Arc 2: Chapter 38

The designer the marchioness chose kept coming every few days to measure her and made her try on the dress before leaving in a hurry to continue finishing the dress. Other than that, nothing exciting happened.

But Isabella did send Elenor a letter thanking her for helping her out of the cell. So did the other ladies who were trapped there as well. Elenor was more impressed by the fact Isabella actually did send her a letter especially since she despised her but nonetheless, she accepted the letter and thanks.

Ever since the kidnapping incident happened, Elenor decided that she needed to improve her physical strength and stamina. This body was slightly sluggish despite being very thin. And so, everyday she has been exercising, trying to improve her strength so she could fight back if anything happens to her.

"Milady you should stop now and take a break," she heard Alec speaking to her as she finished her run around the estate.

Alec handed her a towel which she accepted and wiped her sweat off. He handed her some refreshments as well as a light snack. She thanked him and accepted everything, finishing everything fast.

"I still need to do more before I can call it a day. Wow this drink is really refreshing!" she exclaimed happily.

"I will protect you." Alec spoke in a serious tone.

Elenor blinked at him before smiling, "I know but it would be good if I could still fend for myself,"

Alec nodded and said nothing else. Elenor continued her training while Alec kept an eye on her the whole time. When she finished her training, a maid walked over to where she was at. The maid had a worried look on her face which brought attention to Elenor.

"What's wrong?" Elenor asked, wiping her face with the towel Alec provided.

"Lady Isabella is here to visit.." the maid spoke.

Elenor frowned, confused as to why Isabella had suddenly showed up at her estate without any enquiries about visiting.

"...Let her into one of the waiting rooms. I will be there soon,"

"Yes Lady Elenor." the maid bowed and left, following her orders.

Elenor then headed back to her room to get changed before arriving at the waiting room where Isabella was waiting in. Alec opened the door for her and she walked in. She glanced over at Isabella who had been waiting for her.

"About time you came," Isabella sighed, flicking her hair away from her face.

Elenor's mouth twitched but she did a small courtesy bow. "Thank you for coming over Lady Isabella but I do wish you would send a letter about your arrival,"

"I wasn't planning on coming…" she mumbled but it reached Elenor's ears.

Elenor raised an eyebrow, wondering why she decided to come over if she didn't even want to. Isabella looked down at her teacup, gritting her teeth.

"I.."

"...?" Elenor calmly waited for what Isabella wanted to say.

"I just wanted to thank you properly!"

"....What?"

Did she hear her wrongly? She must have, there's no way Isabella would personally show up to the marquess manor for this.

"I thought sending a letter wasn't good enough.."

Elenor's jaw nearly dropped wide open. She didn't hear her wrong! She really showed up here to thank her!

Shakily, she questioned Isabella, "Are..are you not sick?"

Isabella's face flushed red, "Wh- of course not!?"

"Didn't you dislike me?!" Elenor accused, not believing that Isabella actually had some guilt, conscious towards her.

Isabella's face grew redder each time. She spoke through her gritted teeth before looking away, "I do! This is just for helping me that time!"

"You're welcome?" Elenor answered dubiously.

"Ugh! I had enough of this! Next time I will never do this again!" Isabella huffed before getting up and leaving the room.

Elenor didn't stop her, allowing her to leave the manor, discourteously. She shook her head and left the waiting room, letting the maids clean up the space for her.

"Milady are you alright?" she heard Alec asking her once they arrived at her room.

She turned to Alec and nodded, "Yeah just caught off guard by her.."

'She did sound like a tsundere there haha..'

"Would you like me to make you a cup of tea?"

"Ah, yes please-"

"Elenor!" Lloyd burst into her room without warning.

"Give me a break man…" Elenor mumbled to herself exhaustively.

"Your highness, it is rude to barge into someone's room. Especially a lady's." Alec icily spoke, side eyeing Lloyd.

In return, Lloyd sent a wide smile as if he didn't hear what Alec had said. He made his way towards Elenor and grabbed hold of her hand. Elenor squinted, puzzled at what Lloyd was trying to do.

Because of her confusion, she didn't pay any awareness towards Alec who had a grim look on his face.

"What are you here for Lloyd?" she asked, shaking his grip off her hand but he didn't budge.

He cheekily smiled before answering her question, "I will be escorting you in for your coming-of-age!"

"No." Elenor replied back with no hesitation.

"Why?!" he whined, shaking her hands back and forth childishly.

"Because I'm bringing her," Richard suddenly spoke from the door.

His eyes glared at Lloyd who weakly smiled back while removing his hands away from Elenor's. Elenor's eyes sparkled as she excitedly spoke,

"Really brother?"

Richard nodded, walking over to Elenor while pushing Lloyd further away from her. "Of course, this is your coming-of-age. It's a once in a life thing."

Elenor smiled, hugging him tightly, "Thank you brother."

Richard returned her hug before turning to Lloyd who was planning on sneaking away quietly but failed. He grabbed Lloyd by the collar and had a sinister smile on his face.

"Shall we head back to the palace, your highness? You have many documents that must be signed."

"Noooo!" Lloyd hollered as he proceeded to be dragged away by Richard.

"Thank goodness he's gone now," Elenor muttered, heaving out a sigh.

"You could have easily accepted his offer to be your escort for your coming-of-age." Alec commented.

"No matter what, I did not want him to be my escort."

"And why is that?"

Elenor gazed over at Alec who had an indifferent look on his face. To have such a look on his face while asking her so many questions…

"On that day, the main protagonist will catch Lloyd's eyes and he will proceed to ask her for a dance. If he became my partner and escort he would have to dance with me instead." Elenor elaborated.

"I am in no way blocking their romance!" she proclaimed loudly.

"Isn't his highness your favourite?"

"Huh?" Elenor blinked, looking up at Alec.

"Isn't his highness your favourite creation?" Alec asked again.

Elenor paused, thinking about the question before quickly shaking her head. Alec lifted up an eyebrow.

Elenor had a teasing smile on her face before pointing at Alec. "You're my favourite."

-

Alec's breath hitched as Elenor's words replayed in his head. He was her favourite.

"Alec? Are you okay?" Elenor quietly asked, slowly walking closer towards him.

The distance between them grew smaller. Alec could feel his heart beginning to go haywire but he didn't show it on his face. Elenor was about to touch his cheek when he grabbed her wrist.

"Am I…" Alec started, his lips getting dry.

"Really your favourite..?"