You’ll Regret Stealing Him from Me — My Sister Who Took My Fiancé and Celebrated Was a Fool - Chapter 23
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- You’ll Regret Stealing Him from Me — My Sister Who Took My Fiancé and Celebrated Was a Fool
- Chapter 23 - The First Step Toward Bridging
The morning sun streamed through the window, waking me.
Light slipped through the gaps in the curtains, softly illuminating the room. It was a little earlier than usual, but I was already awake. My mind had been buzzing with excitement since last night, and perhaps that was why I hadn’t slept deeply.
The conversation I’d had with Lord Maximilian after returning from the military nobles’ party still swirled in my head.
The refined aesthetics of the civil nobles and the straightforward values of the military nobles. My mission was to propose a new way of hosting parties that fused the two.
My role. The reason I had come to the Liebenfeld household. What Lord Maximilian expected of me. I felt like I had finally grasped it.
A quiet sense of purpose burned in my chest. An unwavering flame that had ignited last night. I was certain now: this was the path I was meant to take.
With that thought, I rose from bed. Glancing out the window, I saw the Liebenfeld gardens bathed in morning light.
Unlike the lavish gardens of civil nobles, there were no fountains, sculptures, or exotic flowers. But every tree was carefully tended, the grass neatly trimmed. An unpretentious beauty, meticulously maintained.
It reminded me of the Liebenfeld themselves.
The people of this household were truly warm.
Lady Eleonora’s motherly kindness, a comforting warmth that reminded me of my late mother. The earnest sincerity of the younger brothers, proud yet humble as military men. The pure admiration of the sisters, who adored me without calculation or pretense.
And Lord Maximilian’s honest gentleness, his straightforward, heartfelt consideration.
I would do everything in my power to ensure they received the recognition they deserved in high society.
This would be my way of thanking the Liebenfeld for welcoming me. My repayment for their kindness.
I quickly prepared myself.
It was still too early for breakfast. The servants would only just be starting their preparations. But that was fine. In fact, it was perfect.
I could think undisturbed, focusing entirely on formulating my plans.
I walked down the hallway quietly, careful not to make a sound. I didn’t want to disturb the morning stillness or wake anyone still asleep.
As I headed to the study, I reflected on last night’s experience.
What I had seen at the military nobles’ party—a simple yet warm space, unadorned but comfortable.
What I had felt. What I had learned. The ideas that had sparked in me, unlike anything before.
I needed to organize everything and turn it into a concrete plan. To shape the vague images in my mind into something achievable.
I opened the study door. The room was empty and quiet, the morning sun casting light across the desk.
I would take my time planning.
A plan to ensure the Liebenfeld were recognized in high society.
I took a deep breath.
The beginning of a new challenge.
Time flew by as I worked in the study.
I organized my insights from last night’s party, outlining the framework of my plan in a notebook. I jotted down ideas—decorations, food, music and how to proceed step by step.
As my pen moved, new ideas kept coming. I wrote them down, sorted them, and pieced them together.
A gradual approach was important. I couldn’t start with something grand right away. Small steps first, then expanding little by little.
I lost myself in the work, an old habit of mine. Planning social events was, above all, the most enjoyable task for me. Ideas kept forming in my mind, and the process of shaping them was irresistibly exciting.
“Lady Seraphina, it’s already noon.”
A maid’s voice accompanied the knock at the door.
“Eh? Already?”
I looked up in surprise. Sure enough, morning had passed, and the sun was nearly overhead outside.
Breakfast time had long since gone. No, not just breakfast. I had been here all morning.
I hurriedly closed my notebook and left the study.
The maids had brought breakfast, but I had only nibbled at it before returning to my work.
Skipping lunch entirely wouldn’t leave a good impression. Meal times were important for bonding in the Liebenfeld household. I couldn’t neglect that.
When I opened the dining room door, everyone was already gathered.
Lady Eleonora, the younger brothers, the sisters. And today, Lord Maximilian was there too. He was usually busy with palace duties and rarely home for lunch. He must have had time today.
“My apologies for being late.”
I bowed deeply, genuinely regretful for missing breakfast and holing up in the study.
“Oh, Seraphina. I was worried when you didn’t appear this morning.”
Lady Eleonora welcomed me warmly. Her voice held no reproach, only sincere concern.
“I’m sorry. I was working in the study and lost track of time.”
I bowed again.
“Now, now, don’t overwork yourself.”
Lady Eleonora smiled and gestured to my seat. Next to Lord Maximilian, befitting my position as his fiancée.
As I sat, one of the sisters leaned forward eagerly, eyes sparkling.
“Sister, what were you working on?”
“Planning a party.”
The moment I answered, the sisters’ eyes lit up in unison.
“Eh?! Our household is hosting a party?”
“Of course. We’ll be holding many more from now on.”
The sisters cheered.
“How exciting!”
“I want to join!”
“Yes, I plan for all of you to participate.”
They clapped their hands, exchanging excited glances.
The brothers watched them fondly. And Lord Maximilian, his eyes widened slightly. He rarely showed emotion, but his interest was unmistakable. A glimmer of anticipation shone in his deep blue-gray eyes.
“Lord Maximilian.”
I turned to him, meeting his gaze directly.
“What is it?”
His reply was curt as ever, but not dismissive. If anything, he was listening carefully.
“May I have a moment of your time?”
I spoke politely.
“There’s something I’d like to discuss regarding my plans. Your input would be invaluable.”
Lord Maximilian’s brow furrowed slightly in thought. Perhaps he had afternoon commitments, palace meetings or training inspections. Taking up his time weighed on me.
But this was important. A plan that would shape the Liebenfeld future. I couldn’t proceed without his approval.
“Understood. I look forward to it. But first, let’s eat.”
“Ah, of course.”
I nearly stood up too eagerly but restrained myself. The discussion would wait until after lunch. For now, we would enjoy this meal together.