Elise, having made up her mind, picked up her pen. Quickly, she filled a page with her letter.
The large owl, having finished its snack, was hopping around at Elise’s feet.
Elise picked up the hefty owl, which seemed to enjoy her touch, as if it knew she was fond of it. She stroked its feathers and then placed the letter in the small bag.
“Please take care of this.”
In the dead of night, the black owl took flight from the window of Elise’s room. Unseen by anyone, it blended seamlessly into the darkness.
Guests of honor began to arrive in Bedroca’s capital.
Consequently, news from Chase grew sparse. He must have been busy attending to the guests.
‘I was there to help in the past, making things easier for him, but now he must be struggling on his own.’
Elise felt a sense of satisfaction thinking of Chase’s troubles.
“Regina, prepare for us to go out.”
“Going out, miss? The master will be furious.”
“He’s at the palace with my sister. They won’t have time to worry about me.”
Though confined by her father’s decree, there were no guards or servants watching Elise’s door.
‘Just a spoken order and then forgotten. Shows just how much they care.’
“Where are we going?”
“To meet Jasmine.”
Elise needed to see Jasmine before the upcoming ball. Coincidentally, just as she contemplated reaching out, an invitation from Jasmine had arrived.
“Understood, miss. I’ll get the carriage ready.”
Soon after, Elise and Regina boarded the carriage headed to the Baron Orléan’s residence.
To reach the Orléan estate, they had to traverse the city center.
Passing the fountain in the square, Regina muttered,
“We need to buy you a dress…”
Her gaze lingered on the carriages lined up in front of dress shops.
Around New Year’s, shops selling dresses, shoes, jewelry, and bags were bustling.
Wealthy nobles booked professionals for reservations before spring, but others frequented dressmakers for samples or cancelled orders.
Elise had joined this crowd until last year.
Lord Warton was loath to spend money on her, so she had to make do with a small budget.
“Iris needs her dress tailored. There’s no money left for yours.”
Had she been hurt by those words? Perhaps not, but Regina seemed to have been.
‘In truth, I could’ve bought dresses with my own money. The business under Chase’s name was doing well. But all the money I earned went to Chase’s expenses.’
The business she built would continue to fill Chase’s pockets.
Regrettable, but she decided to consider it a parting gift.
“We have last year’s dress.”
“It’s unheard of for a lady to wear the same dress consecutively.”
“Then wear the one from the year before.”
Despite Regina’s protest, Elise couldn’t help in this matter. But she could promise one thing.
“You won’t look shabby.”
After all, it wasn’t just about the dress.
With that thought, Elise grew anxious.
She tapped on the window to the coachman.
“Hurry up, please.”
The carriage sped through the city, leaving the hustle and bustle of New Year’s preparations behind.
“We’ve arrived, miss.”
Thanks to Elise’s urging, they reached Baron Orléan’s residence just in time for tea.
As Elise alighted, the Orléan’s butler greeted her.
“Miss Jasmine has been expecting you. Please, come this way.”
It seemed Jasmine had arranged something, as the butler treated Elise with utmost respect.
Elise followed the butler up the stairs, admiring the Orleáns’ mansion infused with Madame Orleán’s tastes.
He led her to Jasmine’s reception room.
The reception room attached to Jasmine’s room, though smaller than the main one, was filled with charming trinkets and lots to see.
“Welcome, Elise,” greeted Jasmine warmly.
“I didn’t expect you to accept my invitation,” said Jasmine, shyly smiling as if she couldn’t believe Elise was actually there.
“Why would you think so? I thought of us as friends,” Elise responded.
Jasmine’s eyes wavered. “Friends… Yes, that’s right, we did say that.”
She spoke softly, almost to herself, then firmly grasped Elise’s hand. “It must have been hard for you?”
Elise struggled to understand Jasmine’s vague reference. What hard times had she faced?
“That… scandal,” Jasmine whispered.
‘She must be talking about the incident with Karan.’
Even without hearing it, Elise could guess the nature of the rumors circulating in society about her.
While the focus shifted to Iris and Chase, the story of Elise and Karan hadn’t completely vanished. The more it was suppressed, the more secretly it spread.
Perhaps she was dubbed as a fox that enchanted the barbarians.
‘Why invite trouble by associating with me?’ Elise thought, feeling thankful for Jasmine’s invitation.
“Oh, I left you standing! Come, sit down, Elise. I’ve prepared some fine tea. I wanted to serve coffee like the one you introduced me to, but I couldn’t find anything nearly as delicious.”
Of course. That coffee was special, roasted from raw beans by Elise herself. Coffee distribution wasn’t yet widespread.
Male lead is a clingy little husband
One-line summary: The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
Introduction:
One day, Lu Yuner’s soul transmigrates into a female-dominant world. She enters the Imperial Academy and takes up the position of a doctoral instructor, teaching classes and grading schoolwork.
One day, she encounters the young prince Su Qingwan secretly skipping class from the male academy.
As a result, Su Qingwan is punished.
From then on, Su Qingwan sees Lu Yuner as a “thorn in his side”.
But before long, this “thorn” becomes the person he cherishes most, and he goes to great lengths to win Lu Yuner’s affection.
Mini scene 1:
One day, the sun is high in the sky but Su Qingwan still hasn’t gotten up for class.
Servant Xiaoyuan: “Young prince, it’s time for class. You’ll be late otherwise.”
Su Qingwan says arrogantly: “I’m not going. I am the esteemed prince, my status is so noble, why should I suffer this hardship? Besides, isn’t learning all this just to please women? Hmph, they’re not worthy!”
Mini scene 2:
After Su Qingwan falls for someone, he completely changes. He no longer skips class and diligently learns how to be a good husband and father. But he discovers that Sister Yuner is always surrounded by admirers.
Drunk and overcome with jealousy one day, he clings to Lu Yuner, crying beautifully like a pear blossom in the rain.
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan likes Sister Yuner.”
Lu Yuner: “Young prince, you’re drunk.”
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan isn’t drunk. Qingwan likes Sister Yuner, likes you so much, likes you to bits…” Before he can finish, Lu Yuner’s eyes flash with emotion and she leans in closer.
[Reading Guide]
1. The female lead is gentle, gracious, humble and polite but not weak. The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
2. 1v1, a bit torturous in the beginning but definitely sweet later on.
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