Chapter 71
Chapter 71
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 71
On the weekend, Eleanor was sitting across from Adrian and having a meal. The two people who occupied the only terrace seat in the restaurant were enjoying some leisure time in the middle of the day.
“Father talks a lot about Mözen these days. Probably any merchant of a certain size will want to jump in.”
“I guess so. Because it’s something everyone covets.”
Eleanor, who was rolling up noodles with a fork, pouted her lips.
After all, thoughts that are good for her are also good thoughts for others. Eleanor had to throw most of the ideas she had come up with over several days in the trash.
Eleanor rested her chin on his and thought for a moment before speaking.
“If you know the Princess personally, would it be helpful for Broden to win the competition?”
Adrian slowly nodded his head.
“I’m sure it will help, but wouldn’t it be a bit shameful to bring it in?”
“Really? Still, I will leave my name in your hands. You can use me whenever you want to be cruel.”
She said, patting her chest. Adrian smiled and nodded.
Eleanor was stuffing her mouth with a cheerful face. Adrian, who was looking at her intently, asked quietly.
“What happened to Demian? You cared so much that you had to stay at the Duke’s residence for a while.”
Although he didn’t show it openly because it was for Demian’s sake, Adrian was on edge the entire time Eleanor stayed at the Duke’s residence. Even if the Duke wasn’t around, he was still worried.
“It worked out well. I’ll have to ask next week to find out exactly, but maybe.”
Eleanor smiled brightly and answered gently.
Adrian had a lot to ask, but he just kept his mouth shut. It was the first time in a long time that they spent time alone together. In this way, he couldn’t waste his precious time talking about the Duke.
“Do you know that?”
Eleanor changed the topic.
“What?”
“We’ve been just talking about work. To think that you said we won’t be having thoughts about work”
Eleanor’s eyes widened. She was obviously talking about what he was up to, but it ended up being all about work.
But it has to be that way. This is because the fire that Princess Izent had kindled was still burning brightly inside Eleanor.
“But really, everything that comes to mind is work. How did I end up like this? There was a time when I was a fun person too.”
Eleanor complained softly. Whether in past life or present life, work-life balance is the name of the dog next door.
Playing wasn’t something everyone did. Although it was a little sad, maybe Eleanor didn’t know she was the type of person who labored.
Adrian, who was looking at Eleanor like that, smiled slightly and said.
“But Ellen, you seem happiest when you’re working.”
“I do?”
Eleanor’s eyes widened.
If she thinks about it, it really was like that. Working hard was the same then and now, but everything else was completely different.
It wasn’t something that would strain her stamina or strain her self-esteem. It wasn’t something she endured while getting hurt among people she didn’t get along with.
Adrian, who was looking at Eleanor lost in her thoughts, suddenly opened his mouth.
“Ellen, you are really strange sometimes.”
“What?”
Adrian shrugged his shoulders.
“I don’t know. I’ve seen you all my life, but sometimes you feel so strange. It made me wonder if this was the Eleanor Everett I knew.”
He said after choosing his words for a moment.
“It’s like you’re living in a different time alone.”
Flinch.
Eleanor was stung by Adrian’s words that seemed to penetrate her essence. Ahem, she cleared her throat slightly and answered shamelessly.
“That’s my charm.”
“I know.”
Adrian’s eyes widened beautifully.
“That’s why I like you.”
***
After finishing their meal to the fullest, the two walked side by side along the shopping street.
Eleanor said.
“Ah, Mom really liked flowers. “If it weren’t for you, I would have been in big trouble.”
“What would you do without me, you?”
As Adrian joked, Eleanor shrugged her eyebrows.
“I don’t feel like letting it go like that, so I decided to take a look around while we were out today.”
At that time, Eleanor’s eyes caught the red sign of a jeweler. The luxurious and calm feel of this place was her favorite.
“Oh, let’s go over there.”
“Jewelry store?”
Adrian widened his eyes in confusion. Eleanor walked into the store with him in tow.
“I think it would be a good gift for Mom and Dad.”
Adrian stood near the door and caught his breath. Because it was there that he had previously bought a ring as a gift to Eleanor.
Adrian gently touched his chest. Beyond the fabric, the outline of a ring touched his fingertip.
“I’m looking for something to give as a gift to my parents.”
“Let’s look from this side first.”
Eleanor, who was looking at the pocket watch the store owner had taken out, gestured towards Adrian.
“What are you doing there? Let’s choose together.”
Adrian came over and stood next to her. The store owner seemed to recognize Adrian, but she pretended not to notice and smiled.
After much thought, Eleanor chose all the gifts to give to her parents. Adrian was about to sigh, but she grabbed his wrist.
“Choose yours too.”
Adrian vehemently declined and waved his hand.
“Mine? I’m fine.”
But Eleanor shook her head resolutely. Since she always received, she wanted to give today.
“The watch you’re using now is brand new… So please show me some cufflinks.”
Eleanor placed Adrian’s hand on the display case.
“If you don’t choose, I will choose.”
Eleanor began to think about things. But she really got along with everything.
“This one is pretty and this one too…”
Adrian, his hands are really pretty.
Eleanor suddenly glanced at her own hands and quickly grabbed them.
0 wins, 1 loss. She felt strangely defeated.
“I like this.”
As her worries continued, he quickly chose one of them. A green gem as vivid as Eleanor’s eyes sparkled.
Adrian, who was handed the box he had finished wrapping, gently swept the box and said.
“Thanks. I will treasure it.”
“Don’t just keep it, use it.”
Adrian quickly shook his head.
“No. And then when it wears out.”
“I’ll buy it again for you. Forever.”
Forever.
Adrian, who was pondering Eleanor’s words, smiled softly. A corner of his chest tingled.
“Alright, take responsibility for that.”
***
Duke Izent’s drawing room.
Anais and Dahlia were holding teacups. Since Dahlia helped her develop the textbook, Anais has been fond of her and called every day.
Being the queen of society, Anais’s favor came with many advantages. From the longing eyes of other young girls to the praise of their parents. Dahlia was willing to endure some discomfort.
“How did it fall into place so quickly? It would be difficult to find an investor like me.”
Dahlia lowered her eyelashes, pretending not to see the Princess chewing her pretty lips. The Princess was in the worst mood today. On days like this, she’d rather just keep her mouth shut.
“Did you hear that she stayed at Duke Valentine’s residence? Maybe she’s not that sensible… As this fact becomes more known, even Kaidel will be swept up in the rumors.”
Maybe she would be very happy if such a rumor got out.
Dahlia smiled brightly, hiding her true feelings.
“The Duke was in Mözen at that time. No need to worry, Anais.”
“Of course, that’s true.”
Anais sighed. After learning that Dahlia didn’t like Eleanor very much due to their relationship at the Academy, Anais quickly opened her heart to Dahlia.
“I don’t like her since the beginning. If only she hadn’t been involved with His Highness the Crown Prince…”
Anais remembered the night Eleanor first danced with Kaidel. She hated it from that moment, but she thought it was just a passing incident.
However, as if it was a signal, the Count’s daughter, who had no presence, received the attention of the public for all kinds of reasons. At first, most of the comments were sarcastic, but the number of favorable views gradually increased.
Anais’ patience was shattered the moment Eleanor walked into the banquet hall with Kaidel’s arm around her.
Kaidel, whom she has always cherished in her heart, the special feeling of friendship with the Crown Prince, and the longing looks in his eyes. Eleanor took everything away from Anais. It was unacceptable.
“Princess, that maid has just arrived.”
Then one of the maids approached cautiously and announced the arrival of someone.
‘That maid?’
Dahlia’s face was filled with wonder.
“Ask her to come in.”
Anais answered quickly. A moment later, the door opened, and a girl, her whole body shaking like a twign, walked in.
Dahlia scanned her from head to toes. Glancing around her surroundings as a habit didn’t seem like a duke’s maid.
The maid barely gathered herself together and opened her mouth.
“I-I’m greeting Princess Izent. I-I’m Chloe…”
“Enough, give me what you brought.”
Anais cut Chloe off and held out her hand. After hesitating for a moment, Chloe walked over holding a crumpled piece of paper.
“How slow.”
Anais snatched the wad of paper in Chloe’s hand and clicked her tongue. Dahlia looked at the two people in turn and asked cautiously.
“Anais, who is that maid?”
“The Everett family’s maid. Working under Eleanor.”
Dahlia’s frown frowned.
“Why is Eleanor’s maid…”
Anais muttered as she flicked through the paper.
“She betrayed her master for a few pennies. It seems like she’s planning to start a business related to the Mözen language. She was hanging out with the Princess, and she seems to have picked up something.”
Anais’s mouth twisted crookedly. Dahlia’s eyes widened.
“Is this really Eleanor Everett’s business plan?”
“I think so. I was worried because she didn’t know how to read, but I found the right one.”
Anais smiled lightly. It was a beautiful and cold smile.
“T-Then I can get the m-money you promised, right?”
Chloe, who was shaking next to her, suddenly opened her mouth. Anais nodded slightly, and the Duke’s maid walked over and handed Chloe a small pouch.
“I will continue to watch from now on. If you come across something good, bring it with you and behave well. If you tell Eleanor, you will have to ask for forgiveness with your life.”
Anais gave a sharp warning and ordered her to go out. It was an indifferent and irritating gesture, as if swatting away a fly sitting on the table.
“Yes, Princess…”
Chloe bowed her head with a thoughtful expression on her face. The guilt of betraying Eleanor, who had always been kind to her, was suffocating her.
However, her father’s gambling debts were increasing day by day, and it became impossible to cover even if she worked all night for wages.
The amount offered by the Princess was something Chloe couldn’t refuse.
‘What should I do. What should I do…”
Regret came over her like a wave later. Yet the water had already spilled.