Chapter 95

It was a couple of days after I made a crown of flowers for Mr. Guu.

"Will there be no need for a dish when we visit the next king?"

"Yes, it's fine without any preparation."

Mr. Melvin, who came as the king's representative, said this.

Last time, I presented my pride, the roast beef, which I made with Gilbert... Did it not suit his taste? I felt a bit down despite my smile.

"Don't worry. The king was very fond of the roast beef. He ate all of it except for the portion used for poison testing. I was disappointed not to share in it."

I felt relieved. Mr. Melvin is sharp and kind. He must have noticed my concern, even though I didn't show it on my face.

"Thank you for your kind words. If you like, I can bring roast beef for you next time?"

"Hehe, that's a very kind offer, but I'll have to decline."

Mr. Melvin smiled teasingly and whispered softly,

"...If I receive a dish from Lady Letizia, the king might get jealous."

"Mr. Melvin?"

"Don't worry. ...For the next visit, instead of presenting a dish in the royal dining room, we would like you to come to the rose garden."

"The rose garden... for the royal family only?"

The queen from four generations ago was a great lover of roses. She had roses brought from various places and carefully cultivated by gardeners.

The rose garden she created in the royal castle is said to be one of the most splendid in the country, but it is usually only accessible to the royal family and gardeners. The roses, which are carefully cultivated, bloom from early summer to summer. During this time, there is an event called the "Rose Gathering," where the country's key figures are invited to the rose garden for one day.

"Queen Letizia has the right to enter the rose garden. She is scheduled to attend this year's 'Rose Gathering,' so we would like you to go there beforehand and meet with the king to discuss the details."

"I understand. I would be happy to accept."

I love roses. Since the family crest of my family, the Gramwell Dukes, is a rose, I have had many opportunities to touch roses.

I remember playing hide-and-seek with my brothers in the rose garden at our family's mansion. It turned into a serious game of hide-and-seek with magic and sword fighting, and we got a severe scolding from the gardeners.

I wonder if my brothers are doing well. I think they are fine, but I still feel a bit lonely. I would like to eat sweets with them in the rose garden at our family's mansion again someday.

"... Mr. Melvin, I have a question."

"What is it?"

"Are there any pavilions or benches in the rose garden? I was thinking it would be nice to sit down and have some sweets and light snacks with the king if possible."

Eating sweets outdoors should be a good change of pace for the king. Unlike Japan, where it is often rainy in early summer, the beginning of summer here is usually sunny and clear. Sweets eaten in the refreshing breeze should be fresh and delicious.

"I believe there is a small table set. If you bring some sweets, I'm sure the king will be pleased."

"Then I will bring some light snacks. Besides sweets and tea, and cutlery, is there anything else I need to prepare?"

"Let's see... First, please open and look at this."

I opened the mint green cosmetic box.

"This is a rose... no, a hair accessory?"

For a moment, it looked like a real flower. It was a delicate hair accessory modeled after a rose, with thin petals layered. The pale pink petals were adorned with pearl droplets like morning dew, and decorated with a ribbon and white lace.

"This is a gift from the king. There is a custom to wear a rose-themed accessory given by the king when entering the rose garden."

"Thank you. I will wear a dress that matches this hair accessory."

"Thank you. I'm sure the king will be pleased. He seemed to be thinking about the color of the rose to give to Lady Letizia."

"... The king chose it himself?"

My heart beat a little faster. The last time I met the king, he didn't seem to be worrying or mention anything about hair accessories. He chose it to match me. I was touched by his thoughtfulness.

After seeing Mr. Melvin off, I immediately started preparing. In early summer, the rose garden, enveloped in bright sunlight and a gentle breeze, was in full bloom. I was excited to choose the right sweets and dress.

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On the day of the event, it was a beautiful, clear day typical of early summer in this country. As I stepped out of the carriage, the transparent sunlight shone down on me.

"King Glenreid, good day. I am honored to be invited to the rose garden today."

I held my dress and bowed. I wore a light pink and white dress that matched the rose hair accessory in my hair.

Around my neck was a choker made of the same fabric as the dress, decorated with white lace. The design featured a ribbon at the chest that swayed and a laced-up front. The shoulders were puffed, and the fabric covering the upper arms flared at the elbows, with delicate lace layered in a princess sleeve style. The skirt was softly and gently spread out like a rose in full bloom. I was careful not to mess up the hem as I bowed, but the king didn't seem to react.

"... Your Majesty?"

"... Ah, you came. Welcome."

The king's blue eyes narrowed slightly.

"... Wha......"

"? What is it?"

The king's response to my question was:

"The hair accessory and dress suit you very well—"

"Meow!!"

A familiar meow. It was drowned out by I-chan's appearance.

Thank you for reading. The next chapter will be updated on the 7th.