Episode 59. Results of the First Competition
I blurted out the excuse that Prince Kydel had taught me in one breath. I said that I had urgently gone to the orphanage due to a donation issue and had slept there.
“Where is the orphanage?”
“It’s a yeti near the capital. I hired an errand boy to tell the palace about my situation, but he seems to have taken all the money. I’m sorry, Your Highness. This is my first time working as a maid, so...”
I groaned and pretended to feel sorry.
She looked at me with a suspicious look and said,
“I’ll send someone to the orphanage to check.”
“Go ahead, Your Highness. But make sure you ride a horse. As I told you, the road conditions are bad.”
It seemed like the Princess had decided to let it slide because I had answered so shamelessly. It was also because she was in a good mood thanks to the last charity article.
“Don’t let something like this happen again.”
“Of course, Your Highness! Aren’t you going to have a tea party today?”
She pretended to hesitate and hid her joy.
“Will that be so?”
I quickly contacted the ladies and ordered food from the kitchen.
The topic of conversation at the tea party today was, of course, the stolen ‘Red Tears’.
The two ladies who attended the Riley Auction were talking nonstop about the auction.
It was a closed auction, so only those who attended knew what was going on, and everyone was focused.
They praised the ‘Red Tears’ until their mouths were dry. I didn’t know because I came back just before the main auction started, but I had seen the ‘Red Tears’ in person on the pirate ship.
I couldn’t agree with their descriptions, but it was true that it was an amazing necklace.
Realizing that they had only talked about the necklace, one of the ladies looked at the Princess and said,
“But if it was heated, it was the Princess’s charity auction.”
“Of course, because the Princess’s ring sold like hotcakes!”
I knew that another lady had won the Princess’s ring, but she didn’t seem to want to talk about it.
It didn’t seem like she was hiding it out of shyness, so I thought maybe she had bought it to lie to everyone around her and say she had received it as a gift from the Princess. I had heard the palace maids talk about similar incidents.
“It was truly incredible. I almost cried because I was so touched by the Princess’s kind heart!”
Even without Keryl, the embarrassing flattery continued.
The Princess stared at me blankly while listening to them. It seemed like she was trying to confirm whether the young ladies’ words were true or not through my reaction.
So I straightened up and made the expression of a sincere maid.
One of the young ladies, who lost concentration, said,
“By the way, have you decided what dress to wear to the Emperor’s birthday party? I’m still thinking about it.”
“Oh, me too! I just can’t decide.”
As the conversation flared up again, I felt the Princess glance at me and avoid eye contact.
I couldn’t be sure, but I thought she was probably upset.
Even though the birthday party was mentioned, none of the Tea Party members were worried about the competition.
***
The end of the first competition.
We all grew up like we did during the appointment ceremony and headed to the State Hall.
A long table was set up in front of His Majesty the Emperor and his wife. It was where the birthday gifts, the competition task would be presented.
“Your Royal Highnesses, please present your birthday gifts to His Majesty the Emperor in order.”
When His Highness Orl stepped forward at the words of the servant, Viscount Rene followed behind carrying a thick wooden box the size of a book.
He placed it on the table and said.
“His Highness the Little Sun of the Empire, Prince Orl, presented the elixir of life obtained from beyond the Catalina Mountains. He overcame the difficulty of obtaining the legendary herb with only his sincere wish for His Majesty’s eternal glory and health.”
I was quite embarrassed. In fact, I was terrified.
It seemed that I had to present the gift and give an explanation, but I didn’t have the confidence to say something so long and awkward!
Her Majesty the Empress exclaimed.
“Oh, my goodness. The elixir of life of Catalina! It must not have been easy to obtain such a precious thing. How could you have done such a thing?”
He placed it on the table and said.
“His Highness the Little Sun of the Empire, Prince Orl, presented the elixir of life obtained from beyond the Catalina Mountains. He overcame the difficulty of obtaining the legendary herb with only his sincere wish for His Majesty’s eternal glory and health.”
I was quite embarrassed. In fact, I was terrified.
It seemed that I had to present the gift and give an explanation, but I didn’t have the confidence to say something so long and awkward!
Her Majesty the Empress exclaimed.
“Oh, my goodness. The elixir of life of Catalina! It must not have been easy to obtain such a precious thing. How could you have done such a thing?”
She bowed her head slightly as if showing humility.
The elixir of life of Catalina, did that really happen?
I completely lost my will to fight. Her Majesty the Empress’s exaggerated praise clearly showed favoritism.
At this rate, Her Majesty the Empress might have belittled and laughed at me when it was my turn.
His Majesty the Emperor did not agree with Her Majesty the Empress’s boastfulness, but responded cheerfully.
“Oh, your intentions are admirable.”
When Prince Orl stepped back, Prince Grayon and Prince Kydel stepped forward. However, Prince Kydel was empty-handed.
I swallowed my saliva involuntarily because I was nervous.
As Prince Kydel himself said, the incident was strictly an illegal military action. But how to report it...
Prince Kydel took an envelope out of his bosom and placed it on the table.
The attendant handed it to His Majesty the Emperor, who looked at Prince Grayon curiously.
Then Prince Kydel explained.
“The birthday gift from His Highness the Second Prince Grayon is a voucher for the Zebron Hotel, Your Majesty.”
He finished his simple explanation and stepped back.
My palms became sweaty as I looked at His Majesty the Emperor’s mouth.
After a moment, His Majesty nodded.
“The gift was accepted. Grayon.”
Prince Orl’s expression became sensitive as he looked at me from one side. I took a deep breath and controlled my tension.
It was our turn next.
I walked slowly after Her Highness Milliora. My steps were more cautious because I was carrying a large box in my arms.
I carefully placed the box on the table and opened the lid.
The servant looked at the many letters and notes inside and looked at me in confusion.
'What do you want me to do with this?'
I took out the letters the children had written crookedly one by one and read them.
How much trouble I had to go to each orphanage to get those letters!
"'Happy birthday, Your Majesty the Emperor! Your Majesty, the Emperor is the best! ', 'The Emperor is the best. Live long. ', 'The bread is delicious, Your Majesty, the Emperor. ', 'I want to grow up quickly and work in the palace. '"
I put the letters I had finished reading back into the box, looking around. The eyes focused on me were so heavy that I coughed slightly.
I glanced around and saw that Her Highness the Princess had also flushed with tension.
I strained my stomach and said.
“Her Highness Princess Milliora auctioned off her jewelry and donated all the proceeds to the orphanage. Her Highness Princess Milliora presents a congratulatory letter written by the children there. Not only Her Highness Princess Milliora, but also hundreds of children from the farthest reaches of the empire join us in congratulating His Majesty the Emperor on his birthday.”
The rich are loyal to their own interests. The people fear the powerful and are loyal to them, but they secretly hate them.
It seems easy to gain the sincere favor of people, but it is never easy.
I did not want Her Highness the Princess to win this contest.
Even if I wanted to, I couldn't obtain gifts like those of Our Highness the Princes.
I wanted to restore her honor from the ring incident and prove that she was a proper member of the royal family who could influence the public sentiment, even if only a little.
Now was the time to make that decision.
Her Majesty the Empress said softly with a stern face.
“A letter...”
At that moment, His Majesty the Emperor burst into laughter. When he held out his hand, the attendant took the box, and His Majesty put his hand in and took out a letter.
“This little boy wants me to live to be a hundred. Is this how I feel when I see my grandchild?”
At His Majesty’s laughter, Her Majesty the Empress quickly changed her expression.
“Oh my, Your Majesty. Your words are urgent. But I am also looking forward to it. Every word the children say is so beautiful.”
“That’s right.”
I let out the breath I had been holding, and realized that I had been holding my breath all along. Her Highness Miliora was just as nervous.
When we returned to our seats, His Majesty the Emperor smiled and said,
“The gifts from the Princesses are all wonderful. However, the one most suitable for my birthday is Miliora’s.”
The attendant stepped forward again and unfolded the scroll.
“I will now announce the tasks for the next competition. The second task is ‘Devise the most efficient way to distribute the iron ore of the newly subjugated Amata.’”
As His Majesty the Emperor and his wife stood up and left, Her Highness Miliora covered her mouth to hide her excitement.
“Ugh!”
I stood there, stunned.
‘Victory?’
But when His Majesty declared Her Highness Milliora victorious, I saw whose gaze was directed at.
It seemed like a natural movement, as if he was glancing around the room.
But His Majesty was definitely locking eyes with His Highness Grayon when he declared the winner.
He seemed to nod ever so slightly toward Prince Kydel.
The real winner of this contest was His Highness Grayon.
“Let’s go, what are you doing?”
Her Highness Milliora grabbed my arm and dragged me out into the hallway, half-jumping, tears welling up in her eyes.
Lord Rond used his size to preserve her dignity.
When he held the cloak and spread his arms, it was as if a curtain had been drawn behind us.
As a maid, I should have told her to keep her dignity, but I couldn’t say anything because it looked so sad.
“Your Highness. We are not the real winners today.”
After a while, Her Highness Milliora, feeling that she should keep her dignity, spoke to me coolly.
“You, what would have happened if I hadn’t given you the ring box? Let’s go. I have to tell the children this good news. We should have a big tea party today!”
Oh, yes, yes.
Our royal family insisted that everything was thanks to me. She should share the joy with her tea party friends.
But what is it? We won the first competition. The ending is good.
I almost died in the middle.
I followed her, feeling relieved and empty.
Sir Rond glanced back at me as if asking if I was okay, so I smiled at him.
“Well, this is okay. Haha.”
The elixir of life of Catalina, did that really happen?
I completely lost my will to fight. Her Majesty the Empress’s exaggerated praise clearly showed favoritism.
At this rate, Her Majesty the Empress might have belittled and laughed at me when it was my turn.
His Majesty the Emperor did not agree with Her Majesty the Empress’s boastfulness, but responded cheerfully.
“Oh, your intentions are admirable.”
When Prince Orl stepped back, Prince Grayon and Prince Kydel stepped forward. However, Prince Kydel was empty-handed.
I swallowed my saliva involuntarily because I was nervous.
As Prince Kydel himself said, the incident was strictly an illegal military action. But how to report it...
Prince Kydel took an envelope out of his bosom and placed it on the table.
The attendant handed it to His Majesty the Emperor, who looked at Prince Grayon curiously.
Then Prince Kydel explained.
“The birthday gift from His Highness the Second Prince Grayon is a voucher for the Zebron Hotel, Your Majesty.”
He finished his simple explanation and stepped back.
My palms became sweaty as I looked at His Majesty the Emperor’s mouth.
After a moment, His Majesty nodded.
“The gift was accepted. Grayon.”
Prince Orl’s expression became sensitive as he looked at me from one side. I took a deep breath and controlled my tension.
It was our turn next.
I walked slowly after Her Highness Milliora. My steps were more cautious because I was carrying a large box in my arms.
I carefully placed the box on the table and opened the lid.
The servant looked at the many letters and notes inside and looked at me in confusion.
'What do you want me to do with this?'
I took out the letters the children had written crookedly one by one and read them.
How much trouble I had to go to each orphanage to get those letters!
"'Happy birthday, Your Majesty the Emperor! Your Majesty, the Emperor is the best! ', 'The Emperor is the best. Live long. ', 'The bread is delicious, Your Majesty, the Emperor. ', 'I want to grow up quickly and work in the palace. '"
I put the letters I had finished reading back into the box, looking around. The eyes focused on me were so heavy that I coughed slightly.
I glanced around and saw that Her Highness the Princess had also flushed with tension.
I strained my stomach and said.
“Her Highness Princess Milliora auctioned off her jewelry and donated all the proceeds to the orphanage. Her Highness Princess Milliora presents a congratulatory letter written by the children there. Not only Her Highness Princess Milliora, but also hundreds of children from the farthest reaches of the empire join us in congratulating His Majesty the Emperor on his birthday.”
The rich are loyal to their own interests. The people fear the powerful and are loyal to them, but they secretly hate them.
It seems easy to gain the sincere favor of people, but it is never easy.
I did not want Her Highness the Princess to win this contest.
Even if I wanted to, I couldn't obtain gifts like those of Our Highness the Princes.
I wanted to restore her honor from the ring incident and prove that she was a proper member of the royal family who could influence the public sentiment, even if only a little.
Now was the time to make that decision.
Her Majesty the Empress said softly with a stern face.
“A letter...”
At that moment, His Majesty the Emperor burst into laughter. When he held out his hand, the attendant took the box, and His Majesty put his hand in and took out a letter.
“This little boy wants me to live to be a hundred. Is this how I feel when I see my grandchild?”
At His Majesty’s laughter, Her Majesty the Empress quickly changed her expression.
“Oh my, Your Majesty. Your words are urgent. But I am also looking forward to it. Every word the children say is so beautiful.”
“That’s right.”
I let out the breath I had been holding, and realized that I had been holding my breath all along. Her Highness Miliora was just as nervous.
When we returned to our seats, His Majesty the Emperor smiled and said,
“The gifts from the Princesses are all wonderful. However, the one most suitable for my birthday is Miliora’s.”
The attendant stepped forward again and unfolded the scroll.
“I will now announce the tasks for the next competition. The second task is ‘Devise the most efficient way to distribute the iron ore of the newly subjugated Amata.’”
As His Majesty the Emperor and his wife stood up and left, Her Highness Miliora covered her mouth to hide her excitement.
“Ugh!”
I stood there, stunned.
‘Victory?’
But when His Majesty declared Her Highness Milliora victorious, I saw whose gaze was directed at.
It seemed like a natural movement, as if he was glancing around the room.
But His Majesty was definitely locking eyes with His Highness Grayon when he declared the winner.
He seemed to nod ever so slightly toward Prince Kydel.
The real winner of this contest was His Highness Grayon.
“Let’s go, what are you doing?”
Her Highness Milliora grabbed my arm and dragged me out into the hallway, half-jumping, tears welling up in her eyes.
Lord Rond used his size to preserve her dignity.
When he held the cloak and spread his arms, it was as if a curtain had been drawn behind us.
As a maid, I should have told her to keep her dignity, but I couldn’t say anything because it looked so sad.
“Your Highness. We are not the real winners today.”
After a while, Her Highness Milliora, feeling that she should keep her dignity, spoke to me coolly.
“You, what would have happened if I hadn’t given you the ring box? Let’s go. I have to tell the children this good news. We should have a big tea party today!”
Oh, yes, yes.
Our royal family insisted that everything was thanks to me. She should share the joy with her tea party friends.
But what is it? We won the first competition. The ending is good.
I almost died in the middle.
I followed her, feeling relieved and empty.
Sir Rond glanced back at me as if asking if I was okay, so I smiled at him.
“Well, this is okay. Haha.”
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