Chapter 20
“Is there nothing else you want?”
It was just as they stepped out of the bookstore, having finished selecting the books. At Eden’s sudden question, Cecilia blinked her large eyes, as if trying to discern his intent.
“What do you mean…?”
“Jewelry, gems, dresses—anything.”
“What I have is more than enough. His Majesty the Emperor has already gifted me plenty.”
Her response came simply, with a soft smile, as if she truly desired nothing more. Eden had asked because her apparent lack of desire for anything struck him as odd—but all he received was a mild reply, void of greed.
Of course, as the only daughter of Duke Rain, Curtis Rain must have lavished her with all manner of wealth. Still, wasn’t it common for women to say there could never be too many jewels or dresses?
“Is it because you think I wouldn’t be able to give them to you?”
At Eden’s question, Cecilia looked startled, her eyes growing wide in surprise.
“No, I would never dare think that. There are even rumors that Grand Duke Burnett’s wealth rivals that of the Imperial Family.”
It was a jest often heard—an exaggerated way to express the Emperor’s deep affection for his second son. Cecilia naturally dismissed the notion that Eden lacked means.
“If you know that, then you should feel free to buy anything you like. This outing isn’t just to pick up books—it’s a date.”
Eden gently took Cecilia’s slender wrist and led her along. A jeweler’s staff, who had been loitering by the shop after spotting the Grand Duke and Duchess, greeted them with a bright smile—as if he’d expected Eden to bring her inside.
“This arrived just yesterday.”
A three-strand pearl necklace, delicately displayed on a red velvet cushion, gleamed in the light.
“They say each pearl is round and perfect, like a mermaid’s tear—so we named it Tears of the Mermaid.”
Wearing pristine white gloves, the staff member lifted the long necklace. It was indeed beautiful.
“All natural pearls, of course—the quality speaks for itself.”
Yet, even with such a costly treasure swaying before her eyes, Cecilia remained completely unshaken.
“With your Grace’s fair and flawless complexion, this necklace would suit you perfectly. Would you like to try it on?”
The one growing anxious was the seller. Worried she might suddenly rise and insist on leaving, he hovered nervously around Cecilia.
“No, I’m really fine—”
Just as she began to decline, a large hand reached past her shoulder and unhesitatingly took the necklace. Her head turned instinctively toward the man standing behind her.
“Your Highness…”
“Just try it on, at least.”
Before she could properly refuse, Eden’s hand cast a shadow over her head. The long necklace—easily enough to wrap her slender neck four times—was looped three times, elegantly draping her throat. He even fastened the clasp himself. The feel of his gloved fingers brushing lightly against the nape of her neck was smooth, impersonal, and without intent—yet somehow chilling.
“Here, take a look in the mirror.”
“It looks good on you.”
“Indeed! It’s as if it was made specifically for Her Grace!”
In the mirror the staff provided, Cecilia’s reflection stood clearly—necklace in place. As she stared at herself, her gaze drifted to Eden’s hand, moving subtly in the glass, unreadable.
“It’s beautiful.”
His large hand gently brushed over the smooth pearls, then traced down along her shoulder, exposed beneath the necklace.
“…!”
It was brief, yet the sensation was enough to raise goosebumps. Cecilia flinched, unable to hide her reaction. She could feel the fine hairs on her nape standing on end.
“We’ll take it. She’ll wear it out.”
“But Your Highness, you don’t like luxury goods.”
Cecilia turned to Eden, her face composed with effort.
“That’s true.”
She had tried to decline, knowing Eden wasn’t fond of extravagant purchases. She had thought, in her own way, to win his favor—his trust.
“But I don’t think a gift for one’s wife could ever be considered useless, don’t you agree?”
His words caught her off guard. Then, what had all her careful caution in the past life amounted to? He likely hadn’t even realized it had taken effort from her.
Eden extended his hand. Cecilia, feeling strangely empty, took it and rose.
“The rest of your items will be delivered on the appointed date.”
The staff, beaming with satisfaction, saw off the Grand Duke and Duchess—their most generous clients of the day.
“Please come again soon!”
Following Eden down the steps, Cecilia looked down at their still-clasped hands. Aside from when she had picked out books, Eden had hardly let go of her hand all day.
Why?
She lifted her gaze, staring at Eden’s rounded, polished head. Unconsciously, her eyes narrowed.
“Is there something on me?”
Sensing her stare, Eden turned and asked. A moment later, he looked back at Cecilia, who stood a few steps above him on the stairs. Their eyes met at similar height, and without a word, Cecilia shook her head.
She knew he wasn’t usually like this—so why did he keep drawing near? As if he had sensed that she was uncomfortable with his touch. As if he were deliberately testing that idea, again and again.
“It’s nothing. I’m just a little tired.”
Cecilia offered a vague excuse, shaking her head. It had to be a coincidence—or so she told herself—but her heart fluttered like the restless feet of an anxious child. If she had to name the feeling, it was closest to unease.
She needed to be more cautious. There was too much at stake under his shadow, too much to risk losing with one careless mistake.
The carriage came to a stop. As the mistress of the house returned, several servants paused their tasks and hurried over. At the forefront were the head butler, Lady Monte, and Illina.
“You’ve returned, Your Grace?”
Illina greeted the figure stepping down from the carriage with a sweet and gentle voice. She naturally assumed it would be Eden. However, it was Cecilia alone who disembarked with the footman’s help.
“You came back by yourself?”
Lady Monte widened her eyes in surprise as she asked.
“His Highness had some matters to attend to. He said he’d stop by the bank and return later, so I came back first. Could you help with bringing in the items we purchased?”
“I’ll instruct the staff to take care of it.”
The head butler smoothly interjected. Cecilia gave him a polite nod of gratitude and walked past.
“Your Grace, what about this necklace…?”
While the butler called over a young servant, Cecilia casually handed the light summer shawl she had worn to Lady Monte. As she instinctively accepted the item, Lady Monte’s eyes widened in astonishment.
“His Highness gave it to me as a gift.”
Illina froze.
“His Grace the Grand Duke?”
Lady Monte grinned slyly as she asked, already knowing the answer. The question was insidious, and Illina knew it.
“Who else would it be, if not him?”
Cecilia responded playfully and started up the steps. Illina moved behind her, silently trailing like a shadow all the way to her chambers.
“We only went out to buy books, but he suddenly asked if there was anything I wanted.”
Cecilia was well aware of Lady Monte’s glances at her back, but she let them be.
“And then?”
As Cecilia seated herself before the vanity, Lady Monte naturally approached from behind.
“So we stopped by a nearby jeweler. He told me to choose anything I liked, but I didn’t have the nerve.”
“Well, our young lady—no, Your Grace the Grand Duchess—was never one for greed, even as a child.”
Lady Monte smiled fondly as she carefully removed the hairpins from Cecilia’s hair.
“You barely had an appetite back then, either.”
Recalling the fairy-like girl whom even Duke Curtis Rain had to plead with just to get her to eat a single bite, she couldn’t help but chuckle.
“So His Highness chose one for me.”
As Cecilia spoke, she placed her hand on the necklace resting atop the vanity. Made of flawless, evenly-sized natural pearls, it shimmered temptingly under the light.
“It’s called Tears of the Mermaid.”
Lady Monte danced with excitement at even the elegance of the name.
“I told him it was far too extravagant, but His Highness insisted…”
“Oh, what’s the use in saying more? His Grace just wants to give Your Grace the best of everything.”
Having removed the last of the pins from Cecilia’s updo, Lady Monte gently combed through her hair, making sure it wasn’t tangled.
“Who wouldn’t want to pamper such a lovely, darling wife?”
Cecilia only smiled quietly. Even if Eden didn’t see her that way, he was the kind of man who would still act accordingly—and Cecilia knew that better than anyone.
But that wasn’t something to say aloud to Lady Monte. Nor was it something she wished the young woman eavesdropping silently to hear.
“…Illina?”
Through the mirror, Cecilia’s eyes met Illina’s. Only then did she pretend to be startled, as if just now noticing her.
“How long have you been standing there?”
“From the beginning. I’ve been here the whole time.”
Illina replied with a sweet smile.
“So… you heard everything?”
Cecilia asked awkwardly. Illina nodded quietly.
“Oh dear…”
Cecilia buried her face in her hands, feigning embarrassment. Lady Monte turned a sharp, triangular gaze on Illina, clearly displeased.
“You seem very close, Your Graces. It was heartwarming to hear.”
Illina hurried to offer a polite excuse.
“To think I prattled on like that in front of you, Illina… I’m too ashamed to even show my face.”
Peeking through her fingers, Cecilia muttered as if genuinely mortified. Lady Monte, catching the cue, gestured toward the door.
“Perhaps if I leave, Your Grace will feel more at ease? Please rest well, Your Grace. A loving relationship between husband and wife is nothing to be embarrassed about.”
Sensing the signal, Illina consoled Cecilia and swiftly excused herself from the room.
However, the moment she stepped outside Cecilia’s chamber, Illina’s expression changed completely. Gone was the gentle, affectionate smile from before. As she glanced back at the closed door, irritation flickered across her face.
