Chapter 76

“I see. In that case, I will return immediately. Could the young lady relay that directly to Her Majesty the Empress?”

 

“Th-that is…”

 

As I said this, I gave a meaningful look toward the maids-in-waiting. You heard that, right? Deliver it well to the Empress?

 

However, I couldn’t meet the maid’s eyes. She had her head bowed low and showed no sign of lifting it.

 

“Who can guarantee that you have no interest?”

 

And there’s always someone who tries to find fault.

 

“No one knows if breaking off your engagement with the young duke was all for this purpose.”

 

“Now that you mention it, didn’t you almost dance with His Highness on his birthday? And His Highness was the one who asked you first.”

 

“She must have seen it as an opportunity.”

 

Apparently, it was quite an enviable event, as gazes of jealousy and envy flew toward me. I sighed deeply and only drank my tea to soothe my burning stomach.

 

Just then, the person who caused all this trouble appeared. Everyone stood up and respectfully greeted her. The Empress scrutinized each of the young ladies with a cold gaze, like someone selecting meat at a butcher’s shop.

 

“Tsk. Take her out.”

 

I slightly raised my head when a sudden, chilling remark flew out. Then, the maid next to the Empress ordered a certain young lady to leave.

 

“She lacks even the basics. Who recommended this lady?”

 

That’s right. There was a reason why she invited them to greet her and then quietly watched. It was to observe their posture.

 

She must have made a mistake, perhaps her body trembling with nervousness. The young lady who was pointed out opened her mouth in dismay. And the maids quickly removed the chair she was supposed to sit in.

 

“Those who are unqualified have no right to sit here.”

 

What a formidable presence.

 

The young lady couldn’t utter a single protest and had no choice but to trudge away dispiritedly. The clearly demoralized young ladies cautiously looked around and took their seats.

 

Only the sound of tea being quietly sipped echoed, and finally, the Empress spoke. She posed questions individually to the young ladies seated in a circle. It was no different from an examination. She asked about their philosophies, what they were doing lately, and their families.

 

‘She’s tiring.’

 

I listlessly bit into a cookie. Then, it was my turn.

 

Ominously, she was wearing a much softer smile than when she spoke with the other young ladies. The Empress definitely intended to roast me alive.

 

“Lady Clies, I hear you’ve been through some difficult times recently. Causing quite a stir in society in various ways, haven’t you?”

 

‘And whose fault is that…’

 

However, I smiled with a bright expression. The Empress observed me with a snake-like gaze, as if she would thoroughly probe my inner thoughts.

 

“I heard rumors of a rift, but it seems that wasn’t true. Your complexion is good.”

 

One young lady, eager to impress the Empress, interjected.

 

“It’s a well-known anecdote that Duke Weiss and Lady Clies spent a pleasant time at the Petit Dessert shop.”

 

It hadn’t been long ago, but it seems everyone knew.

 

However, someone who heard that story sent a sharp glare toward the young lady who had laughed ho-ho. Who? The Empress.

 

“I don’t recall asking you a question, did I? I am already aware of that.”

 

“I-I apologize.”

 

“Well, it’s fine. I suppose you spoke because you were concerned.”

 

She uses the carrot and stick appropriately. She simultaneously warned them never to speak without her command and emphasized her gentle side. In my view, it was like a cat thinking about a mouse, but the young lady didn’t seem to think so.

 

“But no one knows what might happen in a person’s life.”

 

‘What…?!’

 

I was startled. A few others besides me seemed to have grasped the Empress’s meaning. I firmly preempted her.

 

“I have firm convictions and don’t change easily.”

 

The Empress naturally moved past my comment.

 

“Lady Clies, what are your plans for the future? If the Duke inherits the Weiss Dukedom, won’t you also become busy? You should build up your social network. Focusing solely on your company might not be ideal.”

 

I narrowed my brows. It seemed she took a step back because I came out strongly. What should I answer? I wanted a response that wasn’t rude but wasn’t too arrogant either.

 

However, it was the Empress who first provoked me.

 

“Your Majesty the Empress is correct. However, is the Duke’s position one that requires him to seek out and build his own people? Those who desire it come on their own accord.”

 

“…That is true.”

 

I spoke with a bright smile. Did she think I would simply say, “Yes, that’s right”? The words that would follow were too obvious.

 

“The Weiss Dukedom will be fortunate to have such a virtuous daughter-in-law.”

 

“Father and mother are very fond of me.”

 

I didn’t deny it. It was true, after all.

 

“Your Majesty the Empress, may I speak for a moment?”

 

“Hmm? Yes. What is it?”

 

“We are curious about the reason we have been gathered here. We worry that our lack of accurate instruction might disturb Your Majesty’s peace of mind.”

 

It seemed there was at least one young lady with a clear head. She looked at the Empress with serious eyes, wanting to know exactly why she was here.

 

“Hmm… Since you are the young ladies who will lead the next social circle, shouldn’t I personally verify who you are? And as a bonus, I intend to find a bride for my son.”

 

At that, the eyes of the young ladies who had been quietly listening changed. When the Empress explicitly stated it, they realized this was a far more important occasion. They looked around, regarding each other as rivals.

 

‘I wish they would exclude me from that…’

 

The young ladies intentionally tried to strike up a conversation with the Empress. Perhaps wanting to show off more, they began listing their accomplishments.

 

The Empress responded calmly, undoubtedly absorbing the information into her mind.

 

Meanwhile, a young lady who was displeased that I was quietly just drinking my tea asked a question.

 

“Lady Clies is so quiet. Even if you say you’re not interested, shouldn’t you not just sit still, considering who is in front of us?”

 

“It seems you don’t know how to navigate a conversation, as you’ve rarely attended tea parties.”

 

I delivered a sharp remark with a smile. Scary, very scary.

 

They seemed wary of words coming from the Empress, even if they were just passing remarks. The young ladies, clearly those the Empress had roughly chosen, were not pushovers. Even after that earlier incident, they intended to use me as a stepping stone.

 

I smiled broadly and countered. It’s one thing to say I don’t know why I’m here, and quite another to tolerate being picked a quarrel with.

 

“Then, shall I open my own bag of stories?”

 

The young lady who just picked a fight with me was rather foolish. She intends to make me open my mouth in a setting meant for showing off one’s accomplishments? Can’t she see the gloomy expressions of the others?

 

Though it’s awkward to say it myself, I know that the numerous things I’ve achieved are not ordinary. I confidently opened my mouth.

 

I spoke about the countless medicine formulas and management methods I had developed while belonging to the Grow Guild. Furthermore, I mentioned things like increasing the production of herbs to relatively lower the price for commoners who couldn’t afford expensive medicinal herbs.

 

From the perspective of nobles, they might think I didn’t know how to do business, but since my goal wasn’t just commerce, I could speak confidently.

 

“Indeed, that is remarkable.”

 

I felt my pride swelling.

 

“Trusting in the young lady’s ability, I have a request. Would you be willing to hear it?”

 

“…Yes?”

 

I was startled and stared blankly at her. And then I realized.

 

‘Ah, I fell into a trap.’

 

No, to be precise, it was closer to being dragged into it. The Empress was wearing a meaningful smile.

 

I averted my gaze and looked at the young ladies who had picked a fight with me. They quickly looked away, mindful of the Empress’s reaction.

 

She prepared two things, didn’t she? The Crown Princess matter and the Delta family matter. She’s a formidable person…

 

“…What are you referring to?”

 

“It is a favor I ask, holding your abilities in high regard. I hear that a matter causing quite a headache has occurred in the Delta family, who are my close associates. I’m told that the forest is drying up due to unknown factors. As a result, the lives of the people have become very difficult.”

 

I knew the number of the territory’s residents from Ben’s information, but I kept my mouth shut and pretended not to know.

 

“Is there a shortage of water?”

 

“If it were such a problem, I would have entrusted it to Bastien. But that’s not the case. Water is merely a temporary measure. Young Lady, I desire a complete and thorough solution. Can you help me? Even just a brief visit would be beneficial.”

 

“…”

 

So, it comes to this after all.

 

I nodded my head. It was the Empress’s command to at least go there, even if I couldn’t solve the problem.

 

“I will endeavor to meet Your Majesty the Empress’s expectations.”

 

“Good. You will travel with Bastien.”

 

Experiencing it firsthand is truly confusing. To think her attitude could change so drastically. No, what about when she was trying to kill me?

 

“…Yes, I will do my best.”

 

Evan is going to be angry about this again.

 

“Why Lady Clies, of all people…”

 

“Her Majesty the Empress shows her particular interest…”

 

The voices of the dissatisfied young ladies echoed in my ears. My life is anything but quiet.

 

Just then, a voice called out, “Mother!” from behind. The surroundings stirred.

 

It was Bastien. He seemed to have rushed over, judging by his haste. As Bastien appeared, the young ladies unnecessarily smoothed their bangs and dresses.

 

Bastien’s eyes met mine. His gaze, as he looked me up and down, was filled with worry. Could he have rushed over knowing that the Empress and I were meeting? Moreover, his expression is too intense, isn’t it?

 

I tilted my head in confusion. He even sighed softly, seemingly relieved when he saw me. It unnecessarily made me anxious…

 

“Bastien, what brings you here?”

 

“I was just passing by.”

 

Anyone could see that he had urgently called for the Empress. However, he claimed to have just stopped by while passing, with no particular business. The Empress slightly glared at him, proving that his statement was utterly unconvincing to her.