Chapter 147 - Our First Night (2) (1/2)

Harry continued pleasantly.

“I suppose the rumor was true, too. What was the proposal like, Your Highness?”

Evans glanced at Harry for his question.

“Oh, it’s rude to ask such a thing. There’s no reason to pry for personal information.”

Evans turned to Carlisle and Elena with a guilty expression.

“My apologies. He’s a curious boy, so please understand.”

Elena hurriedly shook her head.

“Not at all. It’s something that everybody is curious about. We can’t hide it.”

Despite her outward relaxed appearance, however, she was calculating inwardly on what to say. She had been debating how to curry favor with Evans, and fortunately Harry’s interest in their love story provided a golden opportunity.

However, she and Carlisle had never had a proper proposal as they were bound by a contract marriage. For Elena, the moment was when she saved Carlisle’s life and asked him to marry her, but she needed a more plausible story that would satisfy the people’s fantasy.

“Hmm…my first inkling he prepared something was when I met with him and found the place lit with a myriad of candles.”

Harry’s expression flickered with interest, in contrast to Evans’ restraint.

“It was a very beautiful location with man-made lakes to one side and gardens on the other. From there, we walked along the path and watched the stars in the sky…and at one point, he held out a ring to me.”

Harry gave an involuntary exclamation.

“Oh—”

Romantic proposals were rare in aristocratic society where political marriages were common. Harry wasn’t the only one captivated; Evans seemed surprised as well, although he pretended not to be.

Carlisle seemed to be listening with the greatest interest, most of all.

“And then he told me…he told me I would be the only companion he would ever have. And then he proposed. It’s somewhat embarrassing trying to put this into words.”

Indeed, there was a slight blush on Elena’s face. She had to make up something that had never happened, and she had begun to ramble. Luckily, however, no one eemed to notice something strange, and Elena gave a sigh of relief. Contrary to expectations, Evans replied to Carlisle first.

“Considering your history in battle, I never thought there was such a romantic side to you.”

Carlisle glanced at Elena and smiled faintly.

“It’s the same when everyone falls in love. What difference would it be to me?”

The impact seemed even greater when Carlisle said these words himself. He was playing his role better than Elena expected.

Harry nodded approvingly.

“I didn’t know you would answer my question with such grace. Thank you, Your Highness.”

“Not at all. I was only recounting what happened. Come and visit the palace again sometime. If you’re curious, I’ll tell you more about horseback riding and sword fighting.”

Carlisle’s brow furrowed gently, but Elena still had a soft smile. Harry nodded his head, as if he were quite pleased with the suggestion.

“Very well. I’ll visit sometime if you don’t mind.”

“Absolutely. I’ll be waiting for you with delicious food.”

Elena had already invited many people to the palace, but Harry would definitely be the most valuable guest.

Meanwhile, Evans was staring at Elena with an unreadable expression, and Carlisle glanced at the time.

“It’s time we take our leave. Lord Krauss.”

At his parting words Evans bowed politely towards Carlisle.

“May we meet again, Your Highness.”

Harry followed after him.

“Thank you very much, Your Highness.”

Carlisle ended the conversation, but Elena couldn’t help but feel disappointed. She had accomplished a decent amount for a first meeting, but she wanted to talk more. However, one had to recognize when was the perfect time to withdraw.

“Well…I’ll see you again.”

Elena exited from the reception hall still holding on to Carlisle’s arm. There were still many nobles gathered at the party, but Carlisle had decided they should leave after meeting with Evans. Elena had already seen everyone she wanted to, and did not try to stop him.