The Letter and the Appointment
The preparations for Cayena’s coming-of-age ceremony had begun in earnest.
“Have the invitations for the coming-of-age ceremony been completed?”
Her birthday fell during the season when roses bloomed in their fullest glory. For that reason, the rose garden was always opened for an outdoor party, followed by a ball held in the Grand Hall.
I’d like to scale things down, but the schedule is already set in motion.
A ball and a hunting competition were planned to celebrate her reaching adulthood.
“The court painter has finished illustrating all the cards to be used as invitations. Since the paint has dried, the maids may begin writing them out starting today, Your Highness.”
Vera handed her a sample invitation.
Cayena examined the cards that would be sent to each estate. They featured roses painted in lavish detail.
“These will do nicely. Once the messages are written, send out the messengers.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
She went on to review the lists of procured ingredients, the number of servants to be mobilized for the banquet, the orchestra’s repertoire and performance order, and more. Every detail had to be flawless and overwhelming.
That is what it means to be the imperial family.
Cayena’s birthday had always served as a grand event signaling the opening of the social season. The more successful the banquet, the fiercer the competition would grow over who would become her consort. That was precisely the reaction she wanted.
I must encourage them to compete for the position of my consort.
While they were distracted, fighting among themselves, Cayena intended to create a fictional man and slip away.
Knock, knock.
Just then, the other senior maids arrived at her bedchamber. Julia, Susan, and Olivia stood in a line and curtsied toward Cayena.
“We greet Her Highness the Princess.”
They would begin their practical duties from today onward.
“Susan.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Since she had an immediate task, Cayena called Susan first.
“I need to write a letter to Sir Raphael, so prepare the necessary items.”
“Understood, Your Highness.”
Next, she called Olivia.
“Olivia, get ready to deliver the letter.”
Olivia wrinkled her nose for a brief moment before smoothing her expression. If the letter was intended for the heir of a ducal house, it was only proper for a personal maid to deliver it.
“I will return once I am prepared.”
Soon Susan had neatly arranged everything on the table: the letter paper weighted with a paperweight, the pen dipped in ink.
It was time to write to Raphael.
Lord Kidray.
Is it too obvious that I’m trying to keep my distance?
Raphael’s words—Don’t avoid me—came to mind. Cayena unconsciously let out a small groan. Even so, she couldn’t write the letter the way she used to.
I really wasn’t in my right mind back then.
She had sent him love letters so saccharine they would embarrass even lovers. Just remembering them made her want to die. Perhaps that was why her attempt to write something as dry as possible now felt excessively cold.
She pressed the words onto the page.
Esteemed Lord Kidray,
I plan to visit the Imperial Academy to return a book I borrowed from the Imperial Library last time, and while I am there, I intend to check the location of the building that will bear my name.
I hope the structure will prove useful to the Empire’s young talents. However, I must admit I am concerned whether I can carry out this task properly.
I never attended the Academy, and I have not interacted with the students nearly as much as you have.
While the documents are being notarized, I would appreciate hearing your valuable opinion on the matter. I shall await your reply without haste.
Cayena.
She leaned back in her chair for a moment, thinking she had written a perfectly concise and businesslike letter.
This is nothing more than a formal note.
Cayena deliberately shook off the memories of being held by him in the library and the drawing room.
After handling a few more tasks, Olivia returned to the bedchamber, now dressed for going out. She wore a simple navy coat and a plain hat adorned with only a ribbon. It was hardly the attire one would expect from a princess’s maid.
“Oh my…”
Julia let out a quiet sigh, clearly displeased with Olivia’s appearance. Both Olivia and Susan heard the sigh, but they wisely chose to ignore it.
“If Sir Kidray is at the estate, ask about his schedule and secure an appointment on the nearest available date, would you?”
“Understood.”
As Cayena handed over the letter, she unfastened the brooch decorating her dress. She pinned it to Olivia’s hat. The butterfly brooch made of jewels sparkled atop the round hat.
Olivia’s eyes widened as she lightly touched the hat.
Rather than making a grand speech, Cayena simply conveyed her honest impression.
“I thought a yellow butterfly brooch would suit that green hat nicely.”
Now, no matter how plain Olivia’s outfit might be, she was wearing a gift personally bestowed by the princess, so her dignity would not be diminished.
“…Thank you.”
It was a kind and warm gesture.
Olivia looked at Cayena with complicated eyes. The princess seemed indifferent and detached from relationships, yet she was, in truth, a very warm person.
“Take care on your way. Today’s duties end with this, so there’s no need to rush.”
The words were meant to imply that she could stay at Raphael’s estate for as long as necessary, but Olivia did not interpret them that way.
“I will complete my mission safely and return, Your Highness.”
Olivia set off immediately for the Kidray estate.
* * *
The carriage came to a stop in front of the Kidray mansion. Olivia stepped down from the footrest and stood before the entrance.
So this is the famous Kidray estate I’ve heard so much about.
The gatekeeper noticed the carriage bearing the imperial crest and bowed politely.
“Did you schedule a visit in advance?”
“I did not, but I have come to deliver a letter from Her Highness the Princess.”
“Please wait a moment.”
While a servant went inside to announce her visit, Olivia looked around the renowned garden. At a glance, it was the sort of ostentatious pastoral-style garden currently in fashion in the capital. Nobles seemed to think that planting fruit-bearing trees or herbs made a garden “rustic.”
Still, it’s far more pleasant to look at than a garden with nothing but flowers.
The trees heavy with colorful fruit offered a different kind of vibrancy than blossoms. The Kidray villa had blended them together with excellent taste. It was hard to believe that cold man lived in such a refreshing home.
“I apologize for keeping you waiting, Lady Olivia.”
The mansion’s butler came out and guided her inside.
“The master happens to be home and has asked me to escort you directly to the drawing room. Would that be acceptable?”
“Of course.”
Olivia noticed that the people of the estate kept stealing glances at her with subtle curiosity. Since she was one of the mere four personal maids chosen by the princess, such interest was only natural.
“Is there any particular refreshment you prefer or dislike?”
After leading Olivia to the drawing room, the butler asked respectfully.
“Anything is fine.”
The butler soon returned with refreshments.
“The master will be here shortly.”
Just as he said, Raphael appeared while Olivia was tasting a fluffy soufflé. His hurried steps had swept his bangs back slightly, revealing his smooth forehead. It seemed he had come in a rush. He greeted Olivia with proper formality.
“Welcome to my home, Miss Olivia.”
Olivia faced him, lifted the hem of her dress, and returned the greeting.
“Thank you for your gracious welcome despite my sudden visit, Lord Kidray.”
They sat down with a round table between them. Instead of asking about the weather, Olivia handed him the princess’s letter. She had a feeling he would prefer it that way.
“It is a letter written by Her Highness herself.”
Raphael accepted the golden envelope. The imperial emblem stamped in red wax seemed especially striking today.
Come to think of it, there was a time when she used to send me love letters.
It felt strange that those days seemed so long ago. A faint smile touched his lips at the memory. Olivia caught it with a sidelong glance.
Hmm.
No matter how she looked at it, that seemed like some kind of sign. She quietly swallowed a laugh and sipped her tea.
“Her Highness instructed me to arrange a meeting on the soonest date you are available. When would be convenient for you?”
Jeremy, who had been standing silently like a shadow at his side, moved to speak about the schedule. But before he could, Raphael answered first.
“Two days from now would be fine.”
Jeremy’s mouth fell open.
But that’s the day we’re supposed to visit the Grand Temple…
That was the day they were scheduled to go to the Grand Temple regarding the divorce proceedings between the duke and duchess. Yet Raphael dismissed the matter as if it had never existed and set the appointment with the princess.
“Then we shall meet at the Imperial Academy in two days. Would it be all right if we shared a meal nearby afterward?”
“I will make the restaurant reservation.”
Jeremy’s jaw dropped so far it looked as though it might come unhinged.
“I will convey that to Her Highness.”
After finishing the conversation, Raphael’s face fell into brief thought. Something about it didn’t feel quite sufficient. He asked Olivia for her understanding.
“I would like to write a reply for Her Highness. Would you mind waiting a moment?”
Jeremy felt momentarily dazed before barely regaining his senses.
“Yes, of course. Take all the time you need.”
At her answer, Jeremy instructed a servant to prepare writing materials and glanced cautiously at Raphael.
I thought Baston was just talking nonsense, but…
Once he finished the reply, Raphael sealed the letter and stamped it with the seal bearing the Kidray crest.
“Then I leave it in your care.”
Olivia accepted the letter and placed it in her bag. A strange feeling came over her.
Have I… become a messenger of love?
The Villainess Is a Marionette