Chapter 17
Illina Nova, in this life as well, would covet Eden, Cecilia’s man. Whether it was a means to climb to the highest ranks or truly love—Cecilia didn’t care. Either way, it worked in her favor. As long as she flaunted what Illina couldn’t have, it would drive her mad. Especially this younger version of Illina, more impatient and less controlled than the one in her past life.
“He’s someone you must also serve, Illina. If you see him around the estate, mind your manners.”
Lady Monte hurriedly opened the bedroom door for Cecilia. As Cecilia paused at the threshold, she turned back to speak to Illina, who nodded easily as if it were no trouble.
“Ebi, show Illina to her room.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“It must’ve been a tiring journey. Rest well, Illina.”
Cecilia, with gentle yet firm words, dismissed Illina. The girl, who had eagerly followed Cecilia all the way to her chambers, stepped back with an awkward smile.
“At a glance, she doesn’t seem like a bad person.”
“Really?”
Lady Monte removed Cecilia’s earrings as she nodded.
“She seems like your typical girl at that age.”
“Innocent, lively, and greedy?”
“Yes. Wait, what?”
Lady Monte, agreeing absentmindedly, tilted her head at the last word.
“Nothing.”
Cecilia’s denial prompted Lady Monte to brush it off, thinking she’d misheard.
“Still, I think it’s best not to bring her along when you meet His Grace.”
“Why?”
“She’s quite pretty, you know.”
Lady Monte, now unpinning Cecilia’s hair, grumbled lightly. Cecilia listened silently.
“Of course, Your Grace is far more beautiful, and His Grace hasn’t had a single scandal in the last ten years… but…”
Cecilia closed her eyes at the soft rustling sound of her hair being brushed. It was soothing.
“Ah, don’t fall asleep now.”
Feeling the action too relaxed, Lady Monte shifted her weight and tapped her foot against the floor.
“Men—when faced with a beautiful woman—who knows what they might do, huh? Understand?”
“I do.”
Cecilia nodded. No one understood that better than she did. Which is why, in this life, Eden and Illina could never become entangled again.
There was no reason to stand by and watch such a thing unfold again. Cecilia stared coldly into the mirror. Her reflection, pale and expressionless, stared back.
“Lady Monte.”
Lady Monte perked up, still brushing Cecilia’s hair.
“I’m curious about something.”
“Please ask.”
“When I was at the townhouse, do you know who Father was corresponding with?”
Lady Monte tilted her head and furrowed her brow, thinking hard.
“Hmm… I wouldn’t know. I was Your Grace’s personal maid, so I knew little of the Duke’s connections.”
That was about what Cecilia expected. Lady Monte had always been busy tending to her.
“Besides, the head steward Charles handled the mail.”
Charles—the name was familiar. He had managed Duke Rain’s townhouse in the capital for as long as Cecilia could remember. Reliable and loyal, his devotion to the family was unquestionable.
Just as Cecilia, now in her nightgown, decided she would reach out to him, Eden appeared in her chamber, dressed comfortably.
“Your Grace.”
Cecilia greeted him naturally. On the table were a bottle of wine and light refreshments—Lady Monte had sent Ebi ahead to prepare them.
“Are you tired?”
“A little.”
“Then have a drink and rest well.”
Eden didn’t refuse. He sat, opened the bottle, and poured wine into two glasses, handing one to Cecilia.
“What did you want to talk about?”
As Cecilia swirled her glass and took a sip, the strong liquor burned gently down her throat. Eden wasted no time getting to the point.
She smoothed her neck, feeling the warmth linger, and answered.
“There are two things.”
Eden’s gaze fell to her slender neck and the pale skin she was touching.
“Go ahead.”
Realizing he was staring, Eden politely turned his eyes away.
“First, as you saw earlier, I’ve taken Illina Nova as my lady-in-waiting.”
Eden nodded. That part, he had already confirmed himself. However, his memory of Illina Nova was unusually vague. Likely because of the unexpected kiss Cecilia had pressed to his cheek—a gesture that disrupted his focus at the time.
“The other matter is that I’ve invited the Marquis and Marchioness of Caliber to the estate.”
“Siena?”
“Yes. Since I already mentioned it to the Marquis, I thought it best to follow through.”
Cecilia took another sip and continued.
“I realized too late that I hadn’t asked about your schedule. The day is three days from now—will that be alright with you?”
She asked with clear, innocent eyes. Eden wasn’t cold enough to feign ignorance at his wife’s first attempt to frame a request as a mere question.
“I don’t mind.”
His answer made Cecilia smile with satisfaction as she swirled the wine gently in her glass.
“There’s nothing pressing, so it’s fine.”
Eden’s gaze turned to his wife—the same graceful young lady she’d always appeared to be.
For the past ten years, the Cecilia he remembered had been straightforward. A noble lady raised almost as royalty, betrothed to the Second Prince from a young age. A girl who expected others to approach her first, rather than taking the initiative herself.
“Cecilia.”
“Yes?”
Despite her nature, when they met, she would light up like any girl her age, unable to hide her affection.
“Ennon has prepared a list of books related to Laner Island.”
Eden had known even before their marriage that Cecilia liked him. She’d never been good at hiding her emotions, and since they were to be husband and wife, he hadn’t found any reason to discourage it.
“Have they already been purchased?”
“Shall I purchase them, if necessary?”
He didn’t regret his decision. After all, they were bound together.
“No, I’d like to visit the bookstore and decide after I’ve seen them myself.”
Cecilia smiled, her expression as pure as ever. Eden said he would have Ennon deliver the list, then emptied his second glass. As he did, a thought crossed his mind.
No, he didn’t regret it—not until he realized Cecilia had been quietly hurt by his actions. Eden wasn’t without a conscience.
“I’ve had two glasses, and I’m a bit tired. Would it be alright if I stayed here tonight?”
At Eden’s question, Cecilia pouted slightly, and he couldn’t help but smile.
“You don’t need to ask. This is your home.”
“It’s your home too.”
“And you already stayed here last night.”
Her dry retort made Eden chuckle. He was reminded of Cecilia’s face the morning after, when she had just woken up.
‘…Eden?’
At first, her drowsy eyes blinked in confusion. Then she smiled, like a child, free of suspicion. Rubbing her face against his bare chest, she had murmured his name in a voice soft as a flickering candle.
It was the first time she had called him simply “Eden,” without titles like “Your Highness” or “My Lord”. At some point, their bodies had become familiar, and the sensation felt both ticklish and warm.
More than anything, it was oddly satisfying. As if holding something truly his, something that no one could take or claim from him.
‘Ah… My lord?’
When she fully awakened, her body stiffened. Lifting her head from his chest, she looked up at him in shock, then quickly pulled away.
Eden had ended up embracing empty air, and he disliked the hollow feeling that followed.
It was undeniable—a sense of loss, almost.
“Cecilia.”
“Yes?”
It was a strange feeling. Eden tried to trace where it stemmed from.
He cherished Cecilia like family. That must have been it—no fool wanted to lose someone dear.
“Do you still like me?”
His sudden question made Cecilia blink, then nod slowly.
“If so, then while I’m waiting for you to be ready…”
Eden didn’t believe his feelings could ever grow beyond familial affection—or, at most, desire. He was certain of that.
“…I’ll try to return those feelings in kind.”
But if it was for this small woman, he was willing even to feign emotions, as long as he didn’t get caught. That too, in its own way, was effort.
Cecilia looked at him, dazed by his words. Eden smiled faintly.
“Let’s rest now.”
Setting his glass down, Eden stood. As he lay on the bed, Cecilia hesitated briefly before joining him.
Eden watched her small frame move cautiously onto the mattress, then slowly reached out. Cecilia’s jewel-like eyes flicked to his hand.
“I won’t do anything improper. You can relax.”
Their hands met unexpectedly, and her shoulders flinched slightly.
“I know you’re a gentleman, my lord.”
Perhaps worried her reaction seemed like rejection, Cecilia added softly.
“Good night.”
“Good night.”
Cecilia responded faintly. Eden laced his fingers gently through hers. Warmth and softness.
Smiling, he closed his eyes. Sleep overtook him quickly.
“…My lord, are you asleep?”
As darkness pulled at his consciousness, Cecilia’s hand twitched, trying to slip away.
Eden reflexively tightened his grip. She couldn’t escape.
Until he fell fully asleep, Cecilia’s hand remained caught in his grasp, slightly stiffened.
