Chapter 27

The chairman, smiling broadly, bent his knees and looked forward.

In front of his gaze stood His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, and Lady Primera.

Even if the essence of his visit was to see me, it’s not as if the chairman of the Regis Trading Company, which serves the royal family, could freely walk around the palace or simply visit a mere lady-in-waiting’s room.

I didn’t have an appointment myself, and even if I did, it wouldn’t be appropriate to meet in a place where others could see us.

This man, who is actually the childhood friend of His Majesty the King, apparently has a relationship similar to that of the current Crown Prince and Reed Mark. It seems he still frequently visits the palace.

As a royal supplier, the chairman of the Regis Trading Company often comes to the palace to provide services, and this time, he came to attend to His Majesty’s needs. Taking the opportunity, he requested to greet the Crown Prince and the Princess, which His Majesty allowed, leading to this meeting in the Crown Prince’s office in the Prince’s Palace.

Those permitted to be present were His Royal Highness, Albert Daum, his guard knight and butler, and myself, the head lady-in-waiting to Lady Primera.

This man, despite his cheerful appearance, is quite intimidating, as his true intentions are hard to discern.

"Thank you for granting me this sudden audience."

"Enough with the formalities. I received a message from my father... Do you have something to recommend?"

"No, no, I just thought it would be a good opportunity to pay my respects since my son often receives your patronage."

"Hmm...?"

The Crown Prince, with his slightly arrogant attitude, is quite typical. After all, there’s no need to be humble when dealing with a mere merchant.

Lady Primera, who is honestly troubled by the fact that the Queen has never allowed her to be present at such meetings, is looking at me with her fan, seeking help. However, in this setting, only the two royals have the right to speak, and the rest of us can only speak when asked for our opinions.

"Let me also formally greet the Princess. I heard the party the other day was a great success, and I would like to offer my congratulations."

"...Thank you."

"Oh, that necklace sparkling at your neck is made of coral roses with Mandarin garnets. It’s truly beautiful! It suits you very well, Princess."

"...Is this coral and Mandarin garnet?"

"Yes, if my expertise is correct."

"Hmm, the head of the Regis Trading Company, known as the best merchant and gem expert in the country, wouldn’t be wrong, I suppose."

"Indeed... Does your brother know about it?"

"I’ve heard of it. You know about coral, but Mandarin garnet is a rare type of garnet."

"Indeed, His Royal Highness, you are well-informed."

While praising His Royal Highness, Albert Daum, with a smile, it seemed like he was genuinely pleased by the growth of a child. However, I wonder how he could see the necklace from that distance. Since it was sold by the Regis Trading Company and gemstones are the chairman’s specialty, he probably knows exactly where it was sold and who bought it. Pretending to notice it now and praising it as a fine piece, this man is definitely a sly fox.

In my mind, the chairman of the Regis Trading Company is firmly established as a big fox.

Still, those are Mandarin garnet and coral... Dean Dain must have really splurged! The orange coral is beautifully shaped like a rose, and it’s adorned with pearls and Mandarin garnets, making it a delicate and wearable design. It’s a piece worthy of the Regis Trading Company, and I remember it being a one-of-a-kind item. He must have been very serious. The earnestness of a young man is contained in that piece.

"By the way, coral is said to have a protective meaning, wishing for health, and Mandarin garnet is said to represent hidden passion and sincerity."

"Is that so? That’s wonderful... This was a birthday gift I received."

"If that’s the case, the giver must truly care for you, Princess. Indeed, given your beauty, it’s only fitting!"

"Thank you."

Ah, she’s smiling happily. Lady Primera, I doubt Dean Dain knew about the language of stones, but I might inform him in a letter beforehand... Just in case, if it comes up at a tea party soon...

"Well, now that I’ve paid my respects, I should ask if there’s anything you need today. I’ve come to attend to your needs, as I’ve informed His Majesty."

"Hmm, that’s the main reason, isn’t it? It’s tough being a merchant, having to flatter even children like us."

"No, no, it’s a pleasure for me to meet such noble individuals. So, His Royal Highness, is there anything you need?"

This man’s skill lies in addressing the Crown Prince first.

If it were a common merchant, they might lump the Crown Prince and the Princess together in their questions. Such people, unfortunately, wouldn’t make it to the level of a royal supplier. Hierarchy is important, and no matter how close the relationship, it’s part of the etiquette.

In this setting, the Crown Prince is the highest-ranking person, so he should be addressed first, followed by Lady Primera. This is the correct approach. Trying to force an order is not good. Remembering faces and setting up future meetings are what’s important, as I learned at the Jenda Trading Company. Merchants have their own rules, but I wasn’t taught them.

"No, not really. If I need anything, I’ll have Reed deliver it. That’s fine, right?"

"Of course. I’ll continue to take good care of my son. ...What about you, Princess?"

"Hmm... Oh, I heard something the other day. I was told that the tea leaves from Shelbunda High Mountain are very delicious. Can you get them?"

"Of course."

"That’s great. I’m planning to have a tea party with some close friends soon. When can you deliver them?"

"Let me see... If it’s not in bulk, I can have the highest quality tea leaves ready within three days."

"That’s good. Yuria."

Ah, my cue!

This signals that the Crown Prince and the Princess have finished their requests.

Since His Royal Highness, Albert Daum, didn’t place an order and Lady Primera did, the delivery will be to the Princess’s Palace, so I will speak with the chairman afterward.

After seeing them off, I let out a quiet sigh.

Finally, finally.

I can finally invite the chairman of the Regis Trading Company to my office. This is part of my job, and it’s not unusual for a royal supplier to visit the head lady-in-waiting’s office for business.

The head lady-in-waiting’s office has proper soundproofing and can be cleared of people—meaning that confidential discussions can be held if needed.

That’s why only those with verified backgrounds and certain ranks can work in the inner palace, and knights patrol the area. It’s too late to act if something suspicious happens. I suppose the palace is called a den of intrigue for this reason.

I’ve never been involved in any confidential discussions!

Really, I haven’t!

Mandarin garnet is a beautiful orange-colored garnet.

I wanted to talk about the necklace given to Lady Primera. 😄