Chapter 163 - I’ll See Soon (1/2)
The ambassadors who wanted even the slightest connection with the Ruford Imperial Family could not refuse Elena’s invitation. All invitees expressed their intention to attend the party, and as the date loomed the palace became increasingly populated. Because Elena’s ankle made it difficult to move speedily, it fell to the head-lady-waiting to organize the servants and create as perfect as event as possible.
Plans were going smoothly, when there was a knock on Elena’s door.
“Come in.”
Asabe entered the room and gave a low bow.
“Your Highness. Lady Mirabelle from the Blaise family is here, as well as the other maids and servants.”
“Really? I’ll go out myself.”
As Elena stood up on her bandaged ankle, Asabe quickly went to her side to assist her. Elena’s injury wasn’t so severe that she was immobile, but Carlisle was so insistent on her recovery that she simply complied. Of course, her ankle was healing quickly thanks to him.
‘Mirabelle will worry if she sees me like this.’
Elena swiftly headed out of the Crown Prince’s palace, her heart lifting in anticipation in seeing Mirabelle after a long time. Elena spotted the familiar figures of the Blaise residents exiting from the carriage. When Mary saw Elena walking with Asabe’s help, the maid’s eyes widened.
“My Lady!”
Mary hurried to Elena and looked at her anxiously.
“What happened to you? Did you hurt your ankle?”
“Yes, recently. It’s not serious, so don’t worry too much.”
“It looked serious because of the bandages. Well, you don’t have to worry now that we’re here. I’ll work hard to lessen your inconvenience.”
“That is reassuring.”
Elena gave a warm smile. She had thought she had been doing fine so far, but seeing Mary’s familiar face made her feel at home. It seemed that nobles did not usually take maids from their parents’ households.
Elena looked around in search of her sister.
“What about Mirabelle?”
“Oh, she should be here soon. There is a lot of luggage, so it was sent ahead first.”
“I see. Some people should be here soon to tell you about your accommodations and other things. Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Yes, My Lady! Ah no, Your Highness!”
Elena smiled faintly at Mary’s confusion over her title, then turned to Asabe.
“Go to the head lady-in-waiting and inform her that the maids and servants from Blaise family have arrived. Tell her to give them special attention.”
Asabe, who was quietly watching the scene between Elena and Mary, bowed her head.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Asabe left. She was a maid of the Imperial Palace, and was much more well-groomed and polite than the average maid of a noble family. Mary murmured in surprise,
“Maids from the Imperial Palace are different.”
Elena responded with a smile.
“They’re not that different. And you’re far more important to me than the other maids.”
“Oh, My Lady…”
Mary gave Elena a moved look, then hesitated before continuing to speak.
“Um, My Lady—”
She was interrupted by another voice.
“Sister!”
A bright voice turned their heads. Mirabelle had disembarked from another carriage, and was smiling brightly and running towards Elena. Then, in a moment, she fell into the arms of her older sister. Mirabelle’s physical touch made Elena’s face split into a smile.
“You’re here, Mirabelle.”
“Yes, sister. I missed you.”
After a brief reunion, Elena turned her head back to the maid.
“Mary, what were you trying to say earlier?”
“Oh, nothing, My Lady. I’ll tell you later.”
“Very well. I’ll see you in a little while.”
“Yes, My Lady.”
Elena and Mirabelle turned and walked towards the palace hand-in-hand. Another figure was watching them with a close eye.
“Hwii~”
Batori gave a low whistle as he watched the sisters’ disappearing figures. Elena was closer to the family servants from home than from the Imperial Palace. Batori was never under suspicion in Blaise Mansion, and here in the palace he had even more free rein as a servant of the Crown Princess.
‘I planned it this way from the beginning, but this is an excellent position.’
Batori carried the luggage from the carriage, smiling as usual.
Mary stood there for a moment, staring at the backs of Elena and Mirabelle, and then returned to her original position. There was no one there to notice how her expression turned gloomy.
*
*
*
This was the first time Elena and Mirabelle had seen each other since the wedding, and they spoke to each other as if they had been apart for years. Elena gave Mirabelle a tour inside the palace. Although Mirabelle had already visited the place before, Elena was able to show everything in more detail.
They settled in a luxurious parlor room while Elena told her sister about the going-ons of the palace.
“What? Our nanny has become the head lady-in-waiting?”
“Yes. She’s busy preparing for a party I’m hosting, but before you go back, please see her and say hello.”
“Of course. I’ve missed her so much…I never thought I’d see her again like this.”