Chapter 236: Elle Was Here
Chapter 236: Elle Was Here
While I was still thinking about all sorts of things, I headed toward the entrance, of course bringing Lily along as well—one of the two parties involved.When Elle stepped down from the carriage, to my eyes she looked... slightly younger, I’d say. At first glance it didn’t seem like anything shocking, but when I took a closer look... well, it wasn’t dramatic. So it was probably just the medicine she wanted, wasn’t it?
Anyway, we showed her into the ambassador’s reception room. Because this was a top-secret meeting with Rudolf, I told the maid firmly after bringing out the tea that no one else was to come in until we called them. Elle seemed to walk with a little more chest out and head held high...?
Once we were inside, the maid served the tea. Elle was smiling cheerfully. Before, she used to wear that stern "office lady" face as she managed the maids under the Duchess, but now I got a completely soft impression. But I had no idea what to say. I had no idea where the landmines were hiding. I’d had more than enough experience in my previous world where something said with the best intentions turned out to be a landmine. So what do I do? I’ll just say something safe and neutral.
"Have you... changed?"
I asked, and immediately felt a flicker of doubt in my own voice. I didn’t know what to say, so I shot Lily a panicked look for help. Of course, Lily instantly understood.
"You’re aware of the change, aren’t you?" she asked Elle.
Elle smiled brightly and touched her cheek (an old lady doing this was pretty gross, but anyway), then said:
"You can tell?"
"Yes, your skin looks much healthier. And your face looks a lot clearer too. I’m pretty sure it’s not just my imagination. What do you think?"
I was stunned. How did she notice that so quickly...? It was a trick that Stevie would never have pulled off. Wait... my head felt like it’d just been punched from behind?
Elle beamed.
"Yes, even the maids told me. Ehehe~"
She was practically grinning. Lily asked next:
"So does that mean Her Grace the Duchess has changed too?"
The moment the Duchess was mentioned, Elle snapped back to attention.
"Yes, but not to the extent I have. I can tell I’ve changed! I’ve become younger!" she declared with a firm voice.
Good, no side effects! Worst case I’d have to worry about allergies... I thought.