n

n

n

nThe tea party went on for an unexpectedly long time, mostly because it took a long time to bid the young ladies farewell. Even as they said their good-byes, no one took the initiative to leave. Everyone wanted to stay with Rosaline for a little more.

nThere were several who agreed with that particular noble about idolizing her, and it somehow evolved into a competition of who knew about and liked her more.

nRosaline, openly admired by a crowd for the first time, felt a headache coming on.

n“You should host another tea party,” Mrs. Becky advised her as she happily watched the scene.

nThey were usually busily gossiping about others in gatherings. It wasn’t that their young hearts were malicious, but… it did seem immature, especially to those who had grown older.

nHowever, today’s tea party didn’t have any of that. It was all praise toward Rosaline. Occasionally, when those who knew more told stories about her, the conversation would even touch upon the politics relevant to the story.

n‘This is how scary a person’s good influence can be.’

nMrs. Becky considered the positive change if this atmosphere, this interest in governance, would spread to the other noble children.

nRosaline covered her mouth. “Another tea party?”

nThe older woman nodded, maintaining a gentle smile.

n‘Oh my goodness! I didn’t plan this. His Majesty…’

n“I know what you’re worried about. May I dare offer a piece of advice, Secretary Rosaline?”

nRosaline’s cheeks grew hot from the humble words. The woman had attended as a chaperone, but that didn’t mean she had to lower herself like such.

nThe young ladies quieted down, curious about the conversation between Rosaline and Mrs. Becky.

n“His Majesty will do whatever you want, so you can just ask him.”

n“What?” Rosaline asked, the polite mask of etiquette slipping.

n‘Ask for whatever I want? From Cahir? I don’t have a death wish!’

n“Trust me, Secretary Rosaline. Those of us who have lived for a long time can see these things. So, should we prepare the next tea party together?”

nThe eavesdropping ladies reacted, and before she knew it, it had been promised.

n***

n“Your Majesty, thank you,” she said as they walked together.

nThe young ladies had practically organized the next one themselves.

n“Did you like it?”

nWell, not at first, but it didn’t turn out to be that bad. Besides, Rosaline had to ask for another one.

nShe hesitated, wondering if Cahir, who hated noise, would think she was asking to do something complicated again. But she decided to trust in Mrs. Becky and draw courage from the happiness of the noble children.

n‘Also, that orange-flavored dessert was perfect. I’ll have to remember to take some home with me the next time, which means… there has to be a next time.’

n“Your Majesty, I have something to tell you.”

n“What is it?” Cahir took off his crown, golden hair fluttering.

n“I think we should hold another tea party.” Rosaline’s eyes darted to his face.

nHis eyes were narrowed, and his jaw seemed tight.

n‘Oh.’

nMrs. Becky was wrong. It was to be expected, but she was somehow disappointed.

n“Fine.”

n“What? Your Majesty? You’re fine with it?”

nHe didn’t look like it, though? Cahir’s mouth was still set in a firm line. But he gave permission…

n“Do whatever you want, Rosaline.”

nHis words caused ripples in her heart, spreading further and further.

n“But…” He stopped and looked back at her.

n“Your Majesty, please speak.”

n“Earlier. I asked you something and you haven’t answered yet.”

n“What? When was that?”

nCahir put a finger to the corner of his eye and let it trail down.

nHer tears! Rosaline wanted to hide her face in shame.

n“I asked who made you cry,” he reminded her.

nShe bit her lower lip.

n‘I can’t tell you even if I die. I can’t just say that I cried because I was worried about you!’

nIt was… excessive maternal love. What if rumors of overprotectiveness came out?

nShe shook her head.

n“Are you really not going to tell me?” Cahir scratched his forehead.

n“Ah, there was just dust in my eyes!”

nHe smirked. “Rosaline, what are you even saying? And you’re biting your lips again.”

nUgh, his timing was always so…!

nRosaline met his eyes guiltily.

nHis glare cooled. “You don’t even want to lie to me. Do you hate thinking of that person so much that you’re annoyed just thinking about it? To the point where you don’t want to say it?”

nThat wasn’t it…

n“Never mind. I’ll figure it out. Anyway, I’m going to kill them once I do, so don’t stop me.”

n‘That means you’ll have to kill yourself!’

n“You’ll never be able to find them.” She smiled bitterly at his back.

n***

nTime passed. After Cahir had announced that the empress selection could begin, meetings were held every day without break. The nobles seriously discussed what they would do. It was obviously a bid for power, so it was important to determine who the choices would be.

nThe empress’ power was small compared to the emperor’s but it had a symbolic meaning. At the very least, Cahir could not openly ignore her opinions in public. This in itself was an advantage.

nRosaline didn’t like the behavior of these nobles. She hoped the empress would be independent, not backed by an agenda. She hoped the empress could get her position through her own merits.

n‘That way, the foundations won’t shake.’

nShe recalled the original story. Azela’s plans continued until after Ella became empress. In the end, the empress dowager had possibly conspired with other nations.

nThe Ella of that time was just a good and tender person who hoped Cahir and Azela would get along. Perhaps, the Ella of now had chosen Azela because she was acquainted with the character before.

n‘His Majesty must have had a hard time.’

nCahir had been so cold to Ella at the tea party the last time that Rosaline had wondered if winter had returned.

n‘I’m just a side character, but there have already been so many changes. How many more will happen?’

nThere was a shadow on her face.

n“The first criteria for empress is that she should have a strong enough family to support her.”

nRosaline’s scattered focus went back to the discussion at hand. Family.

n“No.” She raised her hand, calling their attention.

nShe had met most of the eligible young ladies at the tea party. Looking at family status alone, it was highly likely that they would choose Lady Rose of the Dukedom of Floria.

n“Hmmm…” Rosaline chuckled.

nLady Rose had a beautiful appearance and an elegant character that would be desirable in an empress. However, she was easily swept away by others. She was indecisive while choosing refreshments, picking one when recommended and setting it down when recommended something else.

nWhat if she treated politics the same way?

nRosaline shook her head firmly.

n“Secretary Rosaline, did you get any advice from His Majesty?” asked the Duke of Pasita.

nShe had tried to broach the subject, but he had always responded that he was in a hurry.

n“Not quite.”

nThe duke sighed. As expected, the emperor was uninterested.

n“Then what does Secretary Rosaline think? You have to give your opinion too, not just disagree,” said Hamburg. He wasn’t really a good participant in these meetings, but the Duke of Pasita invited him anyway since it was unlikely that he would have any ulterior motives.

n“I have yet to think about what the criteria should be, but the judges in charge of choosing the future empress should be fair. That’s why I want the neutral state of Berlos to participate.”

nThe hall buzzed. The family heads who wanted to produce the next empress were particularly heated.

n“Stop.” Duke Pasita shushed the room. “Has the priest from Berlos agreed?”

n“I haven’t asked yet. Besides, while intentions are important, the most important thing is the will of those who will lead the Aetheus Empire, right?”

n“What do you all think?” Taking advantage of the silence, Duke Pasita directed the question to the aristocrats.

nThey bit their tongues and looked away in avoidance, knowing that what Rosaline said was correct. However, as she said, Berlos wouldn’t be the deciding factor in appointing the new empress, they would be more of a deterrent against bribing the judges in the first place.

nSome who were already planning to do just that couldn’t keep the disapproval off their faces.

n“…Sounds good,” said Hamburg, and very small noises of grumbled agreement followed.

nThe atmosphere was now vastly improved.

n“Secretary Rosaline, will you handle the new building?”

n“Yes, I’d be happy to do that. His Majesty… will surely be pleased with the fair decision-making of the people here.” She smiled.

nAmong the nobles, Count Shimura, who secretly sponsored Ella, had the darkest expression.

n