HowDeadTL: 3. Ellie's first tea party. ~The sky is so blue...~

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The Duke's Daughter Goes Her Own Way

[Ellie's first tea party. ~The sky is so blue...~]

Translated by: ME

[Hawayu～, I'm Elizabeth～.]

I'm eight years old now～. The five-year-old beautiful girl has passed through three years and now from a chrysalis to a butterfly――― That's not happening. I'm still a chrysalis. A beautiful chrysalis.

I'm still loosely interacting with my fiancé His Highness Prince Leonardo. To His Highness who is four years older than me an eight-year-old is probably like a little sister. I am being doted on. I can tell that he cherishes me properly as his fiancée. So I'm trying my best to reciprocate.

The education for the Crown Princess started when I was six and it's surprisingly fun. In novels it seemed like I'd be vomiting blood but basic studies and the history of neighboring countries were completely skipped. I wanted to study history!! When I grumbled that His Highness smiled distantly and said [No, you studied plenty...] Apparently he was shocked by what I was reading when we first met. How rude.

Currently I'm being drilled in the languages of neighboring countries and basic manners. Every time I'm lectured by Mrs. Hamil the manners teacher who doesn't break her smile even when she's angry she looks like Takeo Chii and I have to desperately hold back from bursting out laughing. And then there are also classes on economics and law. This is also fun in its own way! Basically it's fun to learn things I didn't know. Oh no. Maybe I'm suited to be a queen. ...Just kidding. I got carried away.

[What kind of class did you have today?]

His Highness said sitting across the table from me in the garden deep inside the Royal Palace.

[Today was economics.]

His Highness who is now twelve years old is still right in the middle of the handsome boy path. He still has a boyish air about him but when I think that this is the brilliance of the next few years I regret that there is no technology like photography. No, even if His Highness becomes a young man he will still be beautiful.

After taking lectures at the Royal Palace if our schedules align it has become a routine to have tea with His Highness like this. The tea is delicious and the sweets are delicious. And there's a super handsome guy in front of me. Maybe this is what heaven is like.

As I was enjoying my tea thinking [bliss bliss...] His Highness tilted his head slightly.

[Isn't studying hard?]

[No it's fun.]

I still have enough leeway to enjoy it. Besides as expected of the education for the future queen the instructors are top-notch! It's like the slogan of a famous cram school but that's the only way to describe it. After all I've seen or heard the names of all the instructors somewhere. It's wonderful.

[I can't say that it's 'hard' when I'm the one receiving the lessons. His Highness is much busier.]

[Ellie.]

Hearing my words His Highness smiled sweetly. Smiling smiling smiling... The silent pressure is amazing.

Now here's a question. Which part of the previous line is he pointing out? (Worth: 5 points)

The answer is――

[...Leon-sama.]

[Yes.]

His Highness smiled with a different kind of warmth than before as if to say [Yes that's the correct answer.] He wants me to call him by his name not Your Highness at least when we're alone. It's been a year since he said that. I don't care about titles! But if I said that to His Highness who knows what he'd do!

For my birthday present last year His Highness took me to the Mithras Republic a month early. It's the country where the ruins of the Dimaine Empire are located. His Highness had official duties but I was allowed to accompany him. Master Nathaniel who was supposed to teach me history also accompanied us. His Highness seemed busy with his official duties but I was able to frolic at the ruins with my teacher (with guards of course). With commentary from my teacher who specializes in the Agathia River civilization! I was having a great time with a professional scholar at a shady souvenir shop. I bought a replica of a relic that I don't know what to use for! My teacher even praised me saying [It's great because it's completely useless and annoying!]

And then I got too excited and overdid it and I got a fever. Am I a child! I was a child!! While I was lying in bed with a fever at the luxury hotel where we were staying His Highness came in the middle of the night and said something about being worried until my fever went down... and ended up sleeping next to me. Shouldn't boys and girls not share a bed after the age of seven...? Or is that not said in this world? Is it okay if it's seven and eleven years old? I don't know because I have a fever. Maybe I wouldn't know even if I didn't have a fever.

The next morning both His Highness and I were thoroughly lectured by the chamberlain. Hey I'm recovering from an illness... but I couldn't say that so I reluctantly took it. Moreover in this world it seems that it's normal to not sleep in the same bed with parents or children of the opposite sex after the age of six which is called [leaving the bed at six.] I'm super out of line Your Highness!

Apparently His Highness didn't like that I was having fun with my teacher even though he was the one who brought me. That's true. I'm honestly sorry. The price for that was a lecture from the chamberlain that lasted over an hour... What are you doing to me... His Highness who was a deliberate offender gracefully ignored the lecture from beginning to end... What are you doing to me... That's why I've learned that it's not worth it to upset His Highness. Calling him by his name is free!

Today's tea party is in the garden near His Highness's private room. It's surrounded by buildings on three sides and the other side leads to a forest. I glance around. I'm probably used to it by now. I make eye contact with one of the guard brothers and he smiles slightly. Hyu～♪ The brother is nihilistic～.

[Are you satisfied?]

At His Highness's teasing voice I smiled and nodded.

[It's perfect today too! It's wonderful.]

When I said that the two guard brothers who were there today put their fists to their mouths as if to hold back their laughter. There's no waste in the brothers' placement today either. And there are no blind spots. Maximum efficiency with the minimum number of people. It's a wonderful arrangement.

His Highness seemed to find it strange that I was looking around when we first met. Later he asked me [What were you looking at?] so I honestly answered that I was looking at the guards' line of sight. Well I didn't talk about snipers or anything. I was impressed that the guards were positioned so that there were no blind spots in their field of vision. When I answered that His Highness looked more stunned than I had ever seen him before. Well he was still handsome though～.

His Highness straightened his stunned expression and told me that the position of the guards is determined by the location. It seems that if we were to set up a table in the place where we had tea in that large garden it would be arranged like that. It seems that there is someone who decides the placement with a top-down shooter-like perspective. I want to meet them! My gamer brain is itching! When I said that he replied that the security of the castle is confidential so it will be after my education has progressed further. Confidential huh... I guess so... It feels like I won't be able to escape if I know... Well whatever. No is it okay? No well it'll be fine. I've decided to go down this path. Let's go.

[Is the preparation for next month's tea party going smoothly?]

I nodded in response to his question.

[Currently there are no particular problems. The invitations have all been sent out.]

That's right next month. The Queen is hosting a tea party in the Royal Palace's large garden. I have to take charge of the children's venue. First decide which families to invite send out invitations and decide the seating order considering factions... Is this a wedding preparation! The other one only happens once in a lifetime (or not) but this one happens at least every season! It takes a lot of energy and stamina! However if I can't do it to a certain extent it will be my shame. And by extension the shame of the Duke's family. And furthermore the shame of the Royal Family that has him as their fiancé. The things I'm associated with are too heavy...

[If you can finish it successfully let's go to the Shirakaba-tei on Kasad Street.]

I smiled brightly at His Highness's words. Kasad Street is one of the major streets in the Royal Capital. It's a street with many old and historic shops. Shirakaba-tei is a cafe located there. The menu is very small with only original blend black tea and coffee and fruitcake. But the calm interior is wonderful the antique tea set is wonderful and the cake is delicious. It's my favorite store.

[Really!? Promise!?]

[Yes. I'm also looking forward to it so please finish it successfully.]

It's a very quiet cafe that is difficult for children to enter alone even if they are nobles. Knowing that I would be intimidated His Highness occasionally invites me like this. I have no use for Harvey Street where fashionable young people gather. Pancakes are also delicious but Shirakaba-tei's fruitcake is too supreme. It's materialistic but I'm a little motivated. I might like His Highness (materialistic). Alright Ellie will do her best!

I said I'd do my best. That was a lie. Please forgive me for wanting to say that. The weather is so nice and the large garden is manicured and beautiful to every corner. The pure white tablecloths set for the tea party are reflected well in the green of the large garden.

In that venue. A blonde drill-hair lady and a fluffy chestnut-haired lady. For some reason they are having a brawl... Ufufu... The weather is nice～...

The incident happened ten minutes ago. The drill-hair lady started picking on the chestnut-haired lady at the same table. And it seems that it's about me. The drill-hair lady is Florence-sama of the Aristo Duke family. She is the daughter of the head Duke family. The family has a very old history and is related to the royal family. Well all the Duke families are originally branches of the royal family. This Florence-sama for some reason seemed to believe without a doubt that she would marry the Crown Prince.

Then three years ago the news of the Crown Prince's engagement came out of the blue! The other party was an unknown younger child! If I may say so I was also caught completely off guard. My ears were ringing. Even after three years she still can't accept it and she still complains to those around her. Use that vitality for something more positive. And as expected she seems to be finding fault with my every move like a mother-in-law. The real mother-in-law (the Queen) was smiling nonchalantly saying [Ellie do your best～.]

The chestnut-haired lady at the same table snapped at her nagging complaints and unreasonable demands for agreement saying [Don't you all think so!?] The lovely lady with fluffy beautiful chestnut hair is Susanna-sama of the Weymouth Earl family. Her family is on the borderline of being able to participate in this tea party. It was at the Queen's strong push that she was placed at the same table as the daughter of the head Duke family. ...Your Majesty were you aiming for this...? Like son like parent...

This Susanna-sama contrary to her lovely face was a very strong-willed and strong-minded person. To Florence-sama who was seeking agreement from those around her she laughed through her nose and said [At least Elizabeth-sama doesn't say things behind people's backs.] Why are you provoking her!? Let's be a little more gentle! And the drill-hair lady had zero tolerance for provocation...

From there on――

[(Kii!) What did you just say?]

[I was just saying that you should take a good look at your own position (Pfuu).]

[I am a member of the Duke family!]

[I know that. But using that as a shield to seek agreement from those around you is a little unsightly.]

[Wha... what did you say! (Mukyaa!)]

※The ( ) are just inner immagination.

Yes. And now we have reached the present.

This is it. It's time for the wonderful royal guard to step in.

I glance at the nearest royal guard and he moves quickly as if he has understood.

[Please be polite. Don't let them get hurt.]

[Understood.]

Two guards went to the scene and pulled the ladies apart. The Queen who was also there smiled wryly as if to say [Oh my.]

[Ladies please cool your heads a little.]

Saying that to the two of them she winked at the surrounding maids. At that signal the maids started moving all at once. As a result the two were taken somewhere and the remaining two at that table were moved to another table. Why... is there trouble on the first time...? Ah the weather is so nice... The sky is blue wow...

Somehow I managed to finish the tea party and after seeing off the guests I am currently heading to the room where the two of them were thrown in with the Queen.

When I went to one of the many reception rooms the ladies were sitting on opposite ends of the facing sofas each turning their backs on the other. You guys are so easy to understand! Noticing the Queen the mothers and Susanna-sama quickly stood up and bowed. Florence-sama was a beat late. Drill-hair lady that's what I'm talking about (probably).

The Queen sat down and said quietly [Raise your heads.] My seat is next to the Queen. I can feel the silent anger radiating from next to me and my stomach has been hurting a little since we were on our way here. The King and Queen like His Highness, smile coldly when they are angry. What is that genetics? Is it genetics? It's scary so can you please stop?

Waiting for everyone to be seated Her Majesty looked around at everyone. Two mothers with troubled faces. Susanna-sama who is depressed and dejected. Florence-sama who is looking down and biting her lip. It's a little suspicious whether the drill-hair lady is reflecting on her actions. That's what I'm talking about (the second time)!

[Duchess Aristo.]

Called by Her Majesty the Duchess replied in a faint voice [Yes.]

[How old is your daughter?]

[...Eleven Your Majesty.]

The Duchess replied with a very embarrassed look. The Queen's smile in response to that was something to behold.

[Oh that's right.]

Saying only that with a slight smile the Queen closed her mouth. She is hiding her mouth with a fan but the corner of her mouth is raised on one side only. Iya～n! Implication! The implication is scary! The daughter of the head Duke family at the age of eleven is this bad? Like? Even though it's early summer. The weather is clear today and it's almost hot in the sun. The air in the room is cold... Your Majesty are you physically emitting cold air?

[Countess Weymouth.]

[Yes] the Countess replied bowing her head slightly and His Majesty waved his hand swiftly urging her to rise.

[Your daughter seems to have a strong sense of justice.]

[That is indeed the case...]

Perhaps the Countess was aware of this and usually cautioned her. She frowned as if greatly troubled and sighed.

[It's not that I'm saying it's a bad thing. It's just young lady... what's your name?]

Spoken to Susanna bowed her head slightly to His Majesty.

[My name is Susanna Your Majesty.]

[I see. Please rise. ...Susanna you must learn methods other than charging straight ahead. If you keep colliding head-on with every wall you'll end up covered in scars.]

And then... His Majesty paused briefly and looked at me smiling mischievously.

[Ellie who is smaller than you was having trouble stopping you.]

That's right~! I'm eight years old. That young ladies over there, Miss Hair Drill is eleven and Susanna is ten. At this age a year's difference is significant. But well I'd really rather not get involved in a catfight. I have a feeling I'd just get caught in the crossfire. Somehow my athletic ability is poor or rather I have a certain clumsy awkwardness. Once when I went to observe the knights' training His Highness put pressure on me with a smile beforehand saying [Absolutely do not say 'I want to try it'!] The usual guard knights also nodded emphatically at His Highness's words. ...It's a secret that I was a little hurt.

Moreover if I were to interfere and get hurt it would be a big problem. Even now I am in a way His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's fiancée. My current status is quasi-royal. Even if she is the daughter of the head ducal family causing her harm would become a matter of responsibility.

[Ellie do you have anything to say?]

Prompted by Her Majesty I thought for a moment and then replied [Not particularly.] I mean really? Miss Hair Drill seems to dislike me but she hasn't said or done anything to my face. Looking at today's brawl Miss Hair Drill doesn't seem to be well-liked. I wouldn't be too hurt if such a girl spoke ill of me behind my back. ...Well I'm a little concerned that Miss Spiral Curls doesn't seem to be reflecting on her actions. But the Aristo family will probably take care of that. It would only create unnecessary friction if I said anything.

[Then Susanna do you have anything to say?]

Asked by Her Majesty the Queen Susanna bowed her head deeply again.

[I sincerely apologize for causing a disturbance. Your Majesty Lady Elizabeth I am sorry for troubling you.]

Hmm. A proper apology.

[Be careful from now on.]

Susanna replied [As you wish] to Her Majesty's words and raised her head. But her gaze remained lowered. I can tell she's reflecting. 10 points awarded.

[Now Miss Aristo do you?]

Yes Your Majesty I won't even call Miss Hair Drill by her name~. How scary. In other words Miss Hair Drill is being evaluated as currently not even worth remembering her name. The Duchess is of course aware of this. Her face looks terrible. I feel sorry for her. However Miss Hair Drill herself doesn't seem to have even noticed. ...Are you okay? This girl.

[...I am very sorry for what I have done...]

There was a long pause before she opened her mouth and her face clearly showed that she was unwilling and her words of apology were fragmented as if she were chewing them out. What happened to the young lady's special skill reading the atmosphere!? Before that it's Her Majesty the Queen you're talking to!?

T H A T ' S T H E P R O B L E M !! (Third time!)

The Duchess next to her is now completely pale. I feel so sorry for her. Her Majesty the Queen sighed in exasperation and stood up smoothly from the sofa. Standing up gracefully without any unnecessary movement is incredibly difficult! As expected of Her Majesty the Queen she did it so elegantly!

[Miss Aristo you are forbidden from entering the royal palace for one year from now. Re-learn not only manners but also various other things.]

[As you wish.]

It was the Duchess who replied immediately. Miss Hair Drill is looking down biting her lip and gripping her dress tightly. Seriously... at least respond? Her Majesty stood up so I stood up as well. Following Her Majesty who was leaving the room I quickly left the room too. The air in the hallway is delicious!! Escape from the suffocating lecture room!!

I sighed trying not to be noticed but it seems I was noticed after all. Her Majesty looked down at me covered her mouth with her fan and chuckled.

[Ellie you worked hard today.]

[Yes.]

I knelt down and bowed and Her Majesty chuckled again.

[Relax. We'll have a debriefing tomorrow. ...There's someone waiting to reward you.]

Huh? I raised my head and followed Her Majesty's gaze and I saw His Highness Leonardo standing at the end of the hallway.

[Your Majesty may I borrow Ellie?]

His Highness walked towards us and asked Her Majesty the Queen. Her Majesty nodded with a smile.

[Yes please do. Praise her for her hard work.]

[Of course. ...Come Ellie. You must be tired? I have prepared some sweets.]

Sweets...! I must have had a dazed look on my face. Her Majesty is smiling happily.

[Goodbye Ellie. See you tomorrow.]

[Yes Her Majesty the Queen. I shall take my leave.]

Next to me as I bowed His Highness also bowed to Her Majesty. Even though they are parent and child they are basically king and subject except in private rooms. Princess Linaria is a bit more casual but His Highness Leonardo is thorough. I have only heard him call Their Majesties Father and Mother a handful of times.

As Her Majesty left with her maids His Highness and I stood up at the same time.

[Now shall we go? I've also prepared Ellie's favorite elderflower cordial.]

Smiling brightly His Highness took my hand and we started walking in the opposite direction from where Her Majesty had gone.

Today tea is prepared in the garden near His Highness's private room. Instead of tea I have a cordial a juice-like drink made from elderflowers. Even precious ice is floating in the glass.

[It's ice cold!]

Happy I smiled and looked at His Highness and His Highness smiled back looking amused.

[Yes it is. I thought Ellie might be tired so I had something cold prepared.]

[Thank you very much! I'm so happy!]

It's not that I dislike lukewarm drinks. But when I'm tired a freezing cold drink is a little nice isn't it? I said [Thank you for the food] and drank the cordial in gulps letting out a small sigh of relief. I feel so refreshed~. His Highness's thoughtfulness is wonderful~!

[Is it delicious?]

[Yes! It's so refreshing!]

I put down the glass and gave my honest review but the shoulders of the guard knights were trembling. What are you laughing at you guys!

[It seems like you had a tough day today.]

I don't know how much detail he knows but a report must have gone to His Highness as well.

[Yes. ...I need to learn to handle things better.]

[There's still time. I'm sure Ellie will be fine.]

[I will do my utmost to meet your expectations.]

I bowed deeply and His Highness laughed in exasperation.

[Ellie is doing her best.]

[Thank you.]

I said thank you and His Highness smiled a little worriedly. Well~ I understand. I know that His Highness is saying that from the bottom of his heart. But I still think there's room for improvement.

After that I enjoyed the delicious cordial and sweets and His Highness praised me a lot for today's events. And I got him to promise to go to a cafe in the city together at a later date. I must have been quite tired because I fell asleep while having tea. When I woke up I was in my own bed in the Macnagan Duke's residence.

Note: Holy cow, that was long.

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