Chapter 82

As I walk through the garden, I check the overlap of my sleeves and make sure the hem isn’t crooked.

"Princess Aisha, it’s fine."

"Yeah, I know, but... I can’t seem to calm down..."

I smile awkwardly at Ikt’s wry smile, and my lips curl up. Feeling embarrassed, I start fussing with my clothes again.

I’m wearing a calm, blue-green formal suit, a matching jacket and trousers, a black vest for a mature look, and a deep yellow shirt for a touch of elegance, all coordinated by the princess.

This is because, today, I received an invitation to a tea party from my younger brothers!

"I’m glad the perfume I asked Wald to get arrived in time."

"Yes, though I’m embarrassed to admit it, Miss Nomariola is more knowledgeable about such etiquette."

Ikt’s job is usually to guard me silently, ensuring there are no dangers around me. However, he continues the conversation to help me calm down.

Nomariola, the lady-in-waiting, advised against strong perfumes in dining settings. When I met Diora, the princess of the Rukiusaria Kingdom, I used a rose extract, which Nomariola had adjusted to be not too overpowering.

At that time, I hadn’t yet earned her favor, so she did her job without complaint, following orders to avoid any mistakes.

"This time, because he was considerate, Wald also told me that the expenses for my grooming supplies can be covered by my allowance."

The three brothers delivered the invitation to the tea party by hand. For my attire, I received advice from Nomariola, and when Wald learned I had no perfumes or grooming supplies, he took care of it.

Both are serious about their jobs, and even though they’ve been reassigned to less important roles or are double agents for the duke, I feel grateful to have such good people around.

"It seems they can’t wait any longer. Princess Aisha, try to calm down."

"Y-Yeah."

I’m caught fidgeting with my clothes again and try to hide my embarrassment with a smile, turning forward. Then, I hear light, hurried footsteps.

"Ah, Big Brother!"

"Big Brother!"

"Hey, Werner, Fer. Thank you for inviting me today."

The energetic twins are dressed in the same design but in white and black.

"Today, we helped Big Brother too!"

"We chose the sweets, the plates, and the flowers!"

"Wow, I’m looking forward to it."

I take their hands. The guards and attendants following them no longer scold us.

We do this every time we meet.

Maybe they think it’s reassuring to have my hands occupied.

I lead the twins to the pavilion where they once got lost.

"Why did you choose here?"

When I ask, Werner and Fer, who were in tears at the time, smile up at me.

"Because it’s where we first met Big Brother!"

"And to thank you for that day!"

I collapsed due to an allergy, and both of them, as well as Terry, were in tears. I was the one who made them cry, but now they’re smiling and saying such nice things.

"I’m so happy. I was really happy to meet you two that day too."

"Yeah, hehe."

"We’re happy too."

Werner smiles shyly, while Fer speaks candidly.

"Big Brother! ...Thank you for coming."

Terry, who had run up from the pavilion, stops as if remembering something and starts over. So, I let go of the twins’ hands and respond.

"Thank you for inviting me today, Terry, Werner, Fer. I was really looking forward to it."

When I say this sincerely, my brothers smile and nod.

I’m led to the pavilion by the twins again, stepping onto the white stone steps.

No one scolds me, and no one looks at me disapprovingly.

(Ah, I belong here.)

I feel a bit emotional.

Because before, I couldn’t even approach this place.

The pavilion, decorated with flowers and fabric, the polished dishes, and the luxurious pastries that must have taken a lot of effort. Before, I could only look at this scene.

"Big Brother, please sit here."

"I want to sit next to you!"

"Me too!"

Terry, trying to play the host, leads me to my seat, while the twins, still holding my hands, chatter excitedly.

I told Ikt that I didn’t want to replace my brothers in hosting such a tea party; I just wanted to be with them.

And now, I’m here with them.

"Big Brother, what would you like to eat?"

"Let’s have tea first, Fer."

"Hey, lots of milk is delicious."

When Terry advises, Werner eagerly recommends his favorite. It seems they’ve prepared multiple types of tea.

"I’m not very knowledgeable about food. There are many things I haven’t eaten or drunk."

"Really? Then I’ll teach you!"

"Me too! I’ll teach you too!"

The twins start talking excitedly without stopping. Even though I’m a child now, their energy is impressive.

Comparing them, Terry is more reserved, so I glance at him, and he’s looking back at me.

Terry is indeed perceptive. He seems to have sensed my discomfort from my earlier comment.

"Terry, what do you recommend? I’d appreciate your help."

"Okay... I’ll help you, Big Brother."

Terry seems to have regained his composure. The twins recommend based on their preferences, while Terry provides knowledge about the flavors and pairings.

"Did you memorize all the origins? That’s impressive, Terry."

"Well, I was told when we prepared them."

"You must have listened and remembered well. Since you chose them, they must all be good. I’m not sure which to try first."

"Hey, I like the one with lots of milk!"

"I like the one with a sweet apple scent!"

I recognize Massa. It’s the tea from the quiz given by my father’s aide. The twins seem to be well-versed in high-quality teas, as they can discuss them based on their preferences.

Massa’s tea is delicious, but I have my brothers here to teach me about new things. It would be more fun to start with something I don’t know.

"Is the apple one a flavored tea? Then I’ll start with that."

I check with Terry, and he nods. It seems there’s no specific order for drinking tea. I’m relieved it’s not as formal as a Japanese tea ceremony.

As my stomach fills and the conversation flows, the twins eventually run out of energy. Later, I learned that they couldn’t decide and ended up preparing multiple types of tea. Terry, blushing, explained that usually, only a few types of tea are prepared for such a tea party.

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Next: Tea Party with My Brothers 5