Chapter 4
Edward’s engagement, you say? Since he thought it would be the same as usual at the Bailey house, Eric’s eyes sharpened at the completely unexpected turn of events.
That chilling gaze was filled with deep emotions. Surely, it can’t be her. The moment Eric reached out to grab the invitation, the impatient Emperor Carlos spoke up first.
“They say the fiancée is the daughter of the Cecil family.
“The count’s family is actively conducting business with the Atill Kingdom.
“Did you say the daughter of the Cecil family…?
The emperor brought the gilded teacup to his lips again and nodded.
Rather than being wary of Edward, who would flaunt his status as the eldest son by relying on the backing of a wealthy and prestigious count family, a faint sense of relief seeped through Eric’s gaps, knowing that his fiancée was not Aria.
Well, that’s true. The Bailey family you know is one that scrutinizes social status and meticulously builds human relationships, isn’t it?
They would never accept a mere maid as a member of their family, considering lowly status to be dirty and useless. Even a maid who can’t even speak.
Eric shook his head in disbelief at his own foolish thoughts.
“I would like you to personally deliver the congratulatory letter on my behalf.
“It’s the procession of the second son who has made a name for himself by openly carrying the emperor’s letter. It’s truly regrettable that I couldn’t witness the most magnificent scene in the empire.
“You’ve never been one to change your mind once you’ve made it up.
“Then, I will temporarily put the marquisate on hold. If you ever want to, don’t hesitate to speak up. I know well how you feel about power, but sometimes there are moments when that seemingly useless power is necessary.
“First, hand over the graph and part of the territory that belongs to the territory.
“For the sake of my reputation, you should accept that.
Emperor Carlos. Does he know? He also knows that, like Eric, he doesn’t easily bend his will.
Having stayed by the emperor’s side for a long time, I naturally came to know his true nature. Behind that sweet face lies a sharp gaze and an imposing presence.
Knowing the emperor’s temperament well, Eric could no longer refuse.
As Eric’s stiff posture relaxed, the emperor smiled gently, his face radiating warmth.
Eric placed the invitation in his pocket and stood up.
He knelt on one knee before the emperor and bowed his head. The emperor responded with a subtle expression.
Eric, who had just come out of the imperial palace, let out a short breath. The cool breeze blowing through the vast garden fields caused his jet-black hair to flutter naturally.
Between the black hair, the blue pupils that were barely visible were filled with complex emotions.
“You’re a cruel person, as expected.”
At that moment, Henry, who had been anxiously waiting for his boss, saw Eric and hurriedly ran over.
How have you been? Did His Majesty the Emperor mention the reward as I said? Did you receive a generous reward?
“It’s noisy. “It seems I’ll have to be away for a few days, so you’ll have to handle the backlog of work for me.
“Yes…?
“Where are you going?
Henry’s expression clearly hardened as he knew very well that Eric’s workload was piling up. Seeing him with his face all scrunched up, Eric weakly raised one corner of his mouth.
“Yes?
“I’m already busy to death, and you want me to leisurely attend an engagement ceremony?
Eric handed the invitation to Henry without answering. Henry’s face darkened immediately upon opening the invitation.
“Is… is this the reason His Majesty the Emperor has summoned me?
“You should say you won’t go!
“Well. “Regrettably, I am a loyal subject who must follow Your Majesty’s orders.
Eric walked with one corner of his mouth crookedly raised. Henry quietly stared at Eric’s back and shook his head repeatedly.
“Not a loyal dog, but a mad wolf.
“It’s always strange to ask.
Henry, while grumbling to himself, chased after Eric who was gradually getting further away.
Engagement day.
On this day, the Bailey family was busy from the morning. The Bailey family members were all dressed in splendid attire, and the servants were busy making full preparations for the grand banquet.
Aria carefully examined Edward’s outfit, the protagonist of the day.
Edward, wearing a perfectly fitting black tuxedo, scrutinized his reflection in the mirror.
Aria stood on tiptoe and neatly arranged his golden hair.
Usually, several people would swarm around to help him get ready, but Edward only wanted Aria’s touch.
I thought that the only one who could best highlight my strengths was Aria, who knows me well.
Aria was holding back her slightly trembling heart as she only adjusted his tie.
“Finally, the eldest son of the Bailey family is being put to good use.”
At his careless remark, Aria’s eyes widened. Edward saw her expression in the mirror and gave a faint smile.
“That’s not wrong.
“The eldest son needs to get married soon to stabilize the family. The good times are all gone. Now all that’s left is Isabella’s thorough surveillance Right, Aria?
Aria, unfazed by the light joke, finished tying the bowtie around his neck. Edward’s gaze had suddenly turned to her face. He asked with a stern expression.
“Will you be my dedicated maid for life?
For a moment, Aria’s pupils trembled slightly. She hurriedly withdrew her hand to compose herself. Edward gently tapped Aria on the head and smiled softly.
“No matter what anyone says, you have to stay with me for life, until you grow old.
“Well, how does it look? You look more amazing than anyone else, right?
Edward held his head high as if to show off his stature. Aria gave an awkward smile and nodded.
Of course. More beautiful and wonderful than anyone else.
At that moment, there was a knocking sound at the door.
“Young master, it’s time for you to go now.”
At the butler’s words, Edward finished adjusting his clothes and stepped outside. Aria followed behind him.
I could only follow his dazzling figure from behind and smile sadly.
In the garden, three carriages were waiting. The fully adorned Bailey family members boarded the carriage, escorted by their servants.
Aria watched until the carriage Edward was in disappeared from sight. There was a time when I imagined myself sitting next to him in that carriage, happier than anyone else. Perhaps the seat next to him that was never allowed to me from the beginning. Now it’s a place I shouldn’t even dare to look at.
They were once everything to me, but now we have reached a point where even small gestures must be approached with caution.
Aria gave a faint smile.
The engagement of the man she once loved, now buried in her heart for a lifetime. She just fervently hoped in her heart.
May Edward’s new home be filled with love. May Isabella fill the love he couldn’t give and embrace him. Then I would willingly give it up. The man I have never been able to forget and the time I spent loving him, without leaving a single moment behind.
At that moment, the sharp voice of the head maid was heard. It was the garden side, busy preparing for the grand banquet.
“Aria!
“Why are you dawdling instead of coming to help?
Aria slowly made her way to the place where she could find herself.
Round tables covered with white cloths and pink lisianthus floral arrangements placed in the center. Neatly arranged plates and champagne glasses. At the reception of the Earl of Bailey and the Duke of Cecil, there were visitors befitting the occasion. Among the well-dressed guests in their formal attire, waiters were walking around with trays.
Amidst the throngs of people, the protagonists of the day, Edward and Isabella, stood next to the small table where the engagement cake was placed.
Edward couldn’t take his eyes off Isabella, who was elegantly draped in a white dress adorned with shimmering gold embellishments.
Everyone’s attention was focused on them as they shyly smiled at each other.
“They really make a great couple!”
“The Count and Countess Bailey seem particularly cheerful today!
“How wonderful it must be for you. You even got to have an incredible network like Cecil’s.
The Countess raised the corners of her mouth, seemingly not displeased by the mischievous jokes around her.
“I just hope that only blessings fill the future of our Edward and Miss Cecil.
“If the Bailey family’s reputation rises through the engagement, it would be the greatest honor!”
Meanwhile, the lady was greeting each visitor one by one, proudly showcasing the dress made by a famous designer.
Aria guided the visitors from a distance, occasionally glancing at Edward and Isabella. As the onlookers said, the two of them looked really good together.
Especially, Isabella’s appearance with her voluminous pink wavy hair styled high was dazzling like the bright sunlight. Unlike herself in a black maid outfit, she was dignified and elegant.
Soon, Aria’s gaze turned to the ring on Isabella’s left hand. A star-shaped ruby ring. Aria looked at it questioningly. The ring was different in shape from the one she had seen at the jewelry store.
But what does it matter? Now, Isabella will be sitting next to Edward instead of me.
At that moment, when I was absentmindedly watching Isabella, I suddenly began to hear the murmurs of the visitors.
“Look over there!
“It seems the Imperial Guard personally came to the engagement ceremony!
“Did you bring the congratulatory letter from His Majesty the Emperor?
“Has His Majesty ever sent a congratulatory letter like this before? It is a great honor for both families.
Aria lifted her head and looked at the main gate. There, a few members of the royal guard clad in silver armor and helmets were entering on white horses.
As they approached, a person wearing a red military sash at the front dismounted from a white horse. Following them, the other knights also dismounted from their horses in unison.
He slowly removed his helmet under everyone’s gaze. The black hair hidden under the helmet gently scattered in the wind.
Through the strands of hair, a gaze filled with anger and contempt pierced through the depths of the count and countess’s souls in an instant.
“I am Eric Bailey, the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard.
“I have brought a congratulatory letter personally sent by His Majesty the Emperor. Please receive it with due respect.
It was the return of someone I had forgotten, no, someone I had been relieved to think was dead.
Eric cast a sardonic smile as he stared at Count Dennis, whose eyes had widened in shock.
“It’s been a long time, Father.”
