It seemed that the rumor about “a young nobleman who completed the Sarnica Royal Academy curriculum six months early and received a diplomatic post from the royal court, visiting to have an audience with the Emperor of the Olstein Empire” had spread quickly among the maids serving the Emperor.

The maids hurried to order new dresses, pestering the handmaids, and the handmaids’ complaints, whispered in the break room, eventually reached Betty.

“The lords are expected to visit the palace soon to celebrate His Highness the Crown Prince’s birthday, and since Sarnica is quite a distance away, it’s said that Sir Philip Clavier will be coming.”

“……”

“There’s an audience with His Majesty the Emperor scheduled for tomorrow, so it seems the handmaids have been worked hard up until today.”

Amelia’s expression hardened at the unexpected news.

“My Lady, why do you look like that?”

Betty found it strange.

“Did you perhaps not receive any word about this?”

“Oh, no, I didn’t.”

Betty’s face filled with confusion at Amelia’s response.

“Oh dear. It seems Sir Philip Clavier was hoping to surprise you, and I’ve spoken out of turn.”

“No, that’s probably not it.”

Amelia gave a bitter smile.

For the visit of an old friend, the appropriate reaction would be joy, not surprise. If there were to be surprise, it should be filled with anticipation and excitement, accompanied by a delighted expression and thoughts of ordering a new dress like the maids.

But Amelia couldn’t bring herself to do that. She had inflicted an unforgivable wound on Philip. She couldn’t accept his feelings.

She had also promised Philip’s mother, Lady Clavier, that she would never see him again.

Of course, she didn’t have to let others’ words dictate her decisions about meeting Philip. Even though Lady Clavier had said so, if Amelia truly wanted to see Philip, she wouldn’t have hesitated to break that promise.

Thus, all these feelings were nothing more than an excuse for Amelia to avoid facing Philip.

“I think it’s better not to meet with Philip.”

“What?”

Betty was bewildered.

“Philip probably thought the same, which is why he didn’t inform me.”

“…I see. I understand.”

Although Betty nodded, her expression remained uncertain. She didn’t know what had happened between Amelia and Philip. She probably assumed it was some sort of argument.

Amelia stood up.

“Betty, I need to send a card to Lady Dana.”

The Olstein Palace was vast, but if one wanted to meet someone, they could easily do so.

“I’ll stay at the Calstad estate for a day.”

Though it was unfair to Philip, it seemed best to leave the palace for a while.

Even Josef, who always wanted to keep Amelia confined to the estate, was away visiting the Valentin barony or somewhere similar. She didn’t want to waste this time sulking in her bedroom.

***

Because Dana responded promptly, Amelia headed to the Calstad estate the next day.

“The weather is lovely! How fortunate!”

Dana, wearing a bonnet to shield her from the sun, spoke with excitement.

Behind Amelia and Dana, the Calstad estate servants followed, carrying a small table and wicker chairs. There were parasols and a basket filled with treats. The head butler, holding a milk jug and cushions on his arm, was searching for shade.

Amelia had imagined that a picnic would involve little more than laying linen on the grass and drinking tea. Dana seemed to have thought similarly, as she initially only prepared a shawl and a parasol. However, the head butler caught her and gave a gentle scolding.

“That won’t do! If we send you off alone, Lord Henrik would surely reprimand us upon his return.”

Thus, preparations spiraled into a flurry of activity, with servants readying a carriage and a cart, culminating in something that resembled a procession for a picnic.

“My Lady, this spot seems ideal.”

The head butler pointed to a spot beneath a large elm tree. Thanks to the servants’ swift efforts, the riverside with its small wildflowers quickly transformed into an outdoor reception area reminiscent of the Calstad drawing room.

“This is quite something.”

As a bouquet-laden tray and tea set were placed on the tablecloth, Dana smiled sheepishly.

“Do you think it’s too modest for you, My Lady?”

The head butler asked nervously, glancing between Dana and Amelia.

“No, it’s perfect.”

Amelia shook her head as she sat in a wicker chair.

The intense summer sunlight made the shade of the enormous tree all the more precious. The sound of the clear river and the scent of flowers made for a luxurious tea time.

“Thank you for bringing me here, Lady Dana. I didn’t know such a beautiful place existed.”

“Do you really think so? I’m glad.”

Dana beamed at Amelia’s words.

“I worried it might be too boring for you. The gardens at the Crown Princess’s residence are so beautiful, after all.”

Dana added, a touch of envy in her voice, “It’s like a forest where a princess would live.”

****

As the servants poured tea, Dana started chatting about various topics.

Having been praised by the Emperor during her debutante, Dana was quite popular. From her stories, it seemed she received many party invitations.

Dana shared tidbits about tea parties hosted by various countesses and upcoming balls for Amelia, who didn’t frequent society.

It was clear Dana put effort into finding topics that might interest Amelia, and Amelia, in turn, tried hard to engage in the conversation.

“Lady Marika Mieschko is hosting a small tea party soon. It seems she’ll be entertaining diplomats from Sarnica.”

“Ah, I see.”

Amelia tensed slightly. Dana knew Amelia wasn’t fond of Olstein’s social events, so she wouldn’t press her to attend. Still, Amelia worried that the conversation might circle back to Philip.

But Dana said something unexpected.

“I wasn’t invited, though.”

“What?”

Amelia looked at Dana in surprise. She tilted her head.

“Now that I think about it, I’ve never been invited to one of Lady Marika’s parties.”

“……”

“Why do you think that is, My Lady?”

Dana spoke while munching on a cookie, her expression genuinely perplexed.

“I’m not really interested in this diplomat from Sarnica, but I can’t help worrying that I might have unknowingly done something to offend Lady Marika.”

Since Marika would soon become the Crown Princess, Dana feared that falling out of her favor might even affect Henrik. That was the root of her anxiety.

“Did I do something wrong at some point?”

“Not at all.”

Amelia shook her head.

“If you’re worried about your manners or conduct, there’s no need to be. You’ve never behaved inappropriately.”

“…Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease.”

Dana’s face darkened slightly as she sipped her tea. Even her carefully styled auburn hair seemed to lose some of its luster.

“Well, there’s no point in thinking about it when I don’t know the reason.”

But that moment of gloom quickly passed. While Amelia hesitated to find words of comfort, Dana’s spirit returned like a branch bending back into shape.

“At least I’ll get an invitation to the Crown Prince’s wedding. My brother has to serve as a guard, so I’ll have to tag along.”

She laughed brightly, a sound that harmonized perfectly with the gentle rippling of the river.

***

“Sir Philip Clavier.”

As Philip exited the audience chamber, the Emperor’s chamberlain addressed him.

“Are you returning to the embassy? I’ll have a carriage called.”

“No, that won’t be necessary.”

Philip shook his head.

“Would it be alright if I walked through the central courtyard for a bit?”

“It’s quite hot today. Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

The chamberlain followed Philip through the corridor, a worried expression on his face.

“You should head west instead. It’s closer and has more shade.”

“Alright.”

“Also, if you’re planning to take a stroll, I have a request.”

Philip turned just as the chamberlain spoke again.

“Please avoid the eastern entrance where the Crown Princess’s residence is located.”

“…What?”

Philip looked puzzled, prompting an awkward smile from the chamberlain.

“That area is restricted. Only those with express permission may enter, including members of the royal staff. It’s a direct order from His Highness, Crown Prince Josef.”

“…”

“It’s a rule with no exceptions, so please don’t take offense.”

Leaving the chamberlain’s polite farewell behind, Philip exited the Emperor’s palace.

The golden ceremonial uniform of Sarnica felt heavier and thicker than his usual clothes. As if to soothe him, a breeze carrying the scent of grass ruffled his hair as he unfastened a button on his jacket.

The audience with the Emperor of Olstein was, as expected, a formal procedure yielding little result. He was merely a messenger carrying an official letter from the King of Sarnica.

Despite the request to congratulate the Crown Prince on his birthday, the meeting with Crown Prince Josef was abruptly canceled. Perhaps they thought there was no need to meet an inexperienced envoy like Philip.

Philip’s parents, who had left Olstein on a sour note, were displeased with his journey. His mother, especially, was strongly opposed.

Yet Philip had resolutely boarded the ship.

“Sir Philip Clavier?”

A voice called out to Philip as he leaned absentmindedly against the fortress wall.

He turned his head and flinched. A woman with brown hair styled similarly to Amelia’s was looking at him.

“Ah… Yes.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

But upon closer inspection, the woman who introduced herself as one of the Emperor’s attendants looked nothing like Amelia.

As he watched her walk away, saying they would meet again at Marika’s party, he couldn’t understand why he had thought of Amelia in the first place.

“…”

He was more shaken than he realized.

Simply seeing someone with a similar hair color within the imperial grounds was enough to remind him of Amelia.

The incident from six months ago was still unresolved in his heart.

During his time in Sarnica, Philip had focused solely on finishing his studies, determined not to be powerless again. His only goal was to one day formally petition the Emperor to let Amelia return to Brienne.

Amelia hadn’t replied to his letters. He wasn’t even sure if the message about his trip to Olstein had been delivered properly.

Had she forgotten him?

He wanted to see her.

Ignoring the chamberlain’s request to avoid the Crown Princess’s residence, Philip headed east without hesitation.