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[CHAPTER 105]
The stage was occupied by the imperial officials, the Empress, and myself.
At both ends below the stage, noblewomen were standing, but unlike before, none of them were holding parasols. The Empress, being the highest in rank, did not use one.
In the middle of the field, local farmers and event staff were gathered closely together. Ordinary citizens living nearby gradually came to watch as well.
“Everyone, please! The opening address by Her Majesty the Empress will begin. Stop your conversations!”
As the voice of the attendant rang out and the murmuring crowd quieted, the Empress stood at the center of the stage.
Her dignified and calm expression radiated both authority and warmth.
The Empress spoke slowly.
“I am very pleased and honored that we can gather here today to celebrate a bountiful autumn harvest together.”
Her voice was not loud, but it carried widely. Perhaps the jeweled brooch on her chest acted like a microphone.
Farmers, citizens, and nobles below the stage listened quietly to her words.
“Thanks to the sweat and hard work of our farmers, the royal table and the Empire’s tables have been abundant this year as well. Today is a day to remember that grace and enjoy it together. I declare the beginning of the harvest festival, wishing health and happiness to all of you.”
As soon as the Empress finished speaking, a man who seemed to represent the farmers stepped forward. A middle-aged man with a sun-darkened face and rough hands bowed deeply to the Empress, hands clasped humbly.
“We are deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s attention and encouragement. Let us all shout long live the Empress! Long live Her Majesty! Long live!”
“Long live Her Majesty!”
“Long live!”
After the threefold cheers, low applause and murmurs arose among the farmers.
“This day is for you. Please enjoy it abundantly.”
After the Empress finished speaking, she descended the stage. I followed behind, hearing the farmers’ voices.
“Finally, a proper harvest festival this year.”
“Indeed. For the past few years, it felt more like a noble’s outdoor party than a harvest festival.”
“Well, let’s fill our stomachs first.”
While the Empress was giving her opening speech, tables beside the stage had been set with food.
Fresh dishes made from local grains and vegetables, warm freshly baked bread, accompanied by butter and honey, were prepared. Beside them, a large pot of stew made from freshly harvested pumpkins and potatoes had been placed.
“Everyone, please come and take your food!”
Citizens and farmers approached the tables one by one to receive their portions. The noblewomen only frowned and did not move. Watching this, the Empress spoke to me.
“Miss Wentworth, shall we start by having a meal together?”
“Yes, the smell has been tempting me for a while, and it was hard to resist.”
“Hehe, I must admit I feel the same.”
The Empress stood at the very end of the line of citizens, and I stood beside her. She could have gone forward if she wanted, but she deliberately chose not to.
“Her Majesty, I heard you were unwell. Are you feeling better now?”
“Of course. I am fine now. Thank you for your concern.”
“That’s a relief. I hadn’t seen you for years and was really looking forward to it.”
“Now you will see me every year.”
As we waited in line, we occasionally received greetings from farmers and had friendly conversations. Then the Empress introduced me to them.
“This is Miss Wentworth. She will be the future Crown Princess, so please keep an eye on her. She will take over hosting this event in the future.”
The words sounded so natural that I was momentarily taken aback, but I bowed calmly.
“I am Amelia Wentworth.”
“Miss Wentworth, it is an honor to meet you.”
Thanks to the Empress’s introduction, they hesitated slightly at the name ‘Wentworth’ but greeted me warmly.
At the end of the line, the noblewomen who had previously not moved were now standing. It seemed that since the Empress stood in line, they could not ignore it, and the aroma of the food also made it irresistible.
When it was the Empress’s turn, she took a portion of stew and a piece of bread in a bowl and went to the table set on the stage.
“This food is made from the sweat and effort you have put in throughout the year. Please enjoy it and acknowledge each other’s hard work.”
“Her Majesty, please enjoy your meal!”
“Miss, please enjoy as well!”
The Empress sat on a chair, and I nodded slightly before sitting opposite her.
“Please, Miss.”
“Yes, Her Majesty.”
Since I was already hungry, I began eating. The taste was not extraordinary but sufficient to fill my stomach.
As the stew neared the bottom of the bowl and I was scraping the last bits with bread, I noticed the Empress’s gaze on me.
“Her Majesty?”
“You need not eat so much if it does not suit your taste, but your thoughtfulness for the farmers is truly admirable.”
“Oh… I see.”
I realized that the Empress had only pretended to eat and did not eat much herself. The other noblewomen had barely touched their plates as well.
Perhaps it really was not to her taste. Judging by her reaction, it seemed difficult for her to eat.
Even though the stew was a commoner-style dish, it was not inedible. I was truly hungry, but the Empress’s misunderstanding worked in my favor, so I did not correct it.
“It is made from crops harvested with effort, and it would be wasteful to leave it. I find it quite edible.”
“Oh, I feel a bit embarrassed. I left so much… my stomach is not feeling well.”
“It’s alright, Your Majesty! You were unwell until recently, so that is understandable. Just your presence here brings joy to the farmers.”
I moved the bowl from in front of the Empress to myself and calmly ate the stew from her plate as well. There were only a few spoonfuls left anyway.
After finishing the Empress’s portion, I put down my spoon.
“Thank you for the meal.”
“Seeing you eat so well is truly pleasing. It saves my dignity.”
I smiled gently in response.
One of the farmers who had come to clear the bowls looked surprised when they saw the empty dish.
“You ate it all?”
“Yes, the potatoes were perfectly fluffy. The herbs complemented them especially well.”
“These potatoes were grown by me… it’s an honor.”
“Oh, I see. Thanks to you, I enjoyed delicious potato stew.”
The farmer bowed repeatedly and left with the empty bowl. I kept my expression composed, conscious of the Empress’s gaze.
At that moment, two people—a mage and a farmer—pulled a cart to the center in front of the stage.
“We would like to showcase newly developed farming tools.”
As the announcer shouted, the farmers lifted two large sickles. The mage explained the demonstration.
“If you look at the handles, you can see magical symbols. These are magic sickles, which allow you to cut large areas of wheat with minimal effort.”
With the mage’s explanation, the two farmers swung the sickles over the wheat field. The stalks were cut effortlessly.
“Compared to conventional sickles, only a tenth of the force is needed, which will greatly reduce the farmers’ labor.”
While the mage proudly explained, a farmer raised his hand.
“But with magical tools, can they be used continuously?”
“Hmm, not exactly. Like most magical tools, a mage must recharge the mana regularly. One charge lasts about a week.”
