Chapter 38

“It is an honor to share this table with such esteemed ladies. Please accept this small gift as a token of my humble gratitude.”

Laura handed out gifts to everyone present.

Marien also received a box.

Inside was…

‘Ha, what is this? Grass? She’s giving out weeds as gifts?’

She scoffed, but at that moment—

“Oh my… to think Lady Luweiz would gift us such precious medicinal herbs…”

‘What?!’

Marien almost dropped the box.

Another noblewoman even teared up.

“I don’t know if I deserve to receive something so valuable.”

Judging by the atmosphere, it seemed the contents were indeed precious.

Marien clutched the box tighter and glanced around.

She could sense the subtle tension, as if the gifts were too generous to accept easily.

Laura spoke up.

“These herbs were purchased from farmers in the region of Seohan. Due to a drop in prices, they were considering abandoning their fields. I bought them at fair price to support them, so please do not feel burdened to accept.”

With that, Laura offered the perfect explanation.

She demonstrated that she cared for the Empire’s people, proving her worth as a future Crown Princess.

“How thoughtful she is…”

“Indeed, would Princess Luigi have brought just any lady here?”

“If there is such meaning behind it, then we must accept.”

With the mood shifting, even those who didn’t like Laura couldn’t find fault.

Seeing everyone accept Laura’s gifts, Marien quickly brought out her own.

“Um, I too prepared a small gift for everyone…”

Marien’s gift was a brooch set with the finest rubies, crafted by a renowned artisan. Even wealthy nobles would struggle to obtain such a piece.

But—

“While we appreciate your Highness’s thoughtfulness, this seems a bit excessive.”

“Many regions in the Empire are suffering from famine. Such extravagance feels inappropriate at this time.”

When two elderly ladies set their boxes down, others who had shown interest began doing the same.

“Ah… um…”

“We’re sorry, Your Highness.”

One by one, her gifts were returned, piling up before her.

To Marien, the rejected gifts felt like silent insults.

She clenched her fists under the table, fighting the urge to scream.

Soon after, as befitting a tea tasting, a variety of teas were brought before her.

“Would you care to sample them?”

“…”

‘Damn it.’

Some were familiar, others she had only heard of but never tasted.

Marien quietly sipped the bitter tea.

All her plans had fallen apart.

All she could do now was sit through the gathering and wait for it to end.

When it came time to taste the final tea—

“For the finale of this gathering, I wish to entrust this role to the one who will become the pillar of the Imperial family in the future.”

Luigi gestured to Laura.

It was her way of showing everyone just how much she trusted Laura, letting her conclude the event.

Laura rose gracefully and took the teapot from a maid.

Starting with Luigi, she went around the tables, filling each teacup.

Pouring…

Marien watched as Laura approached her table.

Holding the heavy teapot steadily, Laura poured without spilling a single drop.

Her posture was flawless.

‘God, she’s so annoying…’

“This tea is…”

“Darjeeling, isn’t it?”

“Darjeeling First Flush! Her Highness brought a specialty from Morutum.”

As chatter spread, Marien raised her cup.

But then—

‘What is this… it’s dirty…’

White specks floated in her tea.

She frowned, but Laura explained calmly.

“That isn’t dust. Teas made from the first harvest leaves retain the silvery down that once wrapped the buds. This is called ‘Pekoe.’”

She elaborated that teas containing young buds were considered high-quality.

For some reason, Marien felt tears sting her eyes.

“What, is she trying to show off just because she knows a little?”

At that moment—

“Who dares to insult the tea I brought today?”

Luigi’s sharp voice cut through the murmur.

All conversation ceased instantly, the air turning cold.

Luigi had brought this tea to promote Morutum’s products—her second homeland.

To her, Marien’s reaction was an insult.

“I… I didn’t mean it like that…”

Under everyone’s gaze, Marien faltered.

Then Laura spoke up.

“It’s all right. Ignorance is a mistake anyone can make. But it can be remedied with learning, can it not?”

“Oh my, how graceful her words are.”

An elderly lady cupped her cheek in admiration.

Though Laura’s words sounded like she was defending Marien…

Marien looked up at her.

Laura’s lips curved ever so slightly. Whether it was mockery or not, Marien felt a surge of rage.

‘How dare she…’

That look reminded her of the way her siblings used to belittle her.

‘I haven’t lost yet. This isn’t over…!’

Marien clenched her teeth and stood abruptly.

But in her haste, her knee bumped the tea table.

“W-what?!”

“The tea—!”

The table tilted, spilling cups, tea threatening to soak the tablecloth and pour down to the floor.

At that instant, Laura grabbed the wobbling table.

A wind spirit materialized, capturing the falling tea in floating bubbles, then gently pouring it back into the cups.

As everyone watched in stunned silence—

-Mission complete!

The wind spirit vanished as quickly as it appeared, and Laura released the table.

“D-did you just…”

“Ha…”

A young lady who almost got splashed sighed in relief, thinking of how her expensive dress was nearly ruined.

When the situation settled, Laura clicked her tongue.

“You must be more careful.”

Unable to hide her embarrassment, Marien lowered her gaze.

At that moment, Asel entered the garden.

“What happened here?”

Sensing the unusual atmosphere, he asked.

“Your Highness! Why are you here…?”

“What? His Highness is here?”

The gathering buzzed with murmurs.

Unlike his formal appearances at balls or imperial events, Asel wore simple attire today, looking visibly exhausted.

He sighed deeply, meeting Luigi’s gaze.

Most of those present had never seen such a private side of him.

Luigi rolled an empty teacup in her palm and clicked her tongue.

“You came quickly. I only asked you to show your face for a moment. Was that so difficult?”

“Didn’t you hear I’m buried in work…”

Asel sighed again, weariness etched on his face.

Luigi pretended not to hear his complaint.

“Well, you arrived at just the right time. Lady Luweiz seems to have been injured in the commotion. Take her and make sure she’s all right.”

“What? Laura was hurt?!”

The relaxed atmosphere tightened in an instant. Asel quickly turned to Laura.

Before she could speak, Luigi raised her voice.

“Yes, yes! What are you waiting for? You’re late, so take care of your fiancée properly.”

She made Asel support Laura and practically pushed them out of the garden together.

Side by side, the two walked away, looking like a perfect couple.

“Ha, I should’ve done this sooner!”

Luigi laughed with satisfaction.

Anyone could see—she looked like a content elder who had just paired off two young lovers.

As for Luigi…

“Did you see that just now?”

The attendees whispered among themselves, eyes following Asel.

“He looked so alarmed when he heard she was hurt. Didn’t he turn his head right away?”

“I thought Princess Luigi was forcing this engagement, but…”

“Perhaps His Highness is genuinely interested too?”

At the same time, they began gossiping about another rumor.

“Speaking of which, I heard Lady Marceline’s engagement talks are progressing too.”

“My, love is blooming everywhere these days.”