Chapter 44

A messenger from the palace was sent to arrange the date for Alex Cheryl's tea party and to lend items such as the tablecloth used previously. Since it was a one-of-a-kind item and held special memories of my meeting with Media, and because I, as a fan of Alex Cheryl, had embroidered it with great effort, I exchanged a written agreement to ensure it would be returned after being properly laundered.

My mother-in-law, who was seated with me, said, "You must be thorough in such matters," so, despite my nervousness, I signed "Mimosa Chartier" and kept a copy of the document carefully.

On the day of the event, the guests were chosen by my mother-in-law, so the people from the previous Alex Cheryl tea party, the princess, and one unfamiliar official were present.

"Ms. Media...! I'm so happy to see you again today."

"I am as well, Ms. Mimosa."

At the unfamiliar palace tea party, I was delighted to meet Media, with whom I had just become friends, and took her hand.

Her dress today was the one my mother-in-law had given her last time. The beautiful dress, with a lustrous light gray skirt over a lace white skirt, and white decorations on the chest and collar, complemented Media's deep blue hair and purple eyes, making her look very charming, whether in the day or night.

My mother-in-law has good taste, but Media, who wore the dress well and a small gray hat with a matching veil, was truly beautiful.

"It's lovely... It suits you so well."

"Thank you. I really wanted to wear it today."

The princess and my mother-in-law seemed to be watching us. Suddenly, they called out to us.

"Dear buds, shall we take our seats? Since we're all here, let's talk about Alex Cheryl's works."

"I'm very sorry."

"Of course, we'll take our seats immediately."

The princess, perhaps amused by our hurried bows, laughed and gestured for us to take our seats.

It seems the crown prince is not here today. The princess is supposed to have someone accompany her when she walks around the castle.

I don't want to meet him today. The next tea party will be my time to counterattack.

While thinking such ominous thoughts, I took my seat, and immediately the conversation turned to the tablecloth embroidered with motifs from Alex Cheryl's works, our thoughts on each work, and our favorite scenes and lines, leading to a delightful chat that transcended generations.

The salon was filled with a gentle breeze from the windows, and the conversation was enjoyable. However, Alex Cheryl—no, my mother-in-law—had also been invited to formal tea parties like the previous one.

I wondered what kind of work my mother-in-law did (I knew she was a writer) and what kind of achievements she had. But I didn't think it was necessary to interrupt the pleasant conversation to ask. Just then, the princess exclaimed, "That's right."

"Everyone is a fan of Alex Cheryl, so I'll tell you first. The translation and publication of all of Alex Cheryl's works in foreign countries have been decided. Currently, negotiations are underway to distribute them to four countries. Of course, this will create employment opportunities for translators and high-paying jobs for those who have moved to this country. Moreover, books from other countries will also be translated and sold here. Not just stories, but technical books, medical books, and encyclopedias as well."

It wasn't just me who was stunned. From the much older madam to Media, everyone except the princess and my mother-in-law held their breath for a moment before bursting into cheers.

"That's amazing! Congratulations, Mr. Alex!"

"Furthermore, this will initiate book exchanges! What a great achievement!"

"Congratulations!"

I couldn't help but be moved and pressed my hand to my mouth, but my mother-in-law, smiling gently, had achieved such great things as Alex Cheryl.

The "exchange of knowledge" that begins with stories, which can move people across languages and cultural norms, left me speechless. I could only manage to whisper, "Congratulations," with a lump in my throat.

Exchanging with others is difficult enough. Yet, my mother-in-law—no, Alex Cheryl—had managed to do so between countries.

"Since this is a gathering of fans, everyone must keep this a secret. Once it's officially decided, it will lead to new employment opportunities for translators, detailed negotiations of book items with other countries, and even the emergence of young nobles studying foreign languages to become translators. There might even be opportunities for studying abroad. —To the great writer Alex Cheryl, who has connected our country with others through books."

The princess raised her teacup, and everyone followed suit, raising their teacups in a toast.

My mother-in-law smiled throughout and said, "Thank you," but her face and posture seemed prouder than usual, which made me very happy.