Chapter 8 – Part 10

“Don’t ever lay a hand on me again.”

“You… this… really…”

Matilda’s body shook with rage.

“If you’re just going to cause a scene, get out. I have no reason to stand here and take your abuse.”

Eliana’s tone was firm. The frightened little girl who used to silently endure Matilda’s strikes was gone. She had grown and now stood her ground, defying her.

Matilda felt as if Eliana was holding a knife to her throat. The look in her eyes was far from ordinary, cold and sharp. Overwhelmed, Matilda found herself shrinking back.

Today, Matilda had been thoroughly defeated. Paul’s wrongdoings had been exposed, and she had lost her husband’s trust. While not as severe as the Count’s punishment, Matilda would no longer be able to use the family’s funds at her discretion.

‘Instead of getting rid of Eliana, I’ve only lost more of my own ground!’

Matilda, finally realizing her disheveled state, ground her teeth.

“You! I won’t let you get away with this. You’ll regret what you did today.”

Matilda harshly shook off Mila’s hand and stormed out of the room.

“Taking your anger out on me won’t change anything.”

After muttering to herself, Eliana sat in a chair and resumed writing her letter as if nothing had happened.

Since Hilda had cooperated with her, it was now her turn to help Hilda find work at another household.

* * *

An invitation letter from Calix lay on Eliana’s table. As they had discussed at the Madrino family party, he had invited her to visit the Vartica estate.

“It’s been a while since I visited, so I can’t go empty-handed. What should I take?”

Eliana pondered over what gift to bring for Calix.

“Mila, do you have any suggestions?“

“Hmm…”

Mila tilted her head in thought.

“For a casual visit, flowers are a good choice. If the goal is to strengthen ties between families, a gift of local specialties is common. If you share good feelings, you could embroider his name on a handkerchief.”

“Embroidery?“

“Oh, right! How about embroidery, my lady? We already have some fine handkerchiefs.“

Mila’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

She clearly wanted Eliana to choose embroidery.

“That’s a bit…“

“Why? You’re close with Duke Calix.“

“But a gift like that could be misinterpreted, as you said, Mila. Calix and I are just friends.“

‘I was suggesting it precisely because I hoped for such a misunderstanding, my lady…’

Mila felt a bit disappointed.

It wasn’t because she was Eliana’s maid, but objectively, they looked good together. Duke Calix had also helped Eliana on numerous occasions. This was especially evident when they went to meet Doctor Vero. His thoughtfulness made him seem a better match for Eliana than Crown Prince Cedric.

“Yes, that’s a good idea.”

After long deliberation, Eliana snapped her fingers, having devised something appropriate—polite but not too formal.

* * *

The gift Eliana decided to bring for Calix was dessert. She planned to bake it herself rather than buy it from the city.

In fact, Eliana was very skilled at making desserts. She had only stopped because no one seemed to appreciate them after a while.

But now, she had someone she wanted to give them to, and the desire to bake surged within her. After half a day’s hard work, without any help from the kitchen staff, the desserts she made were all perfectly shaped, rivaling those crafted by professional artisans.

‘Did I bake too many? Will he be able to eat them all?’

Seeing the large number of boxes, Eliana wondered if she had gone overboard in her excitement, but she soon shook her head.

‘I’m sure Calix won’t mind if I bring too many.’

She naturally had that much faith in him.

* * *

Oliver knew Eliana’s schedule but hadn’t prepared a carriage for today.

This was because he had been informed that there was no need to prepare a maid, a driver, or a carriage when visiting the Duke’s estate.

‘The Vartica Duke’s estate said they would send a carriage.’

When she mentioned the invitation, Lady Eliana had told the Count precisely that.

It was quite an honor. When Eliana shared this news, Oliver noticed Count Austin’s expression. He didn’t seem particularly pleased with such treatment, questioning whether she needed to go to the Vartica estate. Eliana, however, had expressed her firm intention to attend.

At the agreed-upon noon, Oliver’s concerns about whether it was fine for her to go without a knight vanished like dust in the wind as soon as he saw the carriages from the Duke’s estate.

Three carriages of the highest quality had come to the doorstep of the Leiberte family. In addition, the Duke had sent not just the driver but three knights as well.

‘There’s nothing more we need to prepare.‘

Eliana’s words had been spot on.

“My lady, Lady Eliana! The carriages have arrived.”

Oliver informed Eliana.

“What’s all this commotion?”

Matilda appeared before Eliana did.

“Ah, madam… it’s just that a carriage has arrived from the Duke of Vartica’s house to take the young lady.“

“If it’s here, then it’s here. Don’t make a fuss.”

Matilda, who had been in a foul mood the entire time, scowled.

She stepped outside the entrance and saw the carriage and the knights. Her face tightened. The Duke of Vartica’s family’s warm welcome for Eliana was palpable in the air.

‘What’s so special about Eliana, anyway…’

She tried to convince herself, but there was no denying this was an unusually grand reception, even if the Vartica family was incredibly wealthy. Especially considering that it was the opposite of the rumors about the Duke’s behavior.

It was as if they were preparing for an engagement visit between families, a treatment far exceeding what Eliana had ever received at the imperial palace, where she had been neglected. Now, it was as though they were laying out a path of flowers for her.

As Matilda was lost in these thoughts, Eliana appeared.

Eliana was smiling brightly as if she were about to visit her lover’s family. Seeing that happy face made Matilda feel like something was stuck in her throat, and she had no desire to speak.

Matilda had also found it unbearable when she took over the kitchen to make a gift for her visit and used the expensive flour. She and Paul were struggling so much, yet Eliana’s happiness felt like a mockery.

“Well, I’ll be off now.”

Eliana said her farewell to her parents.

“……”

The Count of Austin didn’t seem particularly pleased, either. However, he couldn’t refuse his daughter’s stubbornness and merely nodded.

“Go on, then.”

The Count gave a brief reply.

* * *

“I’m Knight Dean Forden, my lady. I will ensure your safe journey.”

Before boarding the carriage, the knights introduced themselves to Eliana, and she did the same in return.

“The Duke of Calix has told us a lot about you, my lady.“

“Really? Calix spoke about me?“

“Yes, of course.”

Dean had felt that Calix had put great care into selecting the three knights to be sent here. Of all the knights he commanded, Calix had chosen the three best and emphasized treating her with the utmost respect.

“I’ll follow your orders, Your Grace.”

There was no other engagement partner for the Duke of Vartica based on any family arrangements. His fiancée position was currently vacant.

The one who would receive this extraordinary treatment—preparing the mansion and selecting knights—was Eliana Leiberte, who had caused a stir in Moira after breaking off her engagement with the Crown Prince.

“I see, but I didn’t expect you to send three carriages. And such splendid ones, too…“

Eliana’s large eyes sparkled in admiration.

Despite all the negative opinions about her, she had a charming smile. Dean placed Eliana in the middle carriage and planned to sit beside her, ensuring her complete protection.

This was treatment Eliana had never experienced before. Such security was usually reserved for important Empire figures.

‘Isn’t this too much for visiting a friend’s house?’

Eliana chuckled to herself.

‘I always thought their family was kind.’

Even when she visited as a child, the previous Duke generously provided a carriage and treated her with great kindness. Despite having royal blood, the last Duke had given off a completely different impression from the rest of the royal family.

The carriage began to move. Eliana looked out the window, watching the familiar scenery fade into the distance. The Leiberte estate soon disappeared from view, and she felt a weight lifted from her shoulders, leaving her with a sense of relief.

‘I’m finally going to Vartica’s territory, the place I’ve only seen in dreams.’

Her heart pounded with excitement. She had thought she would never visit that place again.

* * *

TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.