In A World Full of Silence, My Heart Will Find Its Way To You - Chapter 30

“Did you say husband material…? Well…Well, since this is our first meeting…

Sierra, troubled by the emperor’s question, trailed off and darted her eyes around. Then Eric spoke up instead.

“Your Majesty, please be aware that I am not worthy of being mentioned. I am concerned that Lady might feel uncomfortable for no reason.

“Is that so? In my opinion, you two make a perfect couple. Isn’t that right, Grand Duke?”

Under the emperor’s gaze, Grand Duke Charles’s eyes turned towards Eric.

In fact, he had heard rumors about Eric since he was in the Atil Kingdom.

The one who saved the emperor from the ambushed barbarians.  A bold knight who lured the enemies in place of the emperor.

Eric’s loyalty to the emperor was highly regarded even within the kingdom. Seeing the person he had only heard about through rumors in person, the Grand Duke’s gaze deepened even more.

A sculpted face, a robust physique, excellent abilities, and a quiet demeanor. Everything about Eric pleased the Grand Duke.

“If my daughter’s marriage were entirely up to me, I wouldn’t even worry about it, Your Majesty. Sierra, the Emperor is doing this to help you relax, so don’t feel uncomfortable.”

“Yes, Father.”

When Sierra, her face flushed, nodded her head, Carlos smiled with satisfaction.

“If it’s unnecessary meddling, let’s put it aside for now. It’s just that I really like that couple Eric, you should lighten up a bit too. Anyone would think I’m dying to eat you alive.”

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty.”

Even under the emperor’s narrowed gaze, Eric did not show a stiff expression.

The emperor is by no means a person who makes frivolous remarks. Moreover, such jokes are not his style. Eric was well aware of this.

Eric, feeling burdened by Carlos who kept darting his eyes towards him, came up with a plan to avoid the situation.

“Your Majesty, I will speak of the rest of our conversation tomorrow. The Grand Duke has also traveled a long way to meet Your Majesty, so I think it would be best if I take my leave now.

At Eric’s words, Carlos put down the drink he was holding and responded warmly.

“Then that’s good. On the way, guide Miss Stuart to the Empress Palace. Miss Stuart, how are you? I heard that you were very loyal to the Empress when you were young. It would be nice to catch up after such a long time.

The Grand Duke Charles, who was listening nearby, brightened at the emperor’s suggestion.

“Just as it happens, my daughter has brought a gift for Her Majesty the Empress, and it is an honor to be given this opportunity, Your Majesty.”

“Ah, is that so? The empress will be pleased. Eric, please take care of it. No matter how stoic a person is, they would at least show a little kindness in front of a woman, right?

“I will follow the orders.”

Eric, who answered reluctantly, briefly met Sierra’s gaze before looking away.

“We will ensure your safety, please proceed.”

“Th-then, I’ll leave it to you.”

Sierra, who slowly lifted her head, blushed and stood up.  Carlos, who had been quietly watching the two, slightly curled his lips.

I had thought about it countless times.  The only way to solidify Eric’s public standing And finally, the thought came together.

It was a marriage alliance with Grand Duke Charles, one that no one could possibly look down upon.

Unlike the taciturn and dark Eric, Sierra was as cute and lovable as a peach. In the emperor’s eyes, the sight of the two was nothing short of perfect.

Eric’s horse, which was escorting the carriage Sierra was in, entered the Empress’s Palace. The Empress’s Palace was the largest and most magnificent castle among the royal fortresses.

In the middle of the garden, there was a large fountain with a winged angel statue standing tall. Colorful landscaping plants were well grown along the long path, with mulberry trees planted.

Arriving in front of the Empress’s Palace, Eric pulled on the reins of his horse and immediately dismounted.

When the carriage door opened, Sierra carefully stepped down, revealing her chest in a pink mermaid-line dress.

Every time she moved, the small Tiffany pieces embedded all over her sparkled. Sierra lifted her head slightly, smiled, and stood in front of Eric.

Thank you. You must be busy, but you went out of your way to take me. How should I repay this kindness…

“No. I am merely following Your Majesty’s orders.

“Thanks to you, the journey here was enjoyable. By any chance… will there be another opportunity to meet again?

Sierra’s cheeks turned rosy, like ripe peaches, as if she were shy.

Eric lifted his eyes and gazed at Sierra.

“The Empress’s audience chamber will now be guided by the maids here. If fate allows, we might meet again next time. Then please take a look inside.

“Ah, yes…”

Sierra reluctantly nodded at the sharp voice that seemed to cut through the air.

Eric mounted his horse as it was and pulled on the reins.

Sierra’s eyes, quietly watching his retreating figure, sparked with curiosity.

“Could he be someone without any emotions…? Like an ice blade, you are so cold.”

She, who had been looking at Eric’s back, cautiously opened her mouth.

I didn’t mean to spy, but he was a man I couldn’t help but keep looking at. With his handsome appearance and sturdy demeanor, there wouldn’t be a woman who wouldn’t be drawn to him, but this inexplicable fluttering was something new to me.

Sierra couldn’t take her eyes off the spot for a while until Eric’s figure completely disappeared.

Bailey’s annex in the gloomy weather where the gentle raindrops never seem to stop for days. While Eric was away, the annex residents were spending their time leisurely. The maids were busy chatting in the corner of the dining room, avoiding Aria’s gaze. If it were the usual Aria, she would have joined their conversation and listened attentively.

These days, it was better to be alone. Because it was obvious what they would talk about. Aria was in the study that Eric had prepared for her. Sitting in a round-backed chair and reading a book was her only joy.

But his mind was tangled with countless thoughts.

“There is an insider among the maids who reports to the main building. The more you react to the rumors, the more you only pique their curiosity, so just act as usual.”

As Eric said, there was someone among the maids who was watching him.

And the rumor spread uncontrollably, eventually reaching Edward’s ears.

“Is that rumor really true…? No, right? You and Eric…

The first look I saw from Edward, who always wore a gentle smile. Recalling the cold gaze filled with betrayal, Aria’s eyes became mournful.

Even as time passed, Aria’s focus kept getting disrupted by that face that kept coming to mind. It felt like coming here was my sin, and my heart became heavy.

It was then. Somewhere, Eric’s words to me came to mind.

“You haven’t done anything wrong, so there’s no need to feel intimidated. Sometimes you need to learn how to be confident.”

Aria unconsciously touched her own cheek. As soon as she remembered Eric’s warm breath, her body trembled once again.

“Why do I keep getting bothered by this?”

Aria, who was thinking about Eric in her mind, took a deep breath. At some point, I started to feel strange and unfamiliar with myself as I gradually became tamed by him. The corners of his mouth, which drew a smile despite his indifferent tone. Eric kept appearing in Aria’s retina.

With a shadowed face, she stood up from her seat and walked to the window.

Soon, in that view, instead of Eric on his horse, only a desolate garden shrouded in silence could be seen. It was a feeling of emptiness that couldn’t be filled.

‘There’s nothing wrong, right….’Oh my, what am I thinking right now!

Just as Aria, trying to shake off her worries about Eric, was shaking her head in urgency, a maid entered the study.

“That maid….You need to go down to the first floor for a moment.

As Aria turned around, the maid with a troubled expression hesitated and spoke.

“Well…”Edward Young Master has come.

Without thinking, Aria turned her gaze to the maid, but soon lowered her head with a disappointed expression.

It was just a fleeting moment, but I thought Eric had returned.

What were you expecting?  Even if I meet him, my feelings won’t change anyway…By the way, why does the young master want to see me?

It was Edward, who came to visit after a long time, a few days after the incident.

Did you hear some other rumor or something?  I didn’t have the courage to face his changed gaze.

With a dazed expression, Aria stood there blankly, and the maid, looking awkward, scratched the back of her head and left.

Aria let out a long sigh and, with heavy steps, headed to the audience room on the first floor.

As I walked in, Edward, dressed in a light shirt, was already sitting at the table.

When he saw her, Edward’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Hello, Aria. I asked to meet because I have something to say.  Could you spare some time?

As Aria sat down, Edward, who had been looking at her hands, let out a hollow laugh.

“The ring I gave you doesn’t even fit. It’s disappointing, you know.

Aria hurriedly clasped her hands together. She just clasped her hands together.

Edward, who had been staring at that spot for a while, finally spoke up.

I’m sorry about what happened last time. I didn’t mean to jump to conclusions. I didn’t cause you any trouble, did I? Did I make you worry?”

It was true that I was concerned, but I didn’t want to show it to him.

As Aria gave a small nod, Edward let out a brief sigh of relief.

“Phew, that’s a relief.”

Edward’s previously tense expression gradually relaxed. A moment of silence. The relationship between the two had become awkward, unlike before.

Edward spoke softly to Aria, who had her head down.

“Aria, I have a favor to ask. The day after tomorrow at noon, I plan to go to Madame Jane’s dress shop with Isabella. To fit the outfits for the wedding. Could you go with me?

Aria’s pupils momentarily wavered. She recalled the past engagement ceremony.

Just watching their happiness from the sidelines was suffocating.

I was afraid that the nightmare would repeat, so I couldn’t answer easily. Edward forced himself to meet Aria’s hesitant gaze.

“Aria, this is something only you can do. Will you go with me?

Looking at Edward’s face, which was full of excitement, Aria’s eyes gradually became cold.

The one thing only he can do for Edward. Because it’s only pain.

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