Caleb's handwriting was like his—smooth and rounded.
While Elisia was reading the letter written in those thin lines, her eyes began to shine.
Sarah carefully observed her mistress's reaction, and was confused when she saw Elisia wiping her tears.
“Ma’am, are you okay?”
She gently wiped her eyes and asked anxiously.
“I must have made a mistake.
But you were close to him, so I thought you would want to see his letter...”
“No, well done.
Thank you, Sarah.”
Elisia smiled a small, sincere smile after Sara dried her tears.
Then she folded the letter carefully and put it back in the envelope.
Sara watched her with concern, and Elisia nodded with a faint smile that carried some self-compassion.
"Caleb doesn't look like his mother.
He didn't say anything that would worry me."
“So...why were you crying?”
Sarah asked, concern still on her face.
Elisia pursed her lips and let out a soft exhale.
She ran her fingertips over the envelope, then began to speak slowly: “Because I feel sorry.”
She lightly touched the red rose stamp on the envelope.
According to the letter, the news of the ballroom being decorated with red roses had already reached Ambrose's house.
Patricia had caused a huge commotion, insisting on attending the ceremony.
But Caleb repeatedly assured Elisia not to worry.
Especially about his mother—he said he'd take care of her, and Elisia didn't need to worry about her.
This was the main reason for sending the letter: to reassure her so that she would not be surprised.
Elysia could easily imagine how much Caleb had to endure for this.
'He will suffer because of me.'
She felt guilty towards him, but that wasn't enough to change her decision.
It is common knowledge that the bride's family attends both the wedding and the banquet.
But Elisia did not extend an invitation to Ambrose's house.
In her previous life, Patricia's lack of taste caused her to be humiliated in front of everyone.
During the wedding ceremony, Patricia laughed out loud as soon as the priest announced that Elisia had joined the imperial family.
She could not accept the idea of Elisia obtaining a royal status.
And don't have to call her "Her Highness the Princess."
Although many heard Patricia's complaining, they pretended not to hear her.
Criticizing the royal marriage bordered on treason, but they forgave her as the mother of the bride.
That inappropriate privilege fueled her vanity.
In the end, Elisia directly demanded the royal dowry during the banquet.
When Elisia was unable to respond due to the severity of her shock, she asked Prince Franz personally for it—without any shame.
Even the Empress frowned at Patricia's impudent behavior.
But all the shame fell on Elisia.
So, this time she boldly decided not to invite Ambrose home.
They publicly explained that the rainy season prevented them from leaving the region.
To compensate for the absence of her family, she chose to decorate the hall with red roses.
That was only a week ago.
'It seems the news is spreading faster than I expected.'
Elisia rested her chin on her hand and lost herself in thought.
She was expecting a reaction from Ambrose.
Letters coming from Patricia were delivered to Sarah, and no replies were sent.
There is no doubt that Patricia became disturbed.
Perhaps Caleb wrote because the situation had become unbearable.
With a feeling of mutual sympathy, Elisia said to Sara:
“From now on, if anything comes from Caleb, show it to me.
I don’t know if he’ll write again, but that’s okay.”
“Your order is obeyed, ma’am.”
“As for the response...”
"Caleb?
Who is this?"
They were interrupted by a sharp call.
When they turned around, they saw Glenna wearing a luxurious, striking dress.
“…Her Highness, wife of the First Prince”
“Mrs.
Ambrose.”
Glenna entered the salon with confident steps, and raised her chin slightly while giving a condescending look, which she hid behind an artificial elegance.
It was sending a clear message to Elysia to respect palace etiquette.
Elisia immediately stood up and knelt down to greet her.
“I salute Her Highness, the wife of the First Prince.
May the glory of the sun shine upon you.”
Glenna stared at her silently.
Until the highest lady approved it, Elisia had no right to move or speak.
Glenna slowly opened her fan and began to fan herself half-heartedly.
She was clearly just passing the time.
“Hmm.”
A long time passed until Sarah behind her began to move nervously.
Elisia's knees began to shake.
Maintaining balance in the kneeling position was difficult.
In the end, her balance was slightly off.
"Yes …!"
"Oh, my God."
Glenna furrowed her brow as if she saw something disgusting.
She closed her fan with a sharp bang, and shook her head.
“You must not move until I give you permission.
You really lack manners.”
'Even if you are really from the countryside.'
She tapped the tip of her fan on Elisia's chin.
She raised her chin, furrowing her eyebrows in a feigned look of concern.
“How are you going to survive in this palace like this?”
“I thank Your Highness for your care.”
“You should have answered my question first, lady.”
The fan, which was raising her chin, lightly hit her cheek.
She felt a sting of pain, and behind her she heard a gasp from Sarah.
'You've really crossed the line.'
Elysia stared at Glenna with steady eyes.
Glenna seemed completely satisfied, her face filled with pleasure in tormenting Elisia.
It seems that there is still pain in her soul from not being able to humiliate Elysia in front of the Empress the last time.
'How childish you are.'
Elisia stifled an internal laugh and lowered her gaze.
Glenna saw this as a sign of surrender, so she continued in an arrogant tone:
“Come on, answer me.
Who is Caleb?”
She motioned for her to get up.
As soon as Elisia straightened her stance, Glenna laughed behind her fan.
“Is he your secret lover from the House of Ambrose?”
“He's my brother.”
Elisia answered dryly, and looked at her with a blank look.
“It's Baron Ambrose—Caleb Ambrose.
He sent a message to congratulate me on the wedding.”
“Your brother?”
“If you don't believe me, would you like to see the letter?”
While presenting the envelope, she added in a spontaneous, exploratory tone:
“Actually, my brother was Prince Crichton's classmate at the academy.
Didn't you know?”
“How could I know every trivial detail?
There are many barons.”
Glenna finally released her public mockery of Elisia and her family.
Elisia raised her eyebrows slightly.
In some ways, this was easier.
It is better to deal with someone who shows his true face, than to sit with someone who pretends to be nice and casts shadows.
‘Her intentions are transparent, as if they were made of glass.’
A faint, involuntary smile appeared on Elisia's lips.
When Glenna saw that radiant smile, her face distorted with anger.
She clapped her fan nervously.
"What's that look?
Are you imagining nonsense about a falling out between me and Crichton?"
Elisia did not answer her, but merely looked at her.
Glenna snatched the letter from her hand, leafed through it quickly, and then gave it a sour look again.
After a moment, she made an unexpected suggestion:
“Invite him.
At least one of your family members should attend the party.”
Glenna smiled meaningfully.
She believed that Baron Ambrose was Elysia's half-brother.
The letter showed some concern, but she doubted his sincerity.
The title of baron had passed to Caleb, but the fortune had gone to Elysia.
Charlotte had personally verified this, so Glenna had no doubts.
Elisia, since she was not yet married, had no access to the inheritance.
But once she gets married, she will have a huge fortune at her disposal.
Elysia may think she has nothing left after the title goes to Caleb.
She may not have been fully aware of the family's assets.
That's why she was writing to Caleb without hesitation, calling him “brother.”
But is it possible that Ambrose's relationship is that simple?
‘In the countryside, money is more important than dignity.’
Glenna smiled a charming, narrow-eyed smile.
Elisia looked surprised, and Glenna enjoyed that expression very much.
“Since he is Crichton's colleague, it becomes more necessary to invite him.
If you are worried about the rain, let the Baroness stay in the province.”
Elysia stared at her silently.
Moments ago, Glenna's thoughts had been crystal clear—but now, they were no longer so easy to read.
Elysia quickly thought about the implications of the relationship between Crichton and Caleb.