Chapter 194: Victory Settlement After the Banquet
The carriage laden with wind and snow vanished at the end of the streetlights, merging into the long night, leaving the clamor and warmth behind.
As she watched the silhouette gradually disappear at the end of the street, Erin's tumultuous emotions couldn't settle for a long time. Her right hand, holding the pocket watch, unconsciously pressed against her chest.
"Theresa..."
Walking over to the Princess, Theresa respectfully said.
"Is there anything you need, Princess?"
"No... I just... do I look strange right now?" Erin reached out to touch her face, as if checking the temperature of a fireplace.
Seeing that face lost of composure yet feigning calm, Theresa sighed helplessly and nodded.
"I beg your pardon, I'm afraid so."
"It seems I should control my emotions... Theresa, take a deep breath with me, we need to calm down."
"Yes, Princess." Though Theresa felt she had always been calm, she complied with her.
Erin took a deep breath, patted her face with both hands, as if calming herself down.
However, just as Theresa thought she had calmed down, her seemingly composed Princess couldn't help but speak softly.
"What kind of gift do you think I should return? Something meaningful, not too cheap, but not too expensive, ideally affordable for our financial situation..."
Although the Campbell family allocated a significant sum to its members for maintaining appearances, she didn't have much "her own money" to use freely, otherwise, she wouldn't have auctioned her pocket watch to gather charity funds.
Theresa couldn't help but chuckle, gently coughed, and said.
"Princess, meaning is something you have to contemplate yourself, I'm sorry I can't relieve you of this burden..."
"Indeed, I was presumptuous, please pretend I didn't say that, I need to think for myself..."
Erin took another deep breath of cold air, clearly realizing she wasn't truly calm, but she couldn't restrain that restless emotion.
She painfully held her forehead, frustratedly muttering to herself in a low voice.
"Ah, why is it so troublesome, what's wrong with me?! Erin Campbell, you must pull yourself together!"
At this moment, she was immensely grateful that no one was around, especially Mr. Colin wasn't here to see her embarrassing expression... Otherwise, she would definitely feel too ashamed to show her face.
However—
Maybe not.
If it were that gentleman, he would surely relieve her restless emotions in a considerate, humorous, and elegant manner, ensuring she wouldn't feel ashamed.
After all, when he was by her side, she had always been well. She even saw in his eyes a self more confident, elegant, and radiant than the one she usually saw in her mirror... even if he didn't utter a single flattering word.
It hadn't even been a minute since they parted, and she already started missing him.
She must be crazy...
Watching the Princess start to babble nonsense, Theresa sighed softly in her heart, silently glanced around, using her gaze to fend off servants attempting to approach and offer assistance.
At this moment, she resembled a lovestruck young girl, devoid of her usual composure, grace, and dignity.
Theresa clearly knew, her revered Princess definitely didn't want others to see the expression on her face at this moment.
And the only thing she could do was just this.
But then again, she was actually quite surprised, realizing love could indeed make people lose their rationality.
She always thought that existed only in stories crafted by minstrels, until she saw the usually clever and astute Erin show such a vulnerable expression.
Speaking of minstrel stories...
Theresa's heart stirred slightly.
"How about writing a letter?"
Lowering her hands from her head, Erin shot her a surprised look.
"Write a letter?"
"Yes... didn't he say you could write to him?"
Theresa nodded with a subtle expression, continuing.
"I believe you don't have to wait for a reason to write a letter. You can actually chat casually during uneventful times... like sharing something interesting or delightful, or something unpleasant that happened today. Writing without a reason might seem more sincere than doing it only when needed."
Actually, this idea was not concocted on the spot, but something she had read in a knight novel during her childhood.
Although the analogy isn't quite appropriate, it seemed like the castle's princess used such a way to flirt with her knight lover behind the King's back.
Of course, that knight was eventually lured away by an Enchanting Demon from Hell just as he was about to return triumphantly with glory, angering her enough to tear the book apart, so she never saw how the story unfolded.
Thinking back now, it was a shame.
Erin's eyes gradually brightened, clasping Theresa's hands with excitement.
"Theresa, you are so brilliant! Thank you!"
"You're welcome, Princess, it's my honor to relieve you of a burden... I hope my immature advice has been helpful."
Theresa slightly nodded, silently praying in her heart.
If it were riding and fighting, she had ample battlefield experience, but in matters like this, having never experienced it, she could only refer to novels.
Hopefully, it doesn't become a bad idea...
...
In the carriage.
Watching the Andes Family manor disappear outside the carriage window, Luo Yan's lips curled into a faint smile as he reached out to close the window.