You’ll Regret Stealing Him from Me — My Sister Who Took My Fiancé and Celebrated Was a Fool - Chapter 35

Since the day before, I had been meticulously preparing.

Over and over, I reviewed the plans. A single oversight could ruin everything. That tension weighed on me.

And then, the day arrived.

Final checks before welcoming the guests—the venue decorations, last-minute food preparations, coordination with the musicians. And so much more.

I went through each detail carefully. Albert and the staff of the Liebenfeld household worked in perfect harmony.

“Lady Seraphina, are the decorations arranged to your satisfaction?”

“Yes, they’re perfect. Thank you.”

I surveyed the fully prepared venue. The opulence favored by the civil nobles and the practical elegance preferred by the military aristocracy. Both were beautifully balanced.

“The serving order for the dishes has also been confirmed,” the head chef reported from the kitchen.

“Thank you.”

The staff moved seamlessly without needing my instructions. A testament to the many small gatherings we had hosted before. Seeing them work eased my anxiety, if only slightly.

The guests began arriving one after another.

First, the military nobles.

They stepped down from their carriages with their usual dignified, commanding presence. Many wore uniforms, their disciplined aura lending a solemn air to the venue.

“Marquis Liebenfeld, thank you for your invitation.”

“Welcome. Please enjoy yourselves.”

Lord Maximilian greeted them courteously, just as we had planned. As the host, he carried himself flawlessly, and I was grateful for it.

Standing beside him, I offered a smile to each guest. Many of whom I had met at smaller gatherings before. They returned my warmth with kind expressions.

Then, the civil nobles arrived.

Dressed in splendid gowns, their movements were graceful and refined. A contrast to the military nobles’ disciplined bearing.

“Lady Seraphina, it’s been a while.”

Some who had maintained ties with me even after that incident greeted me warmly.

“Thank you for coming today.”

I responded to each with careful courtesy, pouring more sincerity into my words than usual.

Among them, a few wore complicated expressions. Likely those who had once believed Isabella’s words. Now, standing before me, they carried a faint air of guilt.

I said nothing about it, showing only that I bore no ill will. Their unease seemed to soften slightly.

Inside the venue, the atmosphere was tense as expected.

I observed quietly.

It’s fine.

Everything will be fine.

I pressed a hand to my chest, reassuring myself. My heartbeat was quick but not just from nervousness. It was anticipation, hope, all mixed together.

The party began as scheduled.

At first, the mood was stiff.

The military and civil nobles clustered separately, conversations confined within their own circles.

But slowly, change became visible.

The food was served. A careful balance of the refined dishes favored by civil nobles and the hearty fare preferred by the military aristocracy. Guests showed interest, and conversations began to flow. Connections sparked.

Music filled the air. Alternating between the elegant melodies beloved by civil nobles and the bold, stirring pieces favored by the military. The musicians played brilliantly, showcasing the best of both.

Lord Maximilian and I moved through the venue, greeting guests and fostering the atmosphere.

The nobles conversed naturally, seeming to enjoy themselves.

“This is different,” someone remarked not with rejection, but curiosity.

“I don’t mind this at all.”

New relationships were forming. Houses that had never interacted before found common ground here.

Even the civil nobles gradually relaxed.

At first, they had been cautious, but now, gentle smiles graced their faces.

“A party like this isn’t bad at all,” an elderly count mused, tilting his glass.

“Refined, yet not stifling.”

“A new style, isn’t it?”

Favorable impressions spread.

And what made me happiest of all?

Was seeing military and civil nobles conversing naturally.

Once divided, now they mingled. The boundaries between them blurred.

The walls between them were slowly melting.

I could see it.

A space where both could enjoy themselves where they could understand and respect one another.

It was unfolding right before my eyes.

“Seraphina.”

Lord Maximilian stood beside me, his voice low but gentle.

“It’s working.”

“Yes. It really is.”

Overflowing with joy, I nodded slightly.

I looked around the venue.

Everyone was smiling, military and civil nobles alike.

Not a single person seemed uncomfortable.

I let out a quiet sigh of relief.

The first step had succeeded.

Now, we could move forward.

The party continued peacefully, warmly.

Laughter rang out occasionally, conversations lively. I even saw nobles who had just met bonding over shared dishes.

Watching it all quietly, I thought to myself.

This is the beginning.

The start of a new relationship between civil and military nobles.

And my duty to expand and support that circle.