# Chapter 4. The Reckless One and the Timid One’s Cohabitation Life (1)
“So, Duke. Before entering the Academy, I intend to have Cecilia reside with us at our mansion.”
At my words, the silverware clinking sounds abruptly halted as both sets of our parents paused mid-meal.
The Duke and Duchess, and even our own parents, all turned their gaze sharply toward me, wide-eyed with shock. Their expressions gave away how completely blindsided they were.
Cecilia, seated beside me, also stared at me with wide eyes, clearly taken aback. But I thought I could detect the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips…
“Eh… Young Master? What do you mean by that?”
“Did you not hear me? I said I would like Cecilia to live with me until we enter the Academy.”
Upon hearing my reply, the Duke and Duchess exchanged glances, plainly taken aback and uneasy by the proposal.
They would have never expected this kind of situation to arise.
My mother, seated beside me, was whispering something to my father with a mischievous grin on her face while nudging his ribs. I simply ignored her; I could already tell it wasn’t going to be something constructive for my peace of mind.
“Since our engagement is already confirmed, won’t we be living in separate dormitories once we enter the Academy? I want to spend even just a year living with my fiancée before then. Is there a problem with that?”
Outwardly, it might seem like a reckless tantrum to live together with my beautiful fiancée before marriage, but for Cecilia’s sake, I have no choice but to push forward boldly.
If we allow things to continue as they are, once the engagement concludes, she would likely endure an even harsher training regimen or punishments to be worthy of being my fiancée.
Even a girl as timid as Cecilia, who has an iron core beneath her fragile exterior, would find it difficult to endure this level of abuse much longer.
I’d rather have her close to me for protection where I know she’ll be safe.
Besides, the main character’s enrollment in the Academy is already confirmed, so if we manage to bring Cecilia into a brighter, healthier future compared to the original storyline, then surely she and I could become a couple sooner rather than later.
“Ahem… Young Master, even though you’re already engaged, isn’t this sudden desire for cohabitation somewhat….”
“Is there a reason to object? If the children want to live together, then as adults, we should respect their wishes. After all, this is a future marriage we’re talking about.”
Oh, that’s my mother’s assist.
Judging by the eagerness on her face, the overzealous wedding-crazed mother in her is thrilled at the prospect of having her daughter-in-law move in.
“…If that is what our new son-in-law desires, we have no objections.”
This, from my father, whose tone, while grave, signals clear approval in its own way.
Still, though… hearing “new son-in-law” come out of his mouth feels oddly awkward.
Fortunately, both of my parents were visibly satisfied with the idea of cohabitation with Cecilia, and with their support, I decided to push forward even further.
“If I grow closer to Cecilia, it can only benefit you as well, Duke. Is there any reason why she shouldn’t stay with us? Oh, is it perhaps because our mansion pales in comparison to yours?”
“Haha… not at all. It’s not that…”
While I may have been a bit blunt, the fact remains that our mansion, though modest compared to the duke’s residence, is no laughing matter.
After acquiring immense wealth, my father revamped the mansion almost immediately.
The exterior is designed to project an imposing grandeur to prevent us from being easily underestimated.
From our humble beginnings as a plain count’s family, we rose rapidly. The mansion was rebuilt on a scale far grander than before, rivaling even the famous residences of other major duchies.
Moreover, financially speaking, the Duke Boich’s house is having difficulties right now, so any comparison to our estate would only highlight their struggles.
“What does Lady Cecilia think?”
“E-Excuse me?”
“The choice is hers. Lady Cecilia, would you prefer to return to the duke’s residence, or do you wish to stay with me?”
Of course, everything hinges on the decision of the Young Lady.
No matter how aggressive I get, if Cecilia expresses her unwillingness, my proposal crumbles.
And though I want to drag her away by force, her decision ultimately matters too much to override.
“…I’ll go with you.”
“I… what? Are you uncomfortable with a strange place… Yes?”
“It’s fine… I’d like to live with you, Young Master.”
Cecilia, blushing shyly, agreed to share a household with me.
Surprisingly, she made the decision without hesitation, and given the positive outcome, I couldn’t complain.
“Nevertheless, our Cecilia still lacks in etiquette and cultural refinement…”
“Our home tutors include the Academy’s top graduates, former members of the Royal Family’s education board, and past Academy professors. Their expertise is more than sufficient. With this tutoring staff, Lady Cecilia can join me in classes without any issue.”
Thanks to my overindulgent parents, I had the best private tutors money could buy at my disposal.
While I never took much advantage of those lessons in the past, this time around I aim to use them constructively—not to mention to sever Cecilia’s ties with the oppressive education practices of the Duke’s house.
“What do you think, Duke? Can you grant your permission?”
Though my tone is polite, the undertone of the statement carries a clear implication: your opinion isn’t necessary; just grant it already.
“…”
Though composed on the surface, I imagine his hands under the table are clenched tightly, bulging with tension.
If word ever got out about how they mistreated Cecilia, it could jeopardize their financial dependency on our wealth.
But worry not. There’s no chance I would expose her pain or past, nor would I ever turn her away.
“…Young Master…”
Casting a fleeting glance at Cecilia, who’s watching me with sparkling eyes, I shift my focus back to the Duke—
“T-That will be fine. It will benefit Cecilia as well…”
The Duke, shaking slightly at the corner of his mouth, reluctantly gives his consent.
Great. Step one in securing a happy ending for Cecilia has been a success.
*
In the end, it was agreed that Cecilia would stay with us at the count’s mansion until she entered the Academy.
The Duke and Duchess seemed uneasy, but clearly thought that fostering a closer relationship between their future son-in-law and their daughter wouldn’t hurt.
This decision will ensure that Cecilia no longer suffers physical or psychological pain.
Though her past traumas linger, I believe she will gradually overcome them by living here with me.
“Lady Cecilia…”
“Aga! It’s fine to call her ‘Aga,’ right? It’s been a lifelong dream to have a daughter, and now such a lovely daughter has arrived! Don’t worry, we’ll prepare her room right away! What kinds of food does she like? What’s her hobby? Does she enjoy shopping? Let’s go to a famous boutique and go on a shopping date this weekend!”
Before I could even speak, my mother bombarded Cecilia with questions.
She grabbed Cecilia’s hand, beaming with an almost manic excitement from having a daughter-like daughter-in-law.
Though overenthusiastic, it’s clear my parents aren’t evil. If only their overprotectiveness and love for me weren’t so excessive, everything would be perfect.
Still, moving forward, I won’t be as reckless as I was before, and perhaps they’ll graduate from overly indulgent parents to truly doting ones.
“E, excuse me…”
Overwhelmed by my mother’s high energy, Cecilia struggled to respond. Taking this as my cue to step in:
“Mother, let her acclimate to the house first. I will show her around with Lady Cecilia, while you arrange a room for her.”
“Oh my goodness! How could I forget that? Let the lovebirds introduce the ‘honeymoon home’ themselves! We’ll have everything prepared for you two. In the meantime, just tour the estate.”
Honeymoon home… The dissonance between my mother’s refined appearance and her now overly-excited behavior is quite striking.
“Shall we go, Lady?”
Taking Cecilia’s hand, I led her through the house. Her cheeks reddened like a beet as she let herself be pulled along without resistance. She seemed absorbed but likely couldn’t focus much due to nervousness.
Noticing her discomfort in the unfamiliar surroundings, I turned to the servants and instructed them to prepare a room for her. I suggested she freshen up and bathe.
“For now, relax in the bath since dinner hasn’t started yet. The warm water will help you unwind. We’ll take care of the clothing arrangements.”
Only now did I realize that the attire she wore, though ornate and beautiful, was far too extravagant for her youthful age.
High-heeled shoes and a corset designed to accentuate the figure—none of it suitable for someone still growing.
Moving forward, I’ll ensure she doesn’t have to wear such impractical garments anymore.
Cecilia reluctantly headed to the bath thanks to my persuasion. While waiting for her, I began sketching out the next steps of our plan.
Suddenly, one of the maids, who had been attending to Cecilia’s bath, approached.
“What is it?”
“…Young Master, there is something I must tell you….”
A chill ran down my spine, sensing an unnerving tension from the maid’s demeanor.
“Speak. In detail.”
