Gold Coin and Freesia

Mrs. Lament brought several sheets of paper and spread them out on the table. They were the materials Laurenson had investigated regarding Edwin and the Tride family. Cordelia, noticing this, quickly forgot about lounging in her pajamas and hurried to the table.

“Twenty-six?”

“That’s right.”

Edwin still had a faintly boyish face. But to think he was twenty-six. Cordelia was a bit impressed.

“He got married at twenty. The same age as me.”

The first records listed Edwin’s name, age, marital status, and family relationships.

Edwin married at twenty but faced strong opposition from his father, Aaron. He didn’t receive any blessings or have a ceremony recognized by a clergyman. Only marriages witnessed by a clergyman were considered official, so Edwin, despite having a marriage history, was regarded as unmarried.

“Why is there no information about his deceased wife?”

“She was of common birth. There are no remaining records or information, and he doesn’t speak about her at all.”

It was strange that there was no information about his former wife’s name or age. Cordelia casually skipped over common details about stepmothers and half-siblings.

“So, he was alone all this time because she was a commoner.”

There were no issues like gambling addiction, personality flaws, or womanizing. Many women wanted Edwin as a lover or partner, but he remained alone. Cordelia guessed it wasn’t just because of his deceased wife.

Few families would want to pass on a noble title to a commoner son-in-law. Edwin had plenty of money, so he wouldn’t be interested in receiving allowances from noblewomen to entertain them.

“With the royal family in turmoil, he must have seen a good opportunity.”

Despite societal changes, Rochester still had royalty and nobility, and opportunities were prioritized for them. Providing such opportunities made Cordelia feel like a tempting fruit.

“Did he seem like a bad person?”

“He didn’t seem rude or disrespectful.”

Edwin seemed aware of his position.

“And I know there’s no turning back now.”

“Princess…”

“Otherwise, I’d be sold off to the youngest son of the Duke of Gerald.”

The youngest son of the Duke of Gerald, Owen, did not appeal to Cordelia’s aesthetic sense. His roughly molded face resembled an unattractive doll from an Eastern country.

Whenever they met, Owen looked at Cordelia like a luscious apple ready to fall into his hands. The unpleasant sensation of a snake crawling up her skin came over Cordelia whenever she saw Owen.

“I hope you live happily, Princess.”

Cordelia was resolute, thinking Edwin Tride was better than Owen. Mrs. Lament held Cordelia’s soft hand in both of hers.

“The issue of status will soon disappear, and the Tride family is the wealthiest in Rochester. Plus, he’s handsome, which is a bonus.”

Cordelia burst into a soft laugh at Mrs. Lament’s sincere joke.

“I’ll live well, Mrs. Lament.”

She meant it. Cordelia had been loved all her life. She had the arrogant confidence that no one in the world could resist loving her.

It would be the same for the charming Edwin.

“Your Highness, Edwin will come to the palace tomorrow.”

“Make sure everyone prepares carefully. And have freesia flowers on the table.”

Cordelia smiled as she gave her orders.

The thought that even that handsome man would eventually crave her love at her feet made her feel very good.

***

Edwin, the future husband of the princess, arrived at the palace. As soon as the news spread, Cordelia’s maids became very busy. They had to finish dressing Cordelia and prepare the greenhouse for tea time in time.

“I said freesia flowers!”

“What?”

“Bring them again!”

Just as the chaos and scolding settled down in the greenhouse, Edwin appeared at the door.

His dark brown hair contrasted with his summer-green eyes, and his handsome face carried a serene aura. The maids couldn’t help but stare at him.

“What are you doing?”

If the head maid hadn’t given them a signal, the maids would have kept watching Edwin. They quickly left the greenhouse.

“The princess will arrive soon.”

“Tell her not to rush; I can wait.”

Edwin responded casually. His light tone showed no sign of impatience.

“Sorry for being late, Edwin.”

Cordelia walked towards him gracefully.

“It’s fine. I just arrived too.”

Edwin stood up, smiled habitually, and lightly kissed the back of Cordelia’s hand. Though a common greeting, Cordelia flinched as if it was her first time.

“You seem to like that hairpin.”

“Oh, it’s my favorite accessory.”

“Sapphire, right? It matches your eyes very well.”

Cordelia blushed slightly at Edwin’s compliment. He remembered the sapphire hairpin she wore last time they met. The thought made her feel a bit ticklish.

“You know a lot about jewelry.”

“It’s one of the things I deal with.”

Edwin replied calmly as he pulled out a chair for Cordelia.

“You didn’t have to take time out of your busy schedule, did you?”

“Don’t worry. Meeting you is worth finding the time for.”

“Such sweet words.”

Cordelia admired Edwin’s charm without any malice.

“If we’re to create the romance of the century in the tabloids, we should get to know each other. We’re going to be married soon, yet we know nothing about each other.”

Though Cordelia had gathered information about Edwin, hearing it from him was different. She hid the fact that she had investigated him and spoke elegantly.

“You’re right.”

Edwin agreed. Unlike long engagements, their marriage was arranged quickly due to circumstances.

“Do you have any questions for me?”

Cordelia’s eyes sparkled.

“I want to start with the basics.”

“Ask away.”

“What’s your family like?”

“My father, stepmother, me, my half-brother, and his wife. That’s five of us.”

Edwin answered smoothly.

“I know you’re not the center of scandalous rumors.”

“Do you have any hidden children or such?”

Edwin chuckled briefly at Cordelia’s genuine curiosity. His eyes glinted for a moment.

“I understand why you’d wonder. No, I have no hidden children.”

Edwin acknowledged his suspicious history and candidly revealed the truth. Cordelia, convinced he wouldn’t lie face-to-face, nodded.

“How are your relations with your family? Especially with your stepmother and half-brother?”

“My relationship with Barton is just so-so.”

Edwin replied calmly.

“But I have a bit of a strained relationship with my stepmother, Mrs. Lian, and Barton’s wife, Hailey Tride. However, they won’t harm you, Princess.”

“And your father?”

“A typical father-son relationship. But he holds you in high regard.”

“Really?”

So far, it wasn’t bad. Cordelia quietly rolled her eyes. But some things still bothered her.

“If you want, we can add conditions to our marriage contract or even write an agreement. Princess.”

Just as she was about to ask about his ex-wife, Edwin interrupted smoothly. Cordelia blinked in surprise.

“Given your concerns about me and my family, it might be better to have things in writing.”

“I didn’t plan to go that far…”

Cordelia hesitated, sensing Edwin’s intention.

“But I have one condition.”

A condition? Cordelia waited for Edwin to continue.

“I wish to avoid any questions about my former wife.”

“……”

“I promise I will do my best for you and fulfill my promises to the royal family.”

Edwin spoke gently about his dedication to the royal family and his commitment to their relationship.

“But regarding my ex-wife…”

But then, a sorrowful expression covered Edwin’s face. It was so poignant that it made Cordelia’s heart sink.

“It’s neither a pleasant topic nor relevant to our current situation.”

Edwin smiled sadly. Having lost his wife to war without seeing her last moments, he must have deep scars. Cordelia felt guilty for her insensitivity.

“I’m sorry, I was thoughtless.”

At her cautious apology, Edwin shook his head with a smile.

Though he had every right to be offended, he showed kindness by understanding her unintentional mistake.

“I won’t mention your ex-wife again. I promise.”