Upon seeing the envelope with the professors' names written on the front, a wave of memories from her university days flooded her mind.
Originally, given her circumstances, there was no room for Eileen to even dream of attending university. It was Cesare who, for the first time, boldly suggested that perhaps she could enroll.
Eileen clung to him shamelessly and, in the end, secured admission through a rather cunning method: using a letter of recommendation from Prince Traon of the Empire.
Her time at university was the happiest period of Eileen's life. Those were years in which she was able to satisfy countless curiosities that self-study had not been able to fulfill.
Engaging in academic debates with other plant enthusiasts brought her immense joy, especially as she delved deeper into the professional study of plant-based drug development.
The chemical experiments, impossible to perform alone, were a significant part of her training, and she received substantial help from the institution.
Although she initially felt intimidated by the older students and teachers, they proved to be kind and welcoming. Soon, Eileen felt at home among them.
Due to family difficulties, she was unable to complete her studies and had to leave university early. Even so, that period became a precious memory and a source of knowledge that has always supported her.
"I hope everyone is well... " she murmured, lost in nostalgia, as she opened the envelope.
Although he had imagined it would be bulky, he found a long letter inside.
[…Upon learning belatedly of your marriage, we hasten to send our congratulations. Enclosed is a humble gift. Please accept it.]
Now Archduchess Erzet, Eileen received a message from her former teachers written in extremely respectful language. Amidst the formal greetings and updates on their lives, she could almost hear the familiar voices of her mentors again.
With a discreet smile, he examined the gift: it was part of an article published in an academic journal, the result of research he had conducted in collaboration with his professors. His name was listed among the authors.
As she read, Eileen felt a sudden lump in her throat. She pressed her lips tightly together and rubbed her chin distractedly, absorbing the contents of the letter.
[… We plan to visit the property soon. If you are available, could we meet? We have missed you very much all these years, and, although we understand your position, we dare to make this request cautiously.]
The letter concluded with polite requests and warm wishes. Eileen read it all again, feeling a pang of longing and regret.
"They intend to visit the property. Is it possible to meet them? " he asked Sonio, who was surprised but assured him that it would be perfectly possible.
"If there's anything you'd like to do, please don't hesitate to tell me, " he added, offering her support.
Despite initially imagining the life of an intimidating archduchess, Eileen found comfort in Sonio's reassuring response.
She took a deep breath, gathered her courage, and opened Ornella's letter. The perfumed paper exuded a light scent of lilies.
The message was polite and ordinary, sincerely congratulating her on her marriage and extending an invitation to her first social event as Archduchess of Erzet: afternoon tea.
It was obvious to Eileen why Ornella, full of resentment, had invited her to a social event.
"I can even imagine an ambush, all masked, with cigarette smoke swirling around ," he murmured ironically, shaking off the fanciful thought with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "That's already an exaggeration."
Setting the letter aside, Eileen tucked it away in a corner. Although she had obligations as Archduchess of Erzet, she was not willing to overexert herself for Ornella.
Indeed, the Farvellini duchy had a respectable lineage, but it still did not compare to the prestige of Erzet. Even influential noble families ended up being overshadowed by Cesare's mere presence.
"There's no reason to choose Ornella for my first social appearance. That would only reinforce my position in society, " he reflected. "That's what I think, but Sonio, what's your opinion?"
Eileen turned to Sonio, seeking his perspective on the matter.
Deeply moved, Sonio replied:
— You speak with great wisdom, my lady. There is absolutely no need to be influenced.
So… which event would be best to attend first?
Feeling perplexed as she sifted through the flood of letters arriving for Archduchess Erzet, Eileen sought guidance. It was her habit to ask when in doubt, and Sonio, with a smile, observed the variety of letters on the table.
Although it may only be the opinion of a butler… as an archduchess, you hold the highest position among the nobility of the Empire.
He paused, the transition between life in the palace and that of an archduchess reflected in his gaze.
Wouldn't it be more appropriate for you to invite those of lower rank yourself?
Thanks to Sonio's guidance, Eileen began to see things from a new perspective. She decided that the first social event of her life as an archduchess would be organized by herself.
Sonio promised to personally prepare the guest list, and with his dedication and enthusiasm, everything began to unfold smoothly.
While chatting about various subjects with Sonio, time flew by. Senon, whose arrival was expected soon, didn't appear until sunset. Cesare, for his part, worked briefly in his office and left again.
While dining alone, Eileen commented:
— It's strange for someone who usually stays at the ducal residence.
Still, she didn't feel lonely at the long table. Sonio, even though busy, found time to talk to her. Loneliness wasn't something that scared her; for Eileen, being alone was natural. The time spent with Cesare in recent days seemed like a miracle.
Waiting for Cesare was familiar to Eileen. She simply longed to see him again the next day.
After dinner, he read an etiquette manual chosen by Sonio and went to bed early.
Lying there, sleep wouldn't come. Despite her tired body, her mind was racing.
Tossing and turning in bed and murmuring with her eyes wide open, Eileen's thoughts revolved mainly around Cesare.
He had no intention of telling Eileen his secrets. But that didn't mean he hid them completely. Even after becoming Archduchess, the one-sided relationship remained the same.
He was such an affectionate man that calling him a liar would be an exaggeration. Perhaps that's why it hurt even more. Eileen couldn't decipher his intentions.
'He was never one to reveal his true feelings…'
What could have made him like this? How could she help him, even a little?
"I want to do this right, I want to be better… " he whispered.
Ever since becoming an archduchess, a silent ambition had taken hold of Eileen. She longed to remain by Cesare's side at all times. But she feared showing her weaknesses and being discarded as suddenly as she had been elevated to that position.
In that respect, Cesare was like a sword. Eileen never knew if a disagreement or slip-up would be enough to lose his affection.
"I need to become the person His Grace needs ," she decided, convinced.
Going over these worries in his thoughts, he ended up falling asleep without realizing it.
Her half-asleep mind sensed a presence and she awoke with a start. Accustomed to falling asleep alone, her body reacted sensitively to the presence of another person.
Blinking sleepily, Eileen glimpsed the male silhouette before her. A smile outlined the man's face, his eyes merging with the darkness, a low laugh escaped. A faint scent of blood touched her nose, his languid, warm voice brushed against her skin.
— Sorry… did I wake you up?
Eileen blinked slowly once more, seeing Cesare right before her; it was, without a doubt, a dream. For a moment, forgetting that she was in the ducal residence, she smiled as if she had found him in the small bed on the second floor of her old brick house.
— Cesare… — she murmured, with overwhelming happiness, laughing with childlike tenderness. — I missed you.
His eyes narrowed slightly, the man leaned closer to her. His face inches away, he asked softly:
Since when?
— Always… always…
It was a whispered confession of deep love, tinged with sadness at his inability to fully express the intensity of his feelings.
Gazing at him with an intoxicated look, she felt as if even her own eyes, which had held her captive, were softened by the sweetness of the moment.
Okay, Eileen.
Their lips met delicately, like petals resting softly on the ground. The kiss was tender, each touch careful, as if both feared the moment would slip away.
"I missed you too, all this time ," the man murmured sweetly in reply.
To be continued…