Do Your Best and Regret

Chapter 39

It was late at night, with darkness creeping in beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. I, who had been exhausted by the endless line of jewelers and shoemakers who had lined up in the early morning, forgot her fatigue and admired it.

"You put this together in one day?"

The dressing room, reminiscent of a high-end boutique, was perfectly organized.

Dresses delivered from Madame Pluto's boutique were hung on hangers, and the delicately crafted glass display case was perfect for stocking the jewelry and shoes purchased today.

"I told you. Sobel is capable."

Edwin, who was sitting on the velvet sofa, said as if it were obvious. I remember Edwin saying the same thing earlier when I was making a joke about where to put so many things when I was choosing things.

He said he thought he was joking but he was serious. I chuckled because the scale of the Grand Duke's residence was extraordinary. Sobel nodded his head with a calm look on his face.

"It would have been nice if we had a little more time, but considering that we would soon be heading to Vikander Territory, we hurried as much as possible."

Ah. I blinked my eyes. The obvious fact that I would leave for Vikander territory as long as I received permission from the Emperor to marry was somehow refreshing. It seemed like she had become attached to the Grand Duke's residence in just a few days.

A strange feeling of regret arose at the thought of her leaving the Grand Duke's residence. I turned, sitting down opposite Edwin.

"But was it really okay if you didn't go to the palace today?"

"Even when I call them, they won't open the door. Instead, I sent a letter saying I will visit you tomorrow afternoon, so I will go tomorrow afternoon."

Tomorrow. I checked the date. It was a noble meeting day in the morning. It was a well-known fact that on the afternoon of the meeting day, the Emperor would abstain from government affairs in order to rest.

"Choose a good day."

Then, as a thought came to my mind, I  paused for a moment and looked at Edwin. At the moment when our gazes were intertwined in the air for a long time, Edwin's eyes turned mischievously.

"Why are you looking at me so intently? It excites people."

"I was suddenly wondering why Edwin wasn't attending the noble meeting."

When I answered calmly despite my very seductive tone, disappointment spread across Edwin's face. But I slowly fell into my thoughts. Although there were many nobles who had difficulty attending because their territories were far away, it was a noble meeting that all high-ranking nobles were required to attend. The only Grand Duke in the empire does not attend the noble meeting.

The more I thought about it, the more strange it became, but Edwin shrugged his shoulders as if it was no big deal.

"Well, it's because I always go to war."

"You might not have known it before, but the war is over now."

Edwin's reputation as a war hero soared. Now would be a good time to solidify his position in the system. I, who had been speaking without hesitation, bit my lip, saying.

"Oops."

"If you know so well, why don't you come forward yourself?"

I vividly remembered Leopold's voice as if he were annoyed. It was funny. Ex-fiancé. Now the relationship is nothing. But it seemed like what Leopold had said still remained deep in my mind. He wouldn't be happy no matter how kind Edwin was to me.