Were We Acquainted?
Today, as usual, I finished the palace duties safely.
Flora and Mylyria left the briefing room first after greeting Her Majesty, and only then did I rise from my seat.
“It seems you have something to say to me.”
With her usual blunt expression, she rested her chin on her hand and gave a small glance my way. Those ruby-red eyes, sharp as rubies, were as beautiful as ever.
But I was never the fool who would get enchanted by them.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Permission granted.”
When asking the highest authority of the empire for anything, one must always receive formal permission. This was an ancient imperial tradition I had been told by Count Millord long ago.
Of course, that didn’t mean the Emperor would necessarily approve every request.
“I’d like to go out next Sunday.”
“The reason for the outing?”
“Personal matters.”
I bowed 90 degrees again.
“Hm. The details sound difficult to share?”
“I’m afraid so.”
I tried to sound genuinely regretful.
The truth was, I simply couldn’t tell her about withdrawing money from my Secret Bank account. No emperor would approve that.
“The palace gates close at six in the afternoon. Make sure you return before then.”
After a few seconds of silence, Cecilia finally granted my request.
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
“I don’t know what it is, but please finish quickly.”
Only then could I lift my head.
Cecilia instructed me to write an outing permit, adding that I would need her signature to make it official.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll finish it quickly so it won’t delay your return.”
“It’s already late. Don’t worry about it.”
Feeling a bit awkward, I hurried back to my seat. This felt almost like the time I got early leave from school.
Back then I could never have imagined I’d be doing this under the Empress.
Realizing how out of place I was made me feel a little sad.
* * *
Saturday had finally arrived.
Before leaving my room, I gave my reflection in the mirror one last check. Today I wore the white gloves I rarely used.
“All set.”
I headed straight to the central hall on the first floor of the palace. This was where we had agreed to meet before going to the garden.
As expected, I was the first one there.
Women took longer to dress than men, so I decided to wait comfortably.
About twenty minutes later, Cecilia arrived with her maids in the central hall.
“Her Majesty Cecilia, Empress of the Empire, has arrived.”
“In formal wear, I see.”
She started right away with dress criticism.
“I’ll make sure to prepare casual clothes.”
I lifted my head again and finally got a good look at the others.
First, Cecilia.
She was wearing the red dress with the golden dragon that always symbolized the imperial family, but today it was a deep blue.
Her golden-blonde hair, as long as a wheat field, paired perfectly with it and gave her a fresher look than usual.
Of course, her ruby-red eyes still carried that icy chill.
Flora wore a soft yellow dress that boldly showed off her collarbone.
That color was usually only worn by young noble girls, but on Flora it highlighted her lively, bright personality.
“Mr. Luke, what do you think?”
Realizing I was staring, Flora asked with a smile. Her emerald eyes sparkled more than usual.
“From far away, you’d still know you’re looking at the daughter of Marquis Simonian. You’re gorgeous.”
“Thank you, Mr. Luke.”
Now, finally, Mylyria.
She wore a deep purple dress that matched her bold personality. Her thick dark-blue bob hair suited her perfectly.
And of course, her elegant figure showed through subtly.
“……”
Her gaze toward me wasn’t exactly friendly, but ignoring her was better than getting poked at.
“It seems we’ve exchanged enough greetings. Let’s head out.”
Weirdly prickly tone.
Cecilia raised her chin arrogantly and started walking.
“Of course, I think Her Majesty is even more beautiful than the maids!”
When I followed with praise, Cecilia stopped abruptly and warned in a low voice.
“Stop the flattery.”
I thought I was complimenting her, but it backfired.
* * *
The gathering place was the gazebo behind the palace grounds, as announced.
Rectangular tables were set up, with the head seat reserved for Cecilia. I quietly took the seat next to Flora.
“You like sitting next to me?”
“Somehow, it ended up that way. Haha…”
In truth, it was because I could relax around Flora out of the three of them, but speaking freely in a place with many ears wasn’t wise.
Cecilia lightly shook the bell on the table.
Maids immediately brought a three-tier tray with finger foods and freshly brewed black tea. As expected, tea and desserts were essential at these gatherings.
Cecilia sipped her tea first, then the maids and I each took a sip.
“!”
My eyes widened on their own.
The black tea from home was rich and deep, even more flavorful than what I usually drank during work.
“Her Majesty personally ordered the best black tea for the gathering.”
Flora quickly answered my unspoken question.
“Does it suit your taste?”
And Cecilia was looking at me too.
Why did all of them care so much about a mere secretary?
“Yes, Your Majesty. This is the most flavorful black tea I’ve ever had.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
A faint smile curved Cecilia’s lips.
It seemed like the Empress had some kindness toward me, though it was between superior and subordinate, not personal.
“……”
Mylyria simply sipped her tea quietly and didn’t join the conversation.
“Hey, Mylyria. We’re at a gathering. Why are you being so quiet?”
Flora was quick to read the mood.
“I enjoy listening quietly.”
Mylyria answered without a single raised eyebrow.
“To be honest, it still makes me uncomfortable as secretary.”
“My, I didn’t know you’d speak so openly.”
True.
I had thought she wouldn’t show dislike toward me in front of Cecilia.
Maybe Mylyria had some boldness.
“I’m sorry. Excuse me, Your Majesty.”
“Mylyria. There’s another person here who should apologize.”
Flora smiled with her eyebrows gently arched, clearly enjoying teasing the situation.
“Apologizing like this has no real meaning.”
I decided to take it one step further.
“No, Your Highness. I’ll make sure to do better so I can earn the Count of Fordward’s respect as well.”
“……”
Mylyria glared at me with laser eyes, but I ignored it.
“You’re doing well enough already, Your Highness.”
Cecilia didn’t need to agree, but I asked anyway.
“What do you think, Your Majesty?”
“It’s not bad.”
Contrary to my worries, she gave a positive evaluation. I breathed a sigh of relief.
All those six weeks of hard work had paid off.
“I still can’t reach Count Millord’s level.”
“It’s because I’m still lacking, Your Majesty.”
I bowed quickly. Cecilia waved her hand lightly, as if dismissing it.
“Considering your age, doing this much is impressive.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“I never imagined Baron Nedville would teach you this well. I look forward to the future.”
The moment I heard Cecilia’s words, I had one question.
‘Is Cecilia personally acquainted with my father?’