From the moment the ring slipped onto her finger, the area around Olivia’s neck warmed. Olivia, with her right hand, toyed with the gem hanging around her neck while simultaneously glancing at her left hand. To be precise, at the ring snugly fitted on her left fourth finger. As Olivia gazed at the ring flickering like flames, her lips curved into a smile. Although she wanted to say something, the words that had reached the tip of her tongue couldn’t be uttered in front of Verseny. Olivia hesitated and spoke as if carefully choosing her words, “The size is just right.” Even as Olivia uttered these words, she felt a bit amazed. It was as if the ring had been tailored to fit perfectly between her fingers. “Well, it’s a ring meant for one person,” Edwin said, smiling as if it were obvious. Olivia, intimidated by his gaze, looked away, and a warm sensation rose above her cheek. How much time would it take until she could meet that affectionate gaze without any hesitation? Thinking about Edwin’s affectionate eyes that made her heart flutter and pulse wildly just by looking at them, Olivia smirked.
In front of her was Edwin, and once again, thoughts of Edwin filled her mind. Eventually, with frequent meetings, she would become accustomed to him.

Olivia extended her hand towards Edwin, her head tilted slightly. “Edwin, don’t you have a ring? I’ll put it on for you.” Expecting a bright smile and a casually offered ring, Olivia was taken aback as Edwin unexpectedly looked at her with regret-filled eyes.

“…Can you wait for just three more days and ask me again?”

“Huh?”

“That’s because the engagement ring is still being crafted. I’ll ask you to bring it as soon as possible within three days, so could you wait for just three more days?”

Although Verseny, who was behind them, had a face full of words to say and looked at Edwin, Edwin paid no attention and had an earnest expression.

Olivia, lifting the ring on her finger, said, “This?” Olivia’s question about the engagement culture where an engagement ring could also serve as a marriage proposal ring was natural. Edwin laughed mischievously.

“As I said, this is an engagement ring. Since it’s the ring I cherish the most, I wanted to propose with this ring whenever I sincerely liked someone.”

Someone I sincerely like. Olivia recalled the first time she saw that ring at Madame DeTon’s boutique.

“How did you know that ring belonged to you?”

Also.

“Although it’s quite late, since the young lady wants it, let’s think about it once more.”

Even the time when Edwin took out the ring again inside the carriage that brought her to the Marquis DeLaine.

“Finally, this ring has found its place.”

And now.

The ring that had come full circle was finally placed on her finger.

Olivia, unaware, swept the ring with her other hand. Edwin’s eyes slowed down at the careful gesture that seemed to express its preciousness.

Olivia suddenly raised her head. “This ring is also lovely, but…”

Starting hesitantly, Edwin’s heart sank. Was there something wrong with the ring, or did she not like it? However, Olivia’s immediate response made Edwin burst into laughter unknowingly.

“Um, if I want to wear the engagement ring too, what should I do?”

Olivia glanced briefly at Edwin’s left hand. His hand, devoid of any jewelry, was a clear sign of being unmarried. The thought of wearing the same ring on Edwin’s hand was delightful even just in imagination.

Therefore, whether it was three days, three weeks, or even three months, waiting for the anticipation of wearing the same ring was not a problem. The anticipation for putting on the same ring would only intensify with time.

However, despite the prospect of wearing the same ring, she couldn’t bear to remove this red gemstone ring.

“Hahaha.”

Olivia turned to Edwin with a clear, hearty laughter. “Why are you laughing?”

Even the sharp gaze softened as soon as Olivia’s eyes met Edwin’s.
Even his sharp gaze softened the moment Edwin’s eyes met hers.

“Well then, let’s wear them together.”

“Huh?”

Olivia’s eyes widened like a rabbit’s.

The moment Edwin saw her lovely face, he instinctively tightened his grip on Olivia’s hand without realizing it.

Indeed, my lady had been ensnaring me without reserve every moment.

Despite the languid heat that enveloped them, Edwin nonchalantly smiled gracefully.

“…We’ll soon be putting rings on all ten fingers, so think of it as practicing in advance, Olivia.”

“Are you kidding?”

“I wouldn’t do that.”

Edwin, who spoke with a bright smile, added as if acting.

“Oh, it’s already nighttime. I’ll escort you to your bedroom.”

It was late at night.

When they reached the door, Edwin stopped with a gentlemanly expression.

“Have a happy night, and see you tomorrow.”

Edwin, who usually volunteered to escort up to the front door, never entered this door.

Ah, just once. Except for the time when he revealed that he owned the Baeksu Mine, except for when Verseny bowed before me.

Usually, at this point, she would have entered the room, but strangely today, Olivia didn’t want to let go of Edwin’s hand.