Chapter 38

"Well, now that the introductions are over, could you tell me about the usual goings-on in the city as you usually do?"

The queen leaned back boldly in her luxurious chair with a backrest and handrail, crossing her legs, which were visible through the slit in her dress. Her demeanor was completely free of pretension or flirtatious charm; it was simply fitting.

I thought of a blue rose, but the queen up close was like a lion. The image of the 'Crystal Slipper Queen' was entirely different, so while I thought about giving her a handkerchief on the way out, I wanted to give her a more suitable embroidered one next time.

Ten people, including myself, were invited to the tea party, with the queen seated at the place of honor.

It seemed that the order of speaking was predetermined, as this was the usual group. I had thought that 'the city' referred to the noble district, but it seemed that the people invited here were indeed a bit special.

"The sleeveless dresses that completely expose the shoulders are now a popular trend in the city, even though they were a trend among the nobility about two years ago. They don't slip down because the top part is sewn with elastic, they are easy to move in, and they allow more air to circulate in the heat. They also look a bit bold, which seems to be the reason. For the summer, they are made with thin, inexpensive fabric and layered with frills, which apparently helps cover the body shape and are popular."

This was said by the Duchess of Wembert, who was about the same age as my mother-in-law. I hadn't expected her to run a business that had such a broad impact on the general populace, and it was impressive that she had such detailed knowledge.

"Regarding food, there's a dish called curry that uses a lot of spices brought in from the southeast. At first, it was too spicy, but after some research at home, we found that the spice blend and ingredients could be adjusted to make it less spicy. The meat sold in the city often has a gamey smell, so it would be good if the spices could be popular as a separate item to carry around... However, some of the spices are not available in our country, so the price is still high."

The next speaker was the Countess of Mabel, a gentle woman with a round face and body. My mother-in-law had quietly told me that the Count of Mabel worked in the import and export department, and I was surprised that the Countess was working on how to expand and utilize this in the country.

"Hmm, fashion trends do come around. In about two years, shoulder-exposing styles might become popular among the nobility again. However, it would be boring if it were the same. Designer, please have the designers start thinking about new, innovative designs that expose the shoulders, little by little, Wembert Duchess. And regarding the spices, please list the spices and herbs available in our country, especially those effective in eliminating gamey smells. Game can be a fine dish at the palace if the parasites and odors are dealt with. The city probably thinks that cooking the meat thoroughly makes it safe, but the smell remains. Curry that isn't too spicy could be served in the restaurants in the noble district. What do you think, Duchess of Persia?"

The two previous speakers bowed in response to the queen's instructions, and the Duchess of Persia, who was the owner of several restaurants in the noble district, was asked to speak. The Duke of Persia was involved in other businesses, and his wife was running her own business... I listened with genuine admiration, as if it were a distant world.

This wasn't just about the latest fashion in dresses, what food was delicious, or new sweets... This was a meeting to create trends in the country.

I was in a meeting to create the trends of this country. I started to sweat in my palms. It wasn't that I was nervous, but the self-deprecating thought that someone like me... was trying to show its face in my mind, which I suppressed.

"Of course, if I can get the cooperation of Countess Mabel, I would be delighted. Until the spices are stably secured, I plan to experiment with serving it in one of the larger stores. Also... I might try making a stew with our country's herbs and wine. As a meat dish. Curry is usually eaten with thin bread, but the main bread in our country is hard and keeps well. I also want to develop something that is more adapted to our country. Would you be willing to cooperate, Countess Mabel?"

"Yes, of course. I would be happy to cooperate. The main stew is made with cheese and milk, but with cows, there is always a smell... I'm sure a stew made with herbs and wine will be delicious."

The two ladies quickly and smoothly advanced the conversation with a light laugh.

"Mimosa, how are you enjoying my tea party?"

"Y-Yes! Everyone... has a special skill and is looking beyond the nobility to the city... It's very educational."

I swallowed hard and managed to answer, but it was clear that I was nervous. The queen laughed and encouraged me to have some tea.

"This country is not sustained by the nobility alone. We must also consider the broader life of the city... the common people. Earning foreign currency and using the money and food for the country is the work of men, but these finer details are the work of women. Mimosa, you are not pretentious and are very sincere. In the future, such tea parties will be held. Will you come when it's convenient for you to study?"

What strong words from such a beautiful woman. I am not even a countess yet, but I am invited to come and study. This is probably to ensure that the system of women running businesses continues to be passed down through generations.

I can only do embroidery, and I have no idea how it could be useful, but I felt it would be embarrassing to refuse the queen's invitation.

"Of course... I would like to study."

My voice and expression became stiff, but I bowed my head and said so. Naturally, I bowed my head, thinking that she was the queen of the women's world. If you are interested in the next part and want to know more, I would be very happy if you could support me by clicking the star below the ad!