In A World Full of Silence, My Heart Will Find Its Way To You - Chapter 41

Count Cecil . I was busy preparing for the party that would be held in the evening. The servants, eager not to upset the Count, were each absorbed in their tasks.

Musicians who had arrived early took their places in the center of the hall and began to play. The soft melodies created an air of sophistication.

Well-dressed attendants carried drinks and offered them to the guests. Soon, grand carriages began arriving at the party entrance.

As noble ladies stepped out, flaunting their elegant dresses, maids rushed to take their heavy outerwear. Those gathered at the venue formed small groups and chatted busily.

Though the social scene was vibrant and many noble gatherings were well attended, no one ever missed the parties held at Count Cecil’s estate.

Isabella stood in front of her mirror, inspecting her dress while waiting for everyone to arrive.

Though her eyes rested on the dress, her mind was elsewhere.

“Everything must go according to plan…”

She absentmindedly picked at her nails. At that moment, she noticed in the mirror a maid returning in a hurry. Isabella turned to her, visibly relieved.

The maid caught her breath and quickly approached her mistress. After checking that no one was nearby, she whispered in her ear.

“Milady, just as you instructed, the letter has been discreetly delivered to the maid in the Bailey family’s annex.”

“And what did she say?”

“She looked a bit flustered at first, but soon agreed. She will arrive here at the specified time.”

“Good. Well done.”

Isabella’s eyes narrowed. A small smile spread across her lips, pleased that things were unfolding as she had planned.

“Foolish Aria. Yes, come. Countless humiliations and disgrace await you.”

“Milady, it’s time to go down. Most of the invited guests have already arrived.”

At the butler’s words, Isabella nodded and, accompanied by her maids, left her room.

As Isabella, elegantly dressed, descended from the second floor, all eyes turned toward her.

Her pink hair was pinned up to reveal her slender neck, and her soft lavender evening gown made her beauty stand out even more.

One by one, people stepped forward to greet her. As the only daughter of Count Cecil, she was essentially the face of the entire Cecil family.

Newly introduced noble ladies were eager to flatter her, hoping to gain the Count’s favor.

“You look absolutely stunning, Lady Cecil.”

“I don’t think I’ve seen that fabric before. It’s so chic and luxurious.”

“Oh my, you’re too kind. But compliments do have a way of lifting one’s spirits. Hoho.”

Isabella waved shyly, prompting the ladies to praise her even more.

Just then, one young lady turned toward the entrance.

“Oh my! The Bailey family’s eldest son has arrived.”

“He’s even more charming in person than the rumors say. It’s like a prince on a white horse just stepped in.”

“Lady Cecil really has it all. A wedding with such a fine man is coming up soon, too. Everyone in high society is abuzz about the most perfect couple getting married. Hoho!”

Edward, dressed in a sharp tuxedo, noticed Isabella and approached her. He gently kissed the back of her hand.

“You look especially beautiful tonight. I can’t see anyone else but my lovely bride.”

“Really? I can only see my handsome groom. The wedding is just days away, and I’m so nervous I can’t sleep.”

“Oh no, that won’t do. You must rest well to be even more radiant that day.”

“Alright. I’ll try my best not to get puffy. Hoho.”

At Isabella’s bright smile, Edward’s expression softened further.

The two looked every bit the ideal couple, capturing everyone’s attention. They were, undoubtedly, the stars of the evening.

Isabella glanced around and lowered her voice.

“Edward, don’t be startled. Sir Eric has also been invited to tonight’s party. He’ll be here.”

“What? What do you mean? My father didn’t say anything before we left the house…”

Edward’s voice rose, and Isabella quickly calmed him.

“Keep your voice down. Everyone is watching us. Honestly, I only found out after the invitations were sent. This wasn’t my father’s doing. It was at the strong request of Archduke Charles of Atil.”

“Why would the Archduke…?”

“I don’t know the full story. In any case, when Eric arrives, don’t scowl. Everyone’s eyes will be on you two. Understood?”

“Alright.”

Edward’s expression darkened, but he nodded reluctantly. Understanding the reason behind it was important, but protecting his public image took precedence now.

Isabella looked up at him and smiled gently.

“After you mingle a bit, could you stop by the main building? You haven’t greeted my parents in a while.”

“Of course.”

“Thank you, my thoughtful fiancé. Now, I must go greet some new guests.”

“Alright.”

Though Edward wasn’t happy with the situation, he forced a composed expression for the sake of their upcoming wedding.

As Isabella went off to chat with the ladies, someone approached the silent Edward.

“Excuse me, would it be alright if I asked you something?”

Edward studied the woman in front of him. She wore a pink dress with exotic patterns and had a lovely face. She looked new to the place, glancing around curiously.

He greeted her politely.

“Of course.”

“How kind of you. I was wondering, could you tell me who Lady Isabella Cecil is? I received an invitation, but the staff seem so busy I haven’t had the chance to ask anyone.”

“Ah, you’re looking for Lady Cecil. She’s with the young ladies over there. You’ll find her in that room.”

“Thank you. If I get the chance, I’d love to repay this kindness. May I ask your name?”

She shyly asked for his name, and Edward responded with a gentle smile.

“I’m Edward Bailey, eldest son of the Bailey family. I hope you’ll remember it.”

“What…? Oh my!”

The young woman covered her mouth in surprise. She quickly composed herself and spoke again.

“It would be rude to ask for your name and not give mine. I am Sierra Stuart, eldest daughter of Archduke Charles Stuart. A pleasure to meet you.”

“Archduke Charles…?”

At her name, Edward’s face froze.

Archduke Charles was royalty of the Kingdom of Atil, who had significantly supported Count Cecil’s latest ventures.

He was also the one who had invited Eric to this party. Why had he invited Eric of all people to a gathering strictly for nobles?

As countless thoughts swirled in Edward’s mind, the chatter of the noble ladies behind him reached his ears.

“Oh my, look at him! Have we ever seen such a handsome man in society?”

“He’s dazzling, truly!”

Edward turned toward the commotion and immediately knew who they were talking about.

Eric, dressed in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, had arrived. Edward froze in place.

Piercing blue eyes, a high nose, and an icy, blade-like expression.

His face alone disarmed all the young ladies, who were now staring at him in a daze.

Eric, spotting Edward, began to walk toward him.

Seeing the man he least wanted to confront heading his way, Edward’s face grew more rigid.

“We meet again, brother.”

“Yes… I just heard that you’d been invited. If I’d known earlier, we could have come together.”

“My, I didn’t expect you to think of me that way. I’ll be sure to inform you next time.”

Edward forced a smile for the watching nobles.

Eric, as if mocking him, gave a faint smile of his own.

Trying to change the subject quickly, Edward turned to Sierra and began to introduce her.

“This is the Archduke’s eldest daughter—”

“L-Lord Eric! It’s been a while since we met at the palace. H-How have you been?”

Sierra interrupted before Edward could finish.

Seeing Eric, the man of her dreams, her voice began to tremble.

“I’m pleased to see you again as well, Lady Stuart.”

At Eric’s simple reply, Sierra’s cheeks flushed red.

“L-Last time, you were so quiet, I thought you might be angry with me.”

Eric blinked, then gave a slight smile. With the coldness gone, he looked like pure sunlight to Sierra.

“N-No, I’ve made a terrible mistake. Please forget I said that.”

“No need. I’ll be more mindful in the future. Please forgive my rudeness.”

As Eric politely bowed his head, a bright smile spread across Sierra’s face.

Edward listened in, bewildered.

The shy expression and tone in Sierra’s voice—it was unmistakably the reaction of someone with a crush.

The Archduke’s reason for bringing Eric to this party. Sierra’s shy demeanor toward him.

Everything was falling into place.

Archduke Charles clearly had his eyes on Eric as a future son-in-law.

Edward was afraid. If Charles, royalty and a powerful influencer, backed Eric, there was no telling how he might use that power against the Bailey family.

Edward felt utterly shaken by the growing bond between the two.

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