Irene's letter reached the De Roville household. The moment Elenor read it, her face lit up with excitement, and she quickly replied to Sally, telling her she would be available the next day. Her eagerness was almost childlike, to the point that even Sally herself was astonished by the intensity of her joy.
The following morning, Dalida, Elinor's mother, rummaged through her closets with nervous enthusiasm, her hands trembling as she sifted through fabrics and gowns. She turned to her daughter, her eyes gleaming with long-held ambition:
— "Well done, my little one. Our lives will change completely if you draw closer to that Eiscardian girl…"
Then she paused, holding the letter once again, smiling in wonder:
— "My God, look at this— even her words are so modest! Wait… I'll choose a dress worthy of your visit to her."
Elinor sighed, her tone carrying a hint of boredom:
— "Alright, Mother… you're more excited than I am."
But the truth was that her heart was pounding, not only because she was about to visit the royal palace for the first time, but also for another hidden reason—one so secret she dared not admit it even to herself.
Dalida stepped toward her, holding a fine gown, and said with insistence:
— "Put this on immediately. And remember—be polite, speak softly… don't you dare ruin things. We've lived under this kingdom's shadow for years. If you get close to the royal family, everyone will respect us again."
Elinor rolled her eyes faintly, trying to mask her hesitation:
— "Yes, Mother, I understand."
…
When the carriage arrived at the palace gates, the guards examined her formally before allowing her entry. She walked hesitantly inside, her eyes devouring every detail around her with childlike awe. Though she came from a distinguished family, she had never in her life seen such opulence.
At the entrance, the guard announced to a servant:
— "She is a guest of Princess Irene."
The servant bowed gracefully and said softly:
— "Please, this way, young lady."
She followed him shyly, her gaze never leaving the paintings, curtains, and lavish carpets, until she reached a spacious reception room. The servant said politely:
— "Please have a seat, miss. I will inform the princess of your arrival."
Elinor thanked him and sat on the edge of the sofa, pressing her hands to her cheeks as she whispered to herself in awe:
— "Even the servants' clothes… so luxurious? I can't believe this."
Then she slapped her cheeks lightly, as if to refocus:
— "Come on, Elinor… do well. You can do this."
Minutes dragged by slowly, and she couldn't resist the temptation of the biscuits neatly arranged on the table. She picked one up, and the moment she tasted it, she whispered in delight:
— "Oh my God… just like the fancy tea-party biscuits… delicious!"
But suddenly, the door swung open and Irene entered. Elinor leapt to her feet so abruptly that the biscuit stuck in her throat, and she began coughing violently. Irene rushed over, gently patting her back, speaking calmly:
— "Drink some water… slowly."
Elinor sipped and swallowed with difficulty, cursing herself inwardly: How foolish… what have you done now?
Irene smiled apologetically:
— "I'm sorry, I seem to have startled you."
Elinor stammered, trying to regain her composure:
— "N-no, on the contrary, Your Highness… I was happy to see you."
A soft smile lit Irene's face:
— "Thank you for answering my invitation so quickly."
Elinor grew even more flustered:
— "Of course! How could I dare refuse a princess's invitation? Even your servant herself came to our door!"
Irene chuckled lightly, then gestured outward:
— "Come… let's go to the garden. I've had a table set up there."
…
In the garden, where flowers bloomed in vibrant colors and scents, Anita was walking with her maid. She suddenly stopped at an unfamiliar sight, then quickened her steps until she stood before them. With haughty strides, she advanced toward Elinor, deliberately ignoring Irene, and looked at her with disdain:
— "What is this? Who are you?"
Elinor froze, but quickly bowed deeply with excessive courtesy:
— "It is an honor to meet you, Princess Anita… I am Elinor de Roville. We met once at a tea party."
Anita paused, then suddenly burst into a short, loud laugh, leaving both Irene and Elinor staring at her in bewilderment. With biting sarcasm, she said:
— "De Roville?! My God… you've found yourself the perfect friend for your level, congratulations, Irene!"
Then she walked away laughing, her maid trailing behind.
Elinor felt her heart pierced with humiliation, lowering her head in silence. Irene turned to her, speaking firmly yet gently:
— "Pay her no mind, Miss Elinor."
Elinor nodded, though her eyes remained tearful.
…
They sat together at the garden table. Elinor tried to initiate small talk, as if she had memorized her lines in advance. Irene noticed but said nothing, only offering an encouraging smile.
At last, Irene said:
— "Actually… I'll be going on a trip south soon. I've brought along several old books… I plan to read them there."
Elinor's eyes widened in admiration:
— "How refined of you, Your Highness… old books always give me headaches!"
Irene smiled softly:
— "But they're my favorite, especially history books. And I made sure to bring along some works by your grandmother."
Elinor gasped in amazement:
— "Truly? That makes me so happy… no one ever appreciated my grandmother's books except my late father. I'm deeply grateful to you."
Irene's gaze brightened:
— "Your grandmother has been one of my favorite writers since childhood. I had wished to meet her long before I came to Valerian."
Elinor hesitated, then said eagerly:
— "Really? Then… I could try to persuade her to meet you, if you don't mind, Your Highness."
Irene smiled inwardly—perfect…—then replied aloud:
— "That would be an honor for me."
But Elinor sighed anxiously:
— "I don't know if she'll agree… she usually refuses to receive visitors."
Irene murmured inwardly: As I thought… she's isolating herself after her reputation was tarnished. Then she said gently:
— "That's alright… even if she refuses, I would be content with just a small autograph and quietly take my leave."
Elinor's excitement returned:
— "I'll do my best to convince her. You can count on me, Princess."
Irene smiled:
— "You're very kind, Elinor."
Elinor blushed deeply, stammering with sincere warmth:
— "But you're the kindest person I've ever met… I truly mean that."
…
When the visit ended, Irene accompanied her guest to the carriage, embracing her warmly:
— "I had a wonderful time. Thank you for coming."
Elinor was so flustered she could hardly reply:
— "Th-thank… thank you for the invitation. I was so happy to see you in person."
Irene stepped back slightly and waved:
— "Goodbye, Elinor. I hope to see you again soon after I return from the south."
Elinor smiled sincerely:
— "Have a safe journey, Princess. I'll let you know right away if my grandmother agrees to meet you."
Irene's smile carried a hidden meaning:
— "I'll be waiting patiently."
Elinor nodded eagerly:
— "Count on me… goodbye, Princess!"
Irene waved calmly, then turned away.
…
When Elenor's carriage disappeared from sight, a satisfied smile curved Irene's lips. She strode confidently back into the palace, whispering to herself:
— "Excellent… now I must begin gathering more evidence."
_______
Hey guys 👋🏻 did y'all like the new novel Poster cuz i personally really love it <3 irene is wearing the yellow diamond necklace 🤭