~Chapter 04~
Eileen paused for a moment, watching Cedric. The childish attitude he had shown when he first came to visit was now nowhere to be found. All that remained was a serious intensity, as he focused sharply on his opponent’s movements without losing concentration.
‘As expected. Everyone has a place where they truly belong.’
Just as Eileen was confident in her ability to hold her ground in high society with her sharp wit and refined manners, Cedric’s true strength came out when he held a sword in his hand. Watching him sweat while enjoying the thrill of the fight, Eileen couldn’t help but think that life in the capital must feel suffocating to him.
Cedric, with his keen senses, noticed her presence before the butler even said anything. He turned to look at her, and his face twisted in surprise and disbelief.
“…What is that look?”
“Hello. Your greeting just now was incredibly rude for a fiancé, but I’ll let it slide.”
Their second meeting felt far more refreshing than the first, but Cedric’s face still contorted when he heard her words. He clearly didn’t like her tone.
But then again, it was he who had started the rudeness by using such impolite words with a noble lady. Eileen didn’t regret her response.
She casually turned to glance at his sparring partner, not even bothering to hold back a comment.
“Aren’t you going to introduce us?”
Of course, they both knew who the other was. It wasn’t like they were strangers. However, in high society, starting a conversation without a formal introduction was considered improper. Eileen was simply reminding him of the rigid and old-fashioned manners that governed their world.
Cedric shot a look at her, then glanced back at his sparring partner, clearly at a loss for words. Eventually, he gestured lightly and muttered, “This is my assistant, Cassel Ronon. And this is my fiancée.”
“Please just call me Cassel.”
While Cedric barely acknowledged her, Cassel bowed respectfully. Eileen smiled warmly and replied kindly.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Cassel.”
Of course, Eileen knew Cassel well. He had long served as a loyal assistant to the head of the Lowell family.
Cedric, having finished with his sword, wiped the sweat from his face and hastily asked,
“So why are you here?”
“Well, since you didn’t ask, I’ll tell you. I’ve been doing well. You look healthy too. I came to talk about the ball at the duke’s estate. Also, I wanted to thank you for the gift.”
“…You don’t need to thank me. And why the ball?”
“Ah, so the dress wasn’t sent because of the ball. I figured you wouldn’t invite me, so I came to let you know I’d be attending. And of course, I should be your partner, right?”
“Why would you—”
Eileen gave him a look, silently questioning whether she would need to explain everything from the start again. This time, there was a hint of annoyance in her gaze.
Cedric, about to argue, let out a long sigh instead.
“Fine. You’re my fiancée, so I guess that’s true. I get it.”
“Glad to hear that. Considering we’ll likely be attending other events together in the future.”
Cedric didn’t respond, placing his sword on the table beside the sparring grounds and slumping into a chair. He turned his head away in clear frustration.
But Eileen wasn’t bothered. She continued speaking.
“You’re going to be in the capital all winter, right?”
This question wasn’t just for Cedric. It was directed at Cassel, who had been watching their exchange with interest.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“How did you know that?” Cedric muttered bitterly.
“I highly doubt you’re planning to hire this many people and thoroughly renovate the estate if you’re leaving soon.”
Though he spoke as if it were just a guess, Eileen didn’t need to ask anyone. She already knew. She continued to stare at Cedric, her gaze sharp, before turning to Cassel.
“Could you please move aside?”
Cassel nodded and stepped back without hesitation, but Eileen’s maid didn’t move from her place.
Eileen turned to her.
“You too, Mary.”
“But, my lady…”
With a look that left no room for argument, Mary finally stepped back.
Now, with only May and Cassel left, Eileen moved to sit opposite Cedric.
“As your fiancée, you know we’re supposed to attend most events together.”
After a pause, she added in a serious tone,
“It would be good to build connections with influential families while we’re here in the capital. Understanding the flow of power, especially around the royal family, is important too.”
As she spoke, she couldn’t help but notice the rough patches on Cedric’s hands.
Though he was acting childishly, Eileen couldn’t deny that Cedric was undoubtedly skilled in swordsmanship, perhaps one of the best in the Empire. This fact became clearer to her in that moment.
Cedric Lowell, despite grumbling and showing signs of frustration, didn’t seem to have a bad nature at his core. So, Eileen decided to offer him some advice, her voice quiet but firm.
“Being good with a sword and leading the knights might not be enough to protect the North and the Duke’s family fully.”
“I can do it.”
Finally, Cedric reacted. He turned sharply to face her, his expression one of defiance, as if his worth were being questioned.
“You said no one has more talent than me. I’ve fought in battles. You’ve never even touched a sword, right? You don’t understand how the North survives and how we defend our territory!”
“Of course, I acknowledge your skills. And I know I’ll never fully understand your position.”
Eileen replied, idly fiddling with the torn part of her dress.
Her calm demeanor, unwavering in any situation, seemed to have a calming effect on Cedric. He released the tension from his clenched hand, which had been gripping the sword hilt.
“You’re better at swordsmanship, but in society, I hold the advantage. So listen to me. Since you’ll be in the capital anyway, you might as well engage in some social exchanges. You need to know which families can help.”
“I know about the social scene,” Cedric replied.
“Then why don’t you want to participate in social events?”
“Because I don’t want to go with you.”
His words were sharp, clearly laced with frustration. But Eileen wasn’t fazed by it. Instead, the question she had been holding in for a while came out.
“…Do you really dislike me that much?”
“You come in here, interrupt my training, and lecture me. Who wouldn’t dislike that?”
Eileen’s heart twinged slightly, but she ignored the feeling and pushed forward.
“Then why did you send me the dress?”
It was a question she asked without much thought, but it seemed to strike a nerve with Cedric. His face immediately turned bright red—much more intensely than a ripened apple.
“…So.”
“So, what?”
Cedric thought she was teasing him. Her face appeared to be genuinely confused, but he wondered if it was all an act to provoke him.
Finally, he blurted out, “I’m sorry!…”
It took Eileen a moment to process what he meant. She blinked in surprise before realizing what he had said.
“…You’re kinder than I thought.”
“Is that an insult or a compliment?”
“Depends on how you take it. If it sounds like an insult, maybe you’re guilty about something.”
Eileen decided to take it as a positive sign. It seemed like Cedric didn’t actually hate her, just didn’t particularly like her. That was a level of cooperation she could work with.
As Eileen smiled warmly, Cedric’s face crushed up even more. Trying to shift attention away from his embarrassment, he pointed to the bottom of her dress.
“Did you wear that dress to protest for me to buy you more?”
“If you walk around for exercise, the dress might get a little dirty.”
“I’m not buying you another one.”
“I never asked you to.”
Their conversation was childish, but Eileen could tell Cedric was trying to hide his red face by turning the attention to something else. She decided to let it slide and play along, ignoring his attempt to shift the conversation.
