Chapter 115 – Seems You Must’ve Been Waiting for Me

From the early morning hours, the servants of House Inevasel bustled about, aiding their masters in preparation for the Imperial ball that marked the height of the spring social season. Evelyn, too, had woken up earlier than usual to complete her toilette.

As she studied her reflection in the mirror, a faint blush touched her cheeks.

“Have I gone a little overboard with all this preparation?”

Larie, who had been assisting her with unflagging enthusiasm, shook her head firmly.

“On no other day but your birthday, my lady, you must stand out all the more!”

The other maids quickly added their own praise.

“Today’s gown suits you perfectly.”

“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it a gift from the angels.”

The dress she wore was said to be one of Madame Angela’s finest creations. It was something the marquis and his wife had specially prepared, as it was their daughter’s first birthday since coming of age. The elegant chiffon, tinged with a soft pearlescent sheen, was the perfect complement to Evelyn’s clear, luminous complexion.

At their warm compliments, she smiled shyly and murmured her thanks.

“Thank you, truly, for all your help.”

“We only did what was expected, my lady!”

“We hope you have the most wonderful day!”

Evelyn, buoyed by their heartfelt encouragement, made her way downstairs. Entering the drawing room, she found the marquis and marchioness seated on the sofa, taking tea.

“There you are, Evelyn.”

Seating herself on the sofa opposite them, she offered a somewhat sheepish smile.

“Yes. I hope I haven’t kept you waiting?”

“Of course not. We only just arrived ourselves.”

Her mother’s voice was warm and gentle, yet moments later, she shook her head in mild disapproval.

“Though, if we were waiting for your brother, it would take another thirty minutes at least.”

The Marchioness clicked her tongue, wondering aloud who on earth he took after to take so long getting ready. At that, the Marquis, after a furtive glance at his wife, cleared his throat twice before speaking.

“Ahem. As it happens, we have something to give you, Evelyn.”

“Oh, that’s right. I nearly forgot.”

Evelyn, who had been quietly following the exchange, tilted her head in curiosity.

“Something to give me?”

The Marquis and Marchioness exchanged a knowing smile, then handed her a small gift box.

“Happy birthday, our dear daughter.”

“Happy birthday, Evelyn.”

“Mother… Father…”

Surprise and confusion flickered across her face. She had never imagined there would be another gift, not after receiving the exquisite gown.

Sensing her thoughts, the Marchioness gave a keenly perceptive smile and asked.

“Surely you didn’t think we had prepared only the dress?”

“This gown alone is more than enough for me.”

“How could it be, when it is our daughter’s birthday? Go on, open it.”

Urged by her parents, she slowly lifted the lid of the box. There, nestled within, lay an opal ring that shimmered with an iridescent glow. The finely wrought gem was like a solitary star gleaming through a veil of mist.

“It’s… truly beautiful.”

“We’re glad you like it. Actually…”

The Marquis paused, as though brushing dust from an old fragment of memory. Silence lingered a moment before he spoke again, his voice low.

“This was Anette’s wish.”

“Pardon? My birth mother’s?”

At this unfamiliar revelation, Evelyn’s eyes wavered like waves struck by a sudden wind.

“Yes. When Anette came of age, she also received an opal ring from her parents on her first birthday as an adult.”

“….”

“She told me then that if she ever had a daughter, she would wish to give her that same ring.”

Perhaps it was the weight of longing for his younger sister, but for an instant, sorrow touched the Marquis’s eyes before fading away.

Having struggled to relay the story calmly, he offered his daughter a tender smile.

Evelyn’s chest ached, yet she curved her lips into a faint smile in return. Slipping the opal ring onto the middle finger of her left hand, she spoke in a bright, steady voice.

“Thank you so much. Mother, Father.”

For becoming my second parents.