Chapter 11 Part 8

“And what of you, Lady Knight?”

I offered a confident smile and began to speak. When it came to gossip and trivial news from the social scene, I was confident I wouldn’t fall behind. After all, I was always the one entertaining Garnet’s endless chatter.

“Being surrounded by such lovely young ladies brings back memories of my own youth. I’ve truly enjoyed this gathering, ladies.”

The atmosphere subtly shifted as the gathering neared its conclusion. As the host, Her Majesty orchestrated a seamless wrap-up, leaving no room for awkwardness or hesitation. The maids who had been standing by began to move, signaling the end of the tea party. It seemed that all that was left was for Daisy Quinney and me to say our farewells before we could leave.

I waited, expecting Daisy Queenie to take the lead in offering her goodbye since her rank was higher than mine. However, I froze when Her Majesty turned her gaze toward me.

“But I can’t help feeling a bit wistful. Would you keep me company for a little longer, my lady?”

She didn’t name anyone specifically, but it was clear to everyone present that the invitation was meant for me. Neither Daisy Queenie nor I had expected such a request, and our shocked expressions were obvious. Her Majesty, unfazed by our reactions, smiled gently as she poured fresh tea into my cup herself.

Leaving tea in the cup at an invited tea party was as much a slight to the host as any explicit insult. With the cup now refilled, I had lost the chance to excuse myself and was compelled to remain seated.

Though Daisy Queenie’s barely contained shock, her dilated pupils betraying her inner turmoil, was a rather amusing sight, I couldn’t relish it. The true reason behind Her Majesty keeping me behind was unknown, leaving me in a state of tense uncertainty. My mind raced in all directions.

After Daisy Queenie barely managed to compose herself and followed the maid out of the greenhouse, even the remaining attendants withdrew, leaving only Her Majesty and me in the glasshouse.

“Fufu, you don’t have to be so tense, my lady,” Her Majesty said with a soft chuckle. “I understand that this may have caught you off guard, but I truly just wish to speak with you a little longer.”

“I’m simply honored that Your Majesty regards me so highly,” I replied, my words stiff and formal.

The suddenness of the situation made it difficult for me to reclaim any semblance of composure. Sensing my unease, Her Majesty’s expression turned playful as she answered, “You remind me of Roxana in her early days. She used to respond just as rigidly as you do.”

…Roxana? That was a name I hadn’t expected to hear here. Did Roxana have a personal connection to the Empress? My mind scrambled through memories, trying to piece together the relationship, but Her Majesty only smiled mischievously over her teacup before taking a sip and meeting my gaze with that teasing glint still in her eyes.

“For the record, my interest in you was sparked thanks to Roxana,” Her Majesty said with a smile. “That child, who hardly takes interest in others, couldn’t stop talking about you. Naturally, I grew curious about you, Lady Rose.”

“Roxana… Lady Kerlan spoke of me?”

“Indeed. Even before Roxana began attending noble meetings, we often shared tea together. Keeping sharp minds nearby is always a pleasure, you see.”

Her words bore a resemblance to what Roxana had once told me when we grew close. Had Roxana already been acquainted with Her Majesty before then?

“Roxana was so adamant about defending you,” the Empress continued. “She insisted that if word of my tea party invitation reached House Knight, you’d feel terribly pressured. And well, Roxana isn’t one to be wrong, so I had no choice but to set aside my curiosity for the time being.”

Roxana, you’ve always been on my side, haven’t you? My ever-kind friend, Roxana. The mention of her softened the stiff atmosphere and filled me with a comforting warmth. Just knowing she had spoken up for me left me feeling supported. I made a mental note to bring her plenty of her favorite lemon mousse cakes next time we met.

Looking back, Roxana had been right. If Her Majesty’s invitation had arrived back then, I would’ve been utterly overwhelmed with stress. Ever since stepping back from the social scene, I had found it more comfortable to remain invisible in others’ eyes rather than endure their scrutiny.

The thought of mingling with others or drawing attention back then felt utterly exhausting. A tea party invitation from Her Majesty during such a time? I doubt I could have handled the torrent of attention it would have brought.

But this time, it was unavoidable. If no one emerged as a counterweight to Lady Queenie in the selection process, the balance of power would have tipped completely. Regardless of the imperial family’s intentions, the young ladies would have started treating her as the Crown Princess and formed their power structures around her.

The social scene was already Daisy Queenie’s stage. The young ladies gathered around her were all from influential families, the kind of people destined to dominate high society in the future. With Daisy Queenie as their focal point, it was unlikely they would relinquish that power. Without any disruptions in the selection process, such a scenario would have naturally unfolded.

Of course, Lady Queenie’s influence in the social scene is a positive aspect, but the position of Crown Princess isn’t decided by social influence alone. That position—like my own—requires ability, far more than mere connections. That’s why I chose you as another candidate.

“…….”

“I heard it was you who drafted the documents for the Knight Trading Company’s new branch in Endeavor. I also heard you’re the one in charge.”

“When we expanded to Endeavor, we had to submit the necessary documents to gain approval from the Imperial Court’s administrative office. Considering the number of officials the paperwork had to pass through, I had expected the news might spread, but I never imagined it would reach Her Majesty’s ears.”

“I desire you as a candidate, my lady. Just as Roxana does, you exude confidence in walking your own path. People like you always manage to achieve their goals.”

“…You’re far too kind, Your Majesty.”

“I believe you are just as suited for this role as I am for mine.”

The Empress, her eyes radiating self-assured pride even while praising another, was the epitome of dignity. Receiving such sincere praise from someone like her struck a chord deeper than any flattery ever could.

“Thank you for the kind words, Your Majesty. Until now, Roxana was the only one who ever truly recognized my abilities… Hearing it from you is even more moving.”

“Roxana knows full well why I came to admire her. And believe me, she is even more of a meritocrat than I am. If she approves of you, how could I not?”

The conversation carried on in a warm and pleasant tone. If I let it flow naturally, I could secure the Empress’s favor and carve a place for myself in high society. Yet even as the thought crossed my mind, a heavy weight settled in my chest like a stone. The dazzling golden sunlight refracted before my eyes, scattering my thoughts.

“Even after giving it much thought… I believe your praise is far too generous. It is all the more humbling because it comes from someone as esteemed as Your Majesty. However… I cannot accept the position of Crown Princess candidate.”

“Hmm, if you say so, then I trust you must have a good reason. Though it is unfortunate, if it’s truly not your wish… I will look for another candidate.”

I was worried that this atmosphere might be broken or that Your Majesty might suddenly dismiss me, but the Empress dismissed my concerns lightly with a seemingly indifferent expression. It doesn’t seem like a matter that can be easily resolved, Your Majesty…?

“In fact, I had anticipated that. Lady, you are more suited to finding and claiming your own place rather than sitting beside someone else. Nevertheless, including you as a candidate was merely out of my own greed, so please don’t worry about it.”

“…I can only be grateful that you view me favorably.”

“No, rather, I feel troubled that I might be using you for matters of the royal court. I hope to see you often in the future, Lady. It would be nice if the three of us—yourself, Roxana, and me—could share tea together.”

Due to the interference of the maids, it became a strange tea time with empty cups, but it was a comfortable time in my heart. As the Empress shared smiles with me, as if she had been waiting for this moment, she brought up another topic.

“‘Tornado,’ was it? The name of that orphanage built on the outskirts.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“After the war two centuries ago, most people developed a tendency to avoid anything related to magic. Probably due to deep-rooted fears passed down from the past… Even though there are no survivors who directly experienced that war anymore, there is no sign of the public’s fear of mana fading.”

Now I finally understand why the maids were sent along with Daisy Quinney. The story about the orphanage I established was an extremely confidential matter known only to a few within the royal palace.

At first, I naively wondered if it was necessary to go to such lengths, but after hearing the backstory, I understood. It seems the royal family wanted to help me in their own way.

“I believe Your Majesty has put in sufficient effort. I lack the capability to go beyond this kind of secret assistance, but if it were up to Your Majesty, you could provide an even better world for the children.”

“I feel extremely embarrassed hearing such words from a lady who has accomplished the greatest of deeds. Although I couldn’t achieve it myself, I believe that you, Lady, can do even more. Whatever you do in the future, I will be a steadfast supporter.”