IHRS 38

Chapter 38

“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to sit with such distinguished guests. Please accept this humble gift from me.”

Laura handed gifts to all the attendees.

Marien received the box addressed to her as well.

Inside…

‘Hah, what is this, some kind of weeds as a gift?’

Marien scoffed, just as…

“Ah, I didn’t expect to receive such precious medicinal herbs as a gift…”

‘What?!’

Marien almost dropped the box.

Other ladies even had tears in their eyes.

“I don’t know if I deserve to receive something this precious.”

Judging by the atmosphere, it seemed to be a very rare item.

Marien gripped the box tightly and looked around. She sensed the subtle tension of people feeling burdened by the gift.

Laura explained further.

“These herbs were purchased from farmers in the Seohan region. The prices had dropped so much that they were about to plow over their fields. I felt sorry for their situation, so I bought them at their proper value. Please accept them without feeling burdened.”

Laura added a perfectly detailed explanation, showing that she had the capacity to inspect various parts of the empire, proving her competence as the Crown Princess.

“How thoughtful…”

“Of course. The Princess wouldn’t have brought just any young lady.”

“Yes, if that’s the intention behind it, we cannot refuse it.”

Once the mood settled, even those who had been displeased with Laura could no longer object.

As people began collecting their gifts one by one, Marien retrieved her own gift.

“Um… I’ve also prepared a modest gift for everyone.”

Marien’s gift was a brooch set with the finest rubies. Crafted by a renowned artisan, such a brooch was difficult to obtain even for wealthy nobles.

However…

“While we appreciate the Princess’s consideration, this seems an excessive gift.”

“Many provinces are suffering from famine. Displaying such extravagance may be inappropriate at this time.”

Two elderly ladies placed the box down, and others who had shown interest in the gift also hesitantly set theirs aside.

“Uh… umm…”

“I’m sorry, Princess.”

The returned gifts piled up in front of Marien. It felt as if the rejected gifts were mocking her.

Marien silently clenched her fists, resisting the urge to scream.

Soon, true to the name of the gathering, a variety of teas were placed before Marien.

“Would you like to sample?”

“…”

‘Damn it.’

Some were familiar, while others Marien only knew by name but had never tried. She quietly sipped the bitter tea.

All her plans had fallen apart. The only thing she could do now was endure the remainder of the gathering, killing time until it ended.

When it came time to taste the final tea…

“We will have the conclusion of this gathering led by the child who will one day become the pillar of the Imperial Household.”

Luigi signaled Laura.

To show his trust in her, he intended for Laura to finish the gathering.

As if waiting for this moment, Laura rose and received a teapot from her maid.

Starting with Luigi, Laura filled each attendee’s teacup one by one.

Marien watched as Laura filled her teacup.

Holding the heavy teapot steadily to avoid spilling a single drop, Laura poured the tea with perfect precision.

‘Infuriating…’

“This tea is…”

“Darjeeling, isn’t it?”

“Darjeeling First Flush! Her Highness brought a specialty from Mortum.”

Ignoring the murmurs of the attendees, Marien lifted her teacup.

But…

‘What the… that’s messy.’

White powder-like specks floated in the tea.

Frowning, Marien looked up as Laura explained:

“That’s not dust. Tea made from first-harvest leaves retains the silvery fuzz that covered the young buds, which disperses into the tea. It’s called Pekoe.”

Because this tea contains many tender buds, it’s considered a high-grade tea.

Marien felt a sudden surge of emotion.

“You’re bragging in front of me just for knowing that…”

At that moment…

“Who just insulted the tea I brought?”

Luigi’s voice silenced everyone. Conversations and sips ceased instantly. The air turned icy with the weight of his gaze.

Luigi had brought Mortum’s product to promote it, since Mortum had become his second homeland.

Thus, Marien’s reaction could easily be perceived as an attack.

“I–I didn’t mean it that way…”

Marien hesitated under his gaze.

“It’s alright. Mistakes from ignorance can happen to anyone. Shortcomings can always be remedied through learning.”

Laura spoke up, defending Marien.

“My, how eloquently she speaks.”

One elderly lady cupped her cheek in admiration.

Though Laura’s words were meant to protect Marien…

Marien looked up at her. Laura’s slight smile made Marien feel intense anger.

‘How dare she…’

Laura’s gaze reminded Marien of the brothers and sisters who had looked down on her, evaluating and belittling her.

‘I haven’t failed yet. It’s not over…!’

Breathing heavily, Marien rose.

In her haste, she accidentally bumped the tea table with her knee.

“What?! What’s happening?!”

“The tea–!”

The teacup tilted, spilling part of the tea onto the tablecloth, threatening to drip below.

Laura grabbed the teetering table.

At the same time, a floating breeze bird trapped the tea in air bubbles, transferring it back to the empty cup.

Everyone watched, breathless.

• Mission accomplished!

The breeze bird disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, and Laura removed her hand from the table.

“Th-that just now…”

“Haah…”

The young lady, who had nearly been splashed, exhaled in relief. She had almost ruined her expensive dress.

Once the situation settled, Laura clicked her tongue.

“You must be more careful.”

Marien, scolded to the very end, could not maintain her composure and lowered her gaze.

At that moment, Asel entered.

“Wh-what… happened?”

Sensing the subtle tension in the garden, he asked.

“T-The Crown Prince is here?!”

“Eh? The Crown Prince came?”

People murmured. Unlike at a ball or royal event, Asel appeared in casual attire.

Instead of a stern expression, fatigue was etched across his face as he looked at Luigi.

Most had never seen this personal side of Asel before.

Luigi clicked his tongue, rolling an empty teacup in his hand.

“You arrive quite quickly. Was it so difficult to just show your face briefly?”

“Work has been overwhelming…”

Asel sighed deeply.

Luigi ignored his protest.

“In any case, it’s well-timed. Miss Leweiz seems to have been injured just now. Take her and care for her.”

“What? Laura was injured?”

The previously relaxed atmosphere tightened. Asel quickly turned to Laura.

Before Laura could speak, Luigi raised his voice.

“Even so! Why are you just standing there? Don’t neglect your fiancée simply because you’re late.”

Luigi made Asel support Laura and escorted the pair out of the garden.

So, the two moved away step by step, clinging to each other somewhat awkwardly.

“Ha, I should have done this earlier!”

Luigi chuckled with satisfaction.

It was the image of a middle-aged man pleased to see a young couple together.

Setting Luigi aside…

“Did you see that just now?”

People focused even more on Asel’s reaction.

“You must have been surprised when it was said Miss Leweiz was injured. Didn’t you turn your head in alarm?”

“Honestly, I thought the Princess was pushing herself too hard…”

“Could it be that the Crown Prince was also interested?”

Simultaneously, they whispered about a recent rumor circulating in social circles.

“Now that I think of it, there’s news that Miss Marceline is also engaged in discussions.”

“Good heavens, spring is truly in the air.”