Ch. 51 The Sharpest Sword (1)

The food brought by the the restaurant staff was the best on offer. From appetizers to the main course, it all lavished the senses exquisitely. The variety of foods was so great that some of the meat and seafood were completely unknown to her.

Elena tasted everything, but she ate carefully so as to not show the contents of her mouth as she chewed. Carlisle closely observed her as she ate.

You look beautiful when you eat, too.

Eub.

Elena choked on her mouthful. She quickly picked up her glass and drank from it, calming her stomach.

I appreciate what youre saying, butits uncomfortable if you keep looking at me like that.

My eyes can only face you, so where else should I look?

Elena couldnt find anything to say. One would naturally look across at the person they were dining with, but it was normal to avert ones eyes after hearing this. She never expected his answer, let alone one said so brazenly.

Instead of saying anything, she faced Carlisle looking straight at her. Maybe it was time to start the conversation. Dinner was coming to an end, and now was the time to get some answers.

Do you remember when you said youd answer my question last time?

Ah.

She couldnt tell whether he didnt really know or if he was pretending. She wouldnt be teased with his vague answer, so she decided to confront him directly.

According to you we met a long time ago. You said you would tell me about it when we met again, so tell me now.

She held his gaze unblinkingly, and Carlisle was unable to contain a smile.

Well, I have to keep my word.

He murmured reluctantly as he placed down the fork he was holding.

When I was thirteen, I saw you at the palace.

The palace?

She cast her mind back. She seldom traveled from Blaise castle in the southern region to the distant capital, though one of her favorite memories from a young age was going to the capital to visit the palace. However, there was no sign of Carlisle in those few memories.

Elena was quiet for a moment, then spoke to Carlisle wonderingly.

Is that it?

Then what do you want me to say?

Elena was lost for words. It didnt make any sense that he would be so generous to her because of a chance encounter. She wondered if she really did meet him in some dim, forgotten memory. It didnt make sense to have this kind of relationship after meeting each other at thirteen years of age.

Tonight, Carlisle already purchased a private box at an opera and rented an entire restaurant for a private dinner. He also had given her a highly skilled subordinate, Kuhn, and commanded him to obey Elenas every order.

No matter how much she thought about it, these werent simple favors for a contract marriage partner.

Elena needed him to explain.

Did we really met when we were thirteen?

Yes.

So the day I remember was in reality the second time we met?

Yes. The day you saved my life.

She was so stunned she almost accidentally knocked the table. None of her questions were solved. Why on earth was Carlisle so good to her?

She stopped trying to guess the answer to her questions. There was only one way to find out for sure. She had to ask Carlisle himself.

Please answer. Why are you being so generous to me?

Carlisle was not simply dealing with someone who signed a contractual marriage with him. At first she had wanted to see what he would do, but as time went by she was more curious.

We met once when we were thirteen, so it doesnt make sense to treat me the way you do.

No more clues.

But!

You have to think about the rest yourself. Otherwise, its too much damage for me.

Damage? For what?

Elenas eyes brimmed with questions. Carlisle replied in a reverent tone.

The first time I met you was the most memorable moment in my life. I wish I could go back to it.

Elena felt as if she had been struck on the head. Why did Carlisle have such a powerful memory? One thing was for sureno matter what kind of a meeting it was, it was still clearly engraved in Carlisles mind.

She had more to ask, but she bit her lip and held back. She didnt think he would tell her more if she asked him anyway.

Thirteen years old, at the palace.

There was no other clue, so she really had to find out for herself.

Alright. Ill find out the rest according to the clues.

I look forward to it.

Carlisle smiled contentedly at her reply. When the meal appeared to be over, the waiter hurried over and began clear away the dishes from the table. Then the waiter placed a several delicious-looking desserts in front of them.

She stared the the desserts, thinking back on the conversation she just had with Carlisle.

Dont you have another question for me?

?

The ball gowns. Dont you need them?

Oh. Do you happen to know a dress shop where I can obtain them?

She had been lost in her thoughts until Carlisle interrupted her. Elena looked at him expectantly, and Carlisle replied, the corner of his mouth lifting up.

No, I dont think there are any available dress shops in the capital city right now. Theyre so full of orders that youre unlikely to get a dress made even if I force them to.

I see.

Elenas mind turned back to worry again. She would find another way, but even Carlisle said the task would be difficult. Bitterness welled up in her throat when she remembered Mirabelles disappointment. In the worst case, she would be forced to abandon her official first meeting with Carlisle.

If you dont mind, there is one way.

What is it?

Look for dresses that have already been made. Something slightly different from your size, so it wont be too difficult to make alterations.

He was right. It would not be easy to find someone to make alterations, but it was not as demanding as creating a completely new dress. And if there were no availabilities, the Blaise maids could do it themselves. Last time, Elena had worn a dress made under Mirabelles leadership for a tea party.

Even if altering a dress wasnt too difficult, obtaining a dress to be altered in the first place was. Most nobles preferred custom-tailored clothes rather than ones already pre-made. Even the samples were hung on mannequins could not be bought as a new product.

Premade or already worn dresses could be fetched at low-to-medium prices, but the ones of decent quality would likely already have been picked up by poorer aristocrats, even if the dresses had been worn a hundred times.

The royal ball. She could not afford to wear something inferior. Time was extremely short, and finding a dress that wouldnt bring shame to House Blaise was difficult task.

Im sure you know this, but it wont be easy to get an already made dresses, either.

You dont have to worry about it. Ill get them for you.

Really?

Elenas eyes widened. Come to think of it, Carlisle said he obtained jewelry and clothing as spoils of war. She had assumed they were different from something one would wear at a ball.

Carlisle noticed Elenas uncertainty and continued.

I dont like other people looking at you, but I dont intend to disappoint my woman.

Elena paused, not knowing how to respond when he called her my woman. But apart from the sentiment, his suggestion sounded convincing. So far, Carlisle had never broken his word and trusting him hadnt failed her yet. She had no other options anyway, so Elena nodded.

I would appreciate it if you could help me.

Carlisle replied immediately, as if he anticipated her response.

There is a condition.

Condition?

Whatever I send, you cant say anything against it.

She felt uncomfortable about this vague condition, but was not in a position to refuse. She didnt care what the dress was for the ball. As long as she had one, she could carry out her plans and Mirabelle wouldnt be let down. After mulling over it for a moment, Elena nodded.

Alright. No matter what kind of dress you send me, I wont protest. If I dont think its fit for the ball, then I might just not wear it.

I dont mind. Then Ill send someone to your residence as soon as possible.

Thank you.

She didnt know what he was going to send her, but she was still relieved.

Elena tasted the ice cream served with a more relaxed look on her face.

Dulkung

The guard, who briefly entered the restaurant at Carlisles call earlier, reappeared. Carlisles brow furrowed slightly at his sudden appearance, but spoke in a casual voice.

I told you not to interrupt. Whats going on?

The man quickly strode over from the doorway. He then gave a slight bow to Carlisle, speaking in a whisper.

Kuhn handled one rat, but he missed the other.