Chapter 9

No one spoke first. Tick. Tock. Each second felt as long as a day, flowing by like a river.

As I quietly stared into my tea, I suddenly lifted my gaze. Under the bright light, I carefully examined Edmund.

Edmund Mipedian, the rightful heir of the Mipedian Ducal House, had been reduced to a vassal due to his uncle’s schemes.

He was the commander of the monster subjugation force and soon to reclaim his honor, becoming the empire’s only duke once more.

A man of strong character, he had left for the northernmost Zeder Forest to hunt monsters in order to regain his title. Now, after nine years, he had finally returned.

The wealth left by his grandfather reportedly increased every year without fail as long as he was alive.

There were even legendary tales that made him a heroic and self-sacrificing figure among the people.

When he was only fourteen, just before heading to the battlefield, he had entered a cave alone where a giant monster lurked and defeated it with a single spear. This heroic story was still talked about to this day.

And his appearance?

After years of expeditions, his unkempt silver hair, which reached his shoulders, and his raw, wild eyes exuded a dangerous and depraved aura.

There were even certain women who adored that atmosphere.

However, as he gradually adapted to imperial life and tidied himself up, disappointed sighs could be heard from many corners.

Even then, they still admired him.

‘He really is handsome.’

His tall and well-built figure, sculpted through years of training, combined with his noble features, was truly overwhelming.

It was no wonder women threw themselves at him like moths to a flame, wanting to be held in his arms just once.

They didn’t even realize the downside.

According to the original story, Edmund was an exclusive and cold-hearted man who had no mercy for anyone outside his own circle.

He was like a piece of art meant to be admired from afar—nothing more.

‘Ah, what a waste of a handsome face.’

‘……!’

At that moment, as I was admiring his long silver lashes, our eyes suddenly met.

Startled, I quickly put on a polite smile, switching to my social mode.

“I’ve been in your care, yet I forgot to introduce myself. I am Etricia Buell from the Count Buell family.”

Edmund set his teacup down with an elegant motion and met my gaze.

“I am Edmund Mipedian.”

It was a relief that he responded. At the very least, it meant he acknowledged me as Lilien’s guest. I needed to prolong the conversation until Lilien returned, relying on the small talk skills I had cultivated over years in my past life.

“I never imagined I would meet such a legendary commander in person. It’s an honor.”

“That’s an exaggerated title.”

“……”

“……”

The conversation ended.

“I hope I haven’t ruined a touching reunion between siblings.”

“We have kept in touch through the communication network, so it wasn’t much of a reunion.”

“……”

“……”

Another abrupt end. Feeling awkward in the silence, I bit my lip.

‘Why can’t this conversation flow? This isn’t some forced blind date.’

I tried to restart the conversation multiple times, but he remained impenetrable like a fortress.

His demeanor clearly indicated he had no interest in talking. Some people disliked forced conversations, so I decided to respect his silence.

The room was so quiet that I could hear our breathing. Then, as if frustrated, Edmund loosened his cravat.

His rough movement revealed a glimpse of his collarbone through the white shirt.

I quickly averted my gaze, but the image lingered in my mind. His skin, subtly visible beneath the fabric, and the deep hollow of his collarbone left a lingering impression. My throat reflexively swallowed.

‘So, he hasn’t spent all these years just hunting monsters.’

Edmund unbuttoned the top of his shirt, took a slow breath, and spoke. His sigh sounded oddly dangerous and seductive.

“You seem to have grown quite close to my sister.”

His voice carried an underlying discomfort. I subtly observed him, pretending not to notice.

Of course, he would be displeased. To him, I was an unknown woman, rumored to be a reclusive countess, now staying with his beloved sister, Lilien.

Just the fact that he had rushed back five days earlier than planned after hearing the head maid’s report showed how deeply he cherished his family.

I gave him my most harmless smile.

“If it seems that way, it’s just a misunderstanding. It’s only because Lady Lilien is so considerate that I was able to feel at ease. I worry that I may come across as an ungrateful guest.”

“My sister permitted it. Do not concern yourself, madam.”

“If you say so, I appreciate—”

I paused mid-sentence.

The faint smile on my lips slowly faded.

‘……Madam?’

Technically, addressing a noblewoman as “madam” wasn’t incorrect. However, in recent imperial etiquette, men typically referred to married women by their surname and family name.

Otherwise, it sounded as if they were calling their own wife.

“I must thank you for saving my sister from that agitated horse, madam.”

Like now.

‘Again, with the madam…….’

I felt an odd sensation stir within me.

Of course, Edmund’s last etiquette training was nine years ago. Since etiquette evolves with social customs, it was understandable that someone who had lived away from noble society might not know.

‘It’s not a strict rule, but……’

Was it just because the words came from such a handsome man?

Despite having heard the word “madam” countless times from Devon, hearing it from Edmund felt oddly unfamiliar and ticklish.

“Then, madam—”

“Um, Count?”

I couldn’t hold back any longer and interrupted.

The heat rising to my ears had spread down to my neck.

Unlike me, Edmund remained completely composed, nodding expressionlessly.

“Speak.”

“Could you perhaps change that form of address?”

One of his eyes twitched sharply.

“……Does my address bother you? There is no mistake in etiquette.”

“In theory, yes, but it sounds as if you’re calling me your ‘wife,’ which feels a bit….”

As I awkwardly smiled and added my reasoning, his eyes widened slightly. The subtle tremor in his pupils revealed his momentary surprise.

A suffocating silence followed.

I hesitated, avoiding his gaze. Just as I was about to regret speaking up, he responded.

“……I see.”

With a single blink, he returned to his usual emotionless expression.

“I will correct it as you requested, Countess Buell.”

“Yes, that would be better.”

Fortunately, he accepted my request without issue.

Then, as another awkward silence settled between us, Edmund was the first to break it.

“I heard your mansion burned down, leaving you without a place to stay.”

“Yes, I’ve been relying on your hospitality.”

“Do you have somewhere else to stay?”

“I plan to stay with my uncle. I appreciate Lady Lilien’s kindness, but I’ll just have breakfast and then leave—”

“Stay in this mansion.”

“……What did you just say—?”

“I am telling you to stay here until you find a new place after your divorce.”

For a moment, I thought I had misheard. I never expected things to unfold this way.

I had planned to leave as soon as possible. But now…?

As I processed his words, a sinking feeling settled in my chest.

I had entered a tiger’s den to escape the rain, only to find myself caught in its jaws.