chapter 14
In both her past life and this one, the word “family” had always been used to excuse violence.
An unmarried daughter was considered her father’s property—because the law and society said so.
“…Wait.”
Godell suddenly paused.
Yes, an unmarried daughter belonged to her father.
But what if… she wasn’t an outsider anymore? What if she were… a fiancée?
If her “partner” was someone who—despite being annoying and suspicious—at least understood that violence done under a family name wasn’t normal, maybe this could work.
Godell swallowed hard.
It was a crazy idea. One she might regret for the rest of her life.
But he was the one who proposed first, wasn’t he? There was nothing to lose. And with the timing and situation being this perfect, why not take the chance?
She stepped forward.
Luis’s bloodshot eyes immediately locked onto her.
Eden instinctively reached out, stopping her from stepping any closer and muttered with an annoyed face,
“You never know what this maniac might do. Just stay back—”
But he couldn’t finish the sentence.
“……?”
Because Godell had wrapped her arm around his.
And it wasn’t just a casual gesture—it was close, tight, clearly showing intimacy.
Miller, watching from behind, gasped. He had never seen anyone touch his master like that and walk away unharmed.
As for Eden, he looked down at Godell. But his expression wasn’t angry or cold.
‘What is this woman doing now?’
For the first time, Eden—always composed and collected—looked genuinely startled. He even seemed to forget his usual neat-freak tendencies.
Godell, the one who had started all this, simply looked straight at Luis with a confident face and said,
“Then there’s even less reason for me to go with you, Father.”
Then she gently rested her head on Eden’s shoulder.
“…Because I have a new family now.”
She smiled sweetly, as if she were the happiest person in the world, and looked up at Eden.
“……?”
But Eden just stared at her, completely silent.
His expression looked a little surprised… maybe even stunned.
He’s seriously making that face right now?
This wasn’t the time for that kind of reaction.
Godell nudged his side with her elbow, subtle but firm.
Get with the program.
When Eden subtly trembled, trying not to show it, Godell gave him a firm look as if telling him to pull it together.
Finally, Eden’s gaze flicked once to Luis, then once to Godell.
“…Ah.”
He let out a small, unreadable sound—and then smiled gently.
“You’re right. I forgot my manners. I apologize.”
His tone had completely softened, far calmer than before. It seemed he had finally caught on to the situation.
Good. Godell cheered inwardly, her fist clenching slightly in relief.
But suddenly, Eden pulled away from her arm.
She thought he was just unlinking arms, but then she felt the distinct texture of his leather glove against her palm.
His large hand wrapped tightly around hers.
“I know I should be polite… but my fiancée’s safety comes first.”
“W-What?”
“So I’m afraid I can’t step aside, Father.”
Eden’s grip on her hand tightened as he smiled lightly.
Luis froze at the word “Father.” It had come from a man who wasn’t even part of the family.
Even in his blind rage, Luis understood what that meant.
He stuttered in disbelief. “W-What are you saying…?”
Godell answered for him, already sensing Eden’s intent.
“Exactly what it sounds like. You no longer have any say in our lives, Father.”
“W-What?”
Luis repeated it like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Godell… engaged? It was a word that didn’t fit her at all.
At first, Luis had tried everything to marry her off. She was beautiful, and many men wanted a beautiful wife—especially those who were still unmarried or divorced under scandal.
But Godell had thrown tantrums, shouting she’d rather die than marry anyone who wasn’t Gilbert.
Even the men Luis managed to find eventually ran away, terrified of her behavior. So he had nearly given up.
And now, she’s getting married?
Godell, who always claimed there was no one but Gilbert?
Her engagement could only mean one thing: Gilbert was gone.
If people started asking about his whereabouts, it could turn into a disaster. Luis couldn’t allow that.
He was about to explode—but then he looked at Eden and hesitated.
Eden was wearing clothes that looked expensive, even through Luis’s aging eyes.
And the way he spoke, the way he looked down on people—it was clear he was used to power.
Luis didn’t know what brought this rich man to his daughter, but one thing was certain: he had money.
Compared to Luis’s uncertain pension, a wealthy suitor was obviously the better bet.
“…Why didn’t you tell me something this important sooner?”
Luis’s voice suddenly became gentle, like nothing had happened.
“I was just so shocked, I forgot you were our guest. Ahem… Still, to think you didn’t even tell your father about something so important. That’s a little too much, don’t you think?”
Just moments ago, he was watching Eden nervously. Now that he realized Eden was a suitor, Luis was pretending to be the one in control.
This man… Godell’s eyebrow twitched in anger.
But before she could speak, Eden calmly said,
“I’ve just been so busy lately, I completely forgot to visit you in advance, Father. I apologize.”
Hearing Eden’s polite apology, Luis smiled slightly.
Then he raised his voice again, acting as if everything was perfectly fine.
“That won’t do. Even if this is a matter between you two, there are still proper formalities to observe between families. Since this is the union of two noble houses, there are matters that must be carefully discussed before marriage.”
“You’re right,” Eden replied.
“Then we need to properly discuss the details,” Luis added firmly.
“You mean a discussion between the heads of both families,” Eden clarified.
“Exactly,” Luis nodded, pleased. Even though Eden hadn’t used any honorifics, Luis let it slide, feeling like he had the upper hand now. He started grinning, already imagining the benefits he could gain from this marriage.
“You needn’t worry about that,” Eden said calmly.
“…What?”
“I’ve already spoken with the proper representative in the absence of the head of the household.”
Luis’s grin instantly vanished.
“…What do you mean it’s already settled?”
“I heard you’ve been away for the past few months. At the gambling house, apparently.”
“……!”
Luis’s face froze as soon as Eden mentioned his whereabouts.
“W-What does that have to do with this marriage?”
“Why wouldn’t it matter? As you said yourself, this is a union between noble families—it requires care and attention.”
Eden smiled gently. But unlike his warm expression, his eyes had turned cold and sharp.
“As the fiancée, I made sure to look into everything. Including the funds you’ve used—money meant for the Hero—spent illegally.”
“T-That was money Gilbert gave to me!”
“Then let’s ask your son directly.”
Where is he?
Eden’s tone lost all emotion, his smile gone in an instant.
Godell unintentionally held her breath.
She was surprised that Eden knew everything—but more than that, she realized this was her chance to finally get rid of Luis.
Luis, too, realized he was cornered. His face turned pale.
“I suppose we’ll have to continue this conversation another time,” Eden said politely as he stood tall again.
At his motion, the knights of House Vertenon, including Miller, stepped forward to his side.
“No—no! This isn’t right! I’m the head of this family! Hildegard belongs to me!”
Luis shouted, raging and struggling, but he was no match for the knights.
As Luis was dragged away, Eden watched him calmly and said in a courteous voice:
“It was a pleasure, Father.”
Now, take care.
“Are you all right?”
At the sound of his voice above me, I looked up. Eden was standing over me, watching with concern.
His eyes moved to my arm. Through the rolled-up sleeve, the marks left by Luis’s grip and the bruises from resisting him were clearly visible.
I gave a small, bitter smile.
“Oh, this? It’s nothing.”
I had braced myself for worse, so this was honestly a relief. In fact, getting rid of Luis was such a big win that the pain was worth it.
Not that it doesn’t hurt, I thought to myself.
After quickly wrapping the wounds myself, I started to lower my arm—but Eden reached toward me.
“…What are you doing?” I asked.
“If you bandage it like that, it’ll get worse.”
“It’s not even that bad…”
“That kind of careless thinking only delays healing.”
Eden raised an eyebrow, as if to say just let me do it. I stared at his large hand for a second, then hesitantly placed mine in his.
He sat beside me and gently unwrapped the sloppy bandage, then carefully examined the injury.
He clicked his tongue quietly.
“It looks painful.”
“It’s just a little swollen. Nothing serious.”
“You also don’t seem very eager to treat it properly.”
He muttered teasingly, but despite his joking tone, his eyes were completely serious as he checked the wound.
I quietly watched him. Beneath his long lashes, his blue eyes looked especially deep.
Maybe it was because I was used to seeing his smug, smirking face—but right now, he looked different.
As I stared at him silently, I opened my mouth carefully.
“…Your Grace.”
And then, I finally asked the question I’d been holding back for a while.
“…Why did you help me?”
At my question, Eden raised his eyebrows, as if it was the last thing he expected to hear.
Then he looked back down at the bandage and answered.
