Chapter 7

A few days after the National Foundation Day party, I attended a tea party hosted by a certain marquess family.

I had been receiving tea party invitations every day, and as a duke's daughter, I thought it would be good to attend a few.

Before I returned, I never attended any tea parties and my reputation was bad.

So, this time, I attended the tea party to improve my reputation...

"Hmm, it's delicious! What kind of sweet is this?"

"Princess Asaria, that is a macaron."

"It's so cute, both the name and the appearance. It's also very delicious and wonderful. What brand is it?"

"Oh, that is from the confectionery shop my family operates. If you like, I can send some sweets to the Spencer Duke's household."

"I would be delighted! Please prepare anything as a token of my gratitude!"

"Y-Yes! It would be an honor!"

This is so much fun!

What, tea parties can be this enjoyable?

Before I returned, I thought tea parties were boring, but now, with a relaxed mind and talking to various young ladies, they are so enjoyable.

This party is in a standing reception style, with various foods placed around, and you can take and eat what you like.

The tea and sweets are delicious, and I must thank those who prepared them.

"Hehe, Princess Asaria, you are such a lovely person."

"Huh... lovely?"

One of the young ladies nearby smiled and said this, then looked a bit embarrassed.

"Oh, I apologize. I was being disrespectful to Princess Asaria..."

"No, it's fine. Rather, could you tell me why you think I'm lovely? I often hear that I'm beautiful, but I rarely hear that I'm lovely."

I think I have a well-structured face, but my eyes often give a harsh impression.

When I'm silent and expressionless, people often mistake it for anger.

"Well, when I saw you eating the sweets, you looked so happy and delicious. I couldn't help but think you were adorable."

"Hmm, I see. But if it's a positive impression, I'm happy. Thank you."

I wasn't particularly aware of it, but if my unconscious behavior is seen positively and helps dispel bad rumors, that's fine.

"I, I also thought Princess Asaria was lovely!"

"Me too! If you like, I can bring more sweets!"

"Hehe, thank you."

Talking happily with women of my age is something I couldn't do much before I returned.

I was busy studying to become an empress, dealing with Prince Louis's infidelity, and after the engagement was broken, I was training in magic to fight against beasts.

It feels like I'm regaining something, and I'm happy about it.

It's really fun, but... there's one thing that concerns me.

"Princess Oline, you were chosen as the Holy Maiden. Congratulations."

"Thank you."

There's also that woman, Oline, a baron's daughter who was chosen as the Holy Maiden.

This isn't a formal party like the National Foundation Day party, so even a baron's daughter can be invited.

So, I can't just kick her out like before.

But... when I looked at Oline, she noticed my gaze and turned away, trembling.

Hehe, just seeing that reaction is amusing.

But maybe I should teach her a little about proper noble behavior.

I approached Oline, who was turned away from me.

"Good afternoon, Miss Oline."

"Ah! G-Good afternoon, Princess Asaria."

When I spoke, Oline trembled and greeted me with a strained smile.

"Are you feeling unwell? Your complexion looks poor."

"N-No, I'm fine. I appreciate your concern."

"Oh, really? Then why didn't you come to greet me, a duke's daughter, when the party started?"

"Huh?"

Normally, at such parties, those of lower rank should greet those of higher rank.

The opposite is not supposed to happen.

I spoke a bit loudly, so people around us started to look.

"I-I'm sorry, Princess Asaria. I hesitated to come and greet you because I was disrespectful to you the other day..."

"Oh, disrespectful? What did you do?"

"Well, that..."

Oline glanced around; it would be difficult to explain her rudeness here.

So, I kindly helped her out.

"I don't remember you being disrespectful, Miss Oline."

"Huh?"

"Didn't you miss the National Foundation Day party the other day?"

"Huh...?"

"As a baron's daughter, you can only attend if invited by a duke's family or the royal family. You weren't invited, so you didn't come... right?"

I smiled and asked, and Oline trembled.

"Y-Yes... that's right."

"Right. So, I wasn't disrespected, so you don't need to be so afraid."

"I-I'm not afraid."

Finally, Oline met my gaze with a forced smile. Her eyes still had a hint of defiance.

Right, it wouldn't be fun without a little resistance.

I still have a lot to do... hehe.

"Right, that's good. Just so you know, as a member of the Spencer Duke's family, I use fire magic against beasts or anyone who gets in my way... whether they are children, women, or even the royal family, I won't hesitate to use my power."

"Ah... I see, you are brave and admirable."

"Hehe, thank you."

Prince Louis and Oline have probably already met, as they were seeing each other even before I returned.

She must be afraid because she knows I can use fire magic against Prince Louis.

Maybe one day I'll show her my fire magic.

I smiled and lowered my voice so only she could hear.

"So—don't provoke me too much, Holy Maiden Oline."

"Ah..."

Before I returned, I would instinctively avoid her when she came into range, but the next time, I'll make it a direct hit.

I smiled at her one last time and turned away.

"In the future, be more mindful of your manners when dealing with your superiors, Miss Oline."

"...Yes, I appreciate your advice."

After watching her bow, I returned to the party.