After preventing a disaster at Flower Bridge, Elena returned to her mansion. And for a while, she lived a life of ordinary noblewoman again. There weren’t many things for Elena to do here like in Blaise Castle in the south, but she still had household duties to fulfill. She was restless at being so far away from home, but her fathered stayed at the capital mansion for long periods of time so she thought to be productive here.
It was good to be busy to distract her from her thoughts. Elena’s mind wandered from Carlisle to the Flower Bridge festival. His voice still echoed clearly in her ears.
– …Stay like this for a little longer.
Elena squeezed her eyes shut at the memory.
‘There’s nothing there. I’m just crazy…’
She could not easily refuse him, so she had done what he asked. Even if she could redo the moment, she wouldn’t necessarily turn him down coldly. Guilt still pricked her, however. Her relationship with Carlisle was nothing more than business. Although they were bound together by a contract marriage, it was formed by mutual needs. Elena wouldn’t turn sentimental when she had a family to protect.
‘Keep your head straight, Elena.’
She vowed not to lose her family again. There was no time to entertain any other emotions. It was impressive that she managed to muster some anger at herself, but that was the end. No more.
She stood up from the desk where she was looking over some documents, then lifted a small table at the end of the room with one hand. It was the right size and weight for her to build the strength of her arms, and when no one was present she would do repetitions by lifting it up and down.
She heard knock. She put the small table back in place and spoke calmly.
“Come in.”
It was Michael who entered.
“I’ve come to tell you something, My Lady.”
“Yes. What is it?”
“It’s about the maid, Sophie. The one you asked me to investigate.”
Elena’s eyes shone as Michael said that name. Elena would find the one who was behind the destruction of her dress. However, contrary to her expectations, Michael opened his mouth guiltily.
“Well…There is no trace.”
“No trace?”
Elena was not easily convinced. With the Blaise’s intelligence resources, it should be easy to track down a mere maid. She assumed the only setback would be the time it would take for the information to be delivered all the way to the capital city.
“Where was the last place she was seen?”
“It seems she had a difficult time after she was fired. I looked into it and she lost all the money she had to gambling.”
Elena thought Sophie would use the gold coin she left her to settle down somewhere, but it didn’t seem to be the case. Michael continued.
“She seemed to have stayed in the slums for a time with nowhere to go, but one day some rough-looking men took her way. I haven’t been able to confirm anything that happened after that.”
“I see…”
Elena was lost in thought for a moment. If she correctly interpreted Michael’s report, then someone took Sophie away to hide her from the Blaise’s eyes, otherwise she wouldn’t have suddenly disappeared like so. If Sophie was dead, then they should have found the body.
‘But who is responsible?’
Whoever it was, they wouldn’t have taken Sophie for no reason. Further investigation would be required, but Elena realized one important possibility.
‘…The person may be a noble of higher rank than I thought.’
She didn’t think she had made offense to anyone since she returned to the past, but she could not make a hasty judgment. Sometimes Elena got involved in things even when she hadn’t done anything wrong.
“I understand for now.”
“I am sorry that I could not complete what you asked of me. I’ll continue to track down the maid.”
“Yes, please. If you find any information, please let me know.”
“Yes, My Lady.”
It was near the end of their conversation when–
Bulkug!
Mirabelle flung open the door and flew in the room.
“Sister!”
“What happened?”
Mirabelle pointed her finger out the door in a panic.
“Well…I think you should come out first!”
“What on earth is going on?”
She hurried after Mirabelle.
That was how Elena, Mirabelle, and Michael arrived at the front of the mansion and found the entrance was almost completely blocked a cart bearing large gifts. Workers were carefully moving the boxes into the mansion.
“What on earth…?”
Elena stood bewildered by the scene before her. Mirabelle had already opened one of the tightly sealed boxes, curious about the contents inside. Instead of explaining, she quickly handed it to Elena. It was cute wooden jewel case. Elena opened it with questioning look.
“Ah…”
Her mouth fell open. The box was choked with dazzling jewels in different colors. If such a small box contained this much treasure, she could not imagine what else was in store in front of her. Feeling perplexed, Michael quickly approached the workers.
“What is this? Who sent it?”
“We don’t know. We’re just doing what we’re told. The person in charge of delivery asked me to deliver this letter to Lady Blaise.”
Michael received a letter from them with a doubtful look, then he returned to Elena and handed it over to her. Elena was once again flabbergasted that these items had come to her. She couldn’t think of anyone who would send her these things, even if she was connected to her father. She quickly tore open the envelope.
Jjiiigeu–
There was a message inside with neat handwriting.
[I hope you will like one of these dresses. Don’t forget our promise.]
Elena knew who it was at once. He sent her dresses for the ball just as he promised. And…everything else too.
She speechlessly watched the workers transfer the enormous load. She couldn’t believe the quantity of it.
“Who is it, sister? Who sent you this?”
“Ah…well, I suppose there were a lot of people who said they were going to send me dresses the other day.”
“What?”
Elena felt a cold sweat running down her back. Even Michael was staring at her with a surprised expression.
Elena simply smiled awkwardly.
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