Chapter 362: Chapter 362
More women continued to enter, and not long after the Crown Prince had left, the sound of a horn resounded giving start to the event... And I felt sour again.
’Ugh. They are here...’
Theressa and her mother walked in, sharing smiles with the other ladies who they probably were friends with. And yet...
’Tsk. Can’t they even act as if they don’t hate us?? I can even touch the despise in their gaze, dude.’
I felt offended immediately since I had all the reasons to. Much more after the Crown Prince even defended me. However, I did act properly.
Looking composed in our lovely outside, as if sent by heaven because we certainly are saints when compared with those vipers’ tongues... We stood indifferent to the way they looked at us while coming closer to greet the royals around us.
"Good day, Empress. Gorgeous you appear today before us again."
"Good day, Duchess. I can say no less of you. Your dress today is as elegant as you accustom."
"My appreciation to your eye."
After sharing pleasantries, the Empress looked softly at Theressa, waiting with a gentle expression for her to give the greetings she should.
"Your Majesty, an honour it is to see you after so long."
"Lady Theressa, it is good to see you too. You have not changed much since I last saw you, you look as young as I remember."
"I am indeed youthful of spirit, her Majesty."
"That is a lovely side to keep."
"Princess Jasmine, good day to you too. I was hopeful to meet you again, your dress looks fabulous."
"Kind such compliment is, for I have chosen this dress along with Lady Marianne."
’... Heh... why do I feel this girl sensed the despise they sent at us too?’ — Listening to how the Princess proudly told this to the Duchess and Theressa, I felt kind of good. Since our dresses were indeed kind of similar in structure and we did choose them together... although with the judgemental eye of a pro like Madame Fannie Moody to guide us.
She came closer to us, inviting us with her hand on our back to step forward and somehow not be left in the shadows as we actually had been hoping to... since interacting with people isn’t our forte right now. Much less with poisonous ones.
"May you have noticed? Besides the different shades there are slight differences, is it not a wonderful work we wear?"
"Indeed it is, is it not, your Grace?"
"... It is."
’Well, the disgust in your face doesn’t say it does, Duchess.’
"Your Majesty..." — While this wonderful conversation between difficult women occurred, a butler discreetly came closer to the side of the Empress. — "The ladies have all arrived. Everything is ready as scheduled."
"I understand... My ladies, shall we continue this exchange along with the other ladies? We do not want our tea to grow cold, do we?"
Gracious, the Empress walked ahead of us. Elegantly greeting again the ladies who stood from their seats to welcome her walk, bowing to the Princess and me as well, while we walked with locked arms for the first time.
’It’s weird but not bad... I feel the jaggers on our back, though... Theressa and your Mother must be really "pleased" by the sight. Heh.’
Glimpsing at how they were intercepted by a servant to guide them to their seats, I snickered. Because I feel ticked enough to thoroughly enjoy the chance I got to annoy them.
’I’ll do it so innocently... that if you, horrible pair of dyed wigs react... it’s your loss.’
And what’s better, the Princess was cooperating in this as naturally as always.
Before welcoming the ladies, the Princess had even reminded the Empress she wished to seat beside us instead of in front of us.
Etiquette said it was to be as it was arranged and so...
— I do not mind. Yet properly convey the reason why you have decided on this arrangement, Princess. Etiquette is what we women notice the most. —
"? My... Is the Hierarchy triangle not to be followed today?" — One of the ladies asked immediately while we took our seats. With an affable tone that diminished her intrusion.
And so, the proper response of the princess came right after the elegant nod of the Empress allowed her to speak.
"It will not be solely on this day... As a selfish request, I have asked permission to seat beside Lady Marianne during these days of hunt. For her company enriches the taste of my every sip... I hope this small change will not offend any of the assistants, my original seat... it shall stay empty throughout this event."
"My! If such is the reason, the Princess must be close with the Ninth."
"Yes." — To this comment the Empress added, seating cleanly and straight at the head of the wide table, to trace the women with a gentle yet sharp gaze. — "The Ninth is one that promises prosperity to our Empire... and yet, it would not be a mistake to believe, that our healthy moods are to also prosper with her presence."
"....."
"O-oh... How intriguing and delightful if such is the case."
’... Wow... what a loud silence that was...’ — I thought at the effect the power of the Empress’s words provoked on the women, who glancing with awe at us, were probably already anticipating what else these days of hunt would bring.
"Now. As every lady here is aware, what summons us to this table today is no other than a tradition celebrated for years in this Empire... I, Empress Ingrid Federica Di Frotchster, welcome you, respectful ladies, to my table."
’... Dayum... the Empress is so cool... so nice...’
Awestruck by the finesse of the woman seating so near us, I observed her attentively. Actually thinking I wish I am as elegant as her since our silence and previous stiffness probably made us as unreachable.
"Good servants of the palace, do please bring the fresh tea for our guests." — Turning to the man standing to her right the Empress softly ordered. — "Ladies, do enjoy this taste to its fullest. Small delicacies have also been prepared, help yourselves and please your taste buds... Now... May I ask how your days have been? Do share the good news... This Empress wishes to know how this Empire’s women fare."
"Ah~ this tea’s aroma~ I am able to taste it without a sip. Your Majesty."
"How lovely this tent has been decorated, the weather was one of my worries while travelling to the Palace’s grounds."
"Oh, indeed. Yet for the men it appears to be this weather that aids their hunt."
With a short and to-the-point introduction unlike those I’ve noticed the Emperor enjoyed, the Empress gave start to the ladies’ conversations... and as She had foretold...
"... Many of those present today debuted last year."
"Indeed... Many young Ladies have appeared to join us at this table."
"And yet, I am already expectant of this coming Autumn Ball..." — Lady Felicia simply said, adding to her first lure while taking a prominent sip of her tea cup...
Inducing in those already knowledgeable... the cue to "spill the tea".