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 werenât 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. Elenaâs mind wandered from Carlisle to the Flower Bridge festival. His voice still echoed clearly in her ears.
â âŠStay like this for a little longer.
Elena squeezed her eyes shut at the memory.
âThereâs nothing there. Iâm just crazyâŠâ
She could not easily refuse him, so she had done what he asked. Even if she could redo the moment, she wouldnât 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 wouldnât turn sentimental when she had a family to protect.
âKeep your head straight, Elena.â
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.
âCome in.â
It was Michael who entered.
âIâve come to tell you something, My Lady.â
âYes. What is it?â
âItâs about the maid, Sophie. The one you asked me to investigate.â
Elenaâs 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.
âWellâŠThere is no trace.â
âNo trace?â
Elena was not easily convinced. With the Blaiseâs 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.
âWhere was the last place she was seen?â
âIt seems she had a difficult time after she was fired. I looked into it and she lost all the money she had to gambling.â
Elena thought Sophie would use the gold coin she left her to settle down somewhere, but it didnât seem to be the case. Michael continued.
âShe 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 havenât been able to confirm anything that happened after that.â
âI seeâŠâ
Elena was lost in thought for a moment. If she correctly interpreted Michaelâs report, then someone took Sophie away to hide her from the Blaiseâs eyes, otherwise she wouldnât have suddenly disappeared like so. If Sophie was dead, then they should have found the body.
âBut who is responsible?â
Whoever it was, they wouldnât have taken Sophie for no reason. Further investigation would be required, but Elena realized one important possibility.
ââŠThe person may be a noble of higher rank than I thought.â
She didnât 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 hadnât done anything wrong.
âI understand for now.â
âI am sorry that I could not complete what you asked of me. Iâll continue to track down the maid.â
âYes, please. If you find any information, please let me know.â
âYes, My Lady.â
It was near the end of their conversation whenâ
Bulkug!
Mirabelle flung open the door and flew in the room.
âSister!â
âWhat happened?â
Mirabelle pointed her finger out the door in a panic.
âWellâŠI think you should come out first!â
âWhat on earth is going on?â
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.
âWhat on earthâŠ?â
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.
âAhâŠâ
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.
âWhat is this? Who sent it?â
âWe donât know. Weâre just doing what weâre told. The person in charge of delivery asked me to deliver this letter to Lady Blaise.â
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 couldnât think of anyone who would send her these things, even if she was connected to her father. She quickly tore open the envelope.
Jjiiigeuâ
There was a message inside with neat handwriting.
[I hope you will like one of these dresses. Donât forget our promise.]
Elena knew who it was at once. He sent her dresses for the ball just as he promised. AndâŠeverything else too.
She speechlessly watched the workers transfer the enormous load. She couldnât believe the quantity of it.
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âWho is it, sister? Who sent you this?â
âAhâŠwell, I suppose there were a lot of people who said they were going to send me dresses the other day.â
âWhat?â
Elena felt a cold sweat running down her back. Even Michael was staring at her with a surprised expression.