You’ll Regret Stealing Him from Me — My Sister Who Took My Fiancé and Celebrated Was a Fool - Chapter 25

“I see… You’re absolutely right.”

His voice carried conviction.

“There’s no need to change. The foundation remains that of military nobility. We just need to refine how we present it. That’s what you’re saying, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

I let out a quiet sigh of relief. He understood. He agreed. My thoughts had been properly conveyed. That realization washed over me like a wave.

Lord Maximilian studied the documents again. This time with a different expression. Not the careful scrutiny from before, but one tinged with anticipation.

“With this, even the military faction should accept it. They likely won’t feel out of place.”

He continued, examining each of my sketches one by one, perhaps already visualizing the actual event.

“In fact, they might even think, ‘This is good.’ They’ll understand that their culture isn’t being rejected, just presented in a better form. That’s how they’ll see it.”

His voice held certainty. He, too, believed this would work.

“Thank you.”

“No, I should be thanking you. This is exactly what I wanted. You put my thoughts into words and gave them shape.”

Lord Maximilian looked straight at me.

“I’m truly glad you came to House Liebenfeld. Without you, this plan would never have existed. We could never have come up with it on our own. Proceed with this. I know you’ll make it succeed. I believe in you.”

There was no hesitation in his words. He believed in me; in my abilities, in who I was.

“Now then.”

Lord Maximilian shifted to practical matters, his expression turning serious again. Switching back to work mode.

“Will this budget be enough?”

I had recalculated countless times, trimming waste while securing necessities. The amount was still only an estimate at this stage, and I explained that as we discussed the budget.

“I see. It’s slightly higher than our usual expenditures, but…”

He frowned slightly in thought.

“I’ve heard that the budget for civil nobility parties is several times this amount. Compared to what you’re used to, will this really suffice? You’re not cutting corners, are you?”

Concern colored his words. He was worried I might be holding back, reducing the budget beyond what was truly necessary.

“Yes. The parties I’ve hosted before did require the amounts you mentioned. But based on the current plan, I believe this budget is appropriate.”

I pointed to each item in the proposal as I explained.

“Of course, unforeseen circumstances might require additional funds, but…”

“First, I eliminated unnecessary elements. We’ll reduce extravagant decorations and carefully select only what’s essential. Even with fewer varieties, satisfaction won’t decrease. In fact, we can elevate the quality of each item. We’ll refine without compromise.”

I would keep experimenting, selecting, and searching for better methods. Always striving for improvement.

“As the one entrusted with House Liebenfeld’s finances, I won’t waste a single gold coin.”

I declared firmly, my expression resolute. My goal was to extract the maximum effect from our limited budget.

“Understood.”

After listening to my explanation, Lord Maximilian nodded in satisfaction.

“Proceed with this budget. But if more is needed, don’t hesitate to ask. I won’t spare any expense.”

I bowed deeply at his words. My explanation was complete.

“Thank you. I won’t let you down.”

Yet, a small unease lingered in my chest. The challenge of something new. The fear of the unknown. It was growing, little by little.

The plan was approved. The budget secured. Preparations were ready. All that remained was execution.

But—

What if I failed?

Hesitantly, I opened my mouth. Should I even say this? After proposing it myself, was it right to voice my doubts? But hiding this anxiety felt wrong. So I decided to be honest.

“Just one concern remains.”

Lord Maximilian looked at me.

“What is it?”

“What if neither side accepts it?”

My voice trembled slightly as I imagined that scenario. My throat tightened as if squeezed. If I said this and the plan was canceled.

“What if the civil nobles think it’s ‘half-hearted’? What if the military nobles feel it’s ‘changed too much’ and find it uncomfortable? What if both sides reject it?”

My fears spilled out in words. I had thought this was a perfect plan. I had eliminated risks during the planning stage.

But until we actually tried, no one could know for sure. No one could guarantee success based on mere theory. The possibility of failure wasn’t zero.

If I failed, I would burden House Liebenfeld. I would disappoint the family that had welcomed me so warmly. And worst of all, the rumors that I had “stolen my sister’s achievements” might solidify as truth.

That fear lurked in the depths of my heart.

“Seraphina.”

Lord Maximilian called my name gently.

His voice snapped me back to reality. I hadn’t realized I had lowered my gaze until I looked up again.

Lord Maximilian was watching me with kindness. Not the stern face of a soldier, but a warmth like that of family.

“Your caution is commendable.”

He smiled softly, easing my anxiety just a little.

“You understand the risks. That’s why you don’t neglect preparations to avoid failure. It’s precisely that attitude that makes me trust you.”

His words sank deep into my heart.

“If you had baseless confidence. Saying ‘It will absolutely succeed’ or ‘Failure is impossible’ I would have been worried. But you’re different. You recognize the risks and still strive to do your best. With that humility and caution, even if problems arise, you’ll handle them.”

Lord Maximilian glanced at the documents on the desk.

“Besides,”

He met my eyes squarely.

“If things don’t go as planned, we’ll adjust. If something unexpected happens, we’ll deal with it then.”

His voice was firm.

“You’re not alone. I’m here. Mother is here. Your brothers and sisters, we’ll all support you. If you fail, I’ll take responsibility. So, give it your all.”

This man believed in me so much. He promised to protect me. I wasn’t alone. Even if I failed, I wouldn’t be abandoned. I wouldn’t be blamed. There were people who would think through it with me.

How reassuring that was.

During my previous engagement, it had been different. He had taken my perfection for granted. Failure wasn’t tolerated. I was always pressured for results, crushed under expectations.

But now, I was told I didn’t have to fear failure. That we would overcome it together. And above all, I was trusted.

I took a deep breath, pushing down my anxiety and steeling my resolve.

“Understood. I’ll see it through.”

My voice no longer trembled. It was strong. Clear.

“I’m counting on you.”

Those words made me happier than anything. I was being relied on. Believed in. That weight propelled me forward. A determination to do my best welled up from deep inside.

And so, House Liebenfeld’s new challenge began.