The Author And Her Protagonist

A messenger from the palace arrives shortly after Edgar and the elite group of guardian knights depart.

They arrived this time to deliver an invitation to the tea party hosted by the third princess, Yvette Rowe.

Cheryl, who had just finished her meal, looked surprised at the invitation letter in her hand.

“Is there going to be another party right after the big engagement party? Is the royal family truly jobless and overpaid?”

“Perhaps,” Mary said without thinking.

Judy stepped on Mary’s feet while staring at her.

“That’s not polite!” Judy grumbled, warning Mary.

The Marchioness was unconcerned about her maid’s behavior. She was not a genuine noble who was so particular about manners and upholding caste. Cheryl is secretly relieved that someone agrees with her.

The young lady was still perusing the invitations. She placed it on the table after some thought.

“It might be boring staying at home now that Edgar is gone. I’ll attend the party then.”

“My Lady!” Beth was taken aback. “Please reconsider. The Third Princess only recently attempted to harm you. Please avoid contact with her as much as possible. This is for your protection.”

Cheryl gave a slight nod. “You’re correct, Beth, but … this invitation expressly states that you must attend; you cannot refuse for any reason. What do you suspect she’s up to? Will she still make things difficult for me if I don’t come this time?”

Beth, Judy, Mary, and the others exchanged glances. They all had a sour expression on their faces.

“Are you going, Marchioness?” Beth inquired.

“Yes.”

Beth inhaled deeply.

She remembered the old doctor having a long conversation with her the night before about how to care for pregnant women. They must not only fulfill it in terms of food and comfort, but they must also keep pregnant women’s emotions stable. Whatever her wish is, it is granted to the greatest extent possible. Before leaving, the Marquess said the same thing.

“All right, I’ll assist you in getting ready.”

–

Cheryl arrived at the palace with a group of maids. For their own safety, Harold accompanied them, bringing a few knights with him.

“Are you not going with your master, Harold?” Cheryl inquired.

“No. The marquess directed that I remain in order to protect you, Marchioness.”

Harold’s response elicited little reaction from Cheryl. She turned her gaze to the first carriages that had arrived.

Aside from the Baldwin Mansion, there were about 7 or 8 carriages. This was apparently just a small tea party.

Cheryl was greeted by a palace maid. She bowed and stated, “Good day, Marchioness. The third princess is expecting you. Please stay with me.”

“Please don’t bring too many people, particularly men. This is the Princess’ third request “The maid went on.

Cheryl motioned for Beth, Judy, and Mary to follow her with a cold face. Meanwhile, Harold and the others had no choice but to remain behind.

The maid led them to a beautiful rose garden. This park has been designed in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Cheryl could hear the noble ladies praising the flower gardens everywhere she went as soon as she arrived.

“I’m glad you’ve come, Royal Sister.” Cheryl was waved at by Yvette, who was sitting in one of the chairs. Her peach-colored dress’s sleeves swayed with her movements.

As soon as they heard Yvette’s voice, the other noble ladies stopped talking and turned to Cheryl.

Cheryl was helped up to the luxurious retreat pavilion by Beth. Beth did not follow the Marchioness because she was not permitted to do so. Mithreene explicitly warned her.

“Greetings, Fifth Princess.” One of the noble ladies greeted her in a frangipani yellow gown. She adopted Yvette’s greeting, referring to the other party as Fifth Princess rather than a title after marriage.

Similar sentiments were expressed by another noble lady.

“Why are you still standing there, Royal Sister? Come sit next to me. We have a good time talking “Yvette invited, pretending to be a close sister.

Cheryl was unusually quiet. Why did Yvette insist on inviting her to this party? It’s just a group of women gossiping, which is actually quite unpleasant.

She had, however, already arrived. Eventually, she sat in the chair offered by Yvette.

“There are several types of tea available here, including Assam, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and Chrysanthemum tea from the East.” “Which one do you prefer?” Yvette inquired, giving the impression that she was a caring older sister.

“I-”

“Your Grace Third Princess, I’m sure the Fifth Princess has never heard of the tea you mention. Your query will only perplex her. That’s correct, Fifth Princess?” The noble in the yellow gown spoke once more.

Cheryl’s lips twitched in response to the young woman’s words.

“Thank you for reminding me, Lady Rosemary. I’m too excited right now to be such a bother. I’m embarrassed.”

Yvette spoke in a formal manner. But the words spoken were so condescending to Cheryl, as if she wasn’t deserving of such high-end tea.

Cheryl sighed inwardly, regretting her presence once more.

Yvette appeared out of nowhere, pouring milk tea and placing it in front of Cheryl.

“You like something sweet, don’t you? This is what I prepared for you. Consume it.”

Cheryl was disgusted by Yvette’s hypocrisy. She couldn’t help but wonder if the character she’d created was really this irritating.

Yvette’s smile darkened when she saw Cheryl not take the tea she had served.

“What if Royal Sister doesn’t like the tea I made?” She inquired. Her voice trembled a little, as if she was about to cry.

“How can you be such a fifth princess? The third princess went to great lengths to brew tea for you, and you refused? Isn’t that a little sinister?” Lady Rosemary frowned.

“At least appreciate it a little, even if you’re not used to drinking good tea like this,” said another noble lady.

“That is correct. Respect people, and you will be respected in return. That’s the way it is.”

Many similar tweets were in response.

Cheryl, irritated, touched the teacup and took a sip.

“Who’s to say I didn’t like them?”

“Wow, your tone of voice is a little impolite, Fifth Princess.” Lady Rosemary openly rebuked her.

“I apologize. I’m just a little accustomed to acting, “Cheryl responded.

She kept her cool on the outside, but raged on the inside “These ladies are a real pain! Why did I have to come here so early?”

“I apologize for being late.”

To break the echoing innuendo, a woman’s soft voice rang. Everyone, including Cheryl, turned to face the source of the voice.

Elena was dressed elegantly and luxuriously in a maroon gown. Her hair was pulled back into a bun and adorned with gold pins. Her domineering appearance resembled that of a high-ranking madam. Her make-up was even more flamboyant than Yvette’s.

Surprisingly, Yvette was the first to greet the woman.

“Elena, you’re not late at all. We’ve only just begun. Take a seat.”

“I appreciate it, Your Grace the Third Princess.”

Elena took the only available empty seat. It’s directly across the street from Cheryl.

“What a sweet scent! I could smell it before I even entered the garden. I was curious, and it turned out to be a dish prepared by the third Princess “Elena stated.

The noble lady laughed.

“You’ve only smelled them this much. Try it and see if the flavor surprises you “Lady Rosemary stated. She didn’t need to worry about formal etiquette with Elena because Elena’s status was lower than hers.

Elena didn’t seem to mind at all. Instead, she smiled, as if she were overjoyed.

“Thank you very much. Then I won’t think twice.” She then ate a piece of cake.

“This is incredibly delicious!” Her face was filled with praise as she continued.

“Taste the others as well; they’re all delicious because they’re prepared by the palace’s best chef.” Yvette added with a nod.

“It’s no surprise that it’s so tasty. The best chefs made it, it turned out “Elena agreed.

Yvette’s gaze was drawn to the several porcelain teapots on the table.

“What type of tea do you prefer? Some are present.”

“I like something strong and dense,” Elena said shyly.

“Assam? They appeal to me as well. It’s useful to have a friend who only has one taste “Lady Rosemary spoke up.

“Yeah, that’s how it is,” Elena said, still shyly smiling.

Cheryl, who had been neglected, paid attention to how they treated Elena.

Elena’s status implied that she shouldn’t be able to attend, given that nobles generally dislike having someone of lower rank join them. These women, including Yvette, seemed even more enthralled by Elena than she was.

Cheryl began to notice a strange sensation.

For some reason, when Elena said the words “strong and dense,” she felt there was another meaning behind her words.

“Elena, I see your dress is very lovely and luxurious. The intricately patterned embroidery, in particular, makes me wonder who designed it.” Lady Rosemary initiated the conversation once more.

Of course, Lady Rosemary’s words drew attention to the dress Elena was wearing.

A red and black striped gown conveys a sense of luxury and pride. However, when combined with the intricate embroidery patterns on the collar and sleeves, it creates a more unique impression.

Cheryl’s pupils constricted. She was probably familiar with the pattern but couldn’t recall where she had seen it.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

“This pattern is unique and has its own meaning.” Elena responded.

“Special? What exactly is it? Please tell me everything so that neither I nor the others are tortured by curiosity.” Yvette stated half-jokingly, half-seriously.

Other nobles followed suit.

“This is a couple pattern I made when I was with the Marquess of Northland,” Elena explained. “I made it for myself at first, but the Marquess said he liked it. I couldn’t help but make a similar pattern on some of his clothes. I recall him being so excited that he referred to it as a couple pattern.”

Yvette gave a hearty clap. “No wonder I feel so familiar. Yes, I see. You know, the Marquess of Northland went to the kingdom on the eastern plains to negotiate this morning. I ran into him in the hall. Can you guess what he’s wearing?”

“What exactly is it?”

“Red and black suit with the same pattern as Elena’s gown.”

The women applauded as soon as Yvette’s words were spoken. There was also the sound of heavy breathing, as if in shock.

“Is that correct? The Marquess still dresses in those patterned clothes today. Doesn’t this imply that the Marquess still harbors romantic feelings for Elena?” Lady Rosemary’s voice rang out loud and clear in everyone’s ears.

Elena was acting evasively once more.

“Lady Rosemary, please don’t put it like that. I’m afraid the Marchioness will misinterpret what I’m saying.”

Yvette abruptly turned her head, as if she had just realized Cheryl was right beside her.

“But how can I say something like that when the Marquess’ wife is right beside me? Sorry, I didn’t mean anything else, Royal sister.”

Cheryl gave a bitter smile. “Yes, it’s fine.”

Lady Rosemary didn’t miss it either, adding, “I’m sorry as well. But you can’t really blame me. The Marquess of Northland and Elena’s story was true. In fact, Elena had been accompanying the Marquis for many years. Surely their emotions are intense, right?”