Chapter 37

"Um, Miss Michelle? I feel like this is different from what I was told—"

"Oh, what are you talking about?"

The story was that you were having trouble because the princess was treating you like an enemy, right?

So, are you really having trouble?

That's strange...

Defining 'trouble' is difficult...

"Miss Reisha, please have some drink. The cakes here are all delicious, you know."

The youngest, Amanda, invited her with a smile.

"Please eat with peace of mind. We certainly haven't mixed any poison in them."

I looked up in shock at Reis.

Actually, she is even taller than me, who is already tall among women.

Wait a minute!

You just casually mentioned poison in a normal conversation!?

T-That's scary...

"Besides, it's fine to take your time. If the princess comes, we will—no, we will entertain her."

No way! How reliable, Miss Matilda! You're more dependable than my husband—doesn't that seem strange?

Are you really in trouble?

It feels like you're hoping for it to happen so that this boring tea party would become more fun!?

The most moderate one, Miss Matilda, seems to be the most combative?

When I asked what she meant, Michelle smiled and said it was good that we could get along.

"Miss Reisha, please come to our tea party next time! We always have a great time with this close-knit group."

Amanda's eyes sparkled, and I felt a bit warm seeing this colorful group.

Yeah, they're cute.

If your sister has any trouble, I'll help her, okay?

"The main topic of that tea party is how to deal with the princess's faction, but everyone's stories are very helpful! It makes me want to try harder too!"

Amanda's determined look is cute, but what she says is not at all cute...

"Please, Miss Reisha, I'd love to hear your story too! Your earlier appearance was so impressive! The way you intimidated the other person while smiling, I was really impressed! The princess's frustrated face would make me eat several loaves of bread!"

Yeah, it's a misunderstanding!

It was just to avoid trouble, so I smiled.

I was dealing with my husband, not the princess! Don't misunderstand! Don't put strange expectations on me!

"Exactly, I hope that arrogant girl will calm down a bit."

"Oh, wouldn't it be boring if she calmed down?"

Matilda... What are you aiming for...?

I'm completely lost.

"Oh, everyone, Miss Reisha seems troubled. Please calm down a bit."

"I'm sorry, I seem to be a bit excited! Because, if such a beautiful lady is the Duke of Lindvold's fiancée, the princess must be boiling with anger inside! Everyone says so. They say you look like a goddess."

That's too much praise.

I don't mind being praised, but it seems that I'm seen as a disappointment by my husband and others. So, it seems my appearance is recognized.

"But, you are really beautiful... I didn't hear many good things about you before your marriage."

Reis said this hesitantly.

I don't blame her because I had a part in it. She doesn't seem to believe all the rumors, and I'm happy that she's talking to me now!

They seem to have strong personalities, but I feel like we might get along.

I think I also have a strong personality, so maybe we're kindred spirits.

What? I was aware of it? I do have some self-awareness. Not as much as Michelle's friends, though.

"Please be friends with us, Miss Reisha... Or is that too presumptuous?"

"Oh, not at all."

I'm a bit happy.

I don't have many friends—actually, almost none!

I'm not good at socializing, so I'd really appreciate it if you could teach me a lot. She said she would take care of it and welcomed me into the group.

Well, I made some friends.

Socializing might become a bit more fun from now on!

I didn't find much to look forward to, but it seems I can have fun with them.

While chatting and exchanging information, the bell my husband mentioned rang.

"Oh, it's already this late. I'm sorry, I need to go to my husband now."

My husband told me to visit him at this time.

Plus, I'm a bit tired and want to rest.

"Then I'll guide you. I know the palace well because my father's office is here."

Is that so?

I think the Duke of Andret is the head of the Foreign Ministry.

Michelle seems to have visited the palace many times because of this.

Since I'm not familiar with the palace, I gratefully asked Michelle to guide me.

My husband also told me to have Michelle guide me. It's more reassuring than asking a stranger.

After all, this is the enemy's stronghold.

I don't think they would do anything today after my husband warned them, but it's better to be cautious.

"Let's go then. The Duke's office is near the royal family's quarters. It's my first time going there, but I know the location, so please don't worry."

I trust you, Michelle.

However, I soon realized that my thoughts were very naive.