As My Husband Said, I Brought in a Lover Chapter 203

“No wonder Sir Edvin looked so emotional. It turns out His Highness said something like that. I was the one who adjusted it.” Robin shrugged and continued. “Normally, when exposed to immense divine power, people feel dazed, like they’re intoxicated. But since Sir Rante is on our side, I made sure he avoided that. Besides, divine power can only be seen or felt by those within its range or those who possess it. So, unless someone outside also had divine power, they wouldn’t have seen or sensed it.”

 

“I see.”

 

“So, His Highness was lying.”

 

“Hmm, that’s a bit harsh. It wasn’t entirely untrue. The Supreme God is on everyone’s side, after all,” Edward suddenly appeared beside Robin, leaning in without making a sound.

 

“Uaah!” Robin yelped and fell to the ground in surprise. “If you’ve arrived, at least say something!”

 

“I just got here.”

 

“Then tell quicker than that!”

 

Edward chuckled softly. He had released those wrongfully imprisoned into the capital. After moving Fin to the estate, he reunited with the three by tracking the presence of the necklace Luize had.

 

After taking Luize and the others back to the estate, Edward went to the inn and returned the paladins who had changed clothes to the Imperial Palace, all while keeping his identity hidden. He then met with Raphaela to discuss the current situation.

 

Raphaela spoke with a serious expression. “I saw Robin use his divine power. The temple will soon send people to the Imperial Palace to find him.”

 

“May I ask how the preparations you were working on are progressing?”

 

“Now that you mention it, thanks to High Priest Gabriel’s support, everything was quickly resolved and passed just before we left for here.”

 

“Then there shouldn’t be any major issues.”

 

Raphaela nodded. “Now the law has changed, priests and priestesses who leave the temple voluntarily can live like ordinary people. However, this doesn’t mean High Priest Michael’s influence has disappeared. The condition for passing the bill was that high-ranking priests could return at any time.”

 

“It’s a law targeting Robin.”

 

“Yes.”

 

At least now, Robin wouldn’t be forcibly taken back to the Great Temple like a criminal. That alone was a significant gain.

 

“We have more to discuss. Thank you for your help.”

 

“I simply fulfilled my duty as a servant of the god.”

 

With that, the matter was settled.

 

Robin’s expression brightened as he listened to the conversation between Edward and Raphaela.

 

“Raphaela said that? Then I’m truly free now!”

 

“But be careful. The temple will still be eager to take you.”

 

“I’ll have to, to avoid being kidnapped like Your Highness.”

 

Robin shrugged, and Luize spoke up with a stern expression.

 

“Now, can we hear why Edward has been avoiding explaining the details of this kidnapping incident?”

 

“Ah, well…” Edward trailed off awkwardly as all eyes focused on him. “I let my guard down.”

 

Everyone’s expressions grew stern at his answer.

 

In the end, Edward was temporarily banned from leaving the estate. Even after returning to the Imperial Palace, Luize had sternly warned him that the ban would still be in effect. He smiled at the memory, realizing he hadn’t been scolded enough, given how much he welcomed their concerned restrictions on his outings.

 

“It was an interesting experience.”

 

Ellisian had perfectly mimicked Edward’s appearance and movements to stand in for him while he was away.

 

“Good work. Is the operation wrapping up?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“I’m looking forward to it.”

 

“It’s an honor to be entrusted with this,” Ellisian respond respectfully.

 

Before retiring to bed, Edward walked over to the window and gazed at the expansive garden of the Lindeman estate. The garden, just entering summer, was in full bloom with vibrant red roses.

 

* * *

The coronation proceeded smoothly. The emperor, using the excuse of limited time, prepared only the essential elements, keeping the ceremony modest enough to avoid any complaints about its simplicity.

 

“…I officially declare the coronation of Edward E. von Bellrod Kaillon Lindeman Carl Roblin Estante Orwell as the crown prince!”

 

The citizens of the empire erupted in cheers. The emperor feigned composure, though in private, he clearly showed his displeasure. The empress dowager watched Edward intently, her expression unreadable.

 

With Edward’s reinstatement confirmed, many nobles, who had previously kept their distance, now surrounded him, no longer fearing the emperor’s displeasure. Most were from lower ranks or those who hadn’t entered politics, but there were also many from prestigious families or those with outstanding abilities.

 

“Congratulations.”

 

“It’s a night to remember.”

 

“We’ve been waiting for this.”

 

Amidst the outpouring of congratulations, Edward responded with a public smile. “Thank you. I haven’t forgotten any of you.”

 

“Your Highness…”

 

Some bowed their heads in emotional gratitude, recognizing that the days when Edward had pretended to be a powerless duke to avoid the emperor’s disfavor were over.

 

Toward the end of the afterparty, Luize stepped out onto the terrace with Edward, taking a moment to gaze at the Imperial Palace garden. The garden was in full bloom with roses. The gentle summer night breeze carried their fragrance.

 

“It feels so strange. To think I’m the crown prince’s fiancée.”

 

“You should get used to it. There’s an even higher position waiting for you.”

 

Luize turned and smiled at him. “Oh, Edward. I have a coronation gift for you. I wanted to give it to you sooner, but I thought today would be the best day to give it. It’s not something expensive or fancy… Actually, now that you’re the crown prince, it might not be much of a gift at all.” She hesitated, about to take the gift out of her sleeve pocket.

 

Edward approached her with a bright expression, causing Luize to flinch.

 

“Why are you suddenly so close…”

 

“I’ve been waiting.” He smiled warmly.

 

“What? You knew I had a gift for you?”

 

“Whatever it is, I’ve been waiting for the day you’d give me a gift, Miss Luize. Even if it’s just a whetstone for sharpening knives, I’d carry it with me every day, cherishing it.”

 

“Edward, calm down. I’ve given you gifts before.”

 

And why on earth would he mention a whetstone…? Luize muttered to herself, clearly confused.

 

Edward’s gaze dropped, his expression subdued. “…That was for Elliot, wasn’t it?”

 

“Huh?”

 

“I’m asking if that gift was meant for Elliot.”

 

He repeated himself, but Luize still looked puzzled.

 

“But Edward, you are Elliot.”

 

“But I’m not younger. And you even shared your first kiss with him…” Edward trailed off, clenching his fist.

 

Seeing his dejected expression, Luize quickly checked his mood. His face had darkened slightly as if he were genuinely upset.

 

“No way.”

 

“…”

 

“…Eeh, no way.”

 

“…”

 

“…Edward, are you jealous by any chance?”

 

“…”

 

Instead of answering, Edward gently took her hand and began fiddling with it. The faint mark of a bracelet was still visible on her slightly exposed wrist. Luize’s eyes naturally followed his movements.

 

“…Now that I think about it, it is strange. I’ve been wearing this bracelet for so long, yet the mark hasn’t disappeared.”

 

Luize cautiously continued, glancing at him. “Are you sulking? Were you hoping for a bracelet as a gift?”

 

“…”

 

“Oh my goodness. Why didn’t you say anything?”

 

“It wouldn’t be a gift if I asked for it.”

 

Luize stared at him as if she had been hit on the back of the head.

 

“…You can give it. Give it now.”

 

Why was she suddenly hearing Maxion’s voice in her head?

 

“But you know that the reason I loved Elliot is because he is also Edward.”

 

For a moment, Edward’s eyebrows twitched in displeasure.

 

“Why are you making that face… Wait.” Luize’s eyes widened. “So, just now, were you upset because I said I loved Elliot?”

 

“…”

 

His silence meant affirmation.

 

Luize covered her mouth with her free hand. “You would’ve been sad if I didn’t love him, though.”

 

“…”

 

“And you’re not even denying it.”

 

“…That’s true.”

 

Finally, he spoke.

 

“So, does that make you dislike me?”

 

He looked at her with eyes full of tension, completely different from the composed and dignified man he had been during the coronation.

 

Edward, much taller than her, tilted his head slightly, lowering his eyelashes as he looked at her from an angle. His forlorn expression left Luize at a loss for words.

 

All day, she had been so tense from the coronation that she had momentarily forgotten the fact that the great crown prince before her was a natural at using his handsome face to his advantage.