Chapter 25

While Urban was visiting an old friend, the family gathered at Emma's cottage for the second Tanaka family meeting.

The topic was the case of the prince and princess that Urban had brought up.

"Upon re-examining the letter, I think this might be it..."

Mother Mersa smoothly took out the letter.

If it were a letter involving the prince and princess, it would have the royal seal, but instead, it bore the crest of the Marquis family, which was located a bit away from the palace. This was the Valeri Marquis family, which governed the territory next to the Kiari domain that Urban had visited. Indeed, their daughter had entered the royal family as a concubine, becoming the mother of the second prince and the only princess of the royal family.

"From what I can tell by reading the letter, there's nothing that suggests it's about the prince and princess."

After reading it carefully twice, Leonardo sighed. Georg, Emma, and William read the letter in turn, and they all shared the same opinion.

"Why did you refuse this letter's invitation, Mother?"

Georg asked.

At the previous tea party, there were participants from baronial and viscount families. If they were to limit attendance based on family rank, the Marquis family would not have been turned down.

"Firstly, we had no close ties with that family. Secondly, unlike the area around the capital, the territories here are vast, so we prioritized families within a three-hour carriage ride. Thirdly, the tone of the letter was a bit pompous and it irritated me."

The first two reasons were reasonable.

Moreover, if the sender were royalty, the pompous tone would be expected, and bowing down would be the norm.

"Can we just ignore it?"

William asked hopefully.

There were countless nobles who wanted to get closer to the royal family, but the unfortunate Stewart family was different. Getting closer to the royal family meant more trouble. Their motto was to maintain peace and avoid trouble, a sentiment that had grown stronger since they became aware of their reincarnation. Father Leonardo shook his head.

"It would have been better if we hadn't noticed, but since Urban mentioned it..."

The prince and princess's messenger had specifically requested that they be invited this time.

The royal family's request was absolute.

It was as good as being told to plan the next tea party and invite them quickly.

"…Did they go out of their way to make sure we wouldn't notice?"

Emma complained, feeling frustrated.

The only advantage of a tea party was the cake; everything else was a hassle. Talking to strangers and putting on a facade were both troublesome.

"Emma. I understand how you feel, but keep it to yourself here. You could be arrested for disrespect."

You never know who might be listening. If there were royal loyalists among the servants, there was a risk of being reported.

"In this case… what's the right answer?"

Georg asked, sounding exasperated.

"Plan the next tea party quickly and invite them. …I guess?"

Leonardo answered. There was no other option.

The entire family sighed simultaneously.

(What a hassle)

Even Mother Mersa, who was enthusiastic about the tea party, felt the same way. She wanted to see her grandchild but didn't want to go through the trouble.

"In that case, why don't we pick other guests who want to get closer to the royal family? We can do them a favor, and it will reduce the time our children spend on this."

Mother had a mischievous look on her face, considering it a form of retribution.