Chapter 35

Well, I am now in the midst of confusion.

…It all started at the founding anniversary party. Being invited itself was odd, but when I gathered my courage and entered the venue, I was followed not by cold gazes, but by curious and interested ones. At that point, I thought, "Huh? This isn't what I expected…" and was inwardly trembling.

Then, I was called by Her Royal Highness the Dowager Queen, and to my surprise, she said she was supporting me. "Huh? Could it be that she invited me…?" I thought, and just as I was about to let out a sigh, thinking that the biggest mission of the day was over and I could quietly stay in a corner…

To my surprise, Yuri-sama was right in front of me. …And next to her were Ed-sama, who looked unhappy, and Van-sama, who was looking at me curiously.

"…It's been a while."

For now, I replied with a smile. …I hope it doesn't look forced?

"Lady Iris, it's been quite a while since you left the academy. I'm glad to see you looking well."

Is this sarcasm? Is it sarcasm? Or, could it be that she really cared about me? It's hard to judge when it comes to Yuri-sama…

"Yuri-sama, you look well too."

I tried to say something harmless for now.

"…I'm surprised. It really is Lady Iris."

From the side, Van-sama's words came in.

"You see, I told you. I'm good at recognizing faces. Besides, who else could be with Bern if not Lady Iris?"

He said it proudly, but Yuri-sama… weren't you there at that time? Bern wasn't just with you; he was on your side, pushing me out!

"Still, you've changed so much. I didn't notice."

"Yuri is smart."

"Hahaha… Thank you, Lord Edward."

…Yeah, yeah. It's still the same pink, giggly space. To create such an atmosphere in front of my ex-fiancé is really lacking in consideration. I've already given up on Yuri-sama, but… I wondered if Lord Edward was really such a happy-go-lucky person. However, as soon as I remembered his last words at the academy, that doubt was quickly dispelled.

"…By the way, why are you here today, Lady Iris?"

Yuri-sama's unexpected punch made my smile almost slip away for a moment.

"Why…?"

"Because, Lady Iris…"

"Why do you need to ask something so obvious? You're not in a position to be here, are you?"

Interrupting Yuri-sama, Lord Edward glared at me with a menacing look. He doesn't have to glare so much; I'm not going to eat him.

"About my position…"

"Yuri is kind. He's warning you about your position."

Hey, listen to what I'm saying! And why are you so smug?

"…Warning?"

On the other hand, Yuri-sama seemed to be confused by Lord Edward's words, as if a question mark had appeared above her head.

"…I'm here because I was invited by Her Royal Highness the Dowager Queen. As for my position, I'm simply fulfilling my role as a subject."

"Wha…! My grandmother…?"

Lord Edward's eyes widened in surprise. Did he not see me greet Her Royal Highness earlier?

"No, that can't be… A person like you wouldn't receive an invitation from my grandmother. If you're going to lie, at least come up with a better one."

He seemed convinced, but… that's not how you talk to your ex-fiancé… I was about to retort, but Yuri-sama spoke first.

"…Um. I don't really understand what the two of you are talking about…"

"…Huh…"

Yuri-sama's words defused my anger and left me speechless. You don't understand? But you started the conversation.

"What I wanted to know was… why you came here… I thought maybe Lady Iris was here to promote that dress."

"…Promote?"

"Yes. After all, Lady Iris is from the House of Armenia. The House of Armenia is known for the Azuta Trading Company. I wanted to know if you were here to promote the dress on behalf of the Azuta Trading Company."

I'm the head of the Azuta Trading Company, so I didn't need to be asked. It seems they didn't know I was the head… I recalled the conversation I had with Sei when these two were trying to join the Azuta Trading Company.

"No… it's not exactly promotion… but it is to showcase the new fabric of this dress."

"Oh, I see! It's beautiful. I want a dress made from this fabric. Where can I buy it?"

Since Lord Edward was left out, the conversation between Yuri-sama and me continued.

"The production isn't complete yet, so it's not for sale. Once the production line is set up and the quantity is sufficient, it will be available for sale."

"Oh, I see. It's so beautiful, I really want one… Can't you do something about it?"

"Your words are very kind, but it will take some time, so please bear with me."

After all, the export country is charging a high price. Silk is expensive, but considering the transportation costs and other expenses, it's a loss. Therefore, the Azuta Trading Company won't be selling it on a large scale for a while… Even if we sold the fabric at a high price, we don't have enough to make dresses.

"But… but…"

"That's right. As the future royal family, if Yuri wants it, it's an honor and the company should respond immediately."

"That's not possible, no matter what you say."

"Rude…!"

Lord Edward's face turned red. Fortunately, the others were too engrossed in the music and their own conversations to hear, but some nearby people were looking at us curiously. Ah, what a hassle.

"…It's noisy, isn't it? What happened?"

Suddenly, my mother appeared from behind.

"Oh, Duchess of Armenia. It's been a while."

"……"

Yuri-sama's conversation was ignored, and she came to me.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes… I'm fine, Mother. I'm sorry for causing a disturbance."

"Duchess of Armenia!"

Lord Edward called my mother with the same tone as before. Ah, I can see a slight wrinkle on her forehead.

"Oh, Your Highness. Why are you making such a loud noise during the party?"

"Why did you ignore Yuri just now! It's a serious offense!"

"Oh, Your Highness. It's just a joke. …Surely, you haven't forgotten the court etiquette, have you?"

My mother hid her mouth with a fan. She must have let out a big sigh behind the fan.

"Speaking casually to someone of a higher rank can make people question your dignity. If Yuri becomes your consort… no, that's why she must be familiar with such etiquette."

She looked at Lord Edward and Yuri-sama intently.

"But, Yuri is my fiancée."

"Yes, that's true. A fiancé is not yet officially married… which means they are not yet part of the family. …Anything can happen before the marriage."

She glanced at me. Yes, that's right. I was also engaged and then it was broken off.

"I don't think it matters. If someone greets you, you should greet them back. Isn't that the normal thing to do?"

"……"

My mother and I… no, everyone around us was stunned. Well, Lord Edward and Van-sama were not stunned.

Normal… huh. The noble world is indeed formal and has many unnecessary etiquettes, which can be troublesome. However, these etiquettes are also necessary to maintain the order of the nobility, with the king at the top and the nobles in a pyramid structure below.

In Japan, it's polite to greet someone back when they greet you. But just like there are various etiquettes for greeting and responding, the same applies here.

"Yuri-sama, if you are to become part of the royal family, you must behave accordingly."

"Melris is right."

Another person appeared, and to my surprise, it was Her Royal Highness the Dowager Queen.

"Grandmother…!?"

"Her Royal Highness, shouldn't you be at your seat?"

Lord Edward acted surprised, but my mother asked calmly.

"It's fine. I've finished most of my greetings. So, Iris, come and tell me about your recent life. Melris, will you join us?"

"Yes, I will."

"Good. Duke of Armenia, Lord Anderson is waiting for you. Please talk to him."

"As you wish."

"Since we can't leave you alone, Bern, follow the Duke of Armenia."

"Yes."

Just as things were about to settle, Lord Edward interrupted again.

"Grandmother…!"

"What is it? You're being noisy. …There are guests from other countries here, and your behavior is questionable. You should step back and calm down. This reflects poorly on our country."

However, Her Royal Highness coldly dismissed us and led the four of us. As we passed by, I glanced at Lord Edward and Yuri-sama, who looked stunned.

Then, Her Royal Highness returned to the royal seat. Around her were high-ranking guests from other countries, the highest-ranking military officials of this country, including my grandfather, and other important figures in the palace, all smiling but exuding a powerful presence.

The fact that such a group was present at the party, and especially near Her Royal Highness, demonstrated her continued influence.

I wondered if I should have come… but I didn't want to be there, so I quietly served as Her Royal Highness's conversation partner.