~Chapter 10~
Unless something special came up, Edward always went to the training grounds at dawn to work up a sweat.
He hadn’t been able to train for two days, so he started with big movements and gradually shifted to controlled, precise ones, carefully loosening his stiff muscles.
“You’re out early, Your Highness.”
Edward turned his head while picking up a wooden sword.
“Robert.”
“I didn’t think you’d come out today.”
Robert, a junior of Count Neville’s family and a secretary who assisted Edward most closely, rolled his shoulders as he approached.
“Why not?”
“Why not? You just got married. I thought you’d still be asleep—!”
Robert’s words were cut off when he had to block the wooden sword flying at him.
“Well… it hasn’t been that long since you met her, right? If you take your time getting to know her, you might find some good poin—ugh!”
Edward attacked again without warning, cutting him off once more.
Looks like he really doesn’t like this topic.
Feeling a bit sorry for his boss, Robert warmed up through sparring with Edward.
After finally moving his body properly and washing up with cold water, Edward’s mind felt much clearer. He went into his office, sat at his desk, and looked over the documents Robert had prepared.
They were contracts about mineral trade between the Kingdom of Trans and the Cloister Empire.
The Kingdom of Trans, rich but militarily weak, chose to ally with the Cloister Empire instead of relying on unstable mercenaries. The Cloister Empire would publicly declare Trans a brother nation, protect it, and in return receive 30% ownership of the mined minerals.
Edward picked up the documents, went into the bedroom, checked that Leah was still sleeping, and then left the room.
“Don’t disturb the Crown Princess until she wakes up.”
He gave the order to the two maids waiting outside and walked down the long hallway.
In the middle of the Emperor’s private audience chamber, lavishly decorated in gold to the point of being overwhelming, Edward stood completely still.
After a moment, the door connected to the Emperor’s bedroom opened. The Emperor entered, tying the belt of his robe, his face tired.
“Tsk! Even though you’re a newlywed, you’re waking me up this early and looking like that.”
The Emperor clicked his tongue, clearly annoyed that the Crown Prince looked so perfectly put together so early in the morning.
“Did you rest well, Your Majesty?”
“That’s not a greeting I want to hear from the one who disturbed my sleep.”
Seeing Edward wasn’t planning to chat casually, the Emperor sat down in the ornate seat with a sigh.
“So? What do you want?”
“It’s about the mineral shares from the Kingdom of Trans.”
“Hah… and what’s so urgent about that? The contract’s already done, isn’t it?”
“My discussion with you isn’t finished.”
The Emperor leaned on the armrest, resting his chin on his hand as he looked at Edward.
“Sit.”
Edward sat across from him.
“Speak. You clearly have something to say.”
“Give me 10% of the mineral shares.”
The Emperor’s hand slipped from his chin.
“I know you raised the original 30% to 40% because of the political marriage between me and the Crown Princess.”
“How did you know that?”
“Because you never meant to hide it from me. Now that I’m married to the Crown Princess, matters of Trans will pass through me anyway.”
The Emperor curled one corner of his mouth.
“What do you plan to do with it?”
“I intend to give half of that—5%—to the Crown Princess.”
Edward’s voice and eyes were firm.
The Emperor’s lips twisted.
“Have you lost your mind? You had a chance to take Duke Francis of the neutral faction and secure even more than that 10%, and now you’re giving 5% away?”
“Giving it away? Your Majesty, the Crown Princess is my person and a member of the imperial family.”
“You know that’s not what I mean!”
The Emperor grabbed the armrest, scowling.
“I know you planned from the start to give me that extra share to strengthen my position. Then why are you trying to turn my wife into a powerless doll?”
Edward was bothered by the fact that the Emperor hadn’t allowed Leah to bring anyone from her own side.
“There’s nothing good about a spouse becoming powerful. It’s better if she’s obedient, quiet, and only bears heirs.”
Edward’s brow furrowed.
“I want the Crown Princess to be confident wherever she goes. And for that, she needs protection.”
“Didn’t you already give her protection with your mother’s necklace?”
“That’s not enough.”
“Did you fall in love at first sight?”
The Emperor asked, clearly convinced that couldn’t be the case.
“No matter the reason for our marriage, she is my wife. Protecting my person is only natural.”
The Emperor stared at Edward for a long moment, then finally sighed and relaxed his gaze.
“Tsk. Do whatever you want. If you’re pushing this hard, I know I won’t win.”
“The portion transferred to the Crown Princess will come from my share, so please don’t interfere.”
“So you’re really determined.”
The Emperor spoke in disbelief.
“Do as you please.”
He waved a hand like he’d given up.
“And one more thing.”
“Hah! There’s more?”
“Please grant us three days of leave.”
“Leave? You? What’s gotten into you?”
The Emperor looked genuinely surprised.
“For the Crown Princess and me.”
“…The Crown Princess?”
“For three days, we won’t attend any official or private events. We need rest.”
“You mean the Crown Princess needs it.”
“…”
“Granted.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“…What was the result of the ring ceremony?”
The Emperor asked as Edward was about to stand up.
“…What were your results, Your Majesty?”
“…”
“Did the results… match?”
At Edward’s question, the Emperor fell silent, lost in thought.
“You may leave. I need more rest.”
“Yes. I’ll take my leave.”
“Where did you go?”
As soon as Edward entered the bedroom, Leah hurried over and asked.
She was wearing a light yellow, flowing dress, with a matching ribbon used as a headband. She looked like she smelled faintly of fresh lemons.
“I… briefly met with His Majesty.”
Leah stepped back and slowly scanned him from head to toe. After confirming he seemed fine, she smiled brightly.
“I’m glad nothing happened.”
“Nothing…?”
“Your Highness, I have a request.”
“Go ahead.”
“You’re the only person I can trust right now.”
“…”
“So when you’re not around, I get anxious.”
“…”
“So… please tell me when you’re going somewhere.”
She deliberately put on an anxious tone.
“That’s not difficult. But earlier, you were sleeping.”
“Then just wake me up.”
“Pardon?”
“It’s better to wake me than for me to wake up and not see you.”
The worried look from before was gone. Now her eyes shone with determination, making Edward smile inwardly.
Anxious, huh…
He thought she was both transparent and yet strangely unreadable.
“And until I adjust, I’d like to stay by your side as much as possible.”
“That may be difficult.”
“Why?”
“I have duties as Crown Prince, and you have duties as Crown Princess.”
“…Then at least when you have free time…”
Leah clasped her hands together tightly, looking like she’d be hurt if he refused.
“…Alright. For reference, I go to the training grounds early every morning.”
“…Early morning? Training grounds? Haha… you’re really diligent… excessively so…”
Leah turned her head slightly, afraid she couldn’t control her expression.
Noticing this, Edward’s lips curved gently upward.
“Too much for the training grounds at dawn?”
“No! Not at all! Totally fine!”
Leah snapped her head up and answered with firm resolve, making Edward burst into laughter.
He then took a step closer to her.
“I don’t know what you’re planning, but don’t overdo it.”
Edward bent slightly and met her eyes, speaking softly.
Leah nodded quietly while holding his gaze.
Just then, there was a knock, and the head servant entered.
“Your Highness, Her Majesty the Empress has sent maids for the Crown Princess.”
Edward’s expression darkened.
