You’ll Regret Stealing Him from Me — My Sister Who Took My Fiancé and Celebrated Was a Fool - Chapter 34

After that, I began preparing for a party that would invite not only military nobles but also civil officials.

The most important task was selecting the guests.

I spread out the noble registry on the large desk in the study. With the help of Lord Maximilian, Albert, and the stewards of the Liebenfeld household, we carefully considered each potential guest one by one.

First, I made sure to invite those who had attended the smaller parties I had hosted before. They were already accustomed to the new style and had responded favorably. Having them as the core would help first-time attendees feel more at ease.

Then, regarding the civil officials.

I had planned to send invitations to those with whom I had built relationships during my time at the Vandering ducal household.

Unfortunately, some connections had been severed after the scandal of the broken engagement. It couldn’t be helped. I didn’t blame those who believed the rumors.

At the time, I hadn’t particularly refuted anything. I missed my chance to speak up, and before I knew it, I had come to the Liebenfeld marquisate. After that, various circumstances prevented me from defending myself, leading to some relationships fading away.

But there were still those who maintained ties with me.

Their influence in high society was not to be underestimated. They were individuals with years of experience and connections, capable of shaping social trends.

“I believe these individuals would be interested in attending,” I explained, marking the candidates.

I selected them one by one, considering their personalities, preferences, and positions in society not just inviting anyone, but those who might understand and appreciate this new endeavor.

The guest list was split roughly evenly between military and civil nobles, about three times larger than previous gatherings.

The wording of the invitations was also slightly adjusted for each group.

For the military nobles, I emphasized practical details. What would happen, the purpose of the event making it clear and straightforward.

I laid out several draft invitations on the table for review. Though the content was the same, the choice of words, sentence rhythm, and level of formality varied subtly. Each version was crafted to convey the same message while respecting the recipients’ preferences.

“You’ve put a lot of thought into even the smallest details,” Lord Maximilian remarked approvingly as he examined each draft.

“The invitation sets the first impression of the party, after all.”

“I see. You’re absolutely right.”

Lord Maximilian nodded, and together, we continued refining the wording. Should this phrase be softer? Was that expression too stiff? We scrutinized every word, every character with care.

One day, as the preparations were in full swing, I was in the study reviewing the schedule when Albert entered.

“Lady Seraphina, do you have a moment?”

“Of course. What is it?”

I looked up from the schedule.

“Regarding the invitations for the civil officials, I’d like your final approval on the wording.”

“Understood.”

I began reading through the draft. As I did, Albert paused briefly before speaking in a casual tone.

“By the way… there’s been some talk in high society recently.”

“Talk?”

I responded lightly, still focused on the invitation.

“Apparently, there was some trouble at a party hosted by the Vandering household.”

My hand stopped for just a moment then resumed.

“Oh?”

My voice remained perfectly even. The Vandering household, just a name from my past. That was all. No surprise, no agitation.

From what I gathered, the incident had happened some time ago, and my younger sister Isabella was involved. Having been distant from high society for a while, I hadn’t heard about it.

“Apparently, a fountain malfunctioned during the party.”

“A fountain malfunctioned?”

I set the invitation aside and looked up.

A malfunctioning fountain. I turned the phrase over in my mind but couldn’t quite grasp it. What had happened? What did “malfunction” even mean in this context?

“Was anyone hurt?” I asked. If guests had been injured, it would be serious.

“No injuries, it seems. But many suffered damage to their dresses and other belongings.”

“I see. That’s unfortunate.”

With that, I returned to the invitation.

This phrasing might need to be more refined. Civil officials preferred polished language, especially for key sections explaining the party’s purpose.

I picked up a pen and began making adjustments.

Albert watched quietly before excusing himself and leaving the room.

I continued refining the invitations. Whatever had happened at Isabella’s party was no longer my concern. Right now, I had to focus on my own responsibilities.

A short while later, there was another knock at the door.

“Seraphina.”

It was Lord Maximilian. Probably another confirmation about the upcoming party.

“There’s something I wanted to ask.”

“Yes, what is it?”

I stood and moved to the sofa. Lord Maximilian sat across from me.

“Albert mentioned something to me.”

“Oh?”

“About the incident at the Vandering party.”

I nodded lightly. The same matter I’d just heard about.

“I heard as well. The fountain incident.”

Lord Maximilian paused before asking quietly,

“Your sister was involved. Does it bother you?”

“No, not particularly.”

My answer was immediate and sincere.

Likely, Lord Maximilian had come to check on me out of concern. Knowing about the broken engagement, he must have worried how I’d take the news.

He studied my face, as if gauging whether I was lying or putting on a brave front.

I smiled softly.

“Truly. It doesn’t concern me anymore.”

“I see.”

I deliberately relaxed my tone to emphasize my honesty. Lord Maximilian nodded, seemingly satisfied.

Roderick, my former fiancé. Isabella.

Though she was my blood sister, my priorities now lay elsewhere. We had preparations to focus on.

There had been a time when I cared. Right after the broken engagement, my feelings had been complicated. But after coming to the Liebenfeld household and spending time with Lord Maximilian and his family, those emotions had faded.

Distance had allowed me to let go.

I felt no anger, sadness, or jealousy toward Isabella. She was simply someone from my past nothing more. That was my honest feeling now.

For the moment, I wanted to pour all my energy into making this party a success.

“I think this wording is final. What do you think?”

I showed Lord Maximilian the revised invitation.

“Yes, it’s perfect.”

He nodded in satisfaction.

“Let’s proceed with sending them out.”

“Please do.”

With his approval, the process began. Now, we waited for responses.

A few days after the invitations were sent.

Replies started arriving.

The first were from the military nobles.

“I’d be delighted to attend.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Most accepted gladly. Every single one who had attended the smaller parties confirmed their participation a reassuring start.

Then, from the civil officials—

“I’m honored by the invitation.”

“I’ve heard about this new endeavor and am very interested.”

“I’d love to attend.”

One after another, acceptances poured in.

To be honest, I’d been anxious. What if many declined because of the rumors? What if the new approach failed because of it? The thought of disappointing Lord Maximilian and the Liebenfeld family had weighed on me.

But my fears proved unfounded.

Far more had accepted than I’d expected both civil and military nobles. Most of those invited had agreed to come.

Now, they would see for themselves.

They would experience the new style firsthand. And I was confident in it.

“Let’s give it our all in preparing,” I renewed my resolve.

I had to meet their expectations.

A party where both civil and military nobles could enjoy themselves wholeheartedly. A new style that respected and blended both cultures.

I carefully set the stack of replies on the desk. Each one was proof of their anticipation and I intended to meet it.

Now, for the final stretch.

Decorations, menu selection, music arrangements, staff instructions. The tasks were endless, but I would tackle each one meticulously, trusting in what we’d built so far.

Let’s proceed with the final preparations.