The soft creak of the door drew Mira's attention as Lira stepped inside, her delicate frame illuminated by the gentle morning light filtering through the window.
Lira's movements were graceful, but her hesitation was evident. Her hands fidgeted slightly, betraying her nervousness as she approached her elder sister.
Mira set her cup of tea aside, her sharp gaze fixed on Lira. "Are you done with discussing privately with Baron Everhart? ," she remarked, her tone calm but probing.
Lira offered a small smile, though her expression carried a mix of determination.
"Yes. Also, Mira," she began, her voice steady despite the faint quiver in her hands. "I've come to speak with you about something important."
Mira raised an eyebrow, gesturing for her sister to sit. "Go on."
Lira took a deep breath, clasping her hands in her lap. "I've thought long and hard about this. About the alliance with the Everhart family, and... my role in it."
Mira's interest piqued. She leaned forward slightly, her piercing eyes locked onto Lira. "And?"
"I've decided," Lira continued, her voice firmer now, "that I am willing to marry Baron Everhart. But…" She hesitated, searching for the right words. "It will be up to you to handle the negotiations. I don't care about how you do things. Just make sure that Baron Everhart won't reject the marriage proposal."
Mira blinked, momentarily taken aback by her sister's words. Inside, however, she felt an overwhelming surge of satisfaction.
This development was far beyond what she had hoped for. Lira, who had been hesitant and defiant about it earlier, was now volunteering herself for the family's interests.
Internally, Mira marveled at the turn of events. "Good, Lira. You've finally learned to put the family's interests above your own emotions. This will make things so much easier. It didn't matter if you agree or not but as I would have forced you to but if you agree then at least I won't have to harm you my dear sister."
Mira's composed exterior didn't betray the happiness bubbling within her.
Instead, she maintained a poised demeanor as she replied, "Lira, I am proud of you for making such a mature decision. The alliance with the Everhart family is crucial for securing our family's interests in upcoming noble conference."
Lira nodded, her gaze dropping momentarily.
In truth, she had already resolved herself to this path. Despite the initial hesitance on her part, as the marriage was proposed by Mira, the warm atmosphere of the family and Adrian's response had made her remember, even if it was proposed by Mira, so what?
She could be part of this harmonious family, where everyone had each other's back, where everyone took care of each other.
She wanted to have the warmth of Everhart family unlike the coldness of her family, who for a second, won't hesitant to sacrifice her if it meant family interests were secured.
Adrian's act of rescuing Rosalyn just for sake of Eve, taking great risks upon himself, was what moved her along with the fact that he also rescued her.
Mira, meanwhile, felt a weight lift from her shoulders. With Lira's willingness to marry Adrian, the most challenging piece of her strategy was falling into place.
Forcing Lira had been a concern, but now her sister was practically delivering the solution on a silver platter.
"This decision," Mira continued, her tone laced with approval, "shows your growth, Lira. You've come a long way, and I couldn't be prouder."
Mira reached out, placing a hand gently on Lira's. "You've made the right choice, not just for the family, but for yourself. Adrian is an extraordinary man, and being his wife will bring you honor and opportunities."
Lira forced a smile, her emotions churning beneath her calm facade. Mira's words, though meant to reassure, felt like both comfort and weight.
She nodded, her determination unwavering. "I trust you to handle everything, Sister."
Mira inclined her head, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. "Leave it to me."
With the matter settled, Mira turned her attention to the next step. Rising gracefully from the bed where she was sitting, she moved to the door and opened it slightly, addressing the maid stationed outside.
"Inform Baron Adrian that I have rested sufficiently and am ready to continue the negotiations."
The maid bowed deeply. "At once, Lady Mira."
As the maid departed to carry out her orders, Mira turned back to Lira, her sharp mind already racing with strategies. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel·fire.net
She couldn't deny the satisfaction of seeing her plans align so perfectly. With Lira's cooperation, the negotiations would proceed much more smoothly.
Mira clasped her hands behind her back, a faint smile gracing her lips.
"Prepare yourself, Lira. The Everhart family is unlike any other, and we must present ourselves with strength and unity. This alliance will secure our future, but we must be diligent."
Lira nodded, rising to her feet. Her resolve was clear in her steady gaze, though she could barely contain her excitement in her heart.
The freedom and warmth that had been lacking in her family ever since she grew up, was close to her.
"I'll do what is necessary," Lira replied to Mira swiftly as she followed her.
Mira's smile widened, her satisfaction now unmistakable. "Good. That's what I wanted to hear."
Meanwhile, the maid swiftly made her way through the grand halls of the Everhart manor, her steps purposeful as she approached the dining hall, where Isabella was along with other ladies of the house.
She knocked lightly, waiting for permission to enter. When Isabella's voice called for her to come in, the maid stepped inside and curtsied deeply.
"Lady Isabella," the maid began, "Lady Mira has informed me that she is ready to resume negotiations. She awaits Baron Adrian's presence."
Isabella raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a small smile. "Very well," she said, her tone thoughtful. "I will inform Adrian and ensure he is prepared."
Dismissing the maid with a graceful wave of her hand, Isabella turned her gaze to Catherine, and said, "Dear go on check if your big brother had finished taking shower and urge him to hurry up and continue his talks with Countess Blackthorn."
"Yes, Lady Isabella, I will tell big brother to go the meeting hall," Catherine replied with a wide smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Seraphina, noting the little maid's unusually cheerful demeanor, raised an eyebrow and asked teasingly, "And why are you so happy, Cathy?"
Catherine clasped her hands behind her back, rocking on her heels with a grin. "Hehe, I’m about to have another big sister! So, of course, I’m very happy!" she declared, her voice brimming with innocent joy.
The room fell into a brief silence, everyone stunned by her candid words. But it didn’t take long for soft smiles to bloom on their faces, warmth spreading through the air.
Isabella chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Oh, Cathy, you really are a ray of sunshine."
Seraphina’s lips curved into an amused smile as she ruffled Catherine’s hair. "You’re too pure for this world, Cathy. But I suppose that's what makes you so lovable."
Chris, crossed her arms and tilted her head with a mock pout. "Wait a second, Cathy. Are you saying I’m not enough for you? Am I a bad big sister or something?" she teased, her tone playful.
Catherine's eyes widened in alarm, and she waved her hands frantically. "No, no, Chris! You’re the best big sister ever! But, uh..." She hesitated, her cheeks reddening as she added, "It’s just exciting to have more people to call family, that’s all!"
The room erupted into light laughter at her flustered explanation. Even Chris couldn’t help but chuckle, stepping forward to ruffle Catherine’s hair.
"Relax, I’m just teasing you, squirt. You’re too adorable for your own good, you know that?"
"Catherine," Isabella said gently, "your happiness is contagious. Thank you for reminding us of the brighter side of these matters."
Catherine beamed at the praise, her cheeks flushing pink as she looked up at Seraphina and Isabella. "Big brother always says family is the most important thing, so I’m just really happy to see it growing!"