The Stepmother Loves Harems

Chapter 38

*****

“We don’t know that yet. Unfortunately.”

“But you’re looking into it. By giving me this information, does it mean that you want me to tell you if I learn something?”

Ulysses nodded his head. He looked away as if he was looking at Conter.

“It’s the King’s command. If you reveal the truth, I will surely return the favor to the Rose family, so I hope you will stand by my side.”

“Then that means Dominus might approach me?”

“I like Eliana because I don’t have to explain at length.”

Eliana smiled slightly as Ulysses returned what she had said. However, her smile didn’t last long.

The part about the Rose family has not been settled yet. In their current state, would it be fine to get involved in the struggle for the throne of a neighboring country? No. It was not.

But Eliana’s rationality and her heart moved towards different directions. She knew in her head that she shouldn’t, but her heart was leaning towards Ulysses. She hadn’t known him for a long time still, she was on the side of the prince whom she couldn’t fully understand yet.

Eliana didn’t think long. The longer she worried, the more intricate the calculations became and the more complicated the answer would be.

“Alright.”

She said cheerfully. First of all, the fact that Ulysses was given the King’s command meant that the king’s faith was in him rather than the first and second princes who showed their ambition. The third and fourth need not be mentioned.

Eliana thought that there could be no middle ground in her choices. This was the case from the first night she found out that her marriage was fraudulent. Since then, all of Eliana’s choices have been extreme.

If she fails, she will never be able to try again.

Eliana thought she had a lot to gain from that. She had to move forward calmly and boldly. That way, even if there was a little loss, a lot could still be gained.

Ulysses once again clapped at Eliana’s quick reply. She was good at observation and her ability to gather information was great. But the best thing about her was her quick judgment.

It was the same when she pushed the Seamus family in front of Count of Odelli as if they were in a play. Her momentary judgment was rapid and bold. It was also the reason why Ulysses did not want her to be taken away by his brothers.

“Perhaps the people I know will recognize you right away. For example, sensing a rook in chess.”

“Isn’t that too generous of you? I don’t have that kind of mobility or strength.”

“No. Eliana.”

“…….”

“You are a queen, not a rook.”

The queen of a chessboard. It was no different than calling her the most powerful piece. Eliana smiled at Ulysses’ resolute words and stretched out her hand. Her hand lightly touched Ulysses’ cheek.

“If that’s what the king calls it.”

“…….”

“Then I can’t stop you.”

Eliana’s words had a double meaning. She was talking about the king of a chessboard but was also referring to the Conter throne, which Ulysses was aiming for.

Ulysses looked like he was being captivated* by Eliana who drew people in as she spoke unrestrictedly. Ulysses’ eyes contained only Eliana.

Eliana looked at herself in those golden eyes and lifted her hand. She then stood up, unfolded her fan, and took a step back.

“Then see you again soon. Oliver gave me a hint so it won’t take long to find out about Jackson Seamus.”

“Where did you find all those great informants?”

“They are good friends I met while rolling and crawling in poverty.”

“…….”

“In front of money, things get infinitely worse.”

Eliana let out a chuckle and turned towards the door to the banquet hall. Ulysses watched as she disappeared into the banquet hall. In fact, he tried to move upright, however, there was a subtle limp to his gait.

***

When Eliana returned to the banquet hall, Helen approached her as if she had been waiting for her. She must have had a little bit of alcohol as there was a slight redness to her cheeks.

“Eliana!”

“Oh, Helen. Your cheeks are red. Did you have a glass of wine?”

“A little champagne. I’m not good at drinking. Where have you been?”

“There were a lot of people looking for me. I handled it without making a fuss.”

“I see. Brother has been looking for you for a while now.”

“Gillian?”

“He wanted to find you before the third song started.”

Eliana’s eyes moved to look for Gillian. He was talking with Count Odelli with a serious expression in the center of the banquet hall.

“It’s unfortunate. To miss the honor of dancing with Gillian.”

“I wanted to see it too, it’s too bad.”

“Did you have a good talk with Ray Odelli?”

Helen only nodded her head. She shyly bent her body and said.

“I don’t even remember what I said. Oh, I was invited to the Count of Odelli.”

“Really? That’s good.”

At this rate, if Ray and Helen were to marry, she would be able to gain Gillian’s complete trust. She would not only strengthen the relationship between the Hutts and the Roses, but she would also be liked by Ray Odelli. Eliana smiled at her unexpected harvest. Helen asked her with an uncertain expression.

“Actually, I’ve never accepted an invitation like this before, and I’ve been alone for so long… I don’t know what to do. If… If you don’t mind… Could you come with me?”

“Anytime, as long as I can help Helen. But, would Count Odelli like my visit?”

“I asked, just in case. He said Eliana can come with me.”

Helen said with a bright expression. She had kept the door to her heart closed for a long time. That was why she was thirsty for more people. Eliana was the person who could be her connection to the world.

“Alright. Trust me. I’ll make it a fun date for you.”

“It’s not a d-date. It’s just that Countess Odelli’s garden is beautiful…….”

Helen fanned herself with her hands. She seemed embarrassed. Eliana said no more and fixed Helen’s dress that had been a little crumpled from dancing.

“Thank you. Eliana. In many ways… For everything.”

“Those are unnecessary words between friends. Helen.”

Helen smiled brightly at the word ‘friends’. Her raised round cheeks were so adorable.

Gillian, who was returning from talking with Count Odelli, paused for a moment. He seemed to see his younger sister smiling like that quite often. Gillian was amazed by this everyday these days.

After her divorce, Helen was like someone in a room with the lights off. Whatever came in seemed to be devoured by the darkness. Regardless, if he bought her jewelry or beautiful dresses. Sometimes, she seemed to be curious about the outside, but she was too afraid to come out.

Then Eliana took Helen’s hand and came out with her. At first, he was sure it was because of her interest in him. That was what the rumors said. The Hunter family’s new madam was interested in Gillian Hutt.

But it was also Eliana who placed Eileen Teneb’s hands on his today.

‘You’re not even jealous. What the hell are you thinking?’

Gillian pursed his lips in vain. She didn’t need to be jealous. But he also didn’t want her to look at him and Eileen with a smile.

Besides, what was up with her and Karman who was said to not be on good terms? The two seemed like a loving couple. Gillian scratched his cheek at the things he both liked and didn’t like.

He couldn’t dare ask why she wasn’t jealous. Rather, it was only right for him to thank her for connecting Helen with Ray, and for helping him connect with the Teneb family.

But he couldn’t understand why his heart felt so strange. Resisting grabbing hold of his heart and twisting it, Gillian walked over to Helen and Eliana.

“Brother, Eliana and I are going to visit Count Odelli.”

“To Count Odelli all of a sudden?”

“Ray Odelli personally invited her.”

At Eliana’s words, Gillian looked at Helen in surprise. Helen closed her lips slightly and avoided his gaze. Gillian’s mind became a little more complicated. Ray Odelli was the man who had previously proposed to Helen, and it seems like he is still interested even today.

Would Helen open her heart to him this time? If he was a man who could love Helen unchangingly, he would be relieved.

Gillian looked at Helen with worried eyes and then turned his gaze to Eliana.

“What are you worried about? Helen is already a lady.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Isn’t the expression on your face exactly that of a father who is marrying off his daughter? It’s just a date. It’s been a long time since she went outside. I’m also going to be there.”

“And what are you to Helen?”

If she was his wife, he wouldn’t wonder why she was working so hard for Helen. However, the two right now were only connected through Karman Hunter. As Gillian unwittingly spit the words out, Eliana burst into laughter.

“You said something hurtful. Gillian.”

“Brother, saying something like that to Eliana.”

“No, I.”

“I am Helen’s friend, Gillian.”

“…….”

“And I am also your friend.”

Eliana ended her words as if that fact would never change. Gillian’s eyes turned to Eliana. Friend. A very ambiguous word.

‘Then, to you, how close am I allowed?’

Gillian saw the necklace shining beautifully on Eliana’s neck. It was the first time he had ever given a present to a woman who was not from the Hutt family. It was an item he carefully chose and made a decision without delay.

Gillian remained silent at his own feelings, which were becoming more and more distinct. The word ‘friend’ seemed to keep him from taking a step forward.

***

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