"Ha..."
It was a timely question. Cedella took a deep breath.
“What’s wrong, Lady Arpel?”
“I don’t have much time, so I’ll be brief. Please listen carefully.”
Everyone felt the ominous atmosphere and became tense.
“No matter what happens in the future, you must not be surprised, do not ask questions, and respond calmly.”
“Huh? What on earth are you talking about...'
“Um, so... To put it simply, from now on, Her Highness will use your quick reflexes and I think you can think of it as a test of your social skills. I'm sure you'll do a great job since everyone has their own unique way of keeping their composure."
The explanation was so insufficient. Anais and Olivier couldn't erase the puzzlement from their faces.
On the other hand, some people adapted quickly.
“Her Highness's test? How interesting. I will make sure I pass with the best grades. Hehe..."
Julia's green eyes sparkled with victory.
Meanwhile, in the powder room, Limona was changing clothes with the help of Eve and Lian.
“Eve, how about wearing this?”
Lian took a deep breath. The innocent voice calling me by my nickname was not good for my heart.
I was initially worried about Lian's condition, but now that she had gotten used to the situation, she focused on helping Limona with her makeup.
“Yes, Limona. The blue really suits you. It’s not too flashy, but just right.”
“Is this Miss Cedella’s dress? Can I wear something like this?”
“It’s okay since you gave permission.”
“By the way, Eve is really bad at tying ribbons. You look so neat and tidy. How strange. Are you a maid?”
I felt a pang. Limona, who found it suspicious, looked closely at my fingers, which were just fiddling with the ribbon.
This is to see how accustomed my hands are to chores.
At that time, Lian, who was good at improvising, saved me from danger.
“This, Eve is a maid who mainly serves tea to guests. She’ll be showing her hands to guests a lot, so she needs to take good care of them.”
“Oh, I’ve heard that story too. Thanks for telling me, Lian.”
“What is it? I’m glad the misunderstanding between us has been resolved.”
I opened my mouth, expressing my gratitude for the blessing of having Lian as my maid.
“Wait a minute, Limona. I’ll show you how delicious my tea is.”
“Okay. Then I’ll go quickly so the ladies can wait.”
"Yes."
Limona was accompanied by Lian on her way to the reception room. I waved my hand and saw them off.
“Ha, I guess I should prepare the tea now.”
“I will help.”
Michael, who had been waiting outside the dressing room, followed me. Soon, the scent of tea began to waft from the kitchen.
At that time, Limona, dressed in a blue dress, arrived in the drawing room. Cedella and the three guests were already sitting in their seats and chatting away.
Limona wanted to sing a song to greet them, but Cedella asked her to sit down. Julia told her why.
“The song will be later. There is still one person left. Because she didn’t come.”
"Yes."
Despite her somewhat reserved answer, Limona was quite surprised inside.
Although she just found out about Count Arpel today, she was familiar with the background of the guests invited here: Lady of Count Ameloth, Lady of Count Luciarr, and Lady of Count Yegrin.
This is because they were a family known for their influence in the imperial city of Hadelun.
Who on earth is this person whom these amazing people call 'Bun'?
As for Limona, there was no way to guess.
In the meantime, Olivier spoke to Limona in an affectionate tone. She was also respectful to Limona.
“I thought Miss Lund would only be seen in the salon of the Marchioness Sayre. This is an informal social gathering held at the Countess Arpel’s house. I never imagined that you would show your face in it.”
“Oh, yes.”
Limona was not accustomed to aristocratic speech. Julia interpreted the meaning behind Olivier's question.
“Lady Yegrin is asking what kind of relationship there is between Miss Lund and Lady Arpel.”
“Sorry, sorry. I didn’t know you asked.”
“It’s okay. We’re not used to each other yet. That's why it's like that."
Limona barely managed to calm her confusion and answered calmly.
“I am sponsored by Miss Cedella.”
At those words, the three guests' eyes widened.
“You mean, Miss Lund’s secret sponsor was Lady Arpel ?”
“Then, in effect, Her Highness is supporting Miss Lund.”
“My goodness. Her Highness, does she even have influence in the art world?”
“I just got goosebumps.”
"Me too."
This time, Limona opened her eyes wide.
“Her Highness?”
“Huh? Didn’t you know, Miss Lund? The Lady Arpel here is the exclusive maid of the 7th Princess. She is the closest confidant who represents the will of the Crown.”
Limona was so shocked that she froze, holding her breath deeply.
'Oh, royalty? And the 7th Princess at that?'
Only then did she understand the identity of her sponsor, whom even the Marquis of Sayre had not known. She was not just a member of the royal family, but she thought it was natural for the 7th princess to be so popular both inside and outside the palace.
As the shock wore off, the next thing that came was shame.
'I was playing the lead role in a musical based on my sponsor, right?'
Actually, at first, she thought that the 7th Princess had commissioned the Pegasus Troupe to create a musical based on herself for promotional purposes.
However, when the Pegasus Troupe was preparing a musical based on the motif of the 7th Princess was long before the day Limona met Eve at the festival market and miraculously got a sponsor.
When considering the chronological order, it was just a coincidence.
'Have you seen me playing the role of the Princess? You probably haven't seen it since it's a musical for commoners? But what if you have? Ugh..."
Limona's face turned bright red.
At that moment, Julia checked her watch and started complaining.
“By the way, when will Her Highness arrive?”
“Yes, it is. It’s been a while. She doesn’t show any signs of fatigue. Have you heard any news, Lady Arpel?”
"Well..."
It was when Cedella awkwardly avoided answering.
There was a sound of a tray being dragged across the carpet. The maid who had come in spoke in a clear voice.
“I’m sure you’re thirsty, so I’ll bring you some tea.”
!”
Anais, Julia, and Olivier turned their heads at the same time as if they had made a promise. A look of astonishment appeared in their eyes.
'Huh? Her Highness?!'
I pretended not to know and started doing a maid's work.
One by one, a three-tiered tray filled with sweet desserts and teacups was placed on the table by my hands.
My hands were slow and my movements were not as smooth as those of a professional maid.
It had an elegant feel to it that kept catching my eye.
Slurp.
The fragrant scent of flowers and mint rose harmoniously from Cedella's teacup.
I then approached the guests and filled their teacups one by one.
Olivier watched me tilting the teapot nearby with wavering eyes.
“Why, why are you here..."
“Lady Yegrin.”
Cedella gave her a warning by placing her index finger on the corner of her mouth and slightly shaking her head.
Thanks to that, Olivier remembered something she almost forgot.
'Oops! You said she was testing reflexes and intuition!'
She tried to believe those words at face value and responded calmly.
“Tea, the tea smells good.”
“It’s a black tea with a combination of peppermint and rosebud that helps to calm the mind and body.”
“Yes. Mental and physical stability... That’s a really good effect.”
Next up was Anais.
Her pupils were trembling just as much as Olivier's before.
“It’s hot, so be careful, Lady.”
“Yes... No, okay. Okay, thank you.”
Only Julia showed a very natural way of dealing with the situation.
“Wow, this is a truly unique and flavorful tea. Did you make it yourself?”
“Yes, that’s right, Miss.”
“It’s a talent that I always want to keep by my side. What do you think? Why not try working for the Marquis of Ameloth?”
“I owe you a favor. Please understand that I cannot leave Count Arpel’s house until you force me out.”
“That’s a jealous remark. But I don’t intend to give up easily. I’ll come by often, so if you change your mind, just tell me.”
She was indeed a man who boasted that she would pass the test with the best score.
Finally, I went to Limona and whispered to her while serving her tea.
“You can start eating the desserts on the top shelf of the tray. And the flowers floating on the tea are not for eating. It’s a decoration.”
“Oh, I see. Thanks for letting me know.”
I, having finished what I had to do, retreated to the wall with a greeting.
“Then, I hope you have a pleasant conversation.”
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