~Chapter 127~
While I kept chewing my cake instead of letting Seraphina get to me,
Her Majesty the Empress finally opened her mouth.
“Everyone probably already knows, but this month the delegation from Rosburn will visit.”
“Oh, has the time come already?” the young lady replied politely.
The Rosburn delegation.
Many delegations visited the Empire, but Rosburn in particular traded often.
Every two or three years, delegations went back and forth.
This time, it seemed Rosburn was sending one.
“Yes, that’s right. They’ll come to strengthen ties between our countries and discuss diplomacy and trade.”
“Your Majesty must feel a heavy burden.”
“Well, compared to His Majesty who leads the negotiations himself, it’s nothing. Still, I plan to host a banquet to welcome them…”
Her voice trailed off, then suddenly she called:
“Lady Claudius.”
Her gaze toward the young lady was warm, like spring sunlight.
“I heard your recent salon was very successful.”
“That is too much praise.”
“That’s why… I’d like to ask for your help with the upcoming banquet.”
Seraphina, who had been flattering the Empress moments before, stiffened.
‘Oh.’
I too widened my eyes.
‘That must sting for Seraphina.’
Since the charity party at the palace, Seraphina’s influence in society had only grown stronger.
And now the Empress herself was asking the young lady for help with an official state banquet?
That was on a completely different level.
If she helped, her reputation would soar so high that Seraphina wouldn’t even be able to compete.
I sneaked a look at Seraphina’s twisted expression and smiled inwardly.
The Empress went on kindly:
“It’s nothing too difficult. I’d just like you to handle the floral arrangements for the banquet.”
“Floral arrangements?”
“Yes. I know roses are your favorite, but I’ve heard you have deep knowledge of many flowers.”
It was true.
The young lady loved tending roses most, but her greenhouse was full of many rare flowers, all carefully nurtured by her own hands.
“Oh, that’s right. We also need to decide which nobles to invite.”
At those words, Seraphina’s expression soured even more.
Discussing invitations meant the Empress was showing just how close she felt to the young lady.
“Of course, the palace staff will sort them first,” the Empress added.
“But more eyes make it easier to catch mistakes, don’t you agree?”
“…”
The young lady hesitated briefly. Then she gently placed her hand over mine.
‘Huh?’
I looked at her. She straightened her posture and said:
“Actually, when I hosted the salon, I received much help from Lady Ansie.”
“Oh, is that so?” The Empress widened her eyes.
The young lady nodded and continued carefully:
“So, if it pleases Your Majesty… may Lady Ansie help as well?”
“Of course. Let her join you.”
The Empress agreed without hesitation.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The young lady’s cheeks flushed softly. Even if she pretended to stay composed, she was clearly pleased to be acknowledged.
“I will do my best, however little my ability is.”
“No, no. Having two pairs of hands helps me even more.”
The Empress smiled, glancing warmly between us.
“Seeing you two getting along makes my heart happy. Well… perhaps it’s only natural.”
Then, teasingly, she asked me:
“After all, you may become family someday, right?”
My face burned red.
“N-no, I…”
“Yes, that’s true.”
The young lady cut me off smoothly.
“Perhaps that day is not far away.”
The Empress laughed, clearly enjoying herself.
“Now that I think about it, didn’t the Duke take Lady Ansie away during the last charity party?”
‘Why bring that up all of a sudden?!’
“I-I mean…” I stammered.
“What did you two do? From what I heard, you returned very late to the hall.”
“Well, isn’t it obvious?”
The young lady shrugged mischievously after sipping her tea.
“They must have spent a sweet, romantic time together.”
“Oh my, what makes you say that?” the Empress asked playfully.
“Because lately, my brother has been walking around grinning like a fool.”
She added sharply:
“Honestly, I want to smack him.”
I froze. Surely that was a joke… right?
But why did she sound so serious?
“On top of that, he always teases me, saying: ‘If you’re jealous, find yourself a lover too.’”
Imitating her brother’s tone, she clicked her tongue.
“Tell me, is that something a head of a noble house should be saying?”
The Empress gasped in shock.
“My goodness, the Duke does that?”
“It’s true! And the worst part is, no one believes me when I say it.”
She grumbled on, then suddenly turned to me.
“Lari, tell them. Doesn’t my brother seem like a fool these days?”
“…”
I kept my lips tightly shut, only rolling my eyes.
To me, he still looked handsome and brilliant. But if I said that, I’d only be called love-blind.
The young lady prepared to keep ranting when—
Knock, knock.
A servant entered and bowed.
“The Noble Assembly has ended. His Majesty asks if Your Majesty will join him for dinner.”
“Tell him I would be delighted,” the Empress answered, her face glowing with joy.
She and the Emperor were known for their closeness, even after nearly thirty years of marriage.
Just sharing a meal still made her beam with happiness.
‘…If I could marry the Duke someday, could we also live like that? Depending on each other for a lifetime?’
I shook myself, embarrassed at the thought.
But the servant wasn’t finished.
“There is also a message from Duke Claudius.”
‘For me?’
I perked up.
“He asks if Lady Ansie has finished her tea. If so, may he escort her home? He says he will come in person. And…”
The servant glanced awkwardly at the young lady.
“And?” she asked suspiciously.
The servant muttered uncomfortably:
“He also asked that, ah… the young lady please be tactful enough to excuse herself.”
“See?!”
The young lady’s face twisted in outrage.
“Can you believe how unfairly I’m treated?!”
The Empress burst out laughing at last.
Caught between my embarrassment, the Empress’s amusement, and the young lady’s fuming—
Only Seraphina sat there with a stiff, sour face.
I love themmm