Chapter 19
“Siena, to speak frankly, I don’t like your maid.”
Before returning to the Marquess’ estate, Siena whispered quietly to Cecilia. It was clear she greatly disliked Illina.
“Those who are greedy often forget their place.”
Her low, hushed voice carried a chilling edge. As a noble of the imperial bloodline, Siena had considerable influence in high society.
“Don’t keep her too close.”
“I won’t.”
In other words, it meant Illina’s debut in the capital’s social circles would no longer be as easy as before.
“Your Highness?”
At that moment, Illina’s voice pulled Cecilia back to reality. She had forgotten that she had called for Illina while the Marquess and Marchioness of Caliber had left, and Eden had briefly stepped out.
“Oh, Illina. I’m sorry. I called for you, but I got lost in thought.”
“No need to apologize, Your Highness. Please speak freely.”
Illina smiled brightly, her face innocent and clear. It was difficult to detect any trace of scheming behind that expression.
“His Grace the Grand Duke’s birthday is approaching, and we need to send out invitations to each noble house and begin preparations for the banquet.”
“Ah…”
“I’d like you to handle drafting the guest list and writing the invitations. As you know, you’re my only maid.”
When Cecilia spoke, subtly flattering her, Illina’s eyes sparkled. She seemed proud that her value was being recognized.
“It’s not something urgent, but I wanted to let you know early so you can prepare in advance.”
“Your Highness…?”
However, having just been harshly criticized by Siena, it seemed Illina realized she shouldn’t accept any offer too readily.
“I’ll likely be occupied with other matters.”
“If it’s not too forward of me, may I ask what those matters are?”
Illina asked carefully.
“I’ve planned a short trip with His Highness the Crown Prince and Her Highness the Crown Princess. I wanted to look into some travel destinations beforehand.”
At Cecilia’s innocent reply, Illina let out a brief sigh. To think that she was preoccupied with planning a leisure trip while being so indifferent to the Grand Duke’s birthday banquet—it was clear she thought of Cecilia as a foolish mistress who didn’t know her priorities.
“Please leave it to me.”
Illina replied firmly. She was likely pleased to be entrusted with a task she could handle alone. After all, she was the type to obsess over anything that would make her stand out.
“I’ll also invite you to a dinner with His Highness so we can discuss the guest list then.”
It was the perfect excuse for her to approach Eden, which surely delighted her. Illina’s face lit up immediately at Cecilia’s suggestion.
“Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness. I will do my utmost.”
“Thank you for saying so. You may go now.”
At Cecilia’s words, Illina nodded and rose from her seat. Cecilia watched Illina’s excited figure as she left, then gave a small chuckle and turned her head away.
Standing beside her, Lady Monte was glaring at the door Illina had exited through, as if her gaze alone could tear the extravagant lace off Illina’s dress.
“Lady Monte.”
At Cecilia’s call, Lady Monte finally withdrew her disapproving gaze.
“I know what you’re thinking.”
“…”
“But if His Highness were swayed by mere outward beauty, that would mean he’s no better than that.”
Cecilia spoke in a calm tone. Only then did Lady Monte lower her gaze, realizing her misstep.
“I overstepped, Your Highness.”
“It’s all right. I understand your feelings.”
Cecilia answered with a smile. She knew Lady Monte, unaware of her true intentions, would find it nearly impossible to understand her seemingly odd behavior.
“Still, what you said makes me curious about Illina’s true thoughts.”
Cecilia murmured as if to herself—not because she didn’t know Illina’s intentions.
“Siena doesn’t seem to like her either. Perhaps my judgment is lacking?”
At Cecilia’s question, Lady Monte looked conflicted and averted her gaze. Agreeing would be tantamount to insulting her mistress, making it a difficult answer to give.
“But it’s not like she treats me as family or speaks openly…”
As Lady Monte carefully searched for the right words, her eyes suddenly widened.
“I’ll look into it.”
Lady Monte declared with a determined expression. Cecilia nodded, her face betraying no awareness of the influence her words had just wielded.
“Thank you. Oh, and tomorrow, I’ll be visiting the bookstore in town with His Highness.”
But it wasn’t as if she truly didn’t know. Lady Monte was Cecilia’s personal maid and wielded more influence than the other servants. Even the head maid, Loren, and the chief steward treated Lady Monte with care.
Lady Monte was well aware of what that meant.
Late in the afternoon, Cecilia’s carriage stopped in front of the bookstore. Before she could step down carefully, someone who had already alighted extended a hand to her.
“The weather is lovely today.”
It was Eden.
“Indeed.”
Cecilia stepped down from the carriage with Eden’s assistance, glancing around her. Despite the sizeable crowd, no one dared approach the carriage bearing the Grand Duke’s crest.
“Let’s go.”
Eden gently clasped Cecilia’s hand and began to walk.
“Welcome.”
Inside the bookstore, after ascending a few steps, it was remarkably quiet except for the greeting from a staff member. The employee, unaware of their identities, greeted them politely, and Eden and Cecilia passed by smoothly without drawing attention.
“What kind of books are you planning to purchase?”
“For now, I’ll buy whatever’s on the list we received. There’s not much information about Laner Island.”
Cecilia’s pace slowed. She had let go of Eden’s hand at some point and was now walking a step ahead of him. Eden kept a respectful distance behind her so she wouldn’t feel uncomfortable.
Cecilia repeatedly pulled out books, opened them, skimmed through a few pages, then closed them again. She seemed dissatisfied, her deliberation taking longer than expected. Meanwhile, she kept glancing at him, as if uneasy. Noticing this, Eden stepped back a few more paces and deliberately turned his gaze away, giving her space.
“The history section is over here…”
It appeared his gaze had made her uncomfortable. Only then did Cecilia’s actions become slightly more natural. Eden watched her calmly from a distance as she stood before the bookshelf. Slowly, Cecilia reached out and took a book in hand.
In the sunlight pouring through the window, the drifting particles of dust around her became visible. It was inevitable in a space filled with books and stored items.
“…”
Yet, perhaps because a person of such refinement stood in this humble space, Cecilia appeared strangely out of place.
Moreover, the smile she habitually wore in his presence had vanished, leaving a blank expression laced with an inexplicable coldness. Strangely, that expression looked more natural than the smile he had seen for nearly ten years.
Was Cecilia always capable of making such a face? In the past, he would have easily answered ‘no’ to that question. But now, he couldn’t say for certain—because he was seeing it with his own eyes.
“Cecilia.”
In the quiet space, even a soft voice echoed clearly. Cecilia, who had been focused on the book, raised her head to look at Eden. And as if she had never worn that indifferent expression, she smiled at him gently.
“Did you call for me?”
He felt strange. It was as though he had just glimpsed a side of Cecilia he had never known.
Cecilia Lane was someone who could wear that kind of expression. She had simply never shown it in front of him. Realizing that left him unsettled.
“Did you pick out your books?”
“I’ve just chosen a few. Were you bored?”
Cecilia approached him with light, quick steps. Her slender figure was faintly outlined in the sunlight that streamed down her back, illuminating her white dress.
It was much like the impression she gave him now—only visible to the extent she allowed, just enough to be perceived.
“No, I wasn’t bored. I thought I’d help if you were having trouble deciding.”
Eden shook his head as he replied.
“Since they’re heavy, let me carry what you’ve selected.”
“It’s all right.”
Instead of insisting verbally, Eden reached out with one hand. It was as if he knew her refusal was only out of politeness. Just as Cecilia smiled and was about to hand over the books, Eden’s hand suddenly reached toward her face, and she visibly flinched.
“Ah…”
“There was some dust.”
“You startled me, that’s all.”
Cecilia hastily offered an explanation. Silently, Eden brushed the clump of dust off her hair.
“Thank you.”
Of course, anyone might be startled by a sudden touch. It wasn’t anything unusual—yet a strange question lingered in his chest.
Was she truly just startled?
It felt as though Cecilia Lane was not the woman he had known for the past ten years. That emotionless expression, brief though it was, seemed more real, while the smile she showed him felt like something crafted with effort.
“I’ll take a look at the other books on the list.”
With an awkward smile, Cecilia handed him the books and turned away. Watching her retreating figure, Eden felt a subtle distance between them.
She was the woman who had confessed her feelings and said she wished for his heart in return—surely, this couldn’t be.
Eden’s gaze settled quietly on Cecilia’s back. It was likely just his imagination, yet he couldn’t shake the unpleasant feeling.
