Chapter 22
“What is it you want to say?”
I decided I might as well hear him out.
Crossing my legs, I asked in the most aloof manner I could manage.
Edin gave a slight smile and began his intended topic.
“I heard you’re being introduced to Lord Royche.”
Ah… that.
I still didn’t know what on earth Selvia’s true intentions were in introducing him to me, but since the arrangement had already been made, it was a meeting I couldn’t avoid.
Feeling deflated, I nodded, leaning back into my chair with an expression that made it clear I wasn’t thrilled.
“He must’ve told you himself?”
“Yes. When you spend time together, all sorts of stories come up.”
“Mm… it’s just…”
It was a perfect give-and-take. I had only agreed for his sake, out of goodwill.
But saying it outright would’ve sounded petty, so instead, I brought up something else.
“I’ve been told to go to blind meetings since forever. But as you know, I’m not in a situation where I can throw away my family and get married.”
I shrugged.
The meaning was clear: You, of all people, should understand this.
“You are steadfast. That’s why you recoiled when I first suggested marrying me in Lena’s place.”
“No matter how angry I might be, there’s still a line one shouldn’t cross, even in jest. I’m glad you understand that.”
The words were less polite than they should have been, but Edin laughed anyway, as if he accepted it.
“Still, Lady, you must have an ideal type. Could you tell me? I’ll have my adjutant take care not to make you uncomfortable.”
Would he really adjust his attitude depending on my answer?
His proposal was a little odd, but as light small talk, it wasn’t so hard to respond.
Folding my arms, I thought carefully about the kind of person I liked.
In this world too, someone like me—who found joy in work—needed…
“Well, first, I love my work. So I like someone who won’t complain if I’m gone six days a week for it. True love, I think, should mean he loves me as I am, while still feeling compassion and worrying for me.”
“That’s true. Respecting whatever Miss Daphne does is important.”
“And I don’t like being meddled with. Even my parents once hoped I’d just become a tutor in another household. If I had gone along quietly back then, my family would’ve been destroyed…”
“Miss Daphne is always wise. I agree you made the smarter choice.”
“…I wasn’t fishing for compliments, but thank you. Oh, and there’s one more thing, the most important.”
“What is it?”
“No more than three years older than me.”
“……”
“I like a man who’s easygoing. And—you won’t go telling anyone I said this, will you?”
“…I won’t.”
“Knew I could count on you, Your Grace. Since we’re on the topic of ideal types—I dislike older men. Even if the age difference is only a year or two, why do they always act so condescending and dismissive?”
I clenched my fist.
It was because I’d thought of that jerk I’d dated in my previous life.
“I… wouldn’t do that.”
“Of course you wouldn’t, Duke! But most men are like that. Always pretending they know better, acting like they’re smarter just because they eat a bit more, treating the woman like she’s some fool!”
Before I knew it, my voice had risen in anger.
“Calm yourself, Miss Daphne. Not everyone is like that.”
“Ha… it’s from experience.”
“…Experience? You’ve met someone before?”
“…When I was very young. Anyway.”
“There are things about you I don’t know, Miss Daphne… never mind.”
“Oh, right. This might make Your Grace want to run away, but…”
Once my mouth opened, everything I wanted to say started spilling out.
“The most important thing is wit, and being compatible in temperament. My dream is a man who will wear a dress I made. I’ll wear the tuxedo, he’ll wear the gown, and he’ll agree cheerfully when I say so—that kind of man.”
I had a romantic vision of wedding photos where we swapped outfits.
Once, I’d suggested this to that ex-boyfriend of mine after seeing photos like that, but he’d sulked. It had taken me three days to soothe his mood.
Such a petty, small-minded man.
Just thinking of him soured my mood.
I calmed myself, sat upright again, and looked at Edin.
He fell silent for a moment, chewing over my words, before meeting my eyes with his clear blue gaze.
“…I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Aw, no need. There are plenty of ladies who’d love you just the way you are, Duke.”
Even if he tried, most would just think he was eccentric.
I considered telling him my ideal type wasn’t like that of ordinary ladies, but I decided against it.
I don’t want to share that much.
Even though I knew I ought to be helping Edin.
Even though I knew his early marriage would benefit me, sometimes I just couldn’t bring myself to act properly.
“It’s getting late. Shall I take you home?”
Was he changing the subject because there was nothing left to say?
The sky was darkening.
By the time I reached the shop, most people would be off work.
But I had more than a few dresses to make.
Helping him was one thing, but since I’d resumed work, I had to craft them perfectly.
Which meant overtime was unavoidable.
“It’s fine. I’ve got a lot to do these days, so I can’t afford to slack off. There’s a dress due next week, and I have three clients coming tomorrow alone. I need to keep moving.”
“In that case, even after I marry and our contract ends, it will be difficult for you to take a holiday.”
“Still, I’m planning not to accept any reservations beyond six months from now. That’s about my limit.”
“Six months… That sounds like the length of our contract.”
“Yes, I set it with that in mind.”
He repeated my words under his breath.
I studied his slightly parted lips and faint frown, then turned my head away.
Why does he look regretful?
Fortunately, the carriage stopped at just the right moment.
As I’d requested, he had found a quiet but safe street.
I wanted no unnecessary words that might stir emotions.
Every time I spoke with Edin, I noticed something.
He seemed to want to gently press at thoughts and feelings in me that I hadn’t even realized were there.
And in those moments, I feared a tide of emotion would wash over me.
This is business. All I need to focus on is Edin’s marriage and investigating the Leodid family.
When he tried to offer me a hand down, I stopped him.
And I hopped down lightly myself.
“……”
“Well, I’ll be heading back now. Thank you for the ride. And as for other matches… I’ll keep looking. The matchmaker seems quite eager, so I’m sure there’ll be good results.”
“……”
“There are still plenty of wonderful ladies in the Empire. Ones truly suited for you, Duke.”
I smiled brightly, then ran toward my shop.
But I hadn’t gone far before Edin strode after me and blocked my path.
“…Is something else the matter?”
Please, just go.
“Miss Daphne, I have a request.”
He carefully took hold of my wrist.
“You don’t have to push yourself so hard because of me.”
“Push myself? I’m just doing what needs to be done.”
“No. What I mean is—I want you to keep your distance from Rowan. Leave that to me.”
His voice was colder and sharper than ever, as if he didn’t want me involved further.
But that only made me more unwilling to comply.
If he was not a righteous man, then I couldn’t just turn a blind eye either.
I gave him a faint smile.
“Don’t worry, Your Grace.”
And with all the bravado I could muster, as if I could handle anything, I replied:
“I’m the one who saved a family on the brink of losing its noble title with nothing but these two hands. Have you forgotten?”
Yes, the Leodid family was cursed.
Yes, being caught up in this situation made me uneasy.
But for some reason, before Edin, I wanted to show defiance—
even knowing it did me no good.
