As a carriage slowly drove into the manor, the warmth and tranquility of the manor was temporarily broken.
Her Royal Highness Sophie came to visit at the invitation of Archduke Karl.
Although the Grand Duke knew about the dispute between his daughter and Sophie, it had been so long ago, and Teresa had already married His Highness, so in his opinion, the original incident was a thing of the past and not worth taking to heart.
Because of this, it was impossible for him to hold grudges against Sophie, but rather sympathized with her current situation.
Although they never believed that Sophie's current situation was due to her daughter, there was nothing wrong with giving this woman the necessary respect and help within their capabilities.
The last time, Sophie visited the couple, and with tears streaming down her face, she asked Sophie to bring a "gift" to Teresa. Although the Grand Duke had a clear idea of Sophie's true purpose, he did not reveal it, but pretended to be false.
Helped Sophie fulfill her wish and gave her the gift she wanted to give to His Highness.
After that, the Grand Duke and Sophie never had any contact with each other again. He originally thought that everything would be a thing of the past, but he did not expect that after his daughter returned home, she said that she wanted to see her again that day.
Archduke Karl disapproved of this, but since this was his daughter's wish, he had no choice but to comply.
In this way, when Her Royal Highness Sophie arrived at the manor, the Grand Duke's family, including Teresa, greeted her outside the door and paid the greatest respect to the prince and concubine.
Under their gaze, Her Royal Highness Sophie stepped out of the carriage and walked up to the Grand Duke and his wife.
"Your Highness, welcome to your presence." No matter what he thought in his heart, the Grand Duke did his best to save face and greeted the other party very politely.
"Thank you for the warm hospitality, Your Highness." Sophie also bowed to the Grand Duke respectfully. "I hope I did not disturb your family's festive atmosphere."
"How is this possible?" The Grand Duke shook his head, "You have always won the respect of our family. My daughter Teresa has also taken care of you and regarded you as a friend. As the festival is approaching,
Seeing you only makes us happier…”
Although on the surface the two of them were just having necessary and boring pleasantries, Archduke Carl took the opportunity to hint to the other party that she was invited here as Theresa's friend and hoped that she would not cause trouble to make everyone look embarrassed.
Embarrassing.
Of course Sophie could hear what the Grand Duke really meant, she just smiled indifferently, "Of course, of course, I have always regarded Her Highness Teresa as my friend. I was surprised and happy to hear that she returned to China quietly.
...Hey, how enviable! I have been away from my hometown for too long, and I have not even attended my father's funeral. Every time I think about this, I feel full of regret. Now I see Theresa still has such a happy mood after she got married.
I can't help but be sincerely happy for her to be able to go home to visit relatives and enjoy family happiness."
Of course, Archduke Karl would not completely believe these words, but judging from the other party's attitude, she did not seem to be aggressive and did not come to make a scene, so this was enough, and he treated her as a distinguished guest.
Then send it away.
"Teresa is willful and has caused everyone so much trouble. What is there to envy? I just ask her to be more sensible in the future and let me live a few more years." The Grand Duke replied calmly, then turned sideways and made a speech
An invitation to come in.
While the two were talking, Theresa, who was standing in the back row, was always watching Sophie, observing her every move and the slightest change in expression. Like her father, she was also secretly shocked by Sophie's current demeanor.
.
Before leaving Austria, she took the opportunity to see Sophie once when she entered the palace. At that time, Sophie could not conceal her anger, anxiety and despair, and she was sarcastic towards her.
She was not angry because she had known this would be the result. Sophie was always so arrogant and arrogant. What's more, how could she look good on herself at that time?
I just didn't expect that after not seeing her for more than a year, the gloomy despair that lingered on her seemed to be swept away, and she turned into that graceful lady again. Although she was still a little thinner than before, her facial features were still beautiful.
As a result, she gained a bit more charm that I felt pity for, and actually made her even more lovable.
It seems that time can eventually erase all pain... Teresa thought to herself.
The love that was so unforgettable and desperate at the beginning was completely wiped out by despair. Maybe Her Royal Highness Sophie finally realized that her fate could not be changed and finally let go.
That's fine, it's good for everyone.
Teresa felt both emotional and slightly proud.
If it were me, no matter how desperate or painful it was, I would never give up. I would indeed get what I wanted by relying on my stubborn efforts.
But Sophie gave up, which showed that the strength of Sophie's soul was still not as strong as her own, so it was obvious that she was destined to win.
Just as Theresa was thinking secretly, Sophie's eyes also fell on her.
Her gray-blue eyes did not show any anger or hostility. On the contrary, she showed a friendly smile.
"Teresa, long time no see."
"Long time no see, Your Highness." Teresa quickly put aside the distracting thoughts in her heart, and then saluted respectfully, "When I was outside, I was a little worried about you. Seeing how charming you are now, I really feel for you.
Happy."
"I am enjoying my life in Vienna, so you don't need to worry." Sophie replied gently, "I am more worried about you. After all, you have gone through hardships and hardships outside, so you need to be more careful to take care of yourself."
"Sorry for your trouble, but don't worry. Although after leaving Vienna, my daily life may not be as perfect as here, but I am well taken care of by the people around me. Breathing the outside air is actually a good thing for me.
A new experience, which makes me happy." Teresa replied with a smile.
In order to avoid irritating Sophie, she swallowed the words "Besides, how can I feel uncomfortable when I can be with the one I love?"
Now is not the time for them to quarrel. It would make no sense to her to stab Sophie again. She also did not come to her to ridicule her or quarrel with her.
Sophie didn't seem to be in the mood to argue with Theresa. She just smiled, squinted her eyes and looked at Theresa, and then nodded.
"That's true. You are so dazzlingly beautiful now that you seem to have been sufficiently nourished by love."
Teresa just smiled and shook her head, no longer showing off her happiness too much. "You are really flattering. You are the most beautiful lady in this country."
In this way, the two people walked in together while chatting. Although there was not much real goodwill between them, they at least maintained decent respect on the surface. Sophie acted as a humble and respectful person just as the Grand Duke wanted.
The guests showed no trace of gloom due to past events.
During the brief conversation, Teresa also clearly noticed that Sophie's mood had indeed become much brighter, and it seemed that she had really let go.
She has always been a person who doesn't offend others unless they offend her. She doesn't like to show off her power to others. Since Sophie is so polite now, she will naturally be polite too.
Having said that, when Sophie was no longer so sarcastic, she was really charming. Just watching her smile and frown gave her a feeling of spring breeze, so that she easily gained the favor of the Grand Duke and his family.
.
Lady Henrietta had no idea about Sophie and His Highness's affair, so she would not have any abnormal feelings. Her impression of Sophie was limited to Theresa's friends. Since the other party came to visit, she naturally
We will also treat you with the utmost enthusiasm.
For a time, there was constant laughter and laughter in the hall, and everyone felt like the host and guest were having a great time, especially Sophie and Theresa, both of whom were beauties with different temperaments. The young brothers were among them, looking at the two noble ladies.
Every time he frowned and smiled, his eyes were straightened, and he giggled from time to time.
After a moment of greetings, Sophie took the initiative to propose to Theresa.
"Teresa, I heard that you brought your child back with you?"
"Yes, Your Highness, this child is resting in my room now, so I didn't bring him down." Teresa replied.
"So, can you take me to see this little baby?" Sophie asked with a smile, "Don't worry, I will be careful not to disturb his sleep... I'm just a little curious."
Teresa didn't hesitate much. This was something she expected, so she nodded and agreed.
"Okay, it's an honor for this little guy to get your attention!"
Then, Teresa said goodbye to her family for the time being, and took Sophie up the stairs to her bedroom.
After entering the door, the two of them walked softly in unison to avoid disturbing the sleeping baby.
Sophie stood quietly next to the cradle and stared at Francois lying in the cradle.
This baby's skin is fair and rosy with sufficient nutrition. At this time, because the chest is rising and falling naturally while sleeping, it can easily inspire the maternal nature of the ladies.
Sophie nodded slightly.
"He is indeed a very cute child. I can imagine that he will be very handsome when he grows up...just like him."
Then, as if she was a little unwilling to do so, she quietly added, "However, she is not as beautiful as my daughter."
This was the first time that she had shown aggression and competitiveness in her words since arriving at the manor. Theresa was a little surprised, but she did not feel offended.
This is the style of Her Royal Highness Sophie... No matter what situation he falls into, he will never forgive others.
"Although I have never seen Claire, I think she will be very good-looking. After all, she is your daughter. However, Francois is a boy. He does not need to compete with others for appearance.
Compared with the courage of a man, I think, at this point, I will train him well so that he will not fall behind others."
"Ha..." Sophie seemed to be laughing.
Then, she shook her head and said, "Teresa, your compassion for me will not make me appreciate you. On the contrary, it will only frustrate my self-esteem even more... Nothing hurts more than compassion."
"I...I don't pity you, I just hope that you can get out of the haze of the past as soon as possible. To this end, I am willing to provide you with some help." Teresa shook her head, "Your Highness, what happened in the past
Everything has passed, and now we are all looking forward. I see that your mood has improved so much now, and I am deeply happy for you."
"Happy... Yes, you really should be happy. After all, you got a husband, a happy family, and everything." Sophie didn't look very grateful, and just let out a weak sigh, "But
You are right about one sentence. The past has passed, and I can no longer argue with you about it. This will make me look humble. I am shouting at someone who has stepped on me. This
What's the point besides showing my own ridiculousness? You got everything I never dared to think of... Hey, this is probably destiny."
Teresa knew that Sophie was in a bad mood, so she didn't answer, but let her vent.
From Sophie's words, she didn't feel much hatred, but she felt a lot of unwillingness and helplessness, but that's normal. It would be strange if Sophie acted completely as if nothing had happened.
She didn't know how to comfort the other person, because she knew that in this situation, the more she comforted the other person, the arrogant Sophie would become angrier, so she could only remain silent and let Sophie adjust her mood.
Fortunately, at this time, perhaps because of the sound of the two people talking, the baby smacked his lips and murmured in a low voice, which happened to make the two people stop sighing at the right time.
Sophie continued to look at the baby and waited until he fell asleep again before she spoke again.
"No matter what I think about you, I only have good intentions towards this child, because no matter what, he is the heir and legal heir of Aigron... This is something I can't give him no matter what. From now on
In a way, I should thank you, you gave Aigron a great gift."
"There is no need to thank you. This is my obligation as a wife." Teresa pointed out the fact emphatically, "However, I am very grateful for your kindness, and I will let my son respect you in the future."
"Maybe you will become a royal family, maybe you won't, but no matter what, I will bless your career." Sophie emphasized again, "I have no worries now, and I can no longer provide any help to Aigron's career.
But I will pray for you, Teresa, and I wish you success."
"We will succeed." Teresa nodded solemnly.
"So, where is he now?" Sophie asked again.
Teresa hesitated and did not answer immediately.
Sophie suddenly felt angry again, but just like before, she covered it up with a calm expression.
"So, you specially invited me here this time. Is there anything you want to say to me?" After a moment of silence, Sophie asked again. "Is there anything you need to convey?"