Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Translator: Eonnicorn / Editor: Scarlet

Edward took off his shirt while Count Holland rang the bell. His upper body that formed from firm muscle showcased its prowess. Contrary to his nice face, his body was full of scars from sword and spear stabs, as well as arrow wounds.

He stopped Benjamin, who was trying to put him brigandine while snatching a doublet and wearing it by himself skillfully.

“Also, I won’t deny I set my heart on Lady Massies, but it’s completely over. So don’t worry, there’s nothing to worry about in the future.” Edward said with a nonchalant tone in front of him.

No one can force out their feelings once they have that. But, if it gets cut off before it can grow, it’ll disappear by itself. His love was still in the beginning phase. This level of emotion would fade as time passed, and the related person wasn’t seen. He was sure it would be.

“You’ve chosen it wisely.”

“But don’t even think about putting Olivia in that position.”

Edward smirked, breaking the expectations of Count Holland immediately. Like a wily guy.

Count Holland, his cousin, friend, and palace aide. He was also part of the State Council which consisted of 70 members, including the Emperor, clergy, and nobles.

Well-mannered and always left a good impression, quite clever and cool-headed. He hated wasting time, so he never touched anything that had a low rate of winning. He wouldn’t hesitate to throw away things that interfere with his plans, whether it was people or objects, without mercy.

If Edward got asked if he didn’t like it, his answer would be no. He was rather comfortable because he was similar to Edward. And no matter how strong Count Holland’s arguments were, most of the time he would follow Edward’s wishes. Without a doubt, he was Edward’s reliable ally. Except once in a while, when they were in dispute.

An attendant came in all of a sudden and bowed, then picked up a part of the plate armour next to him.

From now on, he must wear this heavy armour and ride a horse through the midway stop before going to the Imperial Palace.

“I couldn’t differentiate if I’m on vacation or I’m here to play a masque.”

As the attendant knelt down with iron shoes and a toe cap, Edward held out his foot and remarked with sarcasm.

It was an Imperial tradition. Whether a ceremony before a war or a welcoming ceremony, the royalty wore flashy armour to display their dignity, flaunting themselves as a hero.

With the news that he was officially on vacation, there would be crowds in the square in front of the Imperial Palace in four days. It was etiquette so he would follow it, but he was annoyed to wear these heavy things all the way to the Imperial Palace.

“You wore much heavier attire during the joust match, why are you making a fuss? Besides, Lady Kensington likes to see you in armour, so bear with it.”

“…”

“Well, I’m just saying.”

Count Holland drew a smirk at Edward’s wrath while retorting back.

Silver armour began to cover Edward’s body. Following the lower body, he wore breastplates that covered his upper body as gauntlets and gorgets attached to his body. Over time, his handsome and attractive face had turned into an imposing and coarse face, like the knight of the battlefield.

After Edward was completely transformed into an iron knight, Count Holland put a cape with the Butterfield crest on it upon Edward’s back. The perfect knight, hero, and Crown Prince stood under the light of dawn. Count Holland admired Edward’s appearance, picking his helmet and giving it to Edward.

“Benjamin.” Using a low tone, Edward called his friend’s name while being handed the helmet.

“Please continue, Your Highness.”

“Send people there to watch over her from time to time.”

“…”

“Don’t give me that look. It’s just a courtesy as a former fiance, to just make sure she’s doing well.”

Edward added dryly as Count Holland gave a suspicious look.

Although they weren’t in a relationship, Eva’s situation needed a warning from a third party. All he could do was send someone to say hello to her because she refused to get help financially. That alone would put pressure on Baronet Biti’s household and they wouldn’t be able to play dirty like yesterday. In a few months, Eva would be an adult and their guardianship would end.

“And soon Eva will be independent. Please look after her.”

“Do we just have to wait and see then?”

“No. When the time comes, don’t let Baronet Biti’s household get near her. If they harass Eva…” A memory about the red mark on Eva’s wrist flashed in Edward’s mind. “You can kill them.”

As Eva wished, Edward wouldn’t intervene with her life. Unless she wanted to, he wouldn’t force the help. As promised, he would only watch the lost flower. However, he could take care of the pests.