Chapter 39

As we were about to leave, I and my stepmother bid farewell to the princess standing at the entrance of the corridor, watching the ladies depart from the garden.

At that moment, I received a small box from a servant and quietly handed it to the princess. I had been hesitant about what to give, not knowing what kind of person she was, but if she wanted me to participate in the future, I wanted to do my best to respond to her.

The embroidery... I wasn't sure how it would be received, but...

"What is this...?"

"Well, I heard that you are a reader of Alex Cheryl... so I brought a handkerchief embroidered with an image inspired by 'The Princess in Crystal Shoes.'"

The princess casually untied the golden ribbon on the ice-blue box and opened the lid, carefully examining the contents, which were arranged to show the most beautiful part of the embroidery.

I was worried that my embroidery might look clumsy to someone of her caliber, who likely had the finest seamstresses creating one-of-a-kind dresses for her. However, the princess took out the handkerchief, unfolded it, and examined it closely.

"Miss Mimosa, is that it? How do you create your designs?"

"I... get inspiration from that person, Mr. Alex's books, and other books and people. I have never drawn a design."

At my words, even my stepmother's eyes widened, as did the princess's.

Did I say something strange? I froze, and the princess carefully folded the handkerchief, placed it back in the box, and instructed her servant to take it to her room.

"I really like it, thank you. Yes, to create something like this without a design... hah, that's impressive. Mrs. Chartier, you have a wonderful daughter."

"Yes, yes. Hehe, I never thought she didn't draw designs. She has always given me handkerchiefs with embroidered images inspired by my new publications..."

"Really, I would like to see them. Please bring them next time."

"Actually, I also have a tablecloth."

"Can you lend it? Miss Mimosa."

Smiling proudly and contentedly, my stepmother and the princess, who looked at me with curiosity and overwhelming beauty, made me take a step back and nod my head vigorously.

I must have looked like a doll that keeps nodding its head when poked. It was hard to imagine what kind of expression I had on my face at that moment.

"Then, would it be alright to hold an Alex Cheryl tea party at the palace? Mr. Cheryl."

"Hehe, of course. As you wish, Princess... ah, at that time, would it be alright to invite one more young lady?"

"That's fine. The next tea party will be Alex Cheryl's tea party, so I'll leave the guest list to you. The palace will cover all expenses. Choose your guests as you like."

"Thank you, Princess."

My stepmother bowed deeply, and I followed suit. Despite her somewhat masculine way of speaking, she had no vulgarity or coarseness. She was very graceful and dignified.

The princess, who seemed to have forgotten something, murmured, "My name is Opal. Opal von Krockhaus. I am the princess of this country... well, you probably know that. In private, you can call me Opal..."

"No, Princess. Mimosa will be bullied."

"Ah, that's true... I can't help it. When the time comes and you bloom, you can call me that."

If my stepmother hadn't scolded me (though it was quite impressive that she scolded the princess), would I have ended up calling the princess by her first name?

Oh, that would be too much...! Just saying her name would make my heart burst...!

"It is an honor. For now, please, Princess..."

"Ah, some other time. I believe the day will come when you will call me that, Miss Mimosa."

"Thank you..."

Today, I feel like I'll collapse into bed as soon as I get home. With my heart pounding and racing, I left the presence of the princess with my stepmother and headed to the carriage.