Are We Still In love?

Fine leather, gemstones, exotic delicacies, foreign crafts, ornaments from distant lands…

“These are gifts from His Majesty the Emperor, sent to Grand Duchess Burnett.”

Before the entrance of the hastily prepared estate, such gifts were piled high—so many that it felt as though one could be crushed beneath them. Despite this being only the second time she had seen such a sight, Cecilia still couldn’t get used to the overwhelming volume.
The Emperor made no effort to hide his affection for his second son.

In truth, it was only natural. The Emperor had deeply cherished his first wife, Janet. The fact that Crown Prince Aster had been officially named heir only days after his birth had been heavily influenced by her.

“Please convey my sincere gratitude to His Majesty.”

Moreover, the Emperor had long felt guilt over having to bestow Eden with a Grand Duchy and send him away from the Imperial Palace. Even though Eden fully understood it had been to strengthen the Crown Prince’s position, the Emperor had never ceased to regret it.

Thus, he had placed vast lands near the capital’s fertile grain region, a castle, and even a grand townhouse in Eden’s hands.

“And this was sent by His Highness the Crown Prince as a congratulatory gift.”

Cecilia carefully opened the small jewel box said to be from the Crown Prince. Inside rested a sapphire necklace, pale blue like Eden’s eyes, and a pair of emerald cufflinks, reminiscent of Cecilia’s green eyes.

“How thoughtful.”

Even at a glance, the delicate craftsmanship spoke of the Crown Prince’s sincerity and care. Cecilia held out the gift to Eden, who examined it and smiled softly.

“Please tell His Highness that I will visit in person to offer my thanks when time allows.”

“I shall deliver your words exactly, Your Highness.”

At Eden’s words, Marquis Caliber bowed politely in response.

“Would you care for some tea before you go, brother?”

“No, I have pressing matters to attend to and must return at once.”

Marquis Caliber shook his head at Eden’s offer, unfazed by the informal address of “brother.”

Officially, Marquis Caliber was the Crown Prince’s aide, but privately, he was the husband of Sienna, the cousin of both Aster and Eden. After Aster’s death, he had supported Eden and played a key role in helping him ascend to the throne.

“If you extend an invitation, I will visit again with Sienna.”

But would he have supported Eden if Aster had lived?

“I will make sure a formal invitation is sent.”

Likely not.

“I’ll send an invitation to the Marchioness myself. I’d be grateful if you visited together.”

“It would be an honor, Your Grace.”

Marquis Caliber replied with a warm smile. Cecilia quietly returned the smile as she watched the man who had once been Eden’s faithful hound.

“His Highness simply wishes to see you and the Marchioness because he holds you both in such high regard.”

She murmured softly, turning toward Eden. Eden’s gaze dropped to the fingertip that had briefly, almost shyly, brushed his hand.

Later, Cecilia sat in the study adjoining her bedchamber, reviewing the list of gifts sent by the Emperor.

“Your Grace, it’s Loren.”

Of course, no one would dare to steal from the Emperor’s gifts—not when they had been delivered by His Majesty’s own nephew-in-law. Still, Cecilia needed to familiarize herself with the contents to properly express gratitude when meeting the Emperor.

“You may come in.”

At her permission, Loren opened the door. Behind him, Cecilia spotted familiar faces and couldn’t hide her smile. They had arrived a few days late, having packed her belongings and followed from the Rain Ducal Estate.

“Madam Monte and Miss Evie have arrived.”

“Welcome.”

Madam Monte and Evie beamed at Cecilia in return. Though only a few days had passed, seeing Cecilia now—as Eden’s wife—felt strange and new.

“We have also prepared a revised list of ladies-in-waiting suitable to serve Your Grace. If you choose three or four, they can assist with your chambers, bathing, and meals.”

“You could’ve handled that yourself…”

Loren respectfully offered her the list of attendants. Cecilia took it and scanned it briefly, lacking much interest. There were familiar names from before—she figured she could simply choose those again.

“Is there anyone among them who knows Laner Island well?”

Her thoughts suddenly paused at that point. The maids from the townhouse in the capital were diligent, kind, and innocent. Any of them would suffice for daily service, but it would be ideal to have someone who could aid her in what lay ahead.

“I didn’t consider that detail. Shall I prepare a new list for Your Grace?”

Marquis Caliber’s eyes flickered with brief curiosity at the unexpected question Grand Duchess Burnett had posed. Still, he answered obediently, as was his duty.

“No, that won’t be necessary. Just look into whether any of them are from Laner Island or know someone who is. I was simply curious.”

It was a surprising request, but Loren bowed politely and exited the study. She remained as ever—a dutiful and obedient head maid, unconcerned with matters beyond her role.

“Miss!”

The voice came from Evie, who had been silently standing by. Her eyes were brimming with tears, even though they had only been apart for two days. Cecilia gave her a small, affectionate smile.

“Miss? Evie, it’s ‘Your Grace’ now. You must call her Grand Duchess.”

Madam Monte scolded her gently, casting her a sideways glance. Normally, Cecilia would have defended Evie, but this time, Monte was right. Cecilia merely smiled, watching the scene play out.

“How is my father, Madam Monte?”

“The Duke is just as he always is.”

Monte replied calmly. Cecilia nodded, as if she hadn’t expected much more.

Curtis Rain, her father, was a man unmoved by anything. Not the news of Olivia, the former Duchess’s death, nor the marriage of his only daughter. Before the chaos Eden had brought, his life had been steady and uneventful, like a boat gliding across a placid lake.

“Count Nova did pay a visit, advising the Duke to take a new wife and produce another heir.”

“Count Nova?”

“Well, that man’s always speaking his mind, unafraid of propriety.”

Count Nova…
At the mention of that name again, Cecilia’s expression cooled. Madam Monte seemed to misinterpret her reaction, perhaps assuming Cecilia was displeased by the suggestion of a new Duchess, and hurried to explain.

“The Duke declined, of course, and Count Nova left without issue.”

Priorities were clear. Before anything else, Count Nova—who aimed to influence House Rain while expanding his own power—had to be brought down.

To overcome the fear of uncertain change.
And to protect her father’s peaceful life, who had always done his best so she wouldn’t feel the absence of a mother.

“I need to write a letter.”

At last, Cecilia reached her conclusion.

“Shall I fetch paper and pen?”

“Yes. There’s someone I need to contact.”

“Someone?”
Monte looked at her curiously. Cecilia had never been the type to actively seek out social gatherings unless necessary. Her reserved nature had been one reason the Emperor had favored her as Eden’s bride.

“May I ask who?”

Cecilia smiled softly.

“The head of the Maxtora Trading Company.”

Monte’s eyes widened in surprise. The Maxtora Company was famous across Wyatt. Known for possessing rare and valuable goods, it was equally well-known for the fact that its master never showed his face.

“How do you know who that is?”

Indeed, the identity of Maxtora’s master had always been shrouded in secrecy. Monte asked, puzzled. Cecilia merely smiled again.

“Let’s just say I happened to find out.”

Diego Lawson, the head of Maxtora.

In her past life, Cecilia had not known who he was. But having died and returned, she now knew his name—and who he would marry if events continued unchanged.

“He’s quite an impressive man.”

The very man who made Illina Nova into Countess Lawson—that was Diego Lawson.

“So, I thought I might cultivate a relationship with him.”

“Is there something specific you need?”

Cecilia had no intention of witnessing that spectacle again. Diego hadn’t cared that his wife had been the Emperor’s mistress. He hadn’t loved her, but he had loved the honor and power she brought him.

“Something like that. Evie, take this letter to Morak Pawnshop.”

There was no way a man like that had changed. Which was why Cecilia planned to draw Diego Lawson to her side. Aside from marrying Illina Nova, he was someone with considerable use.

“Morak Pawnshop… That’s the large building near Upper Street, isn’t it?”

Evie nodded obediently and asked. Cecilia confirmed with a smile.

“That’s right. Be careful on your way.”

Monte and Evie didn’t know how Cecilia was acquainted with Maxtora’s master, but if Cecilia gave an order, they obeyed without question.

This time was no different.