# 78
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“Are you really going to have a Christmas party in this hall?”
It was a large, dazzling hall that shone dazzlingly.
In her previous life, the orphanage where Elinor grew up held a birthday party once a month.
Regardless of the dates, children celebrating their birthdays that month would gather, sing, and blow out candles.
Of course, they were sharing birthday cake, and the gifts were the same for everyone.
Was it a feeling of inferiority?
Elinor wanted to throw a memorable birthday party for the child.
Decorate the baby's room beautifully and order a cake from the chef.
Since it is the first birthday, it would be nice to perform a “duljabi” (traditional object ection) ritual. String, pen, and money are also here, so this can be done easily.
Elinor was preparing an ordinary but beautiful birthday party.
But Hilliard was preparing for something far beyond her expectations.
When Elinor saw the hall to which the Grand Duchess's maid had shown her, she could not close her mouth.
The chandelier hanging on the high ceiling shone dazzlingly, and the interior decorations decorated with gold leaves were luxurious.
It was a luxury that made the eyes hurt. It seemed that a single slab of the hall's walls was enough to purchase a vast fiefdom.
Should you not have been reassured when they said they wouldn't hold a festival?
“This place looks so luxurious.”
“The Grand Duchess allowed it.”
The maid said politely.
“Anyway, if this hall is left, it will accumulate dust. The child is an important guest of ours, and using it on this wonderful occasion will be more meaningful,” she said.
“An important guest...”
Does that mean someone will leave one day?
“She also said that if you refused, it would be a bit unfortunate, but no way.”
The Grand Duchess anticipated Elinor's refusal and cut off the retreat in advance.
Elinor let out a moan.
“I must thank the Grand Duchess.”
“She will be very happy.”
“But it's so spacious… If only a few people come, won't the Christmas party look dull in this hall?”
“Oh my God, why do you think so few will come?”
The maid replied in amazement.
“If everyone gathered, this hall would be small.”
"What?"
"There are over a hundred people working at Hilliard Castle. Everyone is excited to celebrate the child's birthday, so this size is essential."
Hilliard's servants?
Elinor was surprised by the unexpected news and blinked her eyes, and the maid laughed.
“Among the servants, there is a bet on who will bring the gift that the child will like the most. You didn't know, did you?”
Elinor nodded.
"Everyone looks forward to the kid's birthday party. Of course I do too."
“Ah…”
“The Grand Duchess said that she will spare no support for the Christmas party. So, if you need anything or help during the preparation, let us know at any time. We will cooperate with full force.”
Exceptional support. This made it even more confusing.
It didn't look like Agares was lying.
"Thanks."
Elinor hid her feelings and bowed politely.
No matter how complicated her feelings were, she had to prepare the child's birthday party properly.
Since the Grand Duchess herf provided the ballroom, she could no longer strive for a simple birthday party.
Fortunately, Elinor found someone to help her.
“If the princess had not been there, I would not have been able to do anything.”
Friday afternoon, in Cornelia's private office.
Elinor sighed as she read the ceremony sequence sheet.
The person helping her prepare the child's birthday party was none other than Cornelia.
Since she was acting as a territory agent on behalf of Matthias, she was very skilled at organizing and planning parties.
Cornelia raised her head from the pile of papers and said:
“I also enjoy this fun work after a long time.”
“I'm sorry to bother you while you're busy with district affairs.”
"No, no! Don't think like that. I really consider planning with you a break."
Cornelia waved her hand excitedly.
“I can help you a lot in the future as well, so let me know if you need anything.”
“You're helping me enough already.”
“No, that’s not what I mean… I can help you a lot with territory affairs as well.”
"What?"
“I mean, don't feel like a burden and think about it. Okay?”
There was an ambiguous point in her words.
Elinor didn't quite understand the meaning, but she nodded, and Cornelia's face flushed with embarrassment.
“Mother, sister.”
my sister?
“Um, yes.”
“How are you at Hilliard these days? Are you comfortable?”
Elinor looked at Cornelia with a glance.
She looked nervous as she waited for Elinor's response.
Perhaps she can now find out about Hilliard's intentions through Cornelia.
“Yes. Everyone cares about me, so I feel comfortable.”
"Really? So comfortable that you want to stay?"
“Yes. By the way, I didn’t thank you particularly. Thank you for taking good care of the baby while I was gone.”
“No, you suffered a lot for Hilliard. It was my duty.”
“The baby seems to like you very much.”
Elinor decided to test it and said:
"Not just you, but Teddy too. At playtime, he would ask about Teddy and Corey."
"truly?"
“He seems to have bonded with you both a lot. I'm afraid he'll cry a lot if we break up later...”
“Oh my God, we can visit him more often.”
Cornelia smiled happily.
“We have a house in the capital too. Since we no longer have to stay in the province, we can spend the socializing season in the capital.”
Elinor's heart raced.
Cornelia was certainly thinking in terms of the child's separation.
What about me? Do they think I'll stay at Hilliard?
Separated from the child, alone?
She felt as if a heavy stone had been placed on her chest, making her feel uncomfortable.
While she was rubbing her chest for no reason, a knock was heard at the door.
“Are you busy?”
"my brother?"
“If you are not busy, I would like to take Miss Elinor.”
“Eleanor is in an important meeting with me now-”
Cornelia's eyes sparkled.
Matthias was dressed to go out.
An ordinary dark blue coat, but it looks particularly luxurious, as if he has chosen the best.
His hair is neatly pulled back, and his face shines especially brightly today.
'He's decorated.'
And in a big way.
Cornelia quickly changed her words.
“…But I can handle it. Sister, it seems like my big brother has something he wants to say to you. Go with him.”
“What? But we haven’t finished with the party invitations yet.”
“I can handle these simple things. Don't worry and go. Quickly.”
Cornelia took Elinor's hand and made her stand.
Elinor blinked with confused eyes and said:
“Did something happen?”
“No, not that.”
Mathias twisted his mouth in embarrassment.
“It looks sunny today. I thought we'd go out for a bit.”
“Ah…”
“There is a lake nearby.”
Matthias cleared his throat.
“It's not crowded and it's quiet, I used to go there when I felt confused. The sun's rays shine on the ripples of the lake beautifully. If you have time now, how about we go together?”
“Will the baby come with us?”
“Baby is taking a nap with Tidian now.”