Gifts

Elisa, relieved that Elke had not noticed her actions as she admired her new shoes, notebook, and quill, quickly hid the concealed blades and placed the hand fan gently on the table to avoid any inadvertent movements.

Elke was so pleased with her new shoes that she instructed Maxine to store her old pair. 

"From now on, it's only these shoes for me," she declared, feeling comfortable and content.

With the maids gone to organize the souvenirs in the princesses' chambers, the atmosphere grew calmer and more peaceful. They could now enjoy their tea and the company without any distractions.

Lady Runa savored another sip of her tea, raising the delicate cup with a graceful motion. As she raised her arm to lift the cup, Elisa spotted a delicate bracelet adorning her wrist. 

She reached out and gently touched the bracelet. "This is a truly beautiful bracelet, Lady Runa."