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[CHAPTER 104]
The vast wheat fields near the palace were bathed in golden light under the autumn sun.
The endless wheat swayed like waves in the breeze, creating a spectacular view.
Today was the day of the harvest festival.
Since it was an event the Empress was hosting for the first time in a while, the fields were crowded with noblewomen and court officials.
I got out of the carriage and looked around.
People were wandering in the wide spaces cleared of wheat for the event.
Among them, familiar faces appeared. Familiar, but not welcome.
They were the Duchess of Wentworth and her attendants, noblewomen following her.
She really looks bothered.
There must be a reason she insisted on attending despite being annoying.
Though the Duke of Wentworth was banned from entering the palace, the Duchess was not.
Since the Duke had limited public activities, the Duchess had to be more proactive to make up for it.
She wore a lavish dress of dark green embroidered with gold thread and carried a parasol to block the autumn sun.
Other noblewomen, dressed similarly in elaborate gowns, glanced at me and whispered into her ear.
The Duchess’s gaze then turned toward me.
She frowned slightly before approaching gracefully, scanning me from head to toe.
“Oh my, Amelia. What brings you here?”
Her tone sounded kind at first, but her eyes were full of disdain and contempt.
The Duchess had always looked down on me, but now with contempt, she must have heard something from her husband.
“Instead of coming here, why not read another page of your book, or perhaps meet the Crown Prince again? My, and that outfit… what is that?”
I wore a simple, practical brown dress and a wide-brimmed straw hat, suited for the wheat field event.
“Hohoho, everyone. Look at her like this. This is why she shouldn’t be let outside, sigh…”
The Duchess pretended to worry while mocking me, and the other noblewomen chuckled in agreement.
“The lady must be very concerned.”
“Indeed, one can understand her concern.”
The stories of Amelia’s reputation had spread widely, so their disregard was understandable.
“So, Amelia, perhaps you should leave? This isn’t an event for you. It’s only for noblewomen. Understand?”
She emphasized “noblewomen.”
I looked at the line of elaborate carriages arriving behind them and bowed lightly.
“Yes, that is correct. However, I was sent here by the Empress herself, so I cannot leave freely… What shall I do, Mother?”
I deliberately stressed the word “Mother.”
Whether she realized it or not, publicly undermining me would harm her own reputation since I was officially recognized as her daughter.
The Duchess frowned at my words.
“What do you mean? Why would the Empress summon you here?”
Her tone showed disbelief. Few probably knew about my connection with the Empress.
“It’s true, Mother. Why would I lie? You can ask her yourself why she called me.”
A look of embarrassment crossed her face.
I had instructed her to ask directly, but it might have seemed like questioning the Empress’s decision.
“From the Empress’s perspective, she could not ignore someone already in the palace.”
“Indeed, and it also preserves the Duke of Wentworth’s dignity.”
Other noblewomen offered supporting comments, and the Duchess regained her composure.
“Hmph. This is a gathering of high-ranking ladies. If you cause trouble and embarrass me, I will not forgive you. Behave quietly, understand?”
“Of course, Mother.”
“Ah, now I can be relieved.”
At that moment, a servant shouted from the entrance.
“The Empress has arrived!”
All the noblewomen, including the Duchess, stepped aside.
I stood awkwardly, but the Duchess widened her eyes in surprise and forcibly grabbed my wrist to pull me along.
“Mother.”
She spoke sharply in a low voice.
“What are you doing, blocking the middle! Do I need to teach you that royal paths must not be obstructed?”
“No, it’s not that…”
As I muttered, the Empress walked lightly into the middle of the wheat field.
Her attire was different from usual.
Instead of the usual grandeur and splendor, she wore simple clothes and a wide-brimmed straw hat, like mine.
The noblewomen exchanged astonished glances.
Yet her elegance and poise could not be hidden. Anyone could tell she was the Empress.
She scanned the ladies and asked with a puzzled voice.
“I specifically announced this is a wheat field event. Why are the outfits so extravagant?”
A nearby lady bowed her head in embarrassment.
“Well, in previous years when the late Empress hosted the wheat field festival, everyone wore such clothing…”
During the late Empress’s time, the lower-ranked participants did the actual cutting and cooking while the noblewomen just observed.
“Tsk, it’s only been a few years since I was absent.”
The Empress clicked her tongue and walked along the path cleared by the retreating guests.
She noticed me and came closer.
I quickly lifted my dress slightly.
“Your Imperial Majesty, the Empress of the Empire.”
The Empress smiled gently at me and motioned slightly.
“Duchess of Wentworth, why are you here?”
“Ah…”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
I bowed slightly and moved from beside the Duchess to stand next to the Empress.
The Duchess, flustered, said to the Empress:
“Your Majesty, Amelia is presiding over this event. It’s improper. She is clumsy and knows nothing of etiquette, so why—”
“Ah, Duchess of Wentworth.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. As her mother, I am concerned that she has not been properly trained in manners.”
“At least she seems better than you.”
The Duchess looked confused, not understanding the Empress’s curt remark.
“You only speak for yourself. Did you even bow when meeting the Empress?”
“Ah…!”
Finally, the Duchess hurriedly lifted her dress and bowed.
“Y-Your Majesty….”
Even if others did not know, the Empress knew I was not her biological daughter.
Her tone was cold and firm, showing no leniency.
“I seem to know more about your daughter than you do. Even if she causes trouble, I summoned her and I will take responsibility. As her mother, do not worry.”
Under the Empress’s strict voice, the Duchess’s eyes darted around before she lowered her gaze.
“Yes… Your Majesty.”
The Empress turned away sharply from the Duchess, and I followed her after glancing sideways at the Duchess.
From a short distance, I could hear ladies giggling.
Probably women from families who did not get along with the Wentworths.
It was unsettling.
Since I was also a Wentworth, their mocking likely included me.
So, let’s just leave them be in formal settings.
I sighed silently and followed the Empress onto the platform.
