Chapter 133
When it came time to step out of the carriage, the child took a long breath with a slightly stiff expression, perhaps feeling nervous.
“Young Miss, are you alright?”
“Yes, Big Sister.”
After responding, the child took the hand of the guard knight sitting beside the coachman and descended from the carriage.
Then, together with Elena who had followed, they headed toward the greenhouse garden of the Hestia Count’s mansion where the tea party would be held.
‘Even for a count’s residence, the scale is impressive.’
Perhaps because they operated the largest financial business in the capital, the Hestia Count’s mansion boasted considerable grandeur.
The child, who had been looking around while holding her Big Sister’s hand, put on a prim expression as they reached the greenhouse garden entrance before stepping inside.
The noble ladies and young ladies who had already arrived at the tea party venue showed proper courtesy upon discovering the Valdeon Empire’s princess.
“Sacred glory to the Valdeon Empire. We greet the Princess, guardian of Valdeon and possessor of the wondrous crown.”
Anasha nodded once and addressed those bowing to her.
“Everyone may raise their heads.”
Elena’s lips curved into an affectionate smile as she recalled the child practicing etiquette for days, saying it was her first tea party attendance.
‘How can she be this adorable?’
Soon, the Countess Hestia approached them with her daughter.
“It’s truly an honor to have you attend our tea party.”
At those words, Elena gently squeezed the hand of her young lady who must have been nervous, while pulling her lips into a soft smile.
“We are grateful for your invitation.”
The kind-looking noblewoman wore a gentle smile as she quietly spoke to her daughter who stood behind her.
“Siena, come and give your greetings.”
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Siena Hestia.”
The child, wearing a headband in her long straight hair, appeared mature and grown-up at first glance.
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Siena.”
After Elena offered her greeting first, Anasha, standing beside her, also greeted with a shy voice.
“Pleased to meet you, Lady Hestia.”
The countess, who had been watching the two girls with a pleased smile, soon stroked her daughter’s head and said.
“Siena, please introduce the other young ladies to Her Highness.”
The girl nodded slightly at those words and carefully looked at Anasha.
“Your Highness, would you like to come with me?”
“Yes, I’d love to!”
Elena, observing the situation, checked where the children were gathering and whispered softly to Anasha.
“Young Miss, I’ll be at another table. Have a wonderful time.”
“Yes, Big Sister. See you later.”
Anasha nodded earnestly, burning with determination to make friends today.
Seeing the young lady’s brave steps, Elena somehow felt the child would be able to make like-minded friends.
With a bright smile, she headed toward a table where familiar groups had gathered, accompanied by the countess.
After exchanging greetings with ladies she knew, Elena soon discovered a welcome face.
“It feels like it’s been a while, Lady Rohenbach.”
“Have you been well, Lady Corcheville?”
Having not met for a long time since returning to the capital, Elena sat next to her friend with a radiant smile.
Camilla answered in a voice only loud enough for Elena’s ears.
“I’m the same as always. But I hear you’ve become lovers with His Majesty?”
“Camilla, how did you…”
As Elena blinked her widened eyes in surprise, Camilla showed a playful smile.
“I went to the social club after a while, and your brother casually mentioned it.”
“What did Lisette say?”
Elena lightly touched her forehead as she thought of her brother and asked Camilla.
“He said his sister might be sending out wedding invitations soon.”
“…!”
‘What on earth did he tell her?’
When Lisette noticed the unusual atmosphere between her and Lupeon at the new emperor’s coronation ceremony, Elena had no choice but to confess.
But she hadn’t imagined he would tell Camilla about it, so Elena was simply bewildered.
“So, Lady Marquess, how about we chat on the terrace for a moment?”
Elena nodded slightly at her friend’s question. It seemed Camilla had much she wanted to hear.
Conveniently, the count’s greenhouse garden was connected to a garden composed of magnificent landscaping.
The two women, who had been strolling through the quiet garden, settled on the VIP terrace and continued their conversation.
Though it was called a conversation, it was more like an interrogation from Camilla, and Elena explained recent events with a faint smile.
Camilla was both amazed and clicked her tongue at the fate between the two that had continued since childhood.
“You and His Majesty really seem to have a persistent destiny.”
“Indeed.”
Camilla looked at Elena, who readily agreed, and showed a subtle smile before hugging her tightly.
“Anyway, congratulations, Elena.”
Elena’s heart fluttered at her friend’s sincere words, and she responded slowly.
“…Thank you, Camilla.”
“Still, I’d like to hear about the next wedding news from you directly.”
Even though she was close to Lisette, she would want to hear about her dear friend’s wedding news in person.
“Actually, I have something I wanted to ask you…”
“What is it?”
As Camilla raised her eyebrows, Elena whispered shyly.
Hearing this, Camilla was overjoyed as if it were her own matter.
“My goodness! Though you’re my friend, I’m so proud of you.”
“Camilla, so you’ll help me?”
“Of course! I’ll do my best to make it look like the most precious thing in the world.”
Elena, holding her friend’s hands tightly, nodded and showed a clear smile.
* * *
The first official event Lupeon faced after his imperial coronation was none other than the swordsmanship tournament.
As it was a tournament traditionally overseen by the emperor, he was working tirelessly day and night.
Elena would make and deliver potions to help her lover.
Perhaps thanks to the potion’s effects, Lupeon’s complexion, which had looked heavy with fatigue, was gradually improving.
Having received Lupeon’s schedule in advance from Nicollman, Elena had already notified him this morning.
“Lupeon, I’d really like you to make time for me today.”
“Is something wrong?”
“No, but… I have something I must tell you!”
“Alright. Then I’ll see you late this evening.”
Elena arrived at the imperial palace garden, the promised meeting place, and quietly looked up at the dark night sky.
She tried to regain her composure while breathing in the subtle fragrance of lilacs that filled the garden.
“Being here like this just makes me more nervous.”
“What does?”
“Oh my!”
Startled by the low voice right behind her, Elena turned around with a jump.
“Did you wait long?”
She shook her head at Lupeon, who was looking at her with a worried expression.
“No, I haven’t been here long either.”
The man loosely pulled up his lips at those words and draped his jacket over Elena’s slender shoulders.
“It’s still cold.”
“Thank you, Lupeon.”
Elena smiled brightly and walked through the garden hand in hand with Lupeon.
“Lupeon, are you still very busy these days?”
At her question, Lupeon nodded while letting out a light sigh.
“I never knew it would be this difficult to come see your face.”
Elena let out a small laugh at his slightly complaining manner, as he had become even busier while overseeing the swordsmanship tournament on top of his already busy schedule.
“The swordsmanship tournament isn’t far off now.”
“Hmm, are you not missing me at all?”
Looking into the man’s clear eyes as he stared at her intently, she couldn’t complete her answer.
“Well…”
As Elena’s hair fluttered lightly in the cool breeze, Lupeon stopped walking and tucked her fallen strands behind her ear.
‘How could I not miss you? I want to see you again even if I see you every day.’
Whenever she thought of Lupeon Simon Argenta, her heart would tingle, ache, and flutter all at once.
Therefore, Elena was certain she could no longer contain her growing feelings for him.
