You’ll Regret Stealing Him from Me — My Sister Who Took My Fiancé and Celebrated Was a Fool - Chapter 14

A few days after our initial meeting.

“My Lady Isabella, I deeply apologize. There is an urgent matter I must report.”

The staff members who came to my room looked genuinely apologetic. Even their knock had been hesitant and weak. Their expressions were clearly troubled, with cold sweat beading on their foreheads.

“What?”

I answered reluctantly while adjusting my hair in front of the mirror.

I was in the middle of trying out a new hairstyle for the upcoming party. Couldn’t they leave me alone? I was still checking whether these curls were perfect. The maids had just helped me achieve the ideal shape.

“The budget, we don’t have enough.”

Their voice trembled as they delivered the report. They were clearly afraid of angering me.

“Huh? Not enough? That can’t be.”

I turned and glared at the staff member who had brought such an absurd report.

Lord Roderick had provided us with more than enough funds. He had spared no expense, given the prestige of the ducal house. He even told us not to worry about the cost. So how could we be short? Did they miscalculate?

“The cost of installing the fountain has exceeded our estimates.”

The documents in their hands shook slightly.

“The grand hall’s floor wasn’t originally designed to accommodate a fountain. We need waterproofing, piping, a drainage system, and specialized contractors. The total cost has ballooned to nearly three times the initial estimate.”

“Three times?”

I frowned.

That much? Still, there wasn’t a shred of doubt in my mind about canceling my plans. The fountain was meant to be the centerpiece of this event.

So, what should we do? Simple.

“Then cut costs elsewhere. Find areas to reduce. Like the food.”

I waved my hand dismissively.

If we’re short on money, just take it from another part of the budget. Simple logic. Why were they making such a fuss?

“But if we cut elsewhere, the overall quality will decline.”

“It’s fine. As long as it looks extravagant, people will be happy.”

I answered confidently, already knowing the solution.

“Food is more about presentation than taste anyway. Just make the plating lavish. As long as it’s edible, a slight drop in quality won’t matter.”

Just make it work. That’s all I asked before trying to end the conversation. But they still had more to say.

“Also, the decoration expenses have also become quite substantial.”

Another staff member hesitantly spoke up, eyes fixed on the documents in their hands.

“Aside from the fountain, there are the exotic decorations, custom flowers, additional lighting work. Combined, we’re already far over budget. If this continues, the overall quality of the party may suffer significantly.”

“Then hire a cheaper band.”

I suppressed my irritation as I spoke.

I get that we need money, but can’t you figure this out yourselves? My job is to decide the big picture, fine-tuning the details is your responsibility.

“Even if the quality drops a bit, music isn’t a high priority. As long as they can play at the venue, anyone will do. It doesn’t have to be a famous orchestra. Just someone who can produce sound.”

“But, Lady Isabella…”

The staff member desperately tried to persuade me, careful not to anger me even though they were the ones bringing me problems in the first place.

“This is a prestigious event representing the Vandering ducal house. Hiring a subpar band would be disrespectful to the guests and damage the family’s reputation. The quality of music cannot be overlooked. To avoid that, we must—”

“As long as they can play popular songs, it’s fine. That was the plan from the start.”

I cut them off.

“That way, the party will be lively. Who cares about tradition or prestige? As long as the guests enjoy themselves, it’s a success. I want a party where young nobles will happily dance.”

Honestly, this person fusses over every little thing. The butler who assisted my sister was the same way. Are all event staff like this? It’s—no, extremely annoying.

“Just follow my instructions.”

“…Understood.”

The staff member bowed with a complicated expression.

After that, similar reports kept coming.

Exotic ingredients were unavailable. No chefs knew how to prepare certain dishes. Some decorations wouldn’t arrive on time. Lighting work was behind schedule.

Problem after problem was reported.

“My Lady, the Eastern spices aren’t available in the capital’s markets.”

“The Southern ingredients aren’t fresh this season.”

“The decorative flowers have wilted due to the climate.”

Every day, staff came to report new issues. Each time, I thought of a solution and gave my answer.

“Then substitute with something similar.”

“If it looks the same, no one will notice.”

“Just make it work somehow.”

The tedious discussions continued right up until the party’s scheduled date.

“My Lady, just one last time… Are you certain we should proceed with this plan?”

The staff who came to my room for final confirmation looked dead serious. Dark circles under their eyes betrayed their exhaustion.

They’d clearly been working hard, but they were also needlessly tense. They should just relax.

“What? Still complaining?”

There’s no time left to change plans now. Most of the preparations are done. We have no choice but to move forward. What’s the point of bringing this up now?

“No, it’s not a complaint. It’s just…”

They chose their words carefully.

“The fountain installation, the exotic cuisine, the song selection, Lady Isabella’s three costume changes—none of these have been done before. Individually, they might be brilliant ideas, but attempting all of them simultaneously.”

“No one’s done it before, that’s why it’s good.”

I spoke while envisioning the future.

“I have no intention of giving up just because there’s no precedent. I will make this a success. This will be the kind of legendary party where people say, ‘Lady Isabella of House Vandering revolutionized high society.'”

I answered with confidence. Once the party was over and they saw its overwhelming success, they’d understand. That my judgment was right. That my talent was real.

If they still didn’t get it, I’d have to reconsider the staff. I’d need more flexible people who could appreciate my vision.

“But, My Lady…”

They still wanted to argue.

“That’s enough.”

I cut them off with a wave of my hand.

“Just finish the preparations by the scheduled date. That’s all I ask. Deliver a flawless party. I don’t want to hear anything else.”

I made it clear unless it was a report that everything was ready, I wasn’t interested. Don’t bring me unnecessary problems.

“…Understood.”

Honestly, how tiresome. I’m the one in charge of this party. My decisions are the right ones. Unlike my sister, I don’t need to waste time agonizing over every little thing. No need to obsess over details, consult every staff member, or double-check endlessly; that’s just pointless.

We’ll do it and see what happens. That’s all there is to it.