The meal was uneventful, but it was enough for me to get used to my new body. Getting comfortable with handing out random compliments was the best thing I could do if I wanted to survive in this world.
Based on what I know about how romance novels work, if a ridiculously handsome man compliments the heroine, it's almost an instant success.
"Seems like it's almost time for the conclave again."
I glanced at the clock at the edge of the dining room.
"You're right. I guess I lost track of time."
"Feel free to use my bathroom to freshen up."
"I-I can't possibly..."
"Do I need to remind you we're engaged?"
"R-Right..."
Faye let out an awkward laugh, hesitated for a moment, then stood up—only to realize she had no idea where the bathroom was.
"U-Umm..."
"Want me to escort you there?"
"W-Wait! H-Huh!?"
Faye's face immediately reddened; she was very easy to fluster. She was definitely very cute—and definitely my type. Curse these novels and their ridiculously incredible heroines...
"I'm kidding. It's just to the right."
"Please don't joke like that, Cassian..." Faye pouted, then realized time was ticking. "I won't take long!"
She headed off, leaving me alone in the dining room to think about how well I'd done. And in all honesty? I think I did very well. I might not be the perfect man who can perfectly pick up hints, but I'm still not that dense.
It's clear that something's working, and it definitely has to do with me looking like a pure Adonis.
I'm definitely going to have more fun with this the longer I stay in this world.
I leaned back in my chair, letting out a small, satisfied sigh. Alone again, but not in the tense, awkward silence from before—this was more like the calm after a small victory. My thoughts wandered for a moment, imagining Faye's flustered expression when I complimented her earlier.
Yeah… she was definitely cute when flustered. And maybe that little "engaged" reminder helped a bit too. Not that I was counting, of course.
I glanced at the clock again. Time was slipping faster than I thought. The next conclave wouldn't wait, and neither would all the other tasks the system had lined up. Still… I had a bit of breathing room, and I intended to enjoy it.
A knock came at the door.
"Your Grace, a carriage awaits," Edward's calm voice announced.
"Right," I muttered, standing. It was almost like a rehearsal now—getting used to the motions of a noble's life. Dress, compliments, polite conversation, keeping a neutral expression when I had no clue what anyone was talking about…
I stretched slightly and caught my reflection in the polished surface of the table. Still looked the part. Still sharp. Still dangerously charming. Not that I was going to dwell on that too much.
The dining hall felt empty now, and I couldn't help but glance toward the hallway Faye had disappeared down. Part of me wanted to follow, just to make sure she made it to the bathroom safely. Another part of me wanted to give her space, let her breathe.
Probably best to let her go. She had a way of overthinking every little thing, and if I lingered, she'd spiral into some adorable, apologetic monologue. I didn't need that… not yet.
Although, considering her personality in the novel, it's clear that she's only like this because she's comfortable. If her character were still following the novel, she would definitely have a scary side.
To be honest, I kind of want to see that.
"Edward, wait by the exit and tell Faye to meet me in the carriage."
***
I waited in the carriage for her, flipping through the novel in my hands. Every spare moment I had needed to go into preparing as much as possible.
"Sorry if I took a while," she said.
The carriage door opened, and Faye stepped inside, clearly having freshened up.
"It's no problem. Besides, nothing important is likely to happen at the conclave anyway," I said.
I wasn't just saying that to comfort her. According to the novel, the second conclave meeting today didn't even involve Faye or me; it was mostly foreshadowing for some future arc.
But unfortunately, attendance was still mandatory.
Quite annoying, really…
It reminded me of school events I had no interest in but was somehow required to attend just to graduate.
***
I leaned back in the plush carriage seat, letting out a soft sigh as the wheels rattled over the cobblestones. Faye sat across from me, hands folded neatly in her lap again, though her fingers twitched ever so slightly. She hadn't said much since stepping inside, probably still processing her emotions from earlier.
"You're awfully quiet," I said casually, trying to draw her out without putting her on the spot.
She glanced up and blinked. "I… I'm just thinking."
"About?" I asked, feigning curiosity while skimming a few pages in the novel.
"…About how odd it is," she murmured, "that a duke would treat me so… normally."
I tilted my head. "Still not used to it?"
She swallowed, a tiny laugh escaping. "Well... yeah, it isn't exactly a normal occurrence, y'know?" She hesitated, then shrugged. "Plus, you're way nicer than what people call you."
"Looks can be deceiving."
Her laugh this time was softer, a quiet, genuine sound that made the carriage feel warmer. I noticed the way her eyes lingered on me just a moment too long. Not in an obvious, dramatic way—but in a way that showed she was getting more used to me.
The city passed by outside, the streets beginning to fill with merchants, servants, and the occasional noble's carriage. The Golden District had its charm, but it was always a reminder that I was walking into a world where politics and appearances were everything. And today… the conclave would be the stage for all of that.
I closed the book and set it aside. Time to focus.
"Faye," I said, leaning slightly forward. "Once we're at the conclave, just… stay calm. There's no need to overthink it."
She nodded quickly. "What brought this on?"
"Nothing, just a reminder." I gave a small, reassuring smile. "Besides, if anyone acts rudely, I'll handle it."
She chuckled. "That just makes it sound like you'll kill them..."
"Who knows?"
She isn't wrong, while I'm trying my best to be as good as possible. I'm definitely expecting moments where I'd need to take a life. And it's best I get used to it as soon as possible.
"Well... if you do plan on doing something like that, I know the person probably deserved it."
[Faye Amberlyne: Personality Slightly Shifted Due to Actions]
E-Eh...?
That was definitely not something I expected coming out of her mouth.