Chapter 23
Adelaide couldn’t tear herself away from the mirror, her face tight with nerves.
Twisting this way and that, she inspected herself over and over, checking if anything looked out of place. Watching her, one of the maids gave an awkward smile.
“My lady, you really don’t need to worry. You look beautiful.”
“There’s nothing strange, right? Really?”
Adelaide turned toward the maid, her anxiety plainly visible. It was already the fifth time she’d asked the same question, yet the maid patiently nodded again.
“Of course not. There’s nothing wrong at all. If anything, I’m worried people might think you tried too hard.”
“R-Really? Then… should I change? What if it’s too much…?”
“No, my lady. You’ve already tried on nearly everything in your wardrobe. That dress suits you best.”
A pile of discarded dresses lay heaped on the bed. Seeing the mountain of clothes, Adelaide’s eyes darted in embarrassment.
“I’m sorry… I took up so much time because of me. But… I mean, it’s just…”
“I know, my lady. You’re excited, and nervous too, right? I understand. But try to be confident. You truly look beautiful today.”
The maid cheered, clenching her fists. Adelaide’s cheeks flushed pink at the gesture.
“…Thank you.”
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
“My lady, the carriage has arrived. You should come down to greet the guests.”
The butler added with a gentle smile as he looked at her,
“You look especially beautiful today. That dress suits you perfectly.”
“Really? You think so too?”
“Yes. It’s one of the new ones you had made, isn’t it?”
“Mm.”
After her debut had been canceled, she had received several dresses, including evening gowns. The one she wore today was among them.
Though Adelaide had seemed to recover quickly from her disappointment, everyone in the household knew how deeply that day had wounded her.
The fact that she was willing to wear one of the gifted dresses meant that, at least outwardly, her heart had begun to heal.
Pleased by the change, the butler escorted her downstairs.
The entrance hall was lively with noise. With each step down the staircase, Adelaide’s heart pounded harder.
It couldn’t be helped. Because—
“Oh my!”
The other person spotted Adelaide first and cried out brightly.
Startled, Adelaide lifted her head and met the eyes of a beautiful young lady rushing toward her.
“You must be Adelaide, right?”
“Ah—y-yes…”
“I’ve heard so much about you from Roem. I can’t tell you how much I’ve wanted to meet you! Honestly, they’re too much, making us wait until just before the wedding to meet. There’s so much girls have to talk about, don’t you think?”
Her voice was like a lark’s song, it was light and pleasant. Her sunset-colored eyes sparkled warmly, filled with kindness.
Just like her husband’s.
“Elise. Don’t overwhelm Adelaide.”
“Oh? When did I do that?” I told you to arrange a meeting sooner! I’ve wanted to meet her from the moment I first heard about her!”
Seeing Elise puff out her lips playfully, Adelaide burst into laughter without meaning to. The sound drew everyone’s attention.
Realizing it, Adelaide hurriedly covered her face.
“S-sorry! I didn’t mean to laugh…”
“But you look even prettier when you laugh, Adelaide! Oh my. Now I finally understand why Roem never calls me pretty.”
“When have I ever done that, Elise?”
“You always do, Roem. Even today. We rode in the same carriage, and you didn’t notice a single thing that was different about me. Or are you going to compliment me now? Do you have any idea how much effort I put into getting ready this morning, knowing I’d be meeting Adelaide?”
Roem pressed a hand to his forehead as if exasperated, but the tips of his ears had turned red. Watching this unfamiliar side of her brother, Adelaide couldn’t look away.
“…You’re beautiful.”
“I couldn’t quite hear you.”
“You’re beautiful, Elise. The most beautiful person in the world. That’s why I proposed. What, you think I’d do that otherwise? From the moment I first saw you, you were the only one I could see. Do I really have to say it out loud?”
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