~Chapter 08~
Cedric, who had been staring at Eileen for a long time, slowly spoke.
“…You’re really not wearing any earrings.”
“Yeah. They were all taken away.”
It might’ve sounded like a joke, but sadly, it wasn’t.
Eileen sighed, thinking of the small jewelry she had set aside, which didn’t quite match the glamorous ball gown she was wearing.
That was really all she had left now.
Even so, she didn’t want anyone’s pity.
After all, she’d have to return to the Cassier mansion soon, and she didn’t know how the people who’d taken over the house would react if she caused any more trouble.
What about the Emperor…?
Maybe if she cried and begged about her situation, he’d help her.
But the current Count Cassier, a man great at flattery, was quickly earning the Crown Prince’s trust.
The middle-aged Crown Prince wanted to inherit all of Cassiar’s wealth and influence, and was already managing most state affairs in place of the Emperor.
Even though Eileen and Cedric’s engagement was strongly supported by the Emperor himself, and the Crown Prince had no reason to object—it still wasn’t enough.
Relying on the imperial family was nearly impossible for Eileen.
‘Besides, the Emperor never really cared for me.’
The younger sister he truly cherished had already passed away. That had dealt a final blow to the already-ailing emperor’s health.
“…Taken away?”
At that moment, Cedric’s face came into view. He looked at her with a confused expression.
Cedric Lowell—did he even realize that all his emotions, whether frustration or sorrow, showed clearly on his face?
“You don’t seem like the kind of person who would let someone take what’s yours.”
“It’s not like I wanted to give it up.”
Cedric quietly waited.
Usually, after saying something like that, people would explain more—like his childhood friend Diana, who always chatted nonstop after opening up.
He just had to wait, and Diana would spill all her feelings, and then he’d respond.
But Eileen didn’t say anything at all.
But Aileen said nothing more, like that was all she was willing to share.
‘Even I told her everything…’ Cedric thought.
Last time, he had embarrassed himself, blurting out everything in his heart to Eileen without shame. He regretted it for days.
But by today, he had come to a sort of conclusion.
That maybe he hadn’t treated Eileen Cassiar fairly from the start.
So if Eileen would just open up a little, tell him her worries or what she hoped for, he planned to listen—pretending he had no choice.
That way, they’d each know something vulnerable about the other. It would be fair.
“What are you doing? Let’s go inside.”
“…Okay.”
But Eileen didn’t seem willing to share any personal thoughts or feelings.
He wasn’t supposed to be disappointed by that.
Still, as he reached out to lead her into the mansion, he felt oddly disappointed.
***
“Hoho, what a perfect pair you make. Lord Lowell, you’re so lucky to have such a beautiful fiancée.”
A noblewoman’s compliment caught Cedric off guard again.
He looked serious, but it was only because he was trying to think of a polite reply.
“Thank you, madam. I hope you’ve been well lately?”
Eileen smoothly stepped in to break the awkward silence.
Cedric’s gaze naturally shifted to her.
Unlike him, she circled the ballroom gracefully, exchanging greetings with ease.
“Oh, I’m the same as always. But my goodness, you look lovely again today. If only my daughter looked half as pretty as Lady Cassiar.”
“No matter how elegant I might be, I can’t match Lady Child’s embroidery skills. I should be the one learning from her.”
“She’s right, Baroness. Everyone was so impressed with that handkerchief she embroidered!”
In Cedric’s eyes, noble young ladies who chased after him with admiring glances were easier to deal with than these noblewomen.
But strangely, even those women seemed gentler in front of Eileen Cassiar.
“Cedric. That man—he’s the head of a well-known trading company in the west. Remember that.”
It was surprising she had the composure to casually tap his arm or chest and whisper such tips.
“…I already know that much.”
“Then don’t just know—get close to him. There’s nothing wrong with befriending someone rich and well-connected.”
Eileen said it purely from a practical point of view. But for some reason, Cedric delayed his response again.
“The dukedom has money too.”
“Who said you don’t have power? I’m just saying your influence is strong. You can give the big merchant groups what they want if they’re looking to expand their trade partners.”
Eileen said this because, while Cedric was clearly proud of his family, he didn’t always seem aware of how much authority he truly held.
“Even if you don’t trade with them directly, it’s smart to have them owe you a favor—or at least earn their goodwill.”
“…Okay.”
His response was reluctant, but Eileen decided to be satisfied with the fact that he agreed at all.
Still, she couldn’t help but wonder why she was going so far to help Cedric build useful connections.
Maybe it was the image stuck in her mind—that time she saw him, shoulders drooped and face tired under the weight of responsibility.
‘Having to carry everything alone…’
But she didn’t have time to dwell on it. She had barely taken a few steps when someone else stopped her again.
“Eileen! It’s been a while. How have you been?”
“I’ve been well, thank you.”
“Oh, this is my nephew, he just arrived in the capital…”
It was a noblewoman, eager to introduce her nephew and help him make good connections.
In the process, Eileen didn’t notice that Cedric had quietly stepped away.
“Cedric, you—”
After finishing her cheerful conversation, she turned casually—only to find he was no longer beside her.
Startled, she looked around and saw him a little distance away, deep in conversation with a group of noblemen.
They looked like they were in the middle of a lively discussion, with a large middle-aged man standing at the center.
The man, laughing heartily, was none other than Baron Rotner, the head of the biggest merchant group in the western region—the very person Eileen had just mentioned to Cedric.
He, too, seemed eager to form ties with the heir of the powerful northern family, holding onto Cedric and chatting enthusiastically.
‘I didn’t think he’d actually take my advice to heart.’
Eileen slowly stepped back from her conversation and kept glancing over at Cedric.
“Lord Lowell is, of course…”
“Yes, exactly…”
The baron kept laughing loudly, clearly enjoying himself. Surprisingly, Cedric didn’t seem out of place at all.
He stood confidently, not intimidated by the baron’s presence, occasionally sharing his own thoughts. It was clear that he had the potential to lead a great household.
‘Maybe I was worried for no reason.’
Just then, Cedric turned, and their eyes met.
He hesitated for a moment, then said something. The baron looked toward Eileen, smiled, and gave Cedric a friendly pat on the shoulder, as if telling him to go ahead.
“…Well then, of course…”
Even without hearing the full conversation, it was clear what had happened. Cedric must’ve told the baron he was going back to his fiancée.
Cedric began walking toward her with a light step.
‘Why now…’
At the same moment, the Countess of Cassier and her daughters appeared, dressed in loud, flashy outfits, approaching from the other side.
Eileen’s face turned cold.
“What’s wrong? Is something the matter?”
Cedric had reached her and noticed her suddenly stiff expression. He grew serious, sensing something was off.
“…My feet hurt. I want to rest.”
“Are you okay? Does it hurt a lot? Should I help you walk?”
Was she actually feeling unwell? Her face did look a bit pale.
Cedric noticed how tense her body was and grew more worried, carefully checking her condition.
