Chapter 244 - Thank You Very Much (1/2)

After all the guests arrived, Elena finally began the commencement of the meal. She stood up from the head of the table, holding her wine glass and thanking all those who gathered here tonight.

“Thank you all for accepting my sudden invitation. The food has been specially prepared, and I hope you will enjoy it.”

She lifted her wine glass, and everyone else lifted theirs in response. It was a graceful way for the ladies to elegantly communicate without hitting each other’s glasses. Elena smiled and made her closing comment.

“I hope everyone will have a good meal.”

Several of them called out “Yes, Your Highness!” and soon after, the room fell into comfortable conversation. Numerous servants appeared, carrying plates of food and setting them before the guests.

“Oh, isn’t this from Restaurant Shelly?”

“Really? I haven’t been able to make a reservation because it’s always full.”

The main chef today was from the most well-known establishment in the capital. However, even the chef hesitated at cooking at such short notice for a dinner party. It was through Carlisle’s efforts that he had been able to procure the chef for her.

— I’ll do anything for my wife.

Elena recalled Carlisle’s mischievous grin, and a smile came to her lips without her even realizing it. Compliments began to spread among the nobles during the various courses.

“Oh, I can feel the juices in my mouth.”

“The meat is divine.”

The popularity of the food among the guests caused Elena’s mood to rise. The nanny quietly approached Elena from behind and spoke.

“I have an important message.”

Elena nodded slightly, and the nanny leaned in closer and whispered in her ear.

“The Empress’ troops around the Crown Prince’s palace have been withdrawn.”

It had gone just as planned, and Elena smiled from indescribable joy.

“Thank you. Now try to get some rest.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The nanny withdrew after delivering her message. Elena lifted her fork and knife and continued to enjoy her meal like the other women. The food looked delicious, and when she placed it in her mouth, it flowed richly down her throat. Everything was going smoothly, and she was able to enjoy her dinner with ease.

***

After-dinner refreshments included dessert and tea. Elena was engaged in light conversation with the guests, when she noticed Yulia leaving the banquet hall and going to the terrace alone. She had been wondering about the woman’s goodwill towards her throughout the evening.

Elena did not suffer curiosity for long, and she politely excused herself before following Yulia towards the terrace. Once Elena was outside, the revelry of the banquet hall faded away, and the terrace was comfortably peaceful.

“Lady Necrensi.”

At Elena’s voice, Yulia looked back.

“Oh, Your Highness.”

As Yulia bowed her head to pay her respects, Elena drew closer.

“Why are you out there? You haven’t spoken to anyone in the banquet hall.”

“I don’t enjoy interacting with people very much.”

Yulia did not get the nickname “The beauty without a smile” for nothing. She had a reticent nature and wasn’t as involved with the social chess game, but with her stunning looks and fashion sense, many young ladies followed her as an icon.

“You accepted my invitation despite that.”

“Oh, that’s…”

For a moment, Yulia’s proud face showed a slightly embarrassed look. Elena tried to phrase her next words as politely as possible.

“In truth, I did not expect you to accept my invitation. Moreover, your praise for my dress was intentional, correct?”

“…”

“May I ask why you did that?”

Whatever Yulia’s intentions, everything she had done helped Elena, and Elena was curious why. Yulia demurely lowered her eyes.

“If you noticed, Your Highness, then I won’t hide it. The reason I did it was because of a friend…but I cannot name them.”

“Friend?”

Elena was inwardly surprised by Yulia’s answer. She never expected it would be connected to a friend of Yulia’s.

“In truth…”

Yulia hesitated for a moment, but soon took a deep breath and continued.

“The Second Prince invited me to his party. However, I never liked being around many people, so I never went.”

An ominous feeling stirred in Elena’s stomach. She had been to Redfield’s party before, and knew what it was like. However, she continued to listen to Yulia’s story without interrupting her.

“The Second Prince’s parties are very popular, and my friend truly wanted to go. She asked me to come with her. I said no. If I had known what would have happened, I would have followed her…and it is still my greatest regret not having done so.”

Elena felt numb as she asked her next question.

“What happened?”