The End of First Love - Chapter 8

“As a token of gratitude for this recent matter, I have decided to invite Countess Iris Vetti, Lady Miranda Fral, and their respective partners to the estate. You are to act as their host.”

Elizabeth let out a deep sigh as she stared at the letter that had arrived a few days ago.

The three days following the letter’s arrival had been a whirlwind of preparations, leaving her dizzy from all the work. Unlike the well-staffed ducal mansion, the number of servants in the estate was limited.

Even as a duke’s daughter, there was no time to leisurely sip tea. She had run from one task to another, and it was nothing short of a miracle that everything had been set in order the day before their arrival. It was also a testament to the competence of the estate’s servants. And now, the awaited day had come—

“Milia, does this outfit look strange?”

Having been away from the royal capital for half a year, she was no longer familiar with the current trends. On top of that, her neglect of proper grooming during her self-indulgent days had left her hair and skin lacking their former luster.

(To think that both Lady Iris and Lady Miranda’s partners would be coming as well… how unlucky for me.)

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with your outfit, but you no longer have the dazzling presence of the lady you once were. If I may say, if you were a rose before, now you are more like baby’s breath—so faint that you might disappear entirely.”

“Ugh… Milia, that’s harsh.”

“It’s the truth. You’re the one who didn’t bother preparing to return to high society, my lady.”

“I know that!”

Milia was right. It was her own fault for lingering on thoughts of William even after coming to the estate. If she had carried the resolve to prove herself to the prince, she might have refined herself further into an even grander rose. But now, that opportunity had passed. She had to accept reality and begin changing, little by little.

(At this rate, I won’t even be useful as a pawn in my father’s political schemes.)

“I may have been blunt, but I like you as you are now, my lady. When you were engaged to the second prince, you always seemed to be forcing yourself. But now, it’s like the weight has lifted from you. You seem more natural—like a wildflower blooming in the fields, with a quiet beauty of your own.”

Because Milia had always been by her side, Elizabeth knew these words were sincere. Indeed, she had been forcing herself back then. As the second prince’s fiancée, she had to be flawless, the perfect noble lady, never letting her guard down. She had pasted a smile on her face, hidden her true feelings, and pretended not to be hurt even when her heart was breaking.

Her time in the estate had allowed her to strip away that hardened mask and rediscover her true self.

“Milia, thank you. I must become stronger—like a wildflower that blooms against the wind.”

“That’s the spirit, my lady. First, let’s make sure you succeed as their host.”

“Yes, of course.”

A knock on the door made her stand straighter. It seemed their guests had arrived.

“Lady Elizabeth, Lord Kyle Svalf, Count and Countess Vetti, and Lady Miranda Fral have arrived.”

“Thank you. Please escort them to the drawing room.”

“Understood.”

After seeing the steward bow and leave, Elizabeth turned to Milia.

“I’ll do my best!”

Leaving Milia, who waved at her with a smile, Elizabeth stepped out of her room to greet her guests.

♦︎♢♦︎♢♦︎♢♦︎♢

“Welcome, everyone—”

“Elizabeth!”

“Elizabeth!”

As soon as she stepped into the drawing room, Elizabeth was met with warm embraces from Iris and Miranda, who had been sipping tea and chatting. It had been half a year since she had last seen her dear friends.

“Lady Iris, Lady Miranda. I apologize for worrying you.”

“Indeed! To disappear to the estate for half a year without a word is far too long.”

“Truly. We heard you were resting, so we couldn’t come uninvited, but we were terribly worried. Elizabeth, you’ve grown thinner…”

“I’m sorry for not reaching out sooner. But I’ve rested well, and my health is completely recovered now. I’ll be returning to the royal capital soon, so I hope you’ll guide me once again. I’d love to hear about high society and the latest trends.”

“Of course! Oh, that reminds me—let’s go to the new pastry shop in the capital together!”

“Yes! Their cakes are divine, Elizabeth. You’ll love them!”

“Hey now, Miranda. Shouldn’t you introduce us to Elizabeth first?”

A smooth voice interrupted, snapping Elizabeth back to reality.

(That’s right. Their partners were here as well—I completely forgot. That’s hardly becoming of a host.)

“My apologies. Lady Miranda, is this gentleman Lord Kyle Svalf?”

“Yes, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Kyle Svalf. As you may know, I serve as the captain of the Crown Prince’s Royal Guard.”

“I’ve heard much about you. My apologies for getting caught up in conversation. I am Elizabeth Baker. Lady Miranda has spoken highly of you. I hear your wedding is approaching—congratulations.”

Elizabeth then turned to the other gentleman.

“And you must be Lady Iris’s husband. I am Elizabeth Baker.”

“It’s a pleasure. I’m Louis Vetti, the Crown Prince’s Royal Guard vice-captain. My wife often speaks of you.”

“The pleasure is mine. Lady Iris has been a dear friend to me. I understand you two have known each other since childhood. It’s wonderful to see such a close and loving couple.”

Elizabeth glanced at Kyle, who gazed at Miranda with soft affection, and at Louis, who smoothly pulled his wife closer by the waist, making Iris blush.

(I feel like an absolute third wheel…)

Surrounded by such loving couples, Elizabeth found herself blushing as well.

“Oh, yes! We brought a friend with us. Allow me to introduce him.”

At that moment, Elizabeth noticed the man standing by the window.

The moment she saw him, her heart skipped a beat.

(No way…)

Bathed in sunlight, his hair gleamed gold.

“—Golden…”

“It’s been a while, Lady Elizabeth.”

The golden-haired youth faded away, replaced by a familiar face—her longtime nemesis.

(What?! Why are YOU here, Heinz…?)