DYBAR - Chapter 102 < Last Tea Party In The Island (1) >

DYBAR - Chapter 102 < Last Tea Party In The Island (1) >

Do Your Best And Regret

#102. The last tea party in the islands (1) 2023.02.19.

Summer greenhouse garden at the Imperial Palace.

The awning casts a shadow. Underneath the drapes, preparations for the tea party were in full swing. The ladies in fancy dresses exchanged strange smiles every time they made eye contact.

The ladies were a little more explicit.

"You didn't go visited Her Highness the Princess during her illness, but you came here."

"Well, I guess that Young Lady was close to the Princess?"

"Everyone is following the Princess's affairs. You came with the desire to help. Isn't that right?"

Well-packaged words covered up the ladies' true feelings.

Who is not here is the Princess's faithful friend, the daughter of the Marquis of Libeorn, and the talkative Count Shamin. There were three people, including the Count's daughter.

Normally, the noble ladies here would have headed to the Princess's palace. But today was different.

The Emperor ordered Little Princess of  Madeleine who had not yet had her debutante to host a tea party.

The Emperor's order was to hide the embarrassed Princess. Is it for this purpose, or is it to show off the close relationship with the Madeleine duchy? Or is there some other reason?

Even though they exchanged a few words as if exploring each other, the true intentions of the Emperor and the Duke were unknown. Nevertheless, the reasons why noble ladies came to prepare for the tea party under the pretext of helping the Princess Madeleine were mostly similar.

The opportunity to make connections with foreign delegations, and n opportunity to gain the Princess's favor who loved by the Duke. 

When the sound of loud laughter spread, the ladies stared at one place with strange eyes, as if they had made a promise.

A red-haired knight standing weightily as if serving as a guard, the Duke's exclusive maid, and Ethella Madeleine smiling brightly as if attracting all the light. Among them, the thing that caught the most attention was Olivia Madeleine, the center of this summer's banquet.

"But should we really call the Eldest Princess a Lady? The second Princess is next to her like that. It's embarrassing."

At those words, most of the ladies snorted inwardly. What if it was a Young Lady? What if it was a Princess? 

What's important is that she, who was a child of low morals, turned her back on the imperial palace and the Madeleine duchy and yet proudly returned to the social world. She became the Grand Duchess 

precious reserve Grand Duchess. 

"..... And, when dessert comes out... Ethella, are you listening?" 

Olivia, who was pretending to clear up her thoughts and explaining about the tea party through her attributes, called out Ethella. Ethella, who was smiling brightly and not even listening, said in a hurry.

"I'm sorry, Sister. Because I can't believe I'm with my sister. Could you tell me again? This time, I'll listen carefully!" 

This morning, Olivia was really sad when Ethella said that she wouldn't be able to go to the coffee house together because she had to urgently prepare a tea party after lunch by order of the Emperor.

The consolation of Ethella, who was dressed up extravagantly as the host of a tea party, overlapped with that of Ethella, who was crouching on the day she visited the Grand Duke's residence. 

"You really owe a big debt to Her Highness the Princess. So you should not miss the opportunity to return the favor." 

Olivia's staring gaze continued. While people were busy moving about, Ethella's eyes darkened. 

"After hearing His Majesty's orders, I told him first that I was coming." 

It was an appropriate word as if to confirm that her feelings were not absurd. Swallowing her tingling heart, Ethella laughed a little.

 "Are you really okay? The Duke would never have sent you to the imperial palace." 

Ethella shook her head. And she pressed down on her heart that dared to raise her head. Meanwhile, Olivia looked at Ethella again. The worries about whether she could say it were meaningless. Just saying the Vikander command made her sister's face brighten.

 "It's okay. Because I'm going to Vikander Territory." 

"..."

Even though she said she would not take sides, Ethella pursed her lips. 

Idiot, idiot. 

Jad would have done so long ago. Unlike me, who could immediately contact her older sister and enter the Grand Duke Mansion, Jade was treated as if he did not exist. Jade also just stood still as if that was natural. 

Then suddenly, early in the morning, Ethella saw him in front of the sturdy main gate of the Grand Duke Mansion. The image of Jade standing guard comes to mind. 

Ethella caught Olivia's attention for a moment. Ethella steadied her trembling voice and looked at her sister's complexion.

She packaged it with vague words asking if she was okay, but if she seemed even the slightest bit burdened, Ethella had to see her off so she could go to the Grand Duke Mansion.

"I'm so glad that you came with me. Actually, I wasn't even expecting you to come with me. Are you okay?" 

While her feelings were being conveyed through the warmth, Ethella bit her lip and muttered softly. 

"I always wanted to come to an official event like this after my debutante. With my sister."

Ethella shrugged her shoulders and smiled as if she was embarrassed. When she saw that face, the inside of Olivia's throat felt stiff.

Although she had come a long way, she had the same wish.

In an official setting, proudly being together. Olivia swallowed the emotions rising up and said softly.

"Me too."

The end of her sister's voice trembled. Ethella's eyes slowly curved into half-moons as she looked at Olivia. Under the guise of silence, feelings of mutual respect were exchanged.

As if taking advantage of the opportunity, the noblewoman who was nearby came up to Ethella and spoke.

"Princess. Would you like to check the dessert order?"

She may not have social experience. It would be. Surprisingly, Ethella was skillfully preparing for the tea party. She seemed quite accustomed to dealing with noble ladies and Young ladies.

Maybe it was because she resembled the Duchess, who was called the flower of society. Olivia always thought she was the youngest, but it was a new surprise.

Three noble ladies took the lead and helped Ethella prepare.

Ethella couldn't be right next to me, it was an apologetic face, but I was okay. Rather, I thought it was the right time to back off.

Since Ethella was clearly trying to tell Jade's story earlier.

My face flashed for a moment as she remembered the Grand Duke. It became blurry.

Even though I didn't want to come to the Imperial Palace, it was better than seeing Jade standing guard in front of the gate so he could be seen so well.

At least, the Duke and Conrad who would be in the palace, won't talk to me.

The moment I was leaving the Grand Duke's residence, the face of Jade I met came to mind. He had an earnest face as if he wanted to say something, but he was immediately pushed away by Winster.

I shook my head. I then raised my hand and played with the magic stone on my necklace. Unnameable emotions were fluttering in my heart, but I had to not care.

My job today, as Ethella's older sister, is to prepare a tea party together.

While the ladies with extensive tea party experience were taking care of each and every detail, I examined the overall atmosphere with delicate eyes.

Then, with a stern expression, I called Dean, who was standing behind me, and whispered and added a few things.

"...... Please tell this to the Young lady Standing over there, Lord Szelin."

"Not the Princess, but the maid?"

Of course, he thought it would be delivered to the Princess, but the Lady she pointed to was a Princess named Veronica. She was a dedicated maid.

Dean asked back with a look of incomprehension. Olivia smiled and spoke affectionately as if informing a child.

"It's like that in social circles, Sir."

Dean pursed his lips. He doesn't know what she's saying, but it doesn't change that he has to leave the Young Lady's side. Dean looked around.

Unlike the ladies who had already surrounded Ethella, the gazes of the noble ladies who were trying to somehow make eye contact with Olivia were persistent.

"If I weren't there, wouldn't that pack of hyenas come over there?"

The comment dismissing the high-ranking noble ladies as nothing more than a pack of hyenas was pleasant, so Olivia rolled her eyes and smiled.

"It would be okay at least once before going back to Vikander."

"But...."

"Dean."

A firm voice called Dean's name. Beneath her straight gaze, there was a dignity that no one could carelessly manipulate. Only then did Dean realize who he had dared to worry about.

A Young Lady who had endured in this social circle for many years. 

Dean bowed his head and accepted the command.

"Yes, Miss. I will come back."

"Also, will take a break."

She means rest. However, at the next words, Dean smiled slightly without realizing it.

"If you keep winking like that, the maid over there might follow you to Vikander territory."

The Young Lady smiled mischievously yet sweetly. Dean laughed along with Olivia, without even noticing the blushing face of the maid who was spying on Dean in the distance.

When did she see his eyes getting soggy from the lens?

***

A little later, Howard and Winster had one more thing to brag about. Where else can you find such an attentive Young Lady? 

Dean walked with a cheerful face.

And as if Dean's words were a prophecy, the noble ladies who approached elegantly surrounded Olivia.

"Princess, no, Young Lady. Would you like a cup of tea?"

Looking at the eyes with an appropriate mix of curiosity, admiration, and jealousy, I looked at the seat they offered.

There was a chair and shaded by an awning. The most honorable seat with silverware and refreshments. When a seat that she could not hold even as the Prince's fiancée was spread out in front of me, I slowly raised my head.

While the noble ladies blinked for a moment at the sight of elegant elegance, Olivia Madeleine, whom they had always despised, graciously expressed her approval.

"Is that so?"

"She hasn't even had your debutante yet, but the way she handles the tea party is amazing."

"That's right. Because she was weak, she must have had little interaction with other ladies."

Nothing changed in this social circle. I suppressed my laughter as the conversation started with subtle compliments and flattering comments.

Ah, there was one thing that had changed. There was less dagger-like contempt.

It was funny. In the past, when I clung tenaciously to my family, the things I had always hoped for were only happening now that I had established my family.

As I lightly lifted my teacup, the noble ladies' eyes moved alertly.

"Now that I think about it, what happened to Marquis Ethel? Is he still under detention at the mansion?"

"I heard so. There isn't even any news from Lady Ethel.”

"It was careless. Where else in the world would do that in a place where foreign delegations gather?"

"That's right. His Royal Highness even approached the Duke, or rather, the Lady. Do you remember?"

On the table, the noble ladies of the Emperor faction and the noble ladies of the noble faction waited for my reaction with nervous and pounding hearts.

Lady Ethel. Therefore, no one knew what kind of humiliation Olivia Madeleine had suffered.

Now that the Crown Prince had shown feelings for me, the imperial faction and the noble faction had to move according to my actions. Of course, it was the Imperial faction that had the advantage.

So when I pursed my lips, the noble ladies of the Imperial faction drew a favorable line.

"Has it been confirmed when the delegation comes?"

"Yes, yes?"

However, the words spoken indifferently were different from the noble ladies' expectations. While they were hiding their looks of embarrassment, I smiled.

"The Princess is hosting this, but it is definitely a tea party at the imperial palace. Everyone put in so much effort that they even postponed visiting Her Royal Highness to visit with a feeling of regret."

"Why, She wouldn't come in the middle of a difficult conversation, right?"

The voice that ended with a mysterious ending was solemn. As soon as the words that walked the tight line between politeness and teasing ended, the noble ladies looked at me with sharp eyes, as if gauging.

The green eyes, which had always been the object of ridicule, actually suppressed the noble ladies' search and held firm. It twinkled brightly.

It was a time when silence spread as if it had been separated from the space of the ladies with their loud laughter.

"Her Majesty the Empress is coming!"

The noble lady's eyes became dizzy at the urgent voice. They had to face the harsh eyes of the Empress, who they thought would come later, right now. 

The noble ladies quickly stood up, preparing excuses.

***

"I see you, the Empress, on the moon of the Empire."

The Empress slowly looked around the garden. 

Even at a glance, it was a well-prepared tea party. The awnings in the colors symbolizing each country were placed on the table so as not to overlap. The flowers decorating the room, the neatly cleaned glass greenhouse windows, and even the angles of sunlight penetrating.

The skills of a Princess who had not even performed her debutante were so wonderful that it was hard to believe. The Empress could guess who was behind it even with her eyes closed.

Yes, Olivia Madeleine.

She bowed her head. The little jewel on her necklace sparkled. 

The Empress smiled beautifully at the jewel that caught her eye under the sun and gestured towards Olivia.

And when Olivia came closer, she spoke to Olivia in an eerie voice.

"You have said it yourself that you would never see me again."

"Yes. So, I'm going to go back today for the last time."

Her poisonous eyes glared at Olivia. She wanted to spit in her extremely aloof face, but many eyes were watching her.

Of course, Oliva was avoiding the Empress's gaze with a numb face right now, but The Empress smiled gracefully and bit Olivia. And she called Ethella affectionately.

"You have had a hard time, Princess. Oh my gosh, I can't believe you put so much effort into it. It must have been difficult."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Empress's mouth secretly twisted as her voice trembled. That's why the Duke is so cheap. The Empress said quietly.

"The Princess will come soon. Leave the difficult position to the Princess, and the Princess Madelaine also goes and rests."

Only then did Ethella raise her head.

This position was definitely an opportunity she took. A chance to solidify her position enough to stand up to the Princess who controls the social world. That way, even if she was with her sister like today, there would be no strange looks.

But like in front of the Empress, Ethella trembled like a rabbit in front of a poisonous snake. Her words tangled and lingered in her mouth. It was then.

"I apologize, Your Majesty the Empress. This is a tea party organized by His Majesty the Emperor's order to the Princess of Madelaine."

A low voice stood in front of Ethella. It was her older sister. Ethella looked like she was about to burst into tears. It was the same situation as last time.

Although Ethella wanted to help, she was barely protected. Ethella bit the inside of her mouth. Meanwhile, the Empress with a brightly smiling voice answered calmly.

"I will tell Your Majesty the Emperor, Lady."

The Empress's arrogant eyes looked down at Olivia. Olivia knew those eyes well. When first asked to help the Princess with her work, the Empress was meticulous in removing all traces of herself.

But now she was able to counterattack.

"Then, when Your Majesty the Emperor tells us to leave, we will leave then."

"What?"

The Empress raised her eyebrows fiercely. Olivia said calmly.

"Please understand that this is an order given to the Princess of Madelaine by His Majesty the Emperor."

"The tea party at the summer banquet is strictly the Princess's responsibility. Therefore, His Majesty will immediately accept my request."

Olivia smiled at the Empress's voice that fell with dignity. After a seemingly friendly smile, there was a provocation.

"Do you really think so?"

The Empress's mouth, which had been smiling beautifully, hardened at the low, whispering voice. Olivia smiled sweetly. And without getting permission, he went one step further.

It was Olivia's next words that interrupted the Empress's words, which were about to be sarcastic, asking if she had lost her manners.

"If you really care about Her Highness, you shouldn't touch me, Your Majesty."

"..."

Looking at her trembling lips, Olivia took two steps back again. And she spoke loudly so that everyone could hear.

"I am just telling you with a confused mind, wondering whether Her Highness the Princess, who fainted from the shock of yesterday, will be able to fulfill her duties as a host. That's all, Your Majesty."

The smooth words instantly made everyone present remember the Princess of yesterday. The Princess fainted after being humiliated.

The Empress's eyes were dizzy with anger.

"Olivi....!"

"Conrad Madeleine, meet your Majesty the Empress."

A soft voice came over the sharp voice of the Empress. Olivia wiped her smile.

A voice she was familiar with but didn't want to hear. A face she didn't want to see, whose identity she could immediately tell, looked at Olivia.

"Before the arrival of the delegation, I came first to inspect the tea party."

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