[IFITAOAMV] Chapter 20

As I looked at Edwin, smiling contentedly in the midst of the beautiful garden with a table full of our favourite treats, a strange feeling washed over me. The scene was so peaceful, so perfect, it felt surreal—like a mirage showing me a life I could never truly have.

*Will I survive? Will I be able to live like this, in peace?* The thought weighed heavily on my chest, and I found myself absentmindedly adjusting the flower crown on my head.

*May the happiness of the marigolds find its way to me as well.*

I desperately longed for the peace I had just felt to remain.

“Let’s head inside now,” Edwin said, scooping me up in his arms. He ordered Jenny to take the remaining flower crowns to my room as we passed through the garden, giving me a full view of the estate.

One tower stood out, rising high against the rest of the mansion. 

“What’s that place for?” I asked, pointing at the tower.

Edwin’s face suddenly turned cold, his expression hardening in an instant.

*Oh no, was I not supposed to ask?* 

I tensed up, alarmed by the sudden change in his attitude..

“I really dislike having to repeat myself, so listen carefully,” he murmured, his voice low and icy as he leaned in close to my ear.

I quickly nodded.

“That place is very dangerous. You must never go there. My bride is far too delicate, and I worry for her.”

His tone was meant to be soothing, but it was the coldest I had ever heard him. A chill ran down my spine, and I instinctively rubbed my arms to warm them as I nodded again.

“Good. My bride should only see beautiful things,” Edwin said, patting my head as he resumed his light steps toward the main building.

*What could possibly be in there to make him react like that? Could it be a torture chamber for the people he kidnaps?* 

The original story mentioned that the duke's estate had a torture chamber, but it never specified where it was located. The tower was tucked away at the back of the mansion, with dreary, weathered walls that gave off an eerie vibe.

*I mustn’t ever look that way again,* I resolved, forcing myself to tear my curiosity away from the tower and focus on the safety of Edwin's arms.

As we entered the main building, the servants who saw us quickly bowed their heads, visibly startled. 

*Why are they acting like that?* 

Curious, I followed their gazes and realised they were staring at the flower crown perched on Edwin's head. I had expected him to toss it aside as soon as we entered, but to my surprise, he kept it on.

*No wonder they’re shocked. He already looks unhinged, and now he’s walking around with flowers on his head.*

I couldn’t help but sympathize with the servants, finding myself nodding along with their unspoken thoughts. Just then, Edwin chuckled softly, startling me out of my thoughts.

“What’s my bride thinking about this time?”

I couldn’t very well tell him that he looked even crazier than usual, so I quickly scrambled for an excuse.

“Oh, um… I was just looking at the flower crown on your head. It’s strange to see us wearing the same thing,” I lied.

“So you wanted to match with me? You should have said so.”

I barely managed to stop myself from shaking my head in denial. Saying no now would only make things worse.

“If my bride wants something, I must provide it.”

*No, no, I definitely don’t want matching items with a madman,* I thought desperately.

But Edwin, oblivious to my internal panic, started humming happily as he began listing off potential matching items we could get together. I quietly looked up at the ceiling, holding back tears.

---

After escorting me to my room, Edwin headed straight to his study, with Beryl following closely behind. Seth, who had been waiting to deliver his report, was momentarily taken aback when Edwin entered.

Edwin, noticing where Seth’s gaze had landed, smiled widely.

“Nice, isn’t it? My bride made this for me,” Edwin said proudly, showing off the flower crown.

Seth quickly composed himself and replied calmly, “The lady is quite skilled with her hands.”

“She’s quite something, isn’t she? Watching her fidget with those tiny hands was absolutely adorable,” Edwin said, his smile softening as he recalled the scene.

It had been ages since anyone had made him a flower crown—the last time was when his mother had made one for him as a child. Whether it was because this was his first time wearing one in so long or because it was the first gift from his bride, he felt an unusual warmth.

Sitting down on the sofa, Edwin propped his long legs up on the table and absently fiddled with the crown, lost in thought. After a moment, he casually spoke up.

“What about the servants? Did you handle it?”

“They’ve been warned. They’ve served the family for a long time, so you needn’t worry,” Seth replied.

“Even so, tighten internal surveillance. Deal with any loose tongues immediately.”

“Understood.”

“Beryl, what about the knights?”

“They’ve been instructed to ensure no problems arise.”

“Does the lady truly remember nothing?” Seth asked cautiously.

“It seems so,” Edwin responded.

“Is there a chance she could be lying…?”

“Do you think I wouldn’t be able to tell?” Edwin’s eyes sharpened, causing Seth to bow his head in apology.