“How are you feeling?”
Cecilia, who was putting her teacup down on the table in response to Curtis' question, raised her right eyebrow slightly. It was an expression that suggested she was asking something strange.
“It’s okay. The weather is really nice.”
That was true. Cecilia wasn't upset about last night's events. After sorting out Ilya, who was becoming increasingly tiresome to watch, she felt even better than before.
“Yeah, that’s good.”
Curtis nodded, clearing his throat. This was his first visit to the Grand Duke's residence since Cecilia's marriage, and he had been told to stay for a night, but he had seen all sorts of things. Who would have thought that he would see a young woman the same age as his daughter burrowing into his bed at dawn?
“I’m glad you’re okay.”
“...”
“Has His Highness ever had a problem with women? How can he be so calm?”
Anyway, Curtis felt uneasy because the girl was aiming for his daughter's husband, but Cecilia seemed comfortable. So he was worried that their married life might not be smooth.
“I know better than anyone else that His Highness has never given room to any other woman, including Ilya.”
Cecilia smiled as if there was no need to worry about such things. Looking at her face, which did not show even the slightest worry, Curtis thought that he had worried for nothing.
“Yes, considering that the Archduke has been looking after you for a long time, such doubts are ridiculous.”
The engagement lasted 10 years. Recently, Cecilia became very ill and was bedridden. The palace sent a doctor, but there was no significant improvement, and many people predicted Cecilia's death.
“Because it’s impossible without loving you.”
Curtis was the same way. When he first brought up the subject of breaking off the engagement, the Emperor pretended to be defeated and accepted it. It was Eden who stopped him.
'We have been engaged for nine years. Who can Cecilia marry after breaking off our engagement?'
He said that it was morally impossible. And since the engagement would be automatically broken off when Cecilia died anyway, he said that it was impolite to talk about breaking off an engagement while someone was sick. The fathers who brought up the idea of breaking off the engagement and recommended it were the only ones who felt embarrassed.
And fortunately, Cecilia got up from her sickbed. If Eden hadn't protected Cecilia at that time, Cecilia would have had to find a husband among the remaining rags.
"Love..."
Cecilia muttered a word softly, fiddling with the handle of her teacup.
There was a reason why Cecilia of the past had taken Eden's heart. Everyone around them said that Eden's attitude towards Cecilia could not have been anything other than love. Curtis, Madam Monte, Abby. Everyone Cecilia loved and trusted said so.
“He is a very affectionate person.”
So she believed that his heart was love. He never once confessed it out loud. Thinking back now, it was quite funny. If he had been able to know Cecilia's thoughts, Eden would have found it ridiculous.
“But Cecilia.”
“Yes, father.”
“I’m saying this because you said it was okay...”
It was while she was lost in thought for a moment that Curtis opened his mouth with a hesitant look on his face.
“If we can safely pass the audit, I hope that no excessive punishment will be imposed on Count Nova.”
Cecilia's gaze fell on Curtis' face, who continued to speak hesitantly but firmly. Cecilia quietly waited for Curtis to continue.
“In fact, more than anything, I doubt that Count Nova really did that. There could be some misunderstanding.”
“...”
“Of course, the decision is up to you, but will it be difficult?”
Curtis asked cautiously. It was a question that actually did not invite a positive answer.
“I think it won’t be too late to talk about it after we’ve gone through the audit and found out that he’s not guilty.”
“Yes. You are right.”
“Does anything hurt anywhere?”
Instead of immediately saying no, Cecilia naturally changed the subject.
“You're fine, without any pain. I think you’ll live until your grandchild becomes an adult.”
“You’re also very humorous.”
Cecilia replied with a smile. Perhaps because she always faked a smile in front of Eden, she felt very comfortable.
“It looks like you’re having a good time.”
At that moment, a familiar voice cut through the space between them. Before the woman could even say hello, Eden sat down next to Cecilia in a familiar manner.
“I am sorry for what happened this morning.”
“I know that Your Highness did not do anything wrong.”
Curtis answered with a kind face. And in fact, it was better for him than for Eden to be in that state. It was even more so when someone saw Eden lying under Ilya, or when Eden held Ilya in his arms.
“I feel a little better when you say it like that.”
“Let’s stop the unpleasant talk here. This isn’t a pleasant conversation for either of us.”
Cecilia joined the conversation naturally.
“Actually, before Your Highness came, I was talking with my father about the island of Laner.”
Curtis nodded as if he had forgotten the conversation they had had up until then. He was willing to let it go if it was something Cecilia didn't want to talk about.
“Yesterday, I spoke with Cecilia, or rather Her Highness the Archduchess, about the island of Laner. It doesn’t seem to be a personal matter, so I was thinking about a project that could benefit the island itself.”
Curtis, who had been observing Eden's expression, spoke calmly.
“Since it was the Grand Duchess who made the proposal first, it would be best for her to tell it.”
Eden's gaze returned to Cecilia. Cecilia hesitated for a moment, then decided to speak frankly. If she was going to get him into business, her story had to be persuasive.
“As you know, it is natural that people living on the island would have no way to make a living if fishing activities were stopped.”
But asking for permission to fish in Benia would be tantamount to claiming that Laner Island belonged to Benia.
“So, the only thing I considered was the tourism business.”
Cecilia summarized the climate, environment, and characteristics of the people of Laner Island that she had heard from Alice, and told Eden about the positive possibilities of the business.
But there was no noticeable reaction from Eden. It was when Cecilia nervously grabbed his sleeve. Eden stared into Cecilia’s eyes.
“Your Highness, you saw it that day too.”
Cecilia spoke as if trying to persuade him. A faint trace of emotion appeared in Eden’s eyes. It was something similar to longing.
“Where do you plan to get the funds?”
Soon, Eden mastered his emotions. Eden turned his head and asked Curtis about the funding.
“It may be possible for the Duke Lane to handle it entirely, but the recent situation in the territory is not so good...”
Curtis trailed off, his face calculating this and that. It was to grant Cecilia's request.
“Please submit the report to the investment bank. I will be listed as an investor and co-founder.”
Yes. Cecilia smiled with relief at Eden. Eden watched Cecilia's beautiful smile with a subtle expression.
“Then I guess I’ll have to go back and get ready as soon as possible.”
Curtis smiled and answered, accepting Eden's offer.
“Why don’t you stay a little longer?”
“I guess I’m tired because of all the things that have happened. I want to go back and rest.”
As Curtis spoke, he stood up from his seat. Cecilia followed him.
“Oh, Father, your jacket is in Your Highness’s bedroom. I’ll go and get the documents I’ve organized.”
Curtis tried to stop Cecilia, but she had already moved quickly.
“Your Excellency, I think you should talk to me a little more.”
While Eden naturally distracted Curtis, Cecilia walked leisurely into Eden's bedroom.
“Oh, here it is.”
Curtis's jacket was draped over the back of the chair, folded. Just as Cecilia was lifting the jacket from the chair, something fell out of the jacket with a rustling sound.
'Why would I have any separate contact with him?'
It was from the position where Curtis had been groping while talking about the story of Count Oberon's family. Cecilia, who had been blinking for a moment and lost in thought, bent down and picked up the paper.
“...”
Cecilia, who was about to put the paper in Curtis's jacket, stopped involuntarily. It was because of the scent that suddenly brushed her nose. The perfume was something only nobles enjoyed, and among them, the floral scent that was on this paper was exclusive to women.
"Female?"
Considering that Curtis had been alone since her biological mother died, there was no reason or right to criticize him even if he had a woman.
But she still felt uneasy, perhaps because the scent was not so unfamiliar. Cecilia instinctively thought of someone who loved the strong scent of roses.
“I have some really strange thoughts...”
Of course, it was a ridiculous idea. Cecilia laughed and shook her head as if it was ridiculous.
Although she had decided to turn away from Eden thanks to being given two chances, Curtis was not. Curtis was completely on Eden's and the Crown Prince's side. So there was no reason for him to have private contact with the Empress.
No way.
Cecilia, who was putting her teacup down on the table in response to Curtis' question, raised her right eyebrow slightly. It was an expression that suggested she was asking something strange.
“It’s okay. The weather is really nice.”
That was true. Cecilia wasn't upset about last night's events. After sorting out Ilya, who was becoming increasingly tiresome to watch, she felt even better than before.
“Yeah, that’s good.”
Curtis nodded, clearing his throat. This was his first visit to the Grand Duke's residence since Cecilia's marriage, and he had been told to stay for a night, but he had seen all sorts of things. Who would have thought that he would see a young woman the same age as his daughter burrowing into his bed at dawn?
“I’m glad you’re okay.”
“...”
“Has His Highness ever had a problem with women? How can he be so calm?”
Anyway, Curtis felt uneasy because the girl was aiming for his daughter's husband, but Cecilia seemed comfortable. So he was worried that their married life might not be smooth.
“I know better than anyone else that His Highness has never given room to any other woman, including Ilya.”
Cecilia smiled as if there was no need to worry about such things. Looking at her face, which did not show even the slightest worry, Curtis thought that he had worried for nothing.
“Yes, considering that the Archduke has been looking after you for a long time, such doubts are ridiculous.”
The engagement lasted 10 years. Recently, Cecilia became very ill and was bedridden. The palace sent a doctor, but there was no significant improvement, and many people predicted Cecilia's death.
“Because it’s impossible without loving you.”
Curtis was the same way. When he first brought up the subject of breaking off the engagement, the Emperor pretended to be defeated and accepted it. It was Eden who stopped him.
'We have been engaged for nine years. Who can Cecilia marry after breaking off our engagement?'
He said that it was morally impossible. And since the engagement would be automatically broken off when Cecilia died anyway, he said that it was impolite to talk about breaking off an engagement while someone was sick. The fathers who brought up the idea of breaking off the engagement and recommended it were the only ones who felt embarrassed.
And fortunately, Cecilia got up from her sickbed. If Eden hadn't protected Cecilia at that time, Cecilia would have had to find a husband among the remaining rags.
"Love..."
Cecilia muttered a word softly, fiddling with the handle of her teacup.
There was a reason why Cecilia of the past had taken Eden's heart. Everyone around them said that Eden's attitude towards Cecilia could not have been anything other than love. Curtis, Madam Monte, Abby. Everyone Cecilia loved and trusted said so.
“He is a very affectionate person.”
So she believed that his heart was love. He never once confessed it out loud. Thinking back now, it was quite funny. If he had been able to know Cecilia's thoughts, Eden would have found it ridiculous.
“But Cecilia.”
“Yes, father.”
“I’m saying this because you said it was okay...”
It was while she was lost in thought for a moment that Curtis opened his mouth with a hesitant look on his face.
“If we can safely pass the audit, I hope that no excessive punishment will be imposed on Count Nova.”
Cecilia's gaze fell on Curtis' face, who continued to speak hesitantly but firmly. Cecilia quietly waited for Curtis to continue.
“In fact, more than anything, I doubt that Count Nova really did that. There could be some misunderstanding.”
“...”
“Of course, the decision is up to you, but will it be difficult?”
Curtis asked cautiously. It was a question that actually did not invite a positive answer.
“I think it won’t be too late to talk about it after we’ve gone through the audit and found out that he’s not guilty.”
“Yes. You are right.”
“Does anything hurt anywhere?”
Instead of immediately saying no, Cecilia naturally changed the subject.
“You're fine, without any pain. I think you’ll live until your grandchild becomes an adult.”
“You’re also very humorous.”
Cecilia replied with a smile. Perhaps because she always faked a smile in front of Eden, she felt very comfortable.
“It looks like you’re having a good time.”
At that moment, a familiar voice cut through the space between them. Before the woman could even say hello, Eden sat down next to Cecilia in a familiar manner.
“I am sorry for what happened this morning.”
“I know that Your Highness did not do anything wrong.”
Curtis answered with a kind face. And in fact, it was better for him than for Eden to be in that state. It was even more so when someone saw Eden lying under Ilya, or when Eden held Ilya in his arms.
“I feel a little better when you say it like that.”
“Let’s stop the unpleasant talk here. This isn’t a pleasant conversation for either of us.”
Cecilia joined the conversation naturally.
“Actually, before Your Highness came, I was talking with my father about the island of Laner.”
Curtis nodded as if he had forgotten the conversation they had had up until then. He was willing to let it go if it was something Cecilia didn't want to talk about.
“Yesterday, I spoke with Cecilia, or rather Her Highness the Archduchess, about the island of Laner. It doesn’t seem to be a personal matter, so I was thinking about a project that could benefit the island itself.”
Curtis, who had been observing Eden's expression, spoke calmly.
“Since it was the Grand Duchess who made the proposal first, it would be best for her to tell it.”
Eden's gaze returned to Cecilia. Cecilia hesitated for a moment, then decided to speak frankly. If she was going to get him into business, her story had to be persuasive.
“As you know, it is natural that people living on the island would have no way to make a living if fishing activities were stopped.”
But asking for permission to fish in Benia would be tantamount to claiming that Laner Island belonged to Benia.
“So, the only thing I considered was the tourism business.”
Cecilia summarized the climate, environment, and characteristics of the people of Laner Island that she had heard from Alice, and told Eden about the positive possibilities of the business.
But there was no noticeable reaction from Eden. It was when Cecilia nervously grabbed his sleeve. Eden stared into Cecilia’s eyes.
“Your Highness, you saw it that day too.”
Cecilia spoke as if trying to persuade him. A faint trace of emotion appeared in Eden’s eyes. It was something similar to longing.
“Where do you plan to get the funds?”
Soon, Eden mastered his emotions. Eden turned his head and asked Curtis about the funding.
“It may be possible for the Duke Lane to handle it entirely, but the recent situation in the territory is not so good...”
Curtis trailed off, his face calculating this and that. It was to grant Cecilia's request.
“Please submit the report to the investment bank. I will be listed as an investor and co-founder.”
Yes. Cecilia smiled with relief at Eden. Eden watched Cecilia's beautiful smile with a subtle expression.
“Then I guess I’ll have to go back and get ready as soon as possible.”
Curtis smiled and answered, accepting Eden's offer.
“Why don’t you stay a little longer?”
“I guess I’m tired because of all the things that have happened. I want to go back and rest.”
As Curtis spoke, he stood up from his seat. Cecilia followed him.
“Oh, Father, your jacket is in Your Highness’s bedroom. I’ll go and get the documents I’ve organized.”
Curtis tried to stop Cecilia, but she had already moved quickly.
“Your Excellency, I think you should talk to me a little more.”
While Eden naturally distracted Curtis, Cecilia walked leisurely into Eden's bedroom.
“Oh, here it is.”
Curtis's jacket was draped over the back of the chair, folded. Just as Cecilia was lifting the jacket from the chair, something fell out of the jacket with a rustling sound.
'Why would I have any separate contact with him?'
It was from the position where Curtis had been groping while talking about the story of Count Oberon's family. Cecilia, who had been blinking for a moment and lost in thought, bent down and picked up the paper.
“...”
Cecilia, who was about to put the paper in Curtis's jacket, stopped involuntarily. It was because of the scent that suddenly brushed her nose. The perfume was something only nobles enjoyed, and among them, the floral scent that was on this paper was exclusive to women.
"Female?"
Considering that Curtis had been alone since her biological mother died, there was no reason or right to criticize him even if he had a woman.
But she still felt uneasy, perhaps because the scent was not so unfamiliar. Cecilia instinctively thought of someone who loved the strong scent of roses.
“I have some really strange thoughts...”
Of course, it was a ridiculous idea. Cecilia laughed and shook her head as if it was ridiculous.
Although she had decided to turn away from Eden thanks to being given two chances, Curtis was not. Curtis was completely on Eden's and the Crown Prince's side. So there was no reason for him to have private contact with the Empress.
No way.
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