Chapter 120 - Do I Have To Decide? (1) (1/2)
Elena briefly considered Redfield’s invitation, and then made her decision. Redfield and Elena could never be on good terms with each other. When Carlisle became emperor, Redfield was one of the first that had to be removed. If the opposite happened, the case would be the same.
In addition to not being able to fight openly, there was no reason to attend a party in the midst of an already fraught political battle. Elena had a foreboding feeling. She turned to Michael and removed the invitation from her desk.
“Please inform him I am too busy with wedding preparations to accept.”
“Ah, is it alright to ignore an invitation from the Imperial Family?”
So far, Michael had received many kinds of invitations, but this was the first time one was delivered to him directly from a messenger of the Imperial Palace. Elena would soon become part of the family, and he was worried that she might cause offense.
“I won’t change my schedule to attend. Even if it’s a party hosted by the Second Prince himself.”
Redfield’s parties were extraordinarily exclusive. Many kinds of rumors swirled about them, but a common theme was, “When you attend a party he hosts, you know what heaven is.” Access was high in demand for young nobles that wanted to experience a different kind of fun. However, Elena had little interest such entertainment, even less so when Redfield was her enemy.
“Yes, My Lady. I’ll inform him that you cannot accept the invitation.”
“Thank you.”
Michael exited the room. Elena felt a sense of discomfort, but it soon faded after she declined the invitation. She didn’t have time to worry about anything else and browsed through the papers on her desk.
*
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*
The date arrived when Elena and Mirabelle stopped by Anco’s to see the wedding dress. Elena, who had found herself neck-deep in planning, was relieved to finally go outside.
“Ahhh–“
Elena took in a satisfying lungful of air. She could sense that the season was changing. Mirabelle, who was walking with her hand-in-hand, smiled.
“Spring is coming soon.”
“I’m glad the weather is getting warmer.””I’m glad the weather is getting warmer.””I’m glad the weather is getting warmer.”
Elena was concerned about Mirabelle’s health, but Mirabelle interpreted her sister’s words in a different way.
“Me too. For a wedding at Bellouet Square, spring is better than winter.”
“I don’t mind the outdoors, but there are guests to consider too.”
“And while a wedding dress is beautiful, but it’s not practical at all. You could easily catch a cold if you were standing outside wearing it.”
Mirabelle expressed more worry these days, and Elena smiled at her sister’s sweet concern.
“Yes, you’re right.”
In the past, it was Elena’s responsibility to lecture Mirabelle, but now that was changing little by little. Elena felt very proud to see her sister grown up.
“Come to think of it, Mirabelle, you’re a little taller now.”
“Oh, really? Thank goodness. I’m so short, I wish I were taller.”
“You’re still pretty and young.”