Chapter 13: 13 Tea Ceremony in ivy

The work of Luly and her friends was fast and sure. Before noon, they obtained the approval of the three "nominees" and decided to gather in the east courtyard during the afternoon tea time in secret. While not mentioning Deanna's name, she whispered, "Someone who is concerned about the current state of the palace would like to meet and talk with you," and got them to nod.

Deanna went there a little early with Rita and Lurie to prepare the tea. As the courtyard was no longer in use, she thought it would be a good idea to do a little cleaning, so she borrowed a maidservant from Rita.

I'm sure you'll agree that it's very practical to dress up as a maidservant, rather than inconspicuously.

"If it's inconspicuous and practical, it kills two birds with one stone, doesn't it?

Before that, have you already decided that Deanna-sama will clean and prepare the tea?

A daughter of a good family doesn't usually do that, does she?　I'm not sure what to say. The three of them sneak off to the courtyard, but that's the only thing they can't agree on.

We're not going to slow you down, you know.　We've always been short on staff, so it was normal for me to make my own tea, and I cleaned up after myself where it mattered.

"You're especially good at cleaning the garden, Miss Diana.

Your mother loved it.

...... No, that's not the point. What do you mean, the Count's family is short-staffed?

I'm not sure if there are many people who would want to work for the nefarious Cresta family.

Lurie was wisely silent at Deanna's question.

I'm not sure how many people are going to want to serve the Cresta family. It's not like there are more people.

"Sometimes people who come in without knowing anything will either turn tail and run away at the interview stage, or put their guts up and work hard for a month.

"If someone comes in who doesn't know anything, you're taking a gamble. You're betting on how hard the new guy will work. ......

I'm always hoping that he'll see the truth about you.　I'm sure you'll find out the truth about your husband!

...... Oh, that's right. You can't be too hard on yourself when you're trying to hit the big time.

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It's already crumbling, isn't it?　We are too different from the rumors and the reality.

The only thing that matches is the name and the title, right?

I wish there were more people like Lurie who would take a good look at us.

I wish there were more people like Ruly who would take a good look at it. ...... It's not easy.

I'm not sure what to say. Deanna nodded and chuckled.

I don't mind, though. It's not that we're short on staff, but we're not short on people. I'm sure there are people out there who are willing to take a look, even if there are only a few.

It would be nice if the ...... 'named' people could join us.

Really.

I'd be in serious trouble if they didn't.

The corridor breaks off and leads to a deserted courtyard. What was once a beautiful place now consisted of only a few deserted tables and chairs. The grass and trees are overgrown, and it looks as if something is about to come out.

For now, let's make it possible to have a tea party. Rita, Lurie, please.

Yes.

Thank you.

At Deanna's command, the three of them began to move at once.

§ § § § § §

The three of them, Lurie, who had been working at the palace for a long time, Rita, who had been a maidservant ever since she could remember, and Deanna, who was a daughter of a noble family but was always counted as a helper due to lack of manpower, worked together to make even the most desolate places visible. A haunted house becomes just an old abandoned house, but progress is progress.

If you cover old tables with cloths, put cushions on the chairs to make them more comfortable, and arrange a tea party set, you can make it look like a fashionable place. I didn't have time to trim the ivy around the table, but only pulled out the weeds around the table.

When the three of us were almost out of breath. The sun was setting and it was time for afternoon tea.

Are you sure it's ......?

It should be. ...... Luly, are you there?

Yes, I'm here. This way, please. Watch your step.

The first one to show up was Laetitia. As a businesswoman's daughter, she's always five minutes early.

Did you call us?

"Yes. Well, the man I work for, to be exact.

Oh. Where is he?

I'll introduce you when you're all here.

As she took her seat, Laetitia looked around curiously. She probably didn't know that there was such a place in the palace until today.

Leticia looks a little uneasy. It may be natural for her to be alone in such a place.

However, Leticia's anxiety did not last long.

"Oh, Miss Letitia.

"Master Yolanda, Master Raia!　Are you two here too?

"I have invited you here today, Miss Waterlilies, Miss Bellflower, and Miss Violet. Please, come this way.

With Ruly's guidance, the newly arrived Raiya and Yolanda also took their seats. When the three "famous" people were all together, Rulie bowed with perfect manners.

I apologize again and again for the informal manner in which I have invited you all. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude. Thank you very much for coming.

Did you invite us?

No, my Lord.

Luly smiled.

My Lord asked me to ask you, my friends. I asked my friends to speak with you in secret.

"Yes. That's what I asked Luly to do. I'm sorry you feel uncomfortable, but please don't blame her. Blame me.

As she said this, Diana stepped forward and removed the hat from her head. Her hair came undone and her bright blonde hair flowed down her back.

The three "Named" all gasped in unison.

"Di, Deanna-sama ......?

"Yes. I'm very sorry to have called you here. I really didn't want anyone else to know that I had met you.

...... We decided to meet you because we heard that you were concerned about the current state of the palace. That's ...... Diana, is that you?

Yes.

Deanna nodded clearly.

It is understandable that you do not believe me. I'm not sure what to make of that. But ......, this is also necessary to maintain the balance of the palace.

Not to beat the Peony Faction, but to keep them at bay: ....... You dare to take this position so that the conservatives and the revolutionaries can maintain their balance?

That's right. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to do with the money you have and how you're going to do it.

"In other words, Diana-sama was sent here from the beginning to regulate the disputes in the inner court?

It was Raia who hit the nail on the head. I'm not sure what to say.

I'm sure there were many reasons for this, and some of the vassals were expecting it.

And yet, Deanna-sama: ....... I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a little concerned about this. It is rumored that the Cresta family has finally taken control of the center?

"Oh, that rumor is bullshit. In fact, 80% of the rumors related to the Crester family are false. Please don't take it seriously.

"...... What do you mean?

Master Letitia, Diana is not what she seems to be, is she?

Yolanda joined the conversation, smiling. Her beauty is gentle and serene, but she has an amused glint in her eyes.

That's ...... what I thought. I've only talked to her a few times at tea parties, but she's not as extreme or outrageous as people say.

Even if she is doing terrible things behind the scenes, in a place like the Imperial Palace, rumors will soon spread. The only rumors about Diana are that her Majesty favors the Red Rose, and what Leticia said earlier. There are no rumors that Deanna herself has had anything to do with it.

Yes, ......, does that mean?

This is just a guess on my part and Raia's part, but ....... It's just a rumor that Deanna and the Cresta family are bad people. The truth is something else, isn't it?

At Yolanda's speculation, Deanna, Rita, and Lurie all clapped their hands.

"That's wonderful, Master Yolanda. How long have you been aware of this?

"I've known something was wrong with you since the day you made your debut in society, Diana. She didn't seem to be as obsessed with men as the rumors said she was.

"In fact, she seemed to take a dim view of the empty people who came to her. I'm sure you've heard the rumors that she's got her eye on some big fish.

"I've been there, and so has Mariah, the 'flower of society'. I'm sure you've heard the rumors. I know that Master Deanna is not like that.

And that's what I inferred from my observations. The two "flowers of society" lived up to their name with their calm and observant eyes.

However, Deanna was aware that both Raia and Yolanda were not that afraid of her. While there were many ladies who kept their distance from her, these two ladies would greet her and make small talk with her whenever they met. They are older than Deanna and have been very kind to her, so it doesn't surprise me that they are aware of the truth about the Cresta family. I am grateful for that, though.

I'm glad you see it that way, and are not fooled by my face. ......

"You have a very misleading face, Diana. Both your father and your brother.

It runs in the family. I've given up.

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...... So all the rumors about the Cresta family doing bad things behind the scenes and being involved in most of the kingdom's misdeeds are false?

"Master Laetitia, please think calmly. Who would like to do something as unstable and troublesome as a gambling game like that?

If you look into her eyes and ask her earnestly, Leticia will deflate into a heap.

...... What was all your father's effort...?

"Oh, what have you been up to?

There were rumors that he was trying to steal the profits. We had to make sure that no new crops or special cultivation methods were leaked.

"It's a waste of time to try to steal crops from someone else's territory with a completely different climate. We don't have the time to spend on things that won't work.

"Good for you, Master Laetitia.

Yolanda was perfectly amused by what she thought were words of congratulation. Letitia nodded somehow and looked at Diana.

So the Cresters didn't want you in their court, did they?

My mother tried to smash my father's head with a vase when he brought the notice home.

Oh, Master Elizabeth ....... Oh, Miss Elizabeth! Such a thing would not have revoked the notice.

It's not a situation that can be avoided by the head of the family.

Yolanda and Raia's impressions are reasonable, but at the same time, they are somewhat off. I'm not sure what to make of that.

"Dear Diana, you can't be a queen .......

I don't want it. It's too much trouble, and my pride will not allow me to become the wife of someone I don't love.

Oh, you don't like His Majesty?

Didn't she seem nice at the soiree?

I'm going to declare this to Raia and Yolanda once and for all.

I was merely smiling at the fact that His Majesty, who had not listened to me when we first met, was gradually becoming more and more capable of listening to others. I may be pleased with your growth, but it is impossible for me to love you as a man.

"I see. It is true that you are a good looking man. But you don't care for him enough.

Oh, Yolanda, you could have said it better. You have no sense of humor. You're inconsiderate. You can't read the back of the book, you're too self-absorbed. ....... I don't think he's a good man.

Lia: ....... I don't care how unpopular you are, you're talking out of your ass.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's a bit of a jerk. It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your vacation.

"Dear Raia, Dear Yolanda: ....... You can't do this. I'm not sure what to say.

"Master Letitia, is that supposed to be a follow-up?　It's not. ...... And in a way, it's the rudest thing you can do.

Yeah, ......, is that right?

I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure it's a good idea. ...... It seems that Leticia is a natural girl with a lot of common sense. I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

I'm not sure what to make of this. I would rather not have your favor or the title of queen.

I understand you very well. I understand very well what you are saying. ...... But you didn't go through all this trouble just to declare that, did you?

"Yes, Miss Raia. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do this, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.

Raia, Yolanda, and Leticia returned my gaze with a strong glow. I'm not sure if you'll be able to find a way to do this, but I'm sure you can.

"Cooperation?　How exactly?

Are you asking me to join the Red Roses?

No, I don't want you to join. It would greatly disrupt our power. Please maintain your current stance of not joining either the Red Roses or the Peonies. And behind the scenes, I want you to find out who in the side chambers doesn't want this kind of factional warfare, and let me know.

And that's regardless of faction?

Yes. There must be people in both Peony and Red Rose who don't really want to fight, but are reluctant to join a faction because they can't resist the flow of events around them. At least, I know someone who does.

Deanna didn't just live in obscurity. In the event that you're not sure what to do, you can always ask your doctor. The Red Rose Faction was originally formed out of anger over being scorned by the Peony Faction, and there are a surprisingly large number of daughters who do not like conflict under normal circumstances.

I'm sure you'll be able to find something that will help you out.

...... You're sure it's going to be rough, aren't you?

I'll try to delay it as long as I can, but it will come.

"Is it because you saw a young lady in a different light at the soiree last night?

No one in the room was surprised by Yolanda's words. That means that Shayla is at least known to the people here.

There's no point in keeping it a secret. Deanna nodded gracefully.

"Baroness Shayla Callerd. She's one of the ladies in my entourage from an upstart noble family. She is not a member of the Red Rose faction at this time.

...... Troubling. I don't think His Majesty will be able to put up with him, judging from the way he acted at the ball.

I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with that. If Liliane finds out about this, she will start a violent campaign against you.

"Master Shayla is a rising noblewoman. As for the Red Rose Faction, they have no choice but to move to the defense. ......

There are some radicals in the Red Rose Faction who believe that His Majesty's favor should be focused on me, the top of the faction. It is possible that we will have our hands full trying to keep them from going out of control.

If ...... is the case, we'll need a third secret force, one that isn't the Red Rose or the Peony.

I've never been given a named room. The conversation between the four of them was very smooth. The conversation between the four of them is very smooth, and the fact that they know what they're talking about makes it more of a verbal confirmation.

The third force must not be allowed to come to the fore. It will lead to a three-way conflict and further confuse the palace. Just keep it behind the scenes. I'm asking for a force that will protect Master Shayla and maintain order in the palace. I ask you all to help me.

Looking each of the three "Named" in turn in the eye, Diana bowed deeply. I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.

"Of course, Master Diana.

"If you want to maintain the balance of the palace and calm the strife. "Of course, Master Diana.

You do not have to carry this burden alone, Master Diana. Please allow us to help you.

When I looked up, I saw three young ladies smiling at me.

Thank you, ......!　If it were true, there are many problems that could be solved with a single word from His Majesty.

There's no point in hoping for your Majesty. The Inner Palace is a garden for women. We have to do something about it ourselves.

Yes, Master Diana!

We must work together to keep the palace running smoothly.

"Let's work together to make the palace run smoothly. Yolanda tilted her head.

"Oh, by the way, Your Highness, Shayla, ....... What does she think of you, Your Majesty?

"Well. If she doesn't like you, then you have to protect her from you.

No, I don't think she hates you. Just ......

"I don't understand. I don't know what you're thinking.

"I don't know what you're thinking," Shayla's voice came back to me from the corridor on the night of the soiree.

I know you are a thoughtful and kind man. You did not untie my clothes when you saw me frightened. He said, "I'll wait until Shayla feels that way.

Who are you talking about?　It's a secret between us.

It's a secret between us that I thought, "Who's that?" Even though I don't perform the duties of a lady's chamberlain, His Majesty comes to see me every day and is ...... so kind. I knew it was just a whim, but...

It's not so much that he's kind, but that he's simply confused about his first love and doesn't know how to deal with it, and as a result, he's sluggish,.......

I'm not sure I understand what you're thinking anymore. I'm not sure why you were talking to me in such a public place.　Why did you speak to me in such a conspicuous place, saying things like, 'Don't let Krester get to you. It is only natural that His Majesty has feelings for the Red Rose, but ...... you think that I am just a whim, a passing fancy?　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a bit of a jerk.

Isn't that too much to think about?　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

Don't worry, I'm not thinking about anything. It's the nature of His Majesty to move as he pleases and not to be self-conscious.

"Don't let Krester get to you"?　I don't know who said that. ...... This makes it even harder for me to talk to Shayla without changing my voice!

And Shayla, you think too much, you think too much. Your Majesty is a man who can only speak out of both sides of his mouth. You're right, she thinks House Clester is in danger and she just wanted to warn you.

I'm also sorry to the Red Rose. ....... I don't know what His Majesty's feelings are anymore, nor do I know what my own feelings are.

At any rate, I'm not sorry at all.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it. I'm sorry you had to go through that.

It was a tough time. ...... Deanna thought back on it fondly.

"Just ...... what?

"What do you know about it?

The three of them were waiting for Deanna to continue.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I don't dislike it, but there's too much uncertainty about it for me to like it. ......

"Oh, ........ Then we'll just have to wait and see.

"I have a feeling that His Majesty is going to make a fool of himself sooner or later, and he's going to hate me definitively.

"You're very clear, Diana.

"You're very clear, Deanna-sama." The sound of friendly laughter echoed. The laughing is the content of the content.

After this day, the tea party in the hidden place in the ivy began to be held frequently, and information was exchanged.

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