The End of First Love - Chapter 41

“Milady!! Please endure it a little longer. I just need to tighten this corset a bit more!!”

“Milia, any tighter and I—I’ll collapse…”

“No need to worry. If you do collapse, Lord Heinz will take full responsibility and support you. In fact, it might be better if you faint. He’ll carry you in his arms like a princess, and all the other noble ladies will be green with envy. In an instant, we can dispel that awful rumor about ‘Lady Elizabeth being discarded by Lord Heinz.'”

The corset was squeezing so tightly that something unacceptable was about to escape from Elizabeth’s mouth. But tonight, she couldn’t afford any slip-ups. She was tempted to beg Milia to loosen it, but managed to hold her tongue at the last moment.

To wear that outfit—no, that battle attire—perfectly, this much pain was inevitable. Looking at the vivid red dress hanging on the wall, Elizabeth summoned her determination.

The dress, custom-made for tonight, was a gleaming red mermaid-style gown. It didn’t follow current trends, but as the battle dress of a villainess, it was perfect. Intricate black lace adorned the wide-open neckline, and from the waist down, bold embroidery of black roses ran in fine lines, scattered with glittering sequins.

With help from several maids, Elizabeth donned her battle attire.

“Lady Elizabeth, it’s complete. You look like the queen of the night, descending into the dark sky. Absolutely stunning.”

Looking at her reflection, hair styled in a soft half-updo, Elizabeth let out a breath of admiration.

Because her hair wasn’t pulled back too tightly, her reflection gave off a dangerous allure.

“And here—this is from Lord Heinz.”

Untying the ribbon on the beautifully wrapped box, she opened the lid.

“Black diamond necklace and earrings… It’s Heinz’s color.”

With Milia’s help, Elizabeth put on the necklace and earrings.

(Just wearing his color gives me courage…)

Tonight, he would be by her side. She was no longer the wallflower Elizabeth of the past.

William and the Baroness Maria—neither of them would even imagine that Elizabeth would attend tonight. Right now, they were probably busy with preparations for the grand evening ball at the royal palace. After all, it was the night to celebrate their engagement and revel in their triumph of casting out the villainess from high society. They had no room in their thoughts for Elizabeth.

(Let them enjoy their fleeting happiness while they can.)

The image of a villainess, captured by a knight and hanging her head in disgrace during a play, came to her mind.

(Your ending hasn’t been decided yet. I’m the one who decides it.)

With her resolve hardened, Elizabeth rose to her feet.

“—Milia. I’ve caused you so much trouble. I even put you in danger. I’m truly sorry.”

“Milady…”

“I want to become strong and wise. With Lord William, I ignored the words of those I should’ve trusted. With Lord Heinz, I couldn’t believe in him, fell into a trap, and put everyone in danger. I want a wise mind that can calmly assess those around me—and the strength to believe in the words of those I hold dear. To gain that, I must learn to listen to the right voices and cultivate eyes that see the truth. Milia, your words have always guided me rightly. Please… stay by my side and keep scolding the foolish me.”

Elizabeth embraced the now-crying Milia and held back her own tears.

“I’m sorry… I’ve dirtied your dress. But I feel the same. I’ll be by your side, always.”

With Milia’s words, a single tear slipped down Elizabeth’s cheek.

She knew she was blessed.

By her father, her brother, Milia, Iris, Miranda…

The faces of those who supported and stayed by the weak Elizabeth flickered in her mind and slowly faded away.

Without them, she would never have changed. She would still be brooding over her broken engagement with William, unable to move forward.

Elizabeth stood there, now who she was because of the many people who supported her—and because of Heinz.

A knock at the door pulled her back to reality.

“Lord Heinz has arrived. He is waiting at the entrance.”

“I’ll be right there. Milia, I’m going now.”

Stepping out of her room, escorted by Milia who wore a tearful yet smiling expression, Elizabeth saw Heinz standing near the entrance.

Dressed in a black tailcoat, Heinz wore brooches and cufflinks adorned with blue sapphires and black diamonds—elegantly arranged.

Elizabeth couldn’t take her eyes off him.

(Heinz, wearing the color of my eyes… How wonderful…)

Time seemed to stop in that moment as Elizabeth stood mesmerized.

“Elizabeth, a bright red dress, I see. It’s stunning. And the black diamond necklace and earrings suit you beautifully. You wearing my color… it’s absolutely breathtaking.”

Heinz’s usual composed demeanor and charming smile dispelled the lingering fears in Elizabeth’s heart.

“Hehehe, right? Do I look like a villainess worthy of tonight’s stage?”

“Yes. Like a night butterfly radiating a bewitching allure.”

“You flatterer. Try not to be ensnared by me too, Lord Heinz.”

“Haha, perhaps I already am. Shall we go, Elizabeth?”

As he offered his hand, she placed hers on top—and was immediately pulled close, his arm around her waist.

Escorted by Heinz, Elizabeth stepped out of the entrance and climbed into the Schwein ducal family’s carriage, bound for the royal palace.

Looking out the carriage window, she saw the town wrapped in a festive mood, preparing for the royal wedding of the Second Prince and the Baroness’s daughter, scheduled for tomorrow.