Chapter 144 - I’ll Only Say It Once (1) (1/2)

The next person Elena approached at the reception was Countess Stella Viviana, one of the most important social figures in the capital. Stella was a potential enemy, as Elena had been forced to blackmail Stella about her hidden son. It was because of this exploitation that Elena was able to become crown princess, and she was uneasy about it.

Elena easily found the countess, as she was the one with the most ladies gathered around her. Stella greeted Elena with a radiant smile when she noticed she was approaching.

“Oh, thank you for coming all the way here, Your Highness.”

Stella’s words drew the attention of the other ladies, and soon after they all greeted her with a bow.

“Hail the Crown Princess. Eternal glory to the Ruford Empire.”

Elena still found it awkward when everyone bowed to her this way, but she returned the smile with no hint of discomfort.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all. I came to see the Countess Viviana, and found you all here.”

“Oh goodness, I didn’t realize the Crown Princess was looking for me. I’ll have a quick chat with her and join you other ladies again.”

Stella replied confidently, as if she were acquainted with Elena. The other ladies smiled at the two of them.

“Yes, please return, Countess.”

“Congratulations on your wedding today, Your Highness.”

The women gave their chorus, and Elena and Stella accepted their words with bright smiles. They both headed outside the hall towards to an open-air terrace. It was already sunset, and the cool spring breeze blew pleasantly across their faces. They were they only two souls on there, but Stella kept her polite smile on her face.

“What did you want to talk to me about, Your Highness?”

Elena was curious at how calm Stella remained, as if their last meeting had never happened. After contemplating how to begin the conversation, Elena decided to be straightforward.

“I didn’t expect a warm welcome from you.”

“Is there any reason why I shouldn’t be glad to see you, Your Highness?”

The question might have seemed absurd. Elena clarified herself, as she wondered what on earth Stella was thinking.

“We didn’t leave the first meeting on the best of terms.”

“You kept your promise to stay quiet, so I decided to forget it.”

At Stella’s reply, Elena understood once again that the most dangerous opponents were not the ones who were outwardly terrifying. The countess’ reputation as a shrewd woman was not for nothing. Stella already knew that open hostility towards the Crown Princess was not to her benefit.

‘But she can’t help but be wary of me.’

There was no way anyone would be comfortable having their with having their deepest secrets exposed. Another saying crossed Elena’s mind.

‘Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.’

Stella was keeping her enemy, Elena, closer. But so was Elena. She couldn’t let Stella alone, but since the Countess had made no movements yet, Elena couldn’t yet touch her. Elena tried to appeal to her heart this time, but the countess was more skilled than she thought, and she couldn’t help but admire the other woman. She didn’t know if Stella would stab her in the back, but no relationship began with complete faith. Elena decided to keep Stella around for now and, if possible, make her her ally.

“I worried that you may have your doubts about me, so I’m relieved that you trust me.”

“Of course. There’s no one on this continent who doesn’t believe in the Crown Princess of the Ruford Empire. I also worried that you may be reluctant about me, so I’m happy to hear that you trust me as well.”

It was a pleasant remark with proper flattery. If Ruford Empire were as free as the Freegrand Kingdom, Stella could have made an excellent ambassador in other countries. It was a regretful waste of talent. In any case, though Stella’s true intentions were unknown, she was not hostile to Elena.

Elena continued with a soft smile.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again. Please come to the palace sometime after today’s reception. I’ll send you an invitation personally.”

“Oh, it’s an honor, Your Highness.”

Both were feeling out the other while guarding their true intentions. And funnily enough, both of them were aware of it, but pretended to not know anything.

After the short conversation with Stella, Elena headed inside the reception hall again. Stella followed her and then gave her a bow.

“I will see you later, Your Highness.”