The winter morning light passed over the heavy curtains, through the lace-trimd valance and tassels, illuminating a face as bright as moonlight.
The delicate features were like sculptures, with a straight, elegant nose that divided the scene before the mirror into two worlds of light and shadow.
Standing behind a high white oak stool, a young maid carefully cradled a strand of golden hair, ticulously braiding it into a neat plait.
Her breath-holding concentration made it seem as if she were handling a piece of art, afraid of leaving an unintended inkblot on a perfect oil painting.
Although she understood her subordinates' concern, the braid had taken so long that even the usually composed Erin Campbell started to beco restless.
"Please hold on a little longer, Your Highness, it will be done soon." Noticing the Princess's unease, the maid standing behind the chair gently comforted her.
"I think it's almost ready..." Unable to help herself, Erin cast a glance at the pocket watch on the table and quietly protested in a pouty voice.
However, the maid behind her was unbothered, speaking earnestly.
"Almost? How could that be! Didn't you specifically instruct us to treat this outing seriously? And for such an important eting, don't you want to leave Mr. Colin with a perfect impression?"
"Yes, Your Highness, please hold on a little longer; it will be done soon," chid in another maid standing beside her.
"A eting? No, I don't think I ntioned that..." Crimson surged across her pale cheeks, Erin's voice barely a whisper like a mosquito as she attempted to explain, but upon eting the smile in the mirror, she ultimately gave up trying to argue.
Who started the gossip, she didn't know, but now everyone in the manor felt there was sothing between her and Mr. Colin.
Nonetheless, Erin didn't bla the servants.
In her heart, she knew that if it were soone she had no feelings for or disliked, the perceptive servants would never dare ntion that person's na in her presence.
Perhaps, deep down, she wasn't as resistant and even felt a bit of secret joy, hoping he noticed the rumors as well.
If he felt the sa, harboring similar secret happiness...
Erin felt a warmth at her back, as if it were not the chair's backrest but the flas of a fireplace.
Lost in thought, ti flew by quickly.
When she ca to, the golden braid was elegantly wound into a circle at the back of her head, resembling a crown under the silver ornants.
Everyone has an appreciation for beauty, and Erin Campbell was no exception.
Seeing her glittering reflection in the mirror, she couldn't help but smile, finally feeling that the long wait was worth it...
...
In the front hall of the manor's main building, Theresa sat upright in light armor, waiting, until the sound of light footsteps ca from the distant corridor.
Upon hearing the sound, she imdiately stood up and looked toward the doorway, seeing Her Highness Erin Campbell dressed grandly, walking over with her maids attending.
Though she had seen Her Highness Erin Campbell in formal attire countless tis, Theresa was still montarily stunned by the Princess's astonishing beauty.
She wore a dark green fitted riding outfit with intricate gold embroidery, a narrow leather belt at her waist, and gray-laced pants tucked into brown riding boots, appearing both gallant and elegant.
Theresa also noticed she specially wore the pocket watch Mr. Colin had given her, hanging it in a conspicuous yet not overly showy place.
Noticing Theresa's direct gaze, Erin blushed slightly and looked down, asking.
"Does it seem inappropriate?"
"We're going for a countryside inspection, not attending a banquet, Your Highness," Theresa said with a smile, pausing for a mont, "And this outfit suits you very well; I believe Mr. Colin will be so awestruck upon seeing you that he won't be able to look away."
"Is that so? Thank you for the complint, though I didn't choose this outfit for him, it's just what everyone thought was most suitable." Erin's lips curled into a smile, unable to hide her inner delight.
In fact, this outfit matched the recent popularity of white silk in the Campbell Palace, perhaps reminding Mr. Colin of his holand. However, unfortunately, she heard that it was n's attire among the Nobles in the distant Empire, leading her to abandon the idea after a brief hesitation.
"Where is Mr. Colin? Has he arrived yet?"
Theresa nodded slightly.
"He is currently waiting at the guest house, being entertained by Mr. Andes."
"He's already here?!" Erin quickly glanced at the pocket watch, murmuring, "I hope I haven't kept him waiting too long."
Watching the anxious Princess, Theresa smiled and said.
"I believe he wouldn't mind if it's you."
Plus, he seed to be having a pleasant conversation with Mr. Andes.
Though she didn't know what they were discussing.
...
As Theresa had said, when Erin Campbell appeared in the guest house's parlor, Mr. Colin's eyes indeed couldn't look away.
Erin was quite pleased with the expression on his face, feeling that her long ti sitting and letting the maids fuss over her had been worth it.
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