As I mused, the knight who had been guarding Benjamin cautiously spoke up.
‘Is it true that you are the Duke of Crawford?’
‘Yes. And this is my bride,’ Edwin answered proudly, a bright smile blooming on his face.
The knights, in contrast, looked pale and grim. Benjamin, still white-faced, seemed pitiful in comparison. I wanted to comfort him, but with Edwin holding me, I couldn’t get close.
‘Well, I managed to stop Edwin, but how do I get him to let them go without any more trouble?’
I knew just asking Edwin to let them go wouldn’t work. While I was lost in thought, the lead knight shouted in a booming voice.
‘We deeply apologise for not recognising the Duke!’
All the knights sheathed their swords and bowed deeply toward Edwin. Edwin glanced at them briefly before turning his attention back to me.
‘It is an honour to meet you, Your Grace. I am Benjamin Ailes,’ Benjamin greeted Edwin again, his legs visibly trembling but still managing to follow protocol. He then bowed to me as well.
‘I had heard the Duke was engaged, but I never imagined his fiancée would be so beautiful. It’s an honour to meet the future Duchess,’ he added, his voice steady despite his pale complexion. As expected of a noble, Benjamin had excellent composure despite his young age.
While Edwin had been indifferent earlier, he turned his head slowly to look at Benjamin after hearing him mention me.
I could see Benjamin clenching his fists tightly, his knuckles white from the pressure.
‘He’s impressive. Most people would have fainted by now in front of Edwin.’
It wasn’t easy for someone that young to hold out in front of Edwin. ‘Not bad for a kid,’ Edwin remarked, seemingly intrigued by Benjamin’s courage or composure.
‘I would like to offer an engagement gift to celebrate your union and to apologise for today’s events. Would you accept?’ Benjamin asked.
Edwin stared at him for a moment before turning to me.
‘What do you think?’
‘I’d like to receive the gift. It would be my first as your fiancée,’ I replied.
‘Your first gift as my bride…’ Edwin muttered as if savouring the words. I sensed this was the perfect opportunity to ensure Benjamin and his group would leave safely.
Taking a deep breath, I hesitantly wrapped my arms around Edwin’s neck. He immediately lifted his gaze to meet mine.
‘I want people to know I’m your fiancée, Ed,’ I whispered. I had no real desire for that, but I knew it would be the best way to sway Edwin. So I swallowed my reluctance and said what I knew would please him.
“They know who I am now, don’t they? So won’t they tell others as well?”
I looked at Edwin pleadingly, hoping he’d understand I wanted him to let them go. Edwin smiled, his eyes crinkling.
“You wanted to show off that much? That you’re my bride?”
I forced my stiff neck to nod, and he pulled me into a tight embrace.
“Hah, exhilarating.”
His relaxed breath fell on my shoulder, and I buried my face in his chest, too embarrassed to look up. I could already imagine the expressions on the faces of the people around us.
“You should have told me. I could have let everyone know.”
No, please don’t. Just let these people go peacefully.
I wanted to shake my head, afraid of what crazy stunt he might pull next, but with several lives on the line, I couldn’t. I simply smiled in response.
“Can we go see more of the festival? I’d like to have some cotton candy.”
“If that’s what you want, we should. I even scouted where the cotton candy vendor is.”
I had hoped my request would take us away from this situation, and fortunately, Edwin agreed without resistance.
“Kid, make sure to send a gift. Send it to the Winston Hotel. It better be something my bride likes.”
Though his tone was light, a flicker of menace passed through Edwin’s blue eyes as he glanced at Benjamin, who quickly nodded in understanding.
With that, Edwin turned and walked across the sandy beach. Behind us, Beryl and the Wolf Knights quietly followed, retrieving their swords.
“How many cotton candies should I get you?”
“Just one is enough.”
“Are you sure? Last time, you finished one and almost cried.”
“T-Then maybe two.”
Honestly, one always disappeared too quickly. I shyly held up two fingers, and Edwin chuckled.
“How about I just hire the cotton candy seller so you can eat it at home every day?”
For a moment, I was tempted, but I quickly shook my head.
“If I eat that much, I’ll get fat.”
“That’s fine. A chubby rabbit would be cute. I can picture you rolling around like a ball.”
//cute ah~
Edwin’s eyes gleamed as if he could already see it.
Meanwhile, I shuddered, recalling the pig-rabbit I once saw in a video. I shook my head, horrified.
Seeing my reaction, Edwin laughed, his shoulders shaking.
‘It seems like he’s forgotten about Benjamin now.’
Feeling relieved, I glanced back to see Benjamin’s knights tending to him.
*
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