CHAPTER~31
The World That Man Lives In
When he appeared with Robert V, the nobles began to murmur.
“His Majesty insisted on bringing that commoner. How dare a commoner stand alongside nobility… What has the world come to?”
“Indeed. At this rate, he might even sell the crown soon.”
“Everyone, lower your voices. The delegation can hear you.”
Though the nobles quickly hushed, their eyes betrayed complaints and dissatisfaction directed at Cedric.
However, Cedric, serving as the king’s aide, gave no sense of incongruity compared to any noble.
Every glance and gesture reflected the decorum of someone trained in etiquette.
A stranger would never suspect he was a commoner.
Amid the bustling atmosphere and cheers, Robert V ascended the stage to begin the opening address.
He spoke of the end of an era of war and competition and the dawn of a period of peace and cooperation.
The address concluded by encouraging successful exchanges among nations and commending Cedric for his efforts in preparing the exposition.
Applause and cheers poured toward the king and Cedric.
Everyone—even the nobles who had belittled him—instinctively sensed one thing.
The leading figure of the coming new era was Cedric Glaston, that man.
Yvonne felt the same.
Though she could not claim to know him well, Cedric at the king’s side seemed like an entirely different person from the man she had spoken with.
Suddenly, she realized something.
If she was no longer Yvonne LeRoux, the world he lived in and the one she lived in would never meet again.
The thought felt overwhelmingly distant.
Someone she would never meet again.
Yvonne repeated this thought quietly as she observed Cedric.
She did so without noticing what emotions flickered across her fiancé’s eyes at the sight of Cedric.
***
Coming down to the dining hall for breakfast-lunch, Yvonne unfolded the newspaper she had brought while waiting for the meal.
[Windfield Company, Master of the Sea, Dominates the World Exposition]
Since the exposition began, newspapers had been filled with coverage of it.
Especially articles about Cedric, who led Harrington’s industrial companies, and his company Windfield appeared daily without fail.
Today, as she checked the crime and incident section first, Yvonne sighed after seeing an article on Cedric and Windfield on the front page.
She needed to ask about her mother’s whereabouts, but he was far too busy.
Actually, he has shown me kindness, but he has no obligation to find my mother.
She regretted relying too much on him for so long.
I need to stop by the detective agency soon.
Just as she put down the newspaper, a commotion broke out outside the dining hall.
Yvonne looked toward the door in surprise, and Cindy, waiting nearby, glanced outside and returned with a troubled expression.
“Madam wants to have her meal in the dining hall.”
Yvonne’s eyes widened.
She had heard that the flowerpot she had sent via maid was growing well in Isabella’s room.
Though Isabella had said nothing, leaving the flowerpot untouched indicated she accepted Yvonne’s gift despite her violent tendencies.
And now, despite knowing Yvonne was in the dining hall, Isabella’s desire to eat there suggested she no longer despised her as before.
Yvonne hurriedly relayed her decision to Cindy.
“Let her eat.”
“Eh?”
“The mistress of this house is Mother. She will eat wherever she wants, so who can stop her?”
“But…”
“It’s fine. Bring her here.”
Cindy hesitated briefly, then seeing Yvonne’s confident gaze, went outside.
Soon, Isabella entered the dining hall. Yvonne carefully greeted her.
“Did you sleep well?”
She omitted the honorific.
Isabella glanced at Yvonne once, then sat opposite her without reaction.
The servants, who had been more anxious than the two, finally relaxed and brought the food.
Between them, only the clinking of cutlery echoed.
Yvonne broke the silence first.
“Doesn’t staying home feel stifling? With the exposition, there’s plenty to see. Would you like to go explore together?”
It was a suggestion born of guilt toward Isabella. She also secretly hoped to visit the detective agency.
Isabella’s answer was firm.
“It’s better not to entertain foolish thoughts.”
She added in a resigned tone,
“That man won’t allow me to leave the house.”
It was clear that “that man” referred to Logan.
Yvonne, who had hoped to let her get some fresh air, fell silent.
She could not fathom the depth of resentment and hatred buried in Isabella’s resigned voice.
“Your thoughtfulness is appreciated, child.”
Cold words without emotion were enough for Yvonne.
After finishing her meal first, Isabella left the dining hall. Yvonne finished later and stepped out.
At that moment, she encountered an unexpected guest.
“Oh, Yvonne. Just the right time.”
“I haven’t seen you properly since the opera.”
Derick approached Yvonne with a smooth smile, unfazed by the maids’ whispers that he looked romantic.
“I deliberately finished early today. Do you have time?”
Yvonne’s gaze wavered.
There were too many eyes watching. Excuses wouldn’t work.
She had no chance to escape.
***
The exposition was divided into outdoor and indoor exhibition halls.
Outdoor halls displayed gardens from various countries, while other fields were exhibited in indoor halls.
This ensured visitors could enjoy the displays regardless of the weather.
Derick brought Yvonne to the outdoor garden exhibit.
She quietly gazed at the overcast sky.
She wished for rain, but the sky had no intention of granting her wish.
“This is landscaping from Hillsbury, Hilburn. You haven’t been to Hilburn, right? The cities there feel like one big garden. Just walking makes you feel good.”
Derick spoke gently about the garden, as if erasing the memory of the opera house incident.
Yvonne did not respond, but Derick continued as if it did not matter.
She realized she could not avoid him forever.
Summoning courage, Yvonne held back her trembling hands and spoke.
“You act as if the rudeness at the opera house never happened, without any mention. It’s very unpleasant.”
Her voice trembled slightly, but her gaze was steady. Fear made her heart race, but she would not back down.
Derick’s expression twisted, clearly not expecting her to confront him. But it was fleeting.
He quickly composed himself and nodded.
“You’re right. I made a mistake that day. You were so attractive, I couldn’t control my feelings.”
“…”
“That means I like you that much.”
Yvonne did not expect a proper apology, nor did she care. He was not her fiancé, and she would leave anyway.
She only hoped he would reflect on his shameful behavior.
But it was a futile hope.
“Is that supposed to be an excuse?”
“Excuse? No, this is my truth. I apologize for my mistake. But I hope you don’t misunderstand my feelings, Yvonne.”
His mention of sincerity made her stomach churn. Just as she could not contain her emotions and spoke, raindrops began to fall from the sky.
Yvonne and Derick took shelter under a nearby tree, but her clothes were already soaked.
Seeing this, Derick suggested,
“You look cold with wet clothes. How about going to a nearby hotel to dry them?”
The exposition was near Lucerne, and returning to a townhouse in Lucerne would take time.
Yvonne shook her head firmly.
“No… I want to go home and rest.”
Derick gave her a curious glance, then stepped out from the tree’s shade.
“I’ll call the carriage. Wait a moment.”
He quickly walked away.
Yvonne, watching him, stepped out from under the tree.
If this continues, he might take me to the hotel.
Considering how forceful he had been at the opera house, it was a real possibility.
Before Derick returned, she hurried toward the nearby indoor exhibition hall.
On a tree sign pointing in her direction, a familiar name was written.
[Windfield Hall]
