The Sleepless Night of the Maid

“What?” Edward’s eyes flashed fiercely. In an instant, vivid scenes flashed before his eyes like paintings: a woman resembling Eva’s profile getting off a carriage with Rex at Kensington Castle, and Rex casually mentioning his pregnant fiancée when they met in front of the bridge.

“I’m not entirely sure, but doesn’t it seem very probable?” 

“It does,” Edward mumbled in reply and smiled dryly.

If a search for a single strand of Eva’s hair had turned up empty, it meant that she had likely left the area. The only transportation available to her would be a wagon, but who would ride one far away? Furthermore, if the bride of Crocsfield had parked her wagon in a remote area near the campground, it was only natural that she would not be found. It was highly probable that they had traveled in a wagon of Gallahan.

“Send a smart, savvy person to Crocsfield to find out exactly what’s going on. And Rex Gallahan…”

Edward paused and pressed his finger against his temple. He remembered Rex’s face as he had come out of the carriage and greeted him calmly, with a sly smile that didn’t show any agitation even when the bodyguards tried to investigate the inside of the carriage.

“Bring him to me out of sight of the Empress. And from today onwards, keep a watch on him.”

Rex was obviously not normal. If he really had hidden Eva, he wouldn’t answer a question directly. He would use another cunning excuse and run away like a rat. At that age, it would be easier to grow and operate in the top ranks if it was common knowledge and distribution.

Edward had to keep a watch on Rex without his noticing. If he was in touch with Eva, Edward could find her quickly.

“Ha…” Edward’s lips twisted ironically. If Rex had known Eva’s identity, he would have known her relationship with Edward, but he dared to keep her out of sight. He even turned around with a stupid smile, pretending to be clever.

“Rex Gallahan.”

If the woman in the wagon was Eva, then Rex’s actions should have been done in good faith. Otherwise, Edward didn’t know what threat he would pose to Rex, including this one.

“Eva.”

Apart from Rex, there was another question. Why was Eva hiding in the wagon even though she knew he was outside? Why didn’t she run out and ask him for help?

Edward understood that she was hiding in fear and didn’t want to be seen by anyone. She must have hated being known by him because of her personality and the shame she was subjected to. That was understandable. The only thing that bothered him was the fact that she trusted and relied on Rex more than him.

Of course, Edward knew that much trust could not be built up in a one-night meeting. Even so, he had twice offered Eva help. If she had jumped out of the wagon and asked for his help, he would have helped her without a second thought.

Eva knew that but didn’t come, which made Edward feel uncomfortable.

“As you wish, Your Majesty. Also, in ten days’ time, a ball is being held at the Duke of Kensington’s mansion for three days before His Majesty’s return to the Western Great Line. Would you like to attend?”

Count Holland, who responded to Edward’s orders, followed up with another report. It was the most useless and uninteresting party story.

Edward furrowed his eyebrows dissatisfied and looked at Count Holland.

“How can I go to a party now? I’m on duty. Reject it.”

“This is a party organized by Miss Olivia to commemorate His Majesty’s return. I think it would be better for you to attend, as I have to talk to the Duke of Kensington anyway.”

“This time, Olivia didn’t even think about it. What will people think of me if I, while in service, attended a party? The Duke will find a separate place to meet, so know that and change your plans.”

“Alright. But tell me,” Count Holland hesitated and called for Edward, who received the word with an unfamiliar expression on his face. “Aren’t you too concerned about Miss Eva?”

“What?” Edward’s eyes sharpened when he was asked an unexpected question.

“Yesterday, you had dinner with your relatives, and today you canceled your visit to the secret guard to encourage them. Your Majesty has a lot of work to do, but it seems that you’re still paying attention to Miss Eva’s work.”

“Therefore?”

“Of course, I understand your concerns. It’s true that your ex-fiancé and Your Majesty, for a brief moment, were shaken by meeting one another. But it’s already over.”

“I don’t think it’s over,” Edward’s heavy voice cut Count Holland’s words. It wasn’t intentional, it was a monologue that came out of nowhere. Count Holland, who asked for an explanation in surprise, touched his cheek. Edward let out a bittersweet laugh and spoke quietly. “I keep thinking. Before I sleep, after waking up, when I eat or drink tea, every moment I walk, run, or talk, I am constantly reminded of her.”

The heart that had already been caught. Edward freely poured out the emotions that had shaken him for days. He was completely mistaken to think that if he moved away from her, he would soon forget her. It was because he was too trifling with the most fundamental and powerful emotions of human beings.

With every gap, Eva’s face and voice came to mind. The way she smiled as she remembered her past, her worried face about her lost flowers, and her gloomy expression as she drew on her wisdom and courage to overcome her circumstances. And the soft voice with which she called him.

Edward couldn’t comprehend this strange feeling either. He knew how much they had been through and how much he knew about her. He felt like he was blinded by the angel’s light and could only see Eva embedded in his closed eyes.

“But that is of no help to either of you. Especially when Eva is struggling right now.”

“I know. I’m trying to figure out what to do with her, so find her quickly.” Returning to reality, Edward ordered Count Holland who was standing with a puzzled expression. Eva’s safety was paramount right now, whatever his feelings, whether they could stop the flow or not. “Because otherwise, I’ll go crazy.”