You’ll Regret Stealing Him from Me — My Sister Who Took My Fiancé and Celebrated Was a Fool - Chapter 9

Once my engagement to Lord Maximilian was decided, events progressed at a startling pace.

With Father and Lord Maximilian swiftly handling the formalities, I found myself hurriedly packing my belongings and leaving my family home.

As the carriage rocked gently, I gazed out the window.

The familiar sights of the royal capital slowly drifted by. The grand mansions lining the noble district, the parks blooming with colorful flowers, the lively clamor of the marketplace. Places filled with memories of dazzling social gatherings. When we passed the venue of a party I had once succeeded in hosting, countless recollections flashed through my mind.

A new relationship. A new life.

To say I felt no unease would be a lie. Though Lord Maximilian had struck me as sincere, we had only met a handful of times since then. Over tea, we had discussed our future together; his hopes, my role, our mutual expectations. Yet, actually living together might bring entirely different challenges.

And then there was his family, my first meeting with them. Lady Eleonora, Lord Maximilian’s mother, his brothers, his sisters. Would they truly accept me, a woman whose reputation had been tarnished?

The rumor that I had “stolen my sister’s achievements” had already spread throughout the capital. The Vandering ducal family’s official condemnation had lent credibility to the gossip. The Liebenfelds might have already heard it.

Would they welcome me? Could I get along with them? Would I be disliked or rejected?

Such anxieties seeped deeper into my chest.

But at the same time, there was hope.

The Liebenfeld family needed my knowledge and experience. There was a place where I could be useful. Someone who would properly recognize my abilities. Lord Maximilian had clearly told me he had “high expectations.” I wanted to live up to them.

I would take this new step forward with optimism. Not dwelling on the past, but looking toward the future.

Steeling myself, I took a deep breath. Placing a hand over my chest, I tried to calm my pounding heart. It’s fine. Everything will be fine.

Eventually, the carriage gradually slowed.

“My lady, we will soon arrive at the Liebenfeld marquisate,” the coachman announced.

I straightened my posture and adjusted my appearance. Checking for stray hairs or wrinkles in my dress while preparing myself mentally.

The carriage came to a full stop, and the coachman opened the door. Taking his offered hand, I stepped out to find a mansion with an entirely different atmosphere from the Altviers’.

Few extravagant decorations, but a dignified presence. Sturdy stone walls, a simple yet imposing gate, a design prioritizing practicality. It exuded the straightforward, unpretentious honesty of a military household—yet not in a rough way. The gardens were meticulously maintained, and the stone steps leading to the entrance were polished clean.

It gave the impression of strength and sincerity coexisting. Just like Lord Maximilian.

Holding my posture straight, I began walking forward, masking my nervousness. Step by step. The sound of my shoes against the stone steps seemed unnaturally loud.

“Welcome to the Liebenfeld household.”

The first to greet me at the entrance was a woman with a warm smile. She must be Lady Eleonora, Lord Maximilian’s mother.

“You must be Seraphina.”

Her soft chestnut hair, likely in her fifties, was lightly streaked with white; adding to her grace. Gentle brown eyes held a tranquil light. Clad in a simple yet elegant dark green dress, she radiated the calm and warmth of a mother.

Yet, there was also something shadowed about her. The quiet sorrow of a widow who had lost her husband on the battlefield. Still, beneath it lay strength and kindness, the resilience of someone who had continued supporting her family.

Lady Eleonora Liebenfeld. Lord Maximilian had spoken briefly of her.

“Mother is strong. Even after Father died in battle, she never faltered; she protected our house. Raised us brothers well, upheld the Liebenfeld name. I respect her deeply.”

His voice had carried profound reverence.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Eleonora. I am Seraphina Altvier. From today onward, I will be in your care.”

I bowed politely, but Lady Eleonora seemed to dislike such formality.

“Oh my, there’s no need to be so stiff.”

With a gentle smile, she stepped closer and took my hands in hers, enveloping them warmly.

The tenderness in her touch was indescribable. Her warm hands wrapped around mine, which had grown slightly cold. Like a mother’s warmth melting away all unease.

“From now on, this is your home too, Seraphina.”

“…Yes.”

Looking into Lady Eleonora’s eyes, I saw pure welcome. Not a practiced smile, but genuine warmth. She wasn’t just fulfilling an obligation, she truly intended to accept me as family. That sincerity washed over me.

“I heard you’ve been through quite an ordeal. My son Maximilian told me. But it’s alright now. Here, no one will hurt you.”

Her words made my chest burn.

I was reminded of my late mother. If she were alive, would she have welcomed me like this? My eyes grew hot, tears threatening to spill. But if I cried now, I’d ruin this precious welcome, so I held them back.

“Thank you, Lady Eleonora. Your words truly mean so much to me.”

I responded with the brightest smile I could muster.

“Now, come inside. Maximilian is occupied with duties at the palace and won’t return until evening, but the rest of the family is waiting for you. They’ve all been looking forward to meeting you.”

I had already been informed of Lord Maximilian’s absence. As a general of the royal army, he was attending an important meeting at the palace.

Someone of his standing was bound to be busy. Yet, he had made time to see me while arranging our engagement. For that sincerity, I was truly grateful.