“Hwangbi-nim sent an excessively simple wedding congratulatory gift. It’s a necklace. She said congratulations on the marriage.”

Elizabeth spoke in an unfunny tone, extending a small gift box. Edith did not even consider opening it and placed it on the table as it was.

“Please convey my thanks. I’m afraid I won’t actually wear it, fearing there might be some device hidden in it.”

With a firm response, Elizabeth chuckled.

“You’re wise. Patricia Hwangbi-nim isn’t as careless as Gilbert, so it’s better for you to be cautious.”

The mention of Gilbert made Elizabeth’s expression extremely cold. Therefore, without asking, Edith understood that she hadn’t gone to see him, who was still confined in the temple.

“Patricia Hwangbi is planning to completely sever ties with her brother. It seems like she’s making an effort to silence Viscount Humphrey.”

“No need to worry about Viscount Humphrey’s side. I heard that evidence proving Hwangbi’s deep involvement in the Hidden Ore Mine incident has already been secured.”

Edith’s words were not ambiguous at all. Thus, Elizabeth couldn’t help but be a little surprised.

How could a woman in a pure white dress be so threatening and relaxed, setting traps like a hunter? Elizabeth thought it was the most certain way to bring down Patricia Hwangbi.

Elizabeth thought about Hwangbi, who had tried to sell her precious daughter like an object to obtain the Hidden Ore Mine, and gritted her teeth internally.

“I suppose you may not want idle chatter, so I’ll get straight to the point. Hwangbi suggested the position of a maid to you, as a way for Gilbert to apologize for his actions.”

“A maid’s position?”

It sounded nice, but it probably meant holding someone hostage. However, an immediate refusal might lead to unpredictable consequences.

If Patricia had any self-awareness as the eldest lady of the royal family, she might have made such an ignorant proposal as a return for the assassination attempt.

Fortunately, Edith had an excuse to avoid giving an immediate answer.

“I’ve just given birth not too long ago, so please tell her that I’ll think it over and provide an answer.”

In fact, her body was in a quite recovered state for someone who had given birth just over ten days ago. The governess, personally selected by Lexion Duke, was residing in the mansion, allowing her to get ample rest even at night. Baiter brought peculiar nourishing dishes to the dining table at every meal.

“Adrian was somewhat cooperative too.”

Edith had witnessed countless cases of postpartum complications during her time working at the clinic. Especially, mothers with poor nutritional status often experienced exhaustion during childbirth, and there were many dangerous cases.

As her expression darkened, Elizabeth cautiously opened her mouth.

“I’ll convey that. But… are you really in poor health?”
“No, many people are taking care of me, so I’m recovering well. Thank you for your concern.”

“Fortunately. Actually, I was in danger when giving birth to Elise too. I had to hide and give birth secretly, so it was a natural thing.”

“What did Gilbert do then?”

“Well, who knows? Do you think he might have pondered about where to sell the daughter I gave birth to in pain?.”

Elizabeth let out a bitter smile. Looking at Edith made the truth even clearer.

Gilbert always talked about caring for himself, but he had never shown it through actions.

If he truly loved her, he would have protected her by either formally engaging or raising her status, not forcing her to give birth in hiding.

Just like Baiter did for Edith.

“It’s only now that I realize my own foolishness for not realizing this fact.”

Elizabeth chided herself as usual. As she thought about her past ignorance, Edith’s voice reached her.

“…It must have been very difficult. Even though I had several trustworthy people by my side, I was still scared.”

“…”

When Edith said that, Elizabeth realized one more thing.

Nobody, including Gilbert, had ever said such words to her. No one had cared about the fear she felt, and she had been ignoring her momentary emotions
“I’ve overheard conversations with Count Goturk. Since Rosaline might have changed her mind, he told me to find and bring her before others, especially before the hands of noble families, get involved.”

“Hmm…”

Edith narrowed her eyes slightly. What kind of conspiracy could Patricia have with that maid?

‘Even if there was no specific conspiracy, as someone who worked as a maid since Patricia was the Countess, she would have gathered a lot of information.’

Edith memorized the note she received from Elizabeth and concealed it in her clothes.

“I need to find out why Hwangbi must contact that child. Thank you for your efforts.”

“No problem. If there’s more to find out, I’ll send you updates through the contact network you provided earlier.”

Elizabeth bowed her head and turned her body. Because if rumors spread that she and Edith, who had been at odds for a long time, were seen together, Hwangbi might suspect her.

Edith, looking at her retreating figure with a polite bow, suddenly asked a question that came to her mind.

“Elizabeth. I have one last question. Do you happen to know who is Baiter’s father among the Fleuron family?”

“If it’s Nicolas Fleuron, well…”

As the name she hadn’t h
If he had grown up in the mansion from a young age, he wouldn’t have behaved like that. However, having grown up as a stablekeeper in the mansion, he occasionally walked around without his formal attire.

Since it was an incident that happened in the bedroom, Edith thought there was no reason to correct his behavior.

He said he was hot. Baiter also had the freedom to choose his attire. It was certainly not because my eyes were enjoying it.

Anyway, as Edith was watching him sweating with the corners of his mouth down this morning, she noticed something.

Her cheeks heated as she stole glances at him. Until recently, when she saw him, she first thought he was strong and reliable enough to protect Adrian and herself. However, this morning, the impression of a muscular upper body came first.

‘Is he crazy?’

At a time when the priest was reciting about a pure heart, Edith felt a strange sense of embarrassment.

As if the embarrassment was a joke, Baiter, who was slightly lifting the hem of his shirt, sparkling his eyes, had no sense of the emotions she felt.

“If you get married, you have to be obedient to your wife more than now.”

His eyes glinted mischievously.

“Even when I was a stablekeeper, I think I listened well to Madam’s words. If you want to undress, go ahead.”

He seemed completely uninterested in the word ‘chastity’ that the priest was passionately reciting outside.

Edith felt like she revealed a stern thought and cleared her throat, “Baiter, the priest is reading the scriptures. We should listen.”

“I’ve been hearing you muttering since earlier, wondering if there’s something else you want. And…”

He covered Edith’s slightly lifted apron again and added, “I was listening. Didn’t the priest say that being a good husband is serving your wife? Or something like that?”

“…….”

But perhaps due to the low voice, his words sounded completely different.