Chapter 17

"……!! Why…… why do you always get such good luck, you noble girl……!!"

The young lady Roten flinched at my stern words, lowered her head, and finally burst into tears.

The maids who had come to wipe the tablecloth to prevent burns finished their work and moved away, looking troubled.

"I am a fan of Alex Cheryl! I always buy and read her books on the day they are released, and that’s my thing! I fell in love with Sir Percival after that!! I’ve been attending this tea party since before then!! So why is it you, of all people, who gets to be Mr. Alex’s daughter and Sir Percival’s bride……!"

I can’t say I don’t understand her feelings. There are stories like that. I’ve read tragic love stories that end with the phrase, "I liked them first, but…."

However, as a fan, there are things you should and shouldn’t do. It’s fine that I embroidered it, but this is an officially licensed tablecloth by Alex Cheryl. It’s a collection of the image of the work, something the author has acknowledged!

To try to vent your frustration by defiling it with such emotions is an unforgivable act.

The other participants have fallen silent. Two young participants have started a loud argument. They might be stunned, but I need to say this clearly.

"Do you understand, Miss Roten? I will not apologize to you for marrying Sir Percival or becoming Alex Cheryl’s daughter, nor do I have any intention of giving it up. It’s not just my decision, and to be honest, I’m so bad at socializing that I didn’t even know such a wonderful tea party had been held before. My hobbies are reading and embroidery, and it was the lady who made me look fashionable. And when I said I’m Alex Cheryl’s daughter, I meant I’m the daughter of Lady Alexandra Shart. Alex Cheryl is an author I will always admire. She is my treasure. No matter what my official status is, I will always be a fan of Alex Cheryl, and that won’t change in the future. Do you plan to stop reading books?"

"Of course not. I am a fan of Alex Cheryl. When I read her books, I enter the story and enjoy it. I would never stop doing that."

"Then! Never do such a thing again! If you must, pour tea on me next time!"

"……What?"

"Did you not hear me? I said that if you must, pour tea on me, not on anything related to Alex Cheryl. If I don’t like it, pour it on me."

"Mimosa, calm down."

Miss Roten looks at me with a face that doesn’t understand what I’m saying, but I am very serious. Even though the lady called out to me, I shook my head. I am calm and angry.

"I am telling you to stop taking out your frustrations on objects, especially those you love. It will hurt you in the long run. The tablecloth you just defiled is based on 'The Garden of White Roses.' In the story, it’s said, 'If you pluck a white rose because it is beautiful, its thorns will hurt your fingers. Even a silent flower will hurt you if you hurt it. Therefore, it’s better to be kind to people. Of course, this applies to roses that can only bloom and cannot speak.' And it also says, 'Roses that can only bloom heal our hearts with their beauty. They do not hurt; they only heal.' So, since I am a person who can speak, please direct your frustrations at me, not at objects. If you must take out your frustrations, do it on me. Of course, you will be hurt too. It’s only natural. I will be hurt too."

The applause from the surrounding people flew at me for quoting the text from the story word for word. I suddenly realized I had done something unbecoming of a lady and quietly sat down, shrinking.

For some reason, the lady next to me said, "Mimosa……!" and was almost crying, but Miss Roten was sobbing with her head down. The aggressiveness from before was gone.

"……I’m sorry for ruining it. Lady Mimosa, and Mr. Alex. I really do love your books…… Can I still love them in the future……?"

I have said what I wanted to say, so I look at the lady.

The lady, smiling gently, added, "Of course, you can."

"But if you really do something like pouring tea on Mimosa, I will put down my pen."

This bombshell made everyone in the room turn pale.

And the idea that one should not hurt Lady Mimosa, who was loved by Alex Cheryl, quickly spread among the ladies of the social circle.

Reading is a lady’s pastime. Alex Cheryl is a relatively new author, but she has many fans even without being invited to tea parties.

This bombshell would protect me in the future.