Chapter 79 of 100
Chapter 79
5 min read1,309 words
"Alright then, let's do our best for today's garden party!"
In front of me, after summarizing with something appropriate during the morning meeting, are Maina and Scarlett, who can't hide their nervousness. But their posture is straight and very beautiful. Yes, yes, that's good!
I did reconfirm the rules for the garden party, but I decided not to emphasize them too much. It would be annoying to be told too much, and I've already been persistent enough up until today... I believe everything will be fine.
Finally, the day of the autumn garden party has arrived.
The clear blue sky, fitting for the phrase "autumn weather," stretches out.
Of course, there are various plans for the arrival of distinguished guests, some of whom have come a few days in advance and others who are scheduled to arrive today.
I don't know which border lord is bringing a monster, but I think it's best to proceed with the spirit of "doing what we can."
Princess Primera, who was nervous this morning, didn't eat much.
She is wearing a slightly mature dress as planned, with her hair neatly tied up and makeup done, and she is wearing a mask according to etiquette.
Around her neck is a necklace given by Dean Dain, and she keeps playing with it with her fingertips, which looks very cute.
"Hey, hey, do I look strange? Is it okay?"
"Yes, it suits you very well."
She is so nervous that she can't help but wander around the room, look in the mirror repeatedly, and lift the hem of her dress—very restless, but she is still a child! Even adults get nervous when it's their first time, and I understand how she feels.
Later, Sebastian will accompany her to the venue, and it seems that Princess Primera is practicing how to greet guests. I'm a bit reluctant to leave, but I need to go to the venue early to prepare for the service!
The venue is the garden within the palace. It is a beautiful place with trees planted to enjoy the autumn leaves and blooming autumn roses. The garden, which is usually open for the royal family and distinguished guests to relax, will be transformed into a grand party. The gardeners are putting in a lot of effort for this event.
In my previous life, I didn't have much experience growing flowers, but I learned that some types of roses can bloom all year round. I learned this while working at the royal palace. If you want to know more, you can ask Marquis Nashanda, who will be here today!
Speaking of which, Marquis Nashanda is coming this time! I plan to greet him later.
My role at the garden party is to manage the servers to ensure that the distinguished guests have a pleasant time.
Additionally, I need to greet people I know and maintain connections for the future, passing them on to the next generation.
And like Maina and Scarlett, young people who will lead the next generation will gather to observe the power dynamics and talents of the assembled distinguished guests and nobles, and learn the importance of choosing the right people to associate with.
I became the head maid of the princess before I participated in the garden party as a server, so I didn't have any practical experience.
Moreover, my participation as a head maid in the garden party is a recent development. Until a few years ago, it was decided that it wasn't appropriate to bring me, who was also Primera's personal maid, because she was still young. They were considerate of me.
Because of that, I still have a lot to learn, and I'm sure there are still many areas where I'm not efficient. I need to improve!
The beautiful lawn garden has several tables, and white tablecloths are fluttering in the breeze. I'm glad the wind isn't too strong!
The rooms facing the garden are open for rest, and they have been thoroughly cleaned.
The dishes have been polished to a shine, and we can't afford to ruin the hard work of the other servants. I'm really motivated!
"Yuria-sama"
"Yes! ...Oh, it's Christopher."
"I will be serving at the Prime Minister's place today."
"That's right. Please take care of me today."
"Likewise, please take care of me."
Christopher, who came to greet me with a bow, was dressed in fine attire befitting a servant of the Prime Minister, who is also a duke. The blue clothes and blue hat suit him well, perhaps to make his white hair less noticeable! In this outfit, he looks like a boy, and usually, it's hard to tell... but he's so cute.
"Your outfit suits you well."
"Uncomfortable."
"Oh... don't be so stubborn."
"Yes."
I wish his expression would change a bit more!
But in that sense, maybe we're on the same level? I'm often told that my facial muscles don't work during work. That's rude; I think I'm an expressive type.
But I'm glad he came to greet me. Christopher, who seemed to have come just to greet me, quickly returned to his duties. It's important to prioritize your work.
The weather is good, and the preparations are good.
The wine, sweets, dishes, flowers, garden, and tableware—all the preparations for today are about to pay off!
The other head maids are also very motivated.
The large number of outer and inner palace maids makes even the morning meeting quite a challenge... but as the time approaches, Maina and Scarlett's nervousness is increasing. Once the event starts, they won't have time to be nervous.
Don't worry, there are reliable senior maids everywhere.
But seeing the two of them so tense, I couldn't help but stop and ask.
"Are you two okay?"
"Y-Yes, of course! Who do you think I am!"
"Scarlett, your tone is off. Today, be ladylike, yes, smile."
"What should I do? My father is coming! If my family is here, I'll be even more nervous... If I trip and knock over a table..."
"It's okay, Maina, calm down."
Oh, they're not as okay as I thought!!
This morning, they weren't this bad. They're being overwhelmed by the tension around them.
I remember how I felt when I first came to the royal palace or went to the harem... There are many such memories when I think about it.
So, to put it simply:
"It's okay, it's okay."
"Yuria-sama..."
"Look, don't make a face like you're about to cry. It ruins your cute face. As I've said before, Maina is doing a great job as a maid in the princess's palace. Just act as you usually do. I believe you can do it, which is why you're participating in the garden party as a maid."
"...Yes..."
"Scarlett, it's especially challenging for you to act as a maid in such a large setting, especially since you've just been transferred. It's natural to be nervous."
"I-I'm not nervous!"
"I know you're trying to act like a proper noble, but today, focus on your role as a maid. I know your etiquette is beautiful, so I'm not worried. But with so many people, there will be some unique individuals, so please let me know if you encounter any."
"...Alright, I'll let you know."
Yes, yes, that's more like it!
But I'm relieved that she's regaining her composure.
As for Princess Primera... I'm sure Sebastian will support her, and the Queen Mother will be with her during the garden party, so she'll be fine.
"Head maids, this way. The rest, stay in your assigned positions until the guests arrive!"
Oh, it's almost time.
I gave Maina and Scarlett a light tap on the shoulder to encourage them, and they nodded firmly, still nervous but more composed.
After that, I headed to the head maid's location.
The garden party is starting!
Let's do our best!