Chapter 92 - Are You Nervous? (2) (1/2)
Ch. 92 Are You Nervous? (2)
‘What? I thought he was taking dust off my hair?’
Elena’s red eyes widened.
Beolkeog!
There was a loud noise as the door opened and the sound of women’s voices entered the room.
“Sister, would you and His Highness care for refreshments–”
She halted the moment she saw Carlisle and Elena. The room was quiet as if it had been doused in cold water. To Mirabelle and the maids standing outside, it looked as if the couple were about to kiss each other.
“I’m sorry!”
Mirabelle yelped and went to scurry back outside to the maids. Elena rose from her seat and pushed Carlisle away.
“No, it’s alright. Come in.”
Despite Elena’s invitation, no one stepped in. They seemed to think they would get in the way. Behind Mirabelle’s back, the maids were arguing quietly with each other.
“Ugh! I told you we shouldn’t go!”
“I didn’t know there would be a situation like this…”
However, Elena felt too embarrassed to send them away and be left alone with Carlisle. She didn’t want the others to misunderstand.
‘Why did he suddenly say he’d remove the dirt from my hair…’
Elena glanced wordlessly at Carlisle, the one who started this. In contrast to Elena’s utter embarrassment, Carlisle was as calm as a still lake. No, actually, he seemed to be really dissatisfied to be interrupted so suddenly. Carlisle sat back in his original position and spoke in a low voice.
“Just come in.”
There was a sense of pressure in his words, and Mirabelle and the servants entered the room as if they had no choice. Elena sensed the uncomfortable atmosphere and spoke.
“Please don’t misunderstand. He was just trying to get dust off my hair.”
“Yes.”
Only Mirabelle nodded awkwardly along. Elena’s gaze suddenly came upon the tray of refreshments Mirabelle was holding in her hand. Carlisle said he didn’t care for tea, but the delicate-looking snacks looked quite tempting to her.
“Mirabelle, why don’t you join us? Show me what you brought here.”
After a short pause, Mirabelle approached the table where the two were sitting then put down the refreshments.
“I’m sorry that I interrupted you. I brought you some refreshments, if you like.”
“You weren’t interrupting.”
Mirabelle, however, was only looking at Carlisle. Carlisle looked at Mirabelle’s face and recalled their meeting at the ball.
“You are the Lady’s younger sister.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I saw you at the ball. Your sister had lots of praise for you.”
A blush crept up Mirabelle’s cheeks.
“I-I’m flattered, Your Highness.”
A great load seemed to lift off Elena’s mind when she saw Carlisle speaking warmly to Mirabelle. While she expected the same from other families, there was a particularly strong desire that Carlisle would not treat Mirabelle coldly.
“Sit down with us. I want to know the younger sister Lady Blaise loves so much.”
“Ah…yes, Your Highness.”
Mirabelle’s face brightened at the thought of the three of them sitting in Elena’s room and having friendly conversation. Carlisle was blunt but attentive, and while Mirabelle was nervous at first she grew more and more comfortable in talking. As a result, Elena was also able to treat Carlisle naturally as well.
The three spent quite some time together before Carlisle rose up from his seat.
“I have to leave now.”
“Yes, Your Highness. I’ll see you off.”
Elena followed suit and stood up. Carlisle spoke to Mirabelle as she followed them as well.
“Did you say earlier you wanted to see the palace?”
“Ah, yes, Your Highness”
“I’ll invite the two of you next time. I can show you around.”
“Wow, really?”
Mirabelle’s face flushed with joy. Mirabelle’s feelings could easily be read on her face, and Carlisle smiled at her. Elena, who was watching from the side, spoke first.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Nonsense. Your sister is also my sister-in-law.”
“Wow! How exciting!”