The Greatest Showman #1409 - Deviant

"You should know that we can hear all the whispers just now, right?"

Renly's understated words carried a playful joy, which made Edith's eyes widen. She knew he was doing this on purpose.

The damn guy.

Edith winked repeatedly, silently protesting, but her panicked expression only made Renly and Matthew more amused. Instead of restraining themselves, they grew more cheerful, enjoying the scene as it unfolded. Edith, clearly helpless, could do little to stop the show.

Chris, sensing the tension in the air, may not have fully understood the subtleties, but he felt the undercurrents of the situation. He realized it was time for him to take control.

"Edith is under a lot of pressure about this. But I just want to say, we're serious! She won't waver, and neither will I! We're ready to face everything together. If there's any problem in the future, just come at me!" Chris declared with a proud, unwavering expression.

However, to Renly and Matthew, his declaration felt somewhat amusing. After all, Renly wasn't trying to embarrass him. If he were, things wouldn't be so calm right now.

Edith, both amused and moved, couldn't help but laugh. She hugged Chris tightly and patted his back comfortingly, a silent reassurance. In that moment, they had each other—real and unshakeable.

Renly's smile faltered slightly as he said calmly, "Don't worry. We're not here to make things difficult for Edith. She's a Hall, after all. I don't mind family scandals, but I won't create one myself."

Chris opened his mouth, but words failed him, as Renly continued, "You're speaking with the passion of a lover, but it's hardly a reliable stance. We're not children anymore, are we?"

Movies and novels often romanticize love, presenting it as something rebellious and defiant. But in reality, once the passion of love gives way to the practicalities of life, things change. Love, marriage, and family—especially in aristocratic circles—are complex and demand more than fleeting emotions. Of course, when interest and marriage align, it's another matter.

Chris, growing anxious, raised his voice again. "What are you talking about? We are serious! I mean it!"

Renly simply stared at Chris and Edith with a calm smile, holding the scene's rhythm effortlessly in his hands.

Chris tried to argue but found himself impotent. His words felt hollow, and the suffocating weight of the situation made him frustrated. He stared at Renly, his pride refusing to let him back down.

The atmosphere thickened, but Edith broke the silence with a simple request. "Chris, can you get me a glass of whisky?"

Chris froze, realizing that Edith was subtly telling him it was time to let her handle this conversation with Renly. They had agreed that this issue was his to manage, but now she was gently pushing him aside. He didn't want to back down, but Edith's calmness made it hard to argue.

"Don't make me regret this decision," he said, his tone softening as he hugged her tightly.

Edith laughed gently, her voice steady. "Trust me. Renly is the only person in the entire Hall family who won't hurt me." She paused, realizing the weight of her words. "I'm serious."

Chris rolled his eyes in disbelief. "Edith, are you trying to make me jealous?"

"He's another Hall," Edith replied with a helpless shake of her head.

Renly interjected, his voice carrying a playful threat. "If you keep this up, I can't guarantee what happens next."

Chris stiffened, trying to confront Renly, but Renly's gaze was unbothered. "Chris, you know what? Impulsiveness and rashness don't do me any good. And your jealousy doesn't help either. All you're doing is making things harder for yourself and for Edith."

Chris opened his mouth to argue, but no words came out. Edith, understanding the weight of Renly's words, sighed. It wasn't a scolding, but rather advice. Renly was being gentle—if this were Elf or Arthur, things would be much harsher. Not to mention George and Elizabeth.

The Hollywood fairy-tale scenario where love triumphs over all didn't play out here. In the Hall family, the stakes were much higher. Chris's dignity and pride were shattered, even if he didn't want to admit it.

Edith didn't continue to argue. She gave Chris a reassuring pat on the arm, and he finally nodded, understanding his defeat. He glanced at Renly, then turned to leave.

Matthew, not needing to be asked, gestured to Renly and stood up. He smiled at Edith, his expression a mix of comfort and genuine joy. "Good luck," he said before stepping away.

Edith sat down beside Renly, feeling the weight of the evening settle on her shoulders. After a long silence, she asked, "You don't like him?"

Renly smiled lightly. "You should know better than me. Don't you?"

Tonight, Renly had been playing his part, even before his influence and power had fully taken hold. Chris had felt the pressure, and it was clear that Renly's reach far outstripped his own. The Hall family didn't care about the local egot, but they were intimidated by Renly's power. The ripples Renly caused, like those at the Earl of Oxford's private dinner, were far more impactful than any trophy.

Edith remained silent, already prepared for this.

Renly waited before asking, "Why him? I don't see anything special about him. I know you're not an impulsive person, so why him?"

Edith met Renly's gaze. "What's wrong with him?"

Renly raised an eyebrow. "It's not good anywhere. Wait, or is it the pecs you're after?"

"Renly-Hall!"

"I'm serious. What's so special about him? Other than his size, of course."

Edith didn't respond immediately, but after a long pause, she finally spoke. "If I told you he taught me how to love, would you believe me?"

Renly didn't answer right away. He simply listened.

Edith continued, "He taught me how to open up to someone, to embrace them with warmth, to love without schemes or calculations. True love isn't about bargains—it's about holding each other tight and being there for one another."

She knew how important her decision was. In comparison, her work and ambitions seemed small. But this, this was the real deviation from the norm. Despite everything, she was choosing to stand by him, to fight for this love.

After a pause, Edith said, "He gave me the courage to stand up against George and Elizabeth. He gave me the confidence to chase my dreams. He gave me warmth, a place in this world."

"You all think I give," Edith said, meeting Renly's eyes, "but in reality, I'm the one who accepts. He's given so much. Coming here tonight, facing you, is hard for him because he knows how important you are to me."

Renly raised an eyebrow. "I'm important?"

Edith rolled her eyes. "I didn't say it if I knew you'd make a fuss about it." She nudged him with her elbow. "Isn't this the point?"

Renly smiled, clearly enjoying the exchange. "But Chris will mind."

Edith groaned. "Sebastian! I'm serious."