Ch. 242 Why Are You Helping Me? (1)
Mirabelle finally awoke, and when she heard of Elena’s dinner party, she offered her help. She scrutinized Elena’s wardrobe before making a decision.
“Why don’t you wear this dress tonight?”
The selection of Elena’s dress would be just as important as the dinner itself. There was no time to tailor a new dress, but it was crucial for the Crown Princess to appear immaculate in social events. No matter how high a position Elena held, she could not afford for the nobles to whisper behind her back if she was dressed poorly. No other place was more fashion-conscious than high society, and she attracted more attention than anyone else.
She carefully studied the dress Mirabelle had chosen.
“This?”
It was a radical departure from what Elena usually wore. The dress was a vibrant purple, and had a distinctive skirt made up of layers upon layers of tulle.
“Yes. I’ll adjust this part here to make it look better. Take a look, sister.”
With a few of Mirabelle’s modifications, the dress took on a greater sophistication and elegance. Elena stared at the scene before her, and she couldn’t help but make a sound of admiration.
“Mirabelle, this dress is truly unique.”
Mirabelle had an exceptional talent for design, but she still blushed at her sister’s praise.
“Do you like it?”
“Of course. You chose it.”
The dress was fashionable and individualistic, meant to stand out and make a statement, rather than be quiet and elegant. Elena had assumed selecting the perfect outfit for tonight would be difficult, but Mirabelle had chosen something exceptional. Elena replied with a gentle smile.
“Thank you. I won’t have to worry about the dress anymore with your help.”
“It’s only fair between us. I owe you so much.”
A faint smile crossed Mirabelle’s lips, but her eyes were still pools of sadness. The shadow of Kuhn still loomed in her heart.
Elena meant to say something about it, but then she bit her tongue. For now, it would be best to leave Mirabelle alone.
“Please try out the dress, sister.”
“Yes. Just one moment.”
Elena entered the fitting room and put on the dress with the help of a maid. A few minutes later, the curtain was pulled away, and Mirabelle’s green eyes suddenly widened. She clapped enthusiastically when she saw her sister’s stunning appearance.
“I thought it would look good on you, but it’s more amazing than I expected. You’re beautiful.”
Elena turned towards the mirror. Mirabelle’s compliments were true; it was as if this dress was made just for Elena. She looked even more ethereal than usual, and she smiled in satisfaction.
“Yes. I like it even more when I put it on myself.”
Elena’s and Mirabelle’s pleasant conversation was suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Enter.”
The door opened, and a maid came inside, who bowed before giving her message.
“Your Highness, Lord Derek from Blaise mansion is here.”
It was time for Mirabelle to go back. Mirabelle stood up with a slight expression of regret.
“I have to go back now, sister.”
“Wait one moment, Mirabelle.”
Elena pulled out a letter she had written in the midst of preparing for the dinner party. Mirabelle accepted the envelope with an inquisitive look.
“What is this?”
“A letter to Father. I wrote about your wish to study abroad.”
“Oh, sister…”
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to change Father’s mind with this, but if he doesn’t accept, I’ll pay him a visit myself.”
Mirabelle’s eyes began to fill with emotion. She knew how busy Elena was today, and was touched that her older sister managed to find the time to take care of her.
“I thought it would be better to write it down first before speaking to him in person. Show it to him when you return to the mansion.”
“…Thank you, sister.”
Mirabelle stepped forward and wrapped her sister in a hug, and Elena returned an encouraging smile.
“You already said ‘thank you’ earlier.”
“There is no way to express my feelings other than this. Thank you very much, sister.”
“Now, I want you and Derek to go home safely.”
“Yes. I hope your party will be a success, too.”
The sisters embraced each other tightly again and then let go. They smiled at each other one last time before parting ways.
*
*
*
The dinner preparations were complete. A first-class chef had finished preparing the lavish banquet despite the extreme time pressure, and the banquet hall in the palace was decorated luxuriously. Elena greeted the ladies who entered the hall one-by-one.
“Welcome.”
The guests would reply in enthusiasm.
“Thank you for inviting me, Your Highness. You look even more beautiful today.”
“I’m flattered. How’s your daughter doing? I heard she debuted a while ago.”
“Oh, thank you for remembering that.”
Elena was having light conversation with each of the arrivals, when another voice called out to her.
“Your Highness.”
Elena turned her head towards the familiar voice behind her. It was Margaret, one of her ladies-in-waiting, and she smiled in greeting.
“I intended to arrive first, but I’m sorry to say I’m a little late.”
“No, you are still quite early.”
“I wanted to be the one to come here first and help you.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your loyalty.”
Elena and Margaret exchanged friendly greetings and moved towards the other arrivals. Margaret’s role was to keep the flow of conversation going on next to Elena, making it easier for Elena give individual attention to each guest.
Soon after, Elena saw a group of women approaching the entrance. In the lead was a single woman, and it was apparent that a very influential figure had arrived. Elena finished her current conversation with ease, then approached the new guests. Soon, it was possible to see the woman that was in the lead.
‘For that person to be here…’
It was Lady Yulia, the flower of the capital. She was not only the daughter of the prestigious Necrensi family, but also a famous woman in the Ruford Empire, known for her fashion and striking beauty. Elena had briefly encountered her at an Imperial Ball.
Although Elena sent Yulia an invitation to the dinner party out of formality, she didn’t expect for the other woman to actually attend. Her appearance was a complete surprise.