Translator: Nox

Chapter 102

#102. The Last Tea Party in the Capital (1)

The Imperial Palace's summer greenhouse garden.

Under the shade cast by the awning, preparations for the Tea Party were in full swing. Ladies in splendid dresses exchanged subtle smiles each time their eyes met.

The young ladies were a little more blatant.

"You didn't go to visit Princess's sickbed, and came here instead."

"Well, did Lady have a close relationship with the Princess?"

"We all came here wanting to help the Princess, didn't we? Isn't that right?"

Well-packaged words covered the young ladies' true feelings.

The three people who were not present were Princess's loyal friend, Lady Libeorn, and the talkative Lady Shamin.

Normally, the ladies and young ladies here would have gone to the Imperial Princess Palace. But today was different.

His Majesty the Emperor ordered the Princess, who had not even had her Debutante, to host the Tea Party.

Whether the Emperor's order was to hide the disgraced Princess, or to flaunt the close relationship with House Madeleine, or for some other reason.

Even after exchanging a few words as if exploring each other, the Emperor and the Duke's true intentions were unknown. Nevertheless, the reason why the ladies and young ladies came to help with the Tea Party under the pretext of helping the Princess was mostly similar.

An opportunity to build relationships with foreign envoys, and a chance to gain the favor of the Princess who is loved by the Duke.

When a clear laugh spread, the young ladies stared at one place with strange eyes, as if they had made a promise.

The red-haired Knight standing guard with a sense of weight, the Madeleine Dukedom's exclusive maid, and Esella Madeleine, who was smiling brightly as if attracting all the light. What drew the most attention among them was.

The center of this Summer Ball, Olivia Madelaine.

"...But should we really call the First Princess 'Lady'? With the Second Princess right next to her like that. It's awkward."

At those words, most of the young ladies scoffed inwardly.

What did it matter whether she was a Lady or a Princess?

The important thing was that she, who had been a nuisance, had returned to society so confidently, even after turning her back on the Imperial Palace and the Madeleine Dukedom.

As the precious future Grand Duchess of the Grand Duke's Residence.

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"...and then, when the desserts come out. Esella, are you listening?"

Olivia, who was explaining the Tea Party at lightning speed, pretending to be catching up, called out to Esella. Esella, who had been smiling brightly, as if she was listening or not, hurriedly said, startled.

"I'm sorry, Sister. I can't believe I'm with you. Can you tell me again? I'll listen really hard this time!"

This morning, when she said that she wouldn't be able to go to the coffee house together because she had to prepare for the Tea Party after lunch due to the Emperor's order, she was really sad.

"I'm so happy that you came with me, Sister. Actually, I didn't even expect you to come with me. Are you okay?"

Esella cleared her throat, trying to calm her trembling voice, and looked at her sister's complexion. She packaged it with the ambiguous word 'okay', but if there was even a hint of burden, she would have to see her off to the Grand Duke's Residence, even if her sister tried to stop her.

Then, she suddenly remembered Jade's figure standing in front of the solid Grand Duke's Residence gate early in the morning, as if guarding it. Esella glanced at Olivia for a moment.

Unlike her, who was able to contact her sister right away and enter the Grand Duke's Residence, Jade was being treated as if he didn't exist. Jade was just standing still as if that was natural.

Fool, idiot. You should have done that sooner.

Even though she said she wouldn't take sides, Esella moved her lips.

"I'm..."

"It's okay. Because I'm going to the Territory of Vikander."

Her worries about whether she could say it or not were overshadowed. Just saying the Territory of Vikander made her sister's face light up.

Esella shook her head. And she pressed down on the heart that dared to raise its head. Meanwhile, Olivia looked at Esella instead.

"Are you okay? The Duke wouldn't have sent you to the Imperial Palace."

The Duke.

Swallowing her aching heart, Esella smiled a little.

It was an appropriate word, as if to confirm that the heart she held was absurd.

"I heard His Majesty the Emperor's order, and I told him that I would come first."

Olivia's blatant gaze continued. As people moved busily, Esella's eyes darkened.

"I really owe Princess a lot. So I shouldn't miss the opportunity to repay her."

Above Esella, who was dressed up gorgeously as the host of the Tea Party, Esella, who was crouching on the day she came to the Grand Duke's Residence, overlapped.

Esella carefully took Olivia's hand.

As their hearts were conveyed through warmth, Esella bit her lip and muttered softly.

"I've always wanted to come to official events like this after my Debutante. With you, Sister."

Esella shrugged her shoulders shyly and smiled bashfully. Seeing that face, the inside of Olivia's throat became scratchy as if it was clotting.

They had come a long way, but they wanted the same thing.

To be together proudly in official events. Olivia swallowed the emotions that welled up and said quietly.

"Me too, I did."

The end of her sister's voice trembled. Esella's eyes, which had been looking at Olivia, slowly curved into crescents. Beneath the guise of silence, hearts caring for each other passed between them.

As if taking advantage of that gap, a lady who was nearby approached Esella and said.

"Princess. Would you like to check the dessert order?"

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She shouldn't have any experience in society. Unexpectedly, Esella was preparing for the Tea Party skillfully. She seemed quite familiar with dealing with ladies and young ladies.

Was it because she resembled the Duchess, who was called the flower of society? She always thought of her as the youngest, but it was new.

Three ladies took the lead and helped Esella with her preparations.

Esella looked sorry that she couldn't be right next to her, but Olivia was okay. Rather, she thought it was a good time to step back.

Esella was definitely going to talk about Jade earlier.

Olivia's face clouded over for a moment as she thought of the Grand Duke's Residence.

Even if she didn't want to come to the Imperial Palace, it was better than seeing Jade standing guard in front of the gate so conspicuously.

At least, the Duke and Conrad in the palace wouldn't talk to her.

The moment she left the Grand Duke's Residence, she remembered Jade's face. He had a desperate look as if he wanted to say something, but he was immediately pushed far away by Winster.

Olivia shook her head. And she raised her hand and fiddled with the Magic Stone on her necklace. Unnamable emotions stirred in her heart, but she shouldn't care.

Because what she had to do today was to prepare for the Tea Party with Esella as her sister.

While the ladies who had a lot of Tea Party experience were taking care of everything, Olivia looked at the overall atmosphere with delicate eyes.

And she called Dian, who was standing behind her with a stiff face, and whispered a few things, adding.

"...and tell that Lady standing over there. Knight Szelin."

"Not the Princess, but that maid?"

She thought she would naturally deliver it to the Princess, but the Lady that the young lady pointed to was Veronica, the Princess's exclusive maid.

Dian asked back with a puzzled look. Olivia smiled gently and said as if she was telling a child.

"That's how it is in society. Knight."

Dian pouted her lips. She didn't know what she was talking about, but it didn't change the fact that she had to leave the young lady's side. Dian looked around.

Unlike the young ladies who were already surrounding Esella, the gazes of the ladies who were trying to make eye contact with Olivia were persistent.

"If I'm not here, those hyenas will come at you."

Olivia smiled beautifully, curving her eyes, because she liked the fact that she dismissed the high-ranking noble ladies as mere hyenas.

"It'll be okay for once before we go back to Vikander."

"Still..."

"Dian."

A firm voice called Dian's name. At the base of her straight gaze was a dignity that no one could easily touch. Only then did Dian realize who she had dared to worry about.

The young lady who had endured in this society for years. Dian bowed her head and obeyed the order.

"Yes. Young lady. I'll be back."

"And take a break too."

A break. But at the words that followed, Dian smiled a little without realizing it.

"If you keep winking like that, that maid over there might follow you to the Territory of Vikander."

The young lady smiled mischievously and kindly. Without even seeing the maid who was stealing glances at Dian from afar blushing, Dian followed Olivia and smiled.

When did she see that her eyes were dry from the Lens?

She had one more thing to brag about to Howard and Winster later. Where else would there be such a meticulous young lady? Dian moved her steps with a happy face.

And as if Dian's words were a prophecy, the ladies who approached gracefully surrounded Olivia.

"Princess, no, Lady. Would you like to have a cup of tea?"

Looking at the eyes that were a mixture of curiosity, admiration, and jealousy, Olivia looked at the seat they were offering.

A place with chairs and shade from the awning. The most honored seat with silverware and refreshments.

When a seat that she couldn't have even when she was Crown Prince's fiancée was unfolded in front of her, Olivia slowly raised her head.

As the ladies blinked for a moment at the sight of her elegant grace, Olivia Madelaine, whom they had always despised, gracefully expressed her permission.

"Then, shall we?"

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"You haven't even had your Debutante yet, but it's amazing how you're overseeing the Tea Party."

"I know, right? I heard that you were weak and didn't interact with other young ladies much."

This society hadn't changed. Olivia swallowed a laugh at the conversation that started with subtle compliments and probing words.

Ah, there was one thing that had changed. There was less dagger-like contempt.

It was a funny thing. The things she had always wanted when she clung to the family so persistently were happening now that she had let go of the family.

As Olivia lightly raised her teacup, the ladies' eyes moved keenly.

"Speaking of which, what happened to Marquis Etel? Is he still confined in his mansion?"

"I heard so. Lady Etel hasn't even been heard from."

"She was reckless. How could she do that in a place where foreign envoys were gathered?"

"That's right. Even Crown Prince approached the Princess, no, Lady. Do you remember?"

On the table, the ladies of the Imperial Faction and the ladies of the Aristocratic Faction waited for Olivia's reaction with anxious and throbbing hearts.

No one didn't know what kind of humiliation Olivia Madelaine had suffered because of Lady Etel.

Now that Crown Prince was showing signs of leaning towards Olivia, the Imperial Faction and the Aristocratic Faction had to move according to Olivia's actions. Of course, the Imperial Faction was at an advantage.

So when Olivia moved her lips, the corners of the Imperial Faction ladies' mouths drew an arc.

"Has the time when the envoys are coming been confirmed?"

"Yes, yes?"

But the words that fell indifferently were different from the ladies' expectations. While they were hiding their embarrassed expressions, Olivia smiled.

"Although the Princess is hosting it, it is clearly the Imperial Palace's Tea Party. Everyone has worked so hard that they have even postponed visiting Princess's sickbed with a sorry heart."

"..."

"Hopefully, they won't come during a difficult conversation, right?"

The voice that raised the end suspiciously was noble. As soon as the words that were walking a tightrope between courtesy and mockery were finished, the ladies looked at Olivia with sharp eyes as if gauging her.

The green eyes that had always been the object of ridicule were rather suppressing the ladies' exploration and shining firmly.

It was as if the space was separated from the space of the young ladies where clear laughter was spreading, and silence spread.

"Empress is coming!"

At the urgent voice, the ladies felt dizzy. To have to face the Empress's fierce eyes right now, which they thought would be later. The ladies hurriedly prepared excuses and stood up from their seats.

"Imperial Moon, I greet Empress."

Empress slowly looked around the garden.

Even at a glance, it was a well-prepared Tea Party.

From the awnings in the colors symbolizing each country to the flowers decorating the table without overlapping, to the cleanly wiped glass greenhouse windows and the angles of the sunlight passing through.

It was so wonderful that she couldn't believe it was the work of a Princess who hadn't even had her Debutante yet. Empress could guess who was behind it with her eyes closed.

Olivia Madelaine.

Below the bowed face, the small jewel of the necklace sparkled. Empress smiled beautifully at the jewel that caught her eye especially under the sun and gestured to Olivia.

And when Olivia came close, she said to Olivia in a chilling voice.

"...I'm sure I told you with that mouth that you wouldn't see me again."

"Yes. So I'm going to go back for the last time today."

Poisonous eyes glared at Olivia. She wanted to spit on her face, which was so indifferent, but there were many eyes watching.

Of course, right now, they were all avoiding Empress's gaze with guilty faces. Empress smiled gracefully and dismissed Olivia. And she called Esella kindly.

"You worked hard, Princess. To put so much effort into this. It must have been hard."

"Th, thank you. Your Majesty."

Empress's mouth twisted secretly at the trembling voice. That's why the Duke was so protective of her. Empress said subtly.

"Princess will be here soon. Leave the difficult seat to Princess and go take a rest too, Princess."

Only then did Esella raise her head sharply.

This seat was clearly an opportunity that she had seized. An opportunity to solidify her position enough to stand against Princess, who was holding onto society. Only then would there be no strange gazes even if she was with her sister like today.

But, in front of Empress, Esella trembled like a rabbit in front of a viper. The words tangled and lingered in her mouth. It was then.

"I am sorry, Empress. This is a Tea Party hosted by the Princess under the order of His Majesty the Emperor."

A quiet voice stood in front of Esella. It was her sister. Esella felt like she was about to cry. It was the same situation as last time.

Even though she wanted to help, she was only in a position to be protected. Esella bit the inside of her mouth. Meanwhile, Empress, who was smiling brightly, answered readily.

"I'll tell His Majesty. Lady."

Empress's arrogant eyes looked down at Olivia. Olivia knew those eyes well. When she first told her to help Princess, she knew the Empress's meticulousness in erasing her traces.

But now she could fight back.

"Then, I will step down when His Majesty the Emperor tells me to step down."

"What?"

Empress raised her eyebrows sharply. Olivia said calmly.

"Please consider that His Majesty the Emperor gave the order to the Princess."

"The Summer Ball's Tea Party is clearly under Princess's jurisdiction, so His Majesty will accept my request right away."

Olivia smiled brightly at Empress's voice that fell with dignity. At the end of the seemingly friendly smile, there was a provocation.

"Do you really think so?"

At the voice that spoke as if whispering, Empress's mouth, which had been smiling beautifully, hardened. Olivia smiled kindly. And without even getting permission, she took another step forward.

What stopped Empress from trying to mock her for losing her etiquette was Olivia's words that followed.

"If you really care about Princess, you shouldn't touch me. Your Majesty."

"..."

Looking at the trembling lips, Olivia took two steps back again. And she said loudly so that everyone could hear.

"Even though Princess fainted from yesterday's shock, I'm just saying this because I'm worried about whether she will be able to fulfill her duties as a host. Your Majesty."

The smooth words instantly made everyone in this place think of Princess from yesterday. Princess who was humiliated and fainted.

Empress's eyes were distorted with anger.

"Olivia...!"

"Conrad Madeleine, I greet Empress."

A quiet voice overlapped Empress's sharp voice. Olivia erased her smile.

A voice that was familiar but she didn't want to hear. A face that she could tell who it was at once, a face that she didn't want to see, looked at Olivia.

"I came to check the Tea Party before the envoys arrived."