words. It was not something to say to a mother. A mistake.
“We’ll see each other often.”
Edwin had already agreed to this as well. Initially, Cordelia had wondered why they were drafting such an agreement, but now she was grateful for it.
“You might even get tired of seeing me. We’ll stay in the palace for a week after the ceremony.”
Due to the grand scale of the wedding, their first night together was arranged within the palace. Moreover, at the king’s request, they planned to stay in the palace for a week.
“Alright. I’ll always keep your room clean and ready, so feel free to rest here anytime. This is your home.”
The queen hugged Cordelia. Despite being shorter than her slender and beautiful mother, Cordelia could fit into her mother’s embrace. Usually, this difference annoyed her, but today it felt comforting.
“You look so beautiful today, my daughter.”
The queen, holding her daughter starting a new chapter in life, stepped back to admire Cordelia in her bridal gown.
In reality, the white fabric of Cordelia’s dress was not something just anyone could wear. It was delicate, easily damaged, and difficult to clean, making it nearly impossible to wear more than once.
But Cordelia was part of the royal family and was about to join the richest family in Rochester, the Tride family. Nothing was impossible.
“Nobody has an eye for dresses like you. With your golden hair, you look dazzling.”
Cordelia giggled at her mother’s praise.
“I’m only getting praised because I’m getting married.”
Her father, the king, always doted on her, so the queen had been more sparing with praise. Cordelia had always felt that was unfair, but the rare compliments made them all the more enjoyable.
“I don’t know when my little girl grew up so much.”
“I’m already twenty.”
“And today, you seem so mature.”
The queen watched Cordelia with pride. While others might feel sadness or anxiety before a wedding, Cordelia seemed unusually happy.
“Don’t forget, Cordelia.”
Of course, it made sense. Her husband-to-be was handsome enough to make one feel full just by looking at him. He was not much older than her, kind, and wealthy. He knew his place, showed her respect, and cared for her. Cordelia saw no reason to feel down.
“If you ever feel unhappy, don’t hesitate to come back.”
“…”
“This is always your home, and we’ll always be here waiting for you.”
The queen whispered softly. She gently pulled the veil over Cordelia’s face.
“If you ever want to return, we’ll find a way to bring you back, so don’t worry.”
With such a supportive family, there was nothing to fear. Cordelia smiled like a blooming flower under the pure white veil.