Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 509

Elowen glanced over the setup, then said to Cora, "Line the tables up properly and leave enough space between them. I don't want anyone bumping into corners or getting hurt."

Maerwyn and Elara exchanged a look, both clearly pleased with how things were going.

After finishing that, Elowen naturally turned her attention to Lyra.

Lyra had arrived late, so her seat still needed to be arranged.

Lyra lifted her face, her tone gentle and well-mannered. "Aunt Elowen, it's really fine. I can sit wherever there's room."

Elowen had always liked girls with that kind of easygoing, considerate nature. She softened slightly and glanced around the hall.

Behind the main seat on the left, there was an open space that had originally been set aside for decorative arrangements. It looked spacious enough.

Elowen said, "Cora, add a place setting there for Lyra. Keep her close to me, it'll be easier to talk."

Maerwyn and Elara both paused, then leaned toward each other, whispering.

Maerwyn said, "Why does she get to sit that close to Aunt Elowen?"

Elara said, "All she said was that she didn't mind where she sat..."

Maerwyn muttered, "That's not simple, that's calculated."

Elara nodded. "I'm learning from this."

Everyone took their seats one by one.

Mira approached, holding the performance program with both hands, and stopped respectfully beside Elowen.

Elowen didn't take it. She smiled gently and said, "Let Duchess Roland choose first."

Cora answered, "Of course," and turned toward her.

This time, Duchess Roland didn't insist on refusing. She accepted it with a bright smile, flipped through briefly, and chose a lively, festive performance.

Elowen smiled as she spoke, her tone casual. "When I got married, there wasn't a suitable brother to escort me out, so Leonhart carried me instead. I hadn't seen him in a long time after that, but seeing him today... he's grown into quite the handsome man."

Duchess Roland smiled broadly, though her words stayed modest. "That boy? Handsome? If he really were, he wouldn't still be single at twenty-one without even a match arranged."

Elowen let out a soft laugh. "Marriage depends on the right timing. Mine didn't happen early either."

Duchess Roland covered her smile. "If Leonhart could have even half of Cassian's fortune and ability, I'd consider myself very lucky."

On the stage, the performer presented a symbolic blessing, drawing cheerful attention.

At that moment, Gerda hurried over and leaned down, speaking quietly into Elowen's ear.

"A large carriage just arrived outside the gate. Four tall horses pulling it, heavy enough to leave deep tracks in the dirt. They say it's a birthday gift from the Crown Prince. It's covered in fine cloth, so no one can see what's inside, but there's movement. It's alive, and it sounds big."

Elowen's brows drew together slightly.

A gift from Alaric.

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