ESWPT 02

Chapter 2

Silence fell.

The entire ballroom went still.

Everyone stared at them with eyes full of shock.

A public proposal was nothing unusual, but the way people reacted now was far from ordinary.

And it wasn’t simply because a woman had proposed to a man.

Edward knew the exact reason.

The flower of high society had just proposed to the Empire’s most undesirable groom.

Ever since the current emperor had ascended the throne, no sane noblewoman wanted to associate with him.

Of course, there were always a few reckless young ladies who fell for Edward’s rather handsome looks and came fluttering to confess like moths to a flame.

But their parents were sane enough, and none of those passionate girls could overcome their families’ opposition.

He stepped forward.

Cecilia’s cheeks were tinged with a rosy blush.

Had she been a commoner, she would have become a celebrated actress known across the Empire.

Of course, the role she was playing here was no different from that of an actress either.

Edward looked down at Cecilia.

What thoughts were coiled inside that small, pretty head—only the two of them knew.

“Cecilia.”

“…Edward.”

Cecilia called his name as though he were the only man left in this world.

Edward opened his mouth. His voice was low, yet loud enough for everyone around them to hear and bear witness.

“My love, how could I possibly refuse you?”

Cecilia’s face lit up brightly.

She lifted Edward’s left hand and slid a ring onto his fourth finger.

She must have been nervous, but not a trace of trembling showed in her movements.

At once, the ballroom erupted in commotion.

Realizing this play needed more drama, Edward gently drew Cecilia into his arms.

He even considered a kiss, but seeing as she was still only nineteen, it felt far too soon.

“…”

Edward lost his words for a moment. Cecilia was too soft, too fragile.

As though, if he used the slightest force, she might shatter in his embrace.

What unsettled him next was her scent.

That fragrance again.

Sweet… harmless.

And yet, one that he felt he could never tire of, no matter how much he breathed it in.

“…E-Edward.”

Cecilia, looking a little uncomfortable, slipped out of his arms.

Only then did Edward realize he had been holding her for far too long without noticing the time, and he hastily let go.

“My apologies.”

He whispered the apology softly, just enough for her ears alone.

Passionate lovers never apologized for holding each other too long—best not let anyone else overhear.

Cecilia’s teal eyes sparkled at his words.

She looked up at him briefly, then opened her lips as though recalling something.

“Then, shall we dance? The marquis did bring the Empire’s finest orchestra for tonight, after all.”

“My night belongs entirely to you. Command me as you wish.”

Someone gasped at Edward’s metaphor.

Cecilia’s face flushed red, but she didn’t look displeased.

Quite the opposite.

Covering her mouth with a laugh, she pulled Edward along.

The orchestra began playing a waltz.

The two danced passionately, as though oblivious to the noisy crowd whose reactions nearly drowned out the music.

Smiling faintly, Cecilia spoke to Edward.

“You act better than I expected.”

“I’ll return those words right back to you.”

“I… have to do well.”

Cecilia murmured softly.

It sounded less like an answer to him and more like words she whispered to herself.

For a fleeting instant, a bitter smile crossed her lips. Then, suddenly, she twisted her right ankle sharply, staggering noticeably.

“Lady Cecilia!”

Edward caught her reflexively—only to realize, once again, that this too was calculated.

By Imperial custom, dancing couples were supposed to keep a proper distance.

But thanks to Cecilia’s stumble, Edward now held her tightly in his arms.

It was a display of intimacy reserved for married couples.

From this moment, even if the Emperor wanted to decree Cecilia as Empress, it would no longer be possible.

“Call me Cecilia.”

Surely she must have hurt herself twisting her ankle on purpose, yet Cecilia smiled sweetly as though nothing had happened.

“Since we’re to be husband and wife soon, how much longer will you keep addressing me so stiffly?”

“…Cecilia.”

“See? Not so hard, is it?”

With a playful tone, she added—

“Edward.”

A little later, they withdrew from the dancers.

On the surface, it was because of Cecilia’s injured ankle.

But in truth, it was to mingle with others and flaunt their relationship further.

What an amusing woman.

Edward thought, relishing the flood of attention focused on them both.

He could put on whatever act was needed to survive.

But this nineteen-year-old baron’s daughter who lifted her chin so proudly before him was…

Selfish. Arrogant. Convinced that her choices are always right.

Cecilia Graham truly believed she could bend the future to her will.

Just like Edward Ceres had once thought, back when he too was nineteen.

Edward’s lips curled upward.

Yes, she would make a perfect Duchess Ceres.

For one simple reason:

Edward was certain he would never love this woman.

Not because she always left him vaguely unsettled, for some trivial reason.

But because she resembled, almost pitifully, the past version of himself who had believed he could defy fate.

What Edward needed was a wife he could remain cold to, someone he could discard without hesitation whenever necessary.

Cecilia Graham was precisely that woman.

And his conviction never wavered—

…not until the exact day of their first wedding anniversary, when Cecilia betrayed him and left.

Five years had passed since the disappearance of Duchess Cecilia Ceres, a scandal that had shaken the entire Rineque Empire.

Now, in the Sorcerer Kingdom of Mejina, an uproar just as loud was erupting at the Tower of Guardians.

“Somebody stop her!”

“Since when does Lady Cecil listen to anyone who tries to stop her?”

“Well, true, but… what’ll we do if she leaves like this?”

“Then you stop her—you’re her closest friend!”

“No, you are!”

“When did I ever say that? You said so yourself—”

The apprentices bickered, shoving one another in panic. But soon they fell silent.

The door had opened.

And that Lady Cecil stepped out gracefully, carrying a heavy travel bag.

The true guardian of the Tower, its light and salt, its Alpha and Omega…

No honorific was too much for her—

The great archmage Cecilia, followed by countless admirers.