Mingya looked at the siblings' backs as they left, pondering Edward's reaction to her.
'Did I do something wrong? Was I too formal? He didn't even respond when I smiled at him,'
She couldn't help but notice how distant and unresponsive Edward was. His behavior was rather unusual as he stood in a daze and avoided eye contact.
Suddenly she remembered her former student, Liang Wei. He used to act the same way when he was first forced to attend her lessons. Even though his behavior eventually changed and gradually warmed up to her.
Mingya remembered his mischievous eyes and sharp tongue and chuckled to herself.
'I wonder what he is doing right now?'
Meanwhile, the maids behind her whispered among themselves, impressed with Mingya.
"When did Miss Charlotte learn to be so presentable?" one of them murmured in awe.
Another maid chimed in, "She's changed so much! She was never like this before."
______
The head butler led Edward and Evelyn to their respective rooms, and as they entered, he said, "I hope you will find your rooms to your satisfaction. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. Breakfast will be served in the main dining room at eight, and a maid will escort you there."
Edward and Evelyn both thanked the butler and then turned to each other.
Evelyn nudged Edward and jokingly said, "So, when's the wedding, Edward? I can't wait to have a beautiful sister-in-law!"
Edward's face turned red, and he scolded her, "Evelyn, please. We just met Miss Charlotte."
Evelyn laughed, "Relax, Edward. I'm just teasing. But seriously, she is quite lovely, isn't she?"
Edward shook his head, trying to hide his smile.
After freshening up, a maid led Edward and Evelyn to the grand dining hall. As they entered, they saw two people already seated at the long dining table.
The man at the head of the table had piercing blue eyes that seemed to take in every detail of his surroundings. His imposing figure exuded power and authority.
Edward, a swordsman himself, could sense the might hidden behind the man's calm demeanor.
'Marquis Henry... I never realized he was this strong,' he thought to himself.
As they approached Marquis Henry, Edward and Evelyn greeted him with respectful bows.
"Good morning, Marquis Henry," Edward said.
Marquis Henry nodded in acknowledgment and replied, "Good morning. Take your seats," gesturing.
As they began to eat, Marquis Henry remained quiet, focusing on his breakfast. Mingya observed Edward closely throughout the meal, noticing that his face seemed tense and almost expressionless.
'Hmm. It seems like he too has been forced into this engagement, considering how cold he looks,'
Meanwhile, Evelyn couldn't resist teasing her brother.
"Edward, did you notice how Miss Charlotte keeps stealing glances at you? I think she's already smitten with you!" she whispered to him.
Edward blushed and tried to ignore his sister's teasing. In reality, he was also aware of Miss Charlotte's occasional glances, but he wasn't quite sure how to interpret them.
Suddenly Marquis Henry turned to Edward and asked,
"What do you think of the engagement?"
Edward choked on his food, coughing violently. Marquis Henry didn't force him to answer, and the table fell into silence once again.
Mingya shifted in her seat, feeling awkward at the sudden silence.
'I guess I was right,' she thought to herself as she watched how intensely Edward reacted to the question.
As the meal approached its end, Marquis Henry called out to Mingya.
"Charlotte, would you mind showing the guests around the house?" he asked.
Mingya was surprised by the request but agreed since she hadn't explored the mansion fully yet.
"Of course, it would be my pleasure," she said.
"Then, do make yourselves at home and enjoy your stay in the house," Marquis Henry said as he rose from his seat.
"Thank you, Marquis Henry. We appreciate your hospitality," replied Edward.
Marquis Henry gave a small nod before excusing himself and heading towards his office.
Mingya then turned to Edward and asked, "Shall we go see the garden now?"
But before Edward could respond, Evelyn dramatically yawned and said, "Oh, I'm feeling exhausted from that long carriage ride. I think I'll head up to my room and rest."
Mingya looked at Evelyn with concern, "Are you sure? Maybe you should lie down and rest."
Evelyn waved her hand dismissively, "Yeah, I'll do that. You two can go ahead."
Mingya nodded and turned to Edward, "Well, shall we go then?"
Edward nodded, suppressing a smile at his sister's antics.
He mentally gave his sister a thumbs up.
'Nice assist, Eve.'
However, he managed to keep a straight face and simply said,
"Sure, let's go."