Chapter 64
And Mirielle Empress was not the only one young ladies sought to impress during the Harimines Week.
With Josephine, previously the flower of the social circle, gone, gaining recognition from the Empress during Harimines Week was the best way to establish one’s position in society.
Natalie of the Baiha Count family was also among the many who didn’t want to miss this opportunity.
“Hehe, I’ll be the one most recognized at Harimines Week,” she thought.
The Baiha estate, located in the southern part of the empire, boasted many beautiful flowers that could not be found in other regions. The family had a long tradition of expertise in flowers and even ran a flower tea business.
It was surprising, yet fortunate, that Josephine Ingda, who had been close to them, had self-destructed. This not only allowed Natalie to secure her position in society but also coincided with the Empress’s visit being postponed until summer.
This meant they could showcase southern flowers that couldn’t normally be displayed during Harimines Week.
“Hehe, our estate’s flowers amaze even people of the Empire. I wonder how surprised the Empress, who’s only been in northern Estria, will be when she sees our garden.”
The garden was grand and lavish, even by Prhizen Empire standards. Natalie lifted her chin proudly to greet the Empress.
“Your Majesty Empress Mirielle, how do you find our family garden?”
Of course, the question was unnecessary. The Empress would undoubtedly be wide-eyed with wonder at the sight of the vibrant and colorful scenery that could not be seen in the north.
“Good. If she shows interest in the flowers, I can naturally introduce our specialty—flower tea!”
The tea already had some reputation, but if the Empress enjoyed it, it would be excellent publicity. People who weren’t interested in flower tea would surely want to try it at least once if the Empress liked it.
“If Her Majesty praises it, I can subtly mention that the flowers are not only beautiful in shape but also fragrant…”
But as Natalie prepared her next line, she noticed something unusual.
“Speak… but why isn’t she drinking the tea?”
Natalie had failed to realize that Empress Mirielle was sensitive to heat.
In fact, most of the nobles had wanted to show their outdoor gardens, thinking it difficult to match the aesthetic taste of the Empress, who hailed from the Estria Kingdom, renowned for its craftsmanship and decorations. Even nobles without much wealth worked hard to cultivate their small gardens, never considering indoor displays. It was a potentially effective strategy—if the Empress weren’t so vulnerable to the heat.
“Uh… um? Your Majesty, since the weather is so nice, we prepared the tea outdoors. How is it?”
“The scent is lovely. The presentation is also very pretty.”
“Yes, isn’t it? On a sunny day like today, I thought flower tea would be perfect.”
Yet her words did not match her actions. The Empress, after giving praise, did not touch the tea that was meant to be drunk hot.
“No! That tea should be enjoyed hot along with its fragrance!”
Contrary to Natalie’s expectations, Empress Mirielle had been irritated from the moment she entered the Baiha estate. Outwardly elegant and composed, inwardly she was sharply criticizing Natalie’s every word.
“Do people of the Empire really feel there’s no difference between summer and spring? She says the flowers are pretty even in this heat.”
The summer in the Empire was unbearably hot for someone from the northern continent. However, the Empress stubbornly maintained her composure, and unless someone was very close, it was impossible to notice her struggle.
After all, she was of a body type that sweated less, so she did not outwardly appear hot. But that didn’t mean she wasn’t feeling the heat; without sweat, internal heat would rise.
“In Estria, the snow doesn’t even melt in summer…”
Especially for Mirielle Empress, who came from a cold region in Estria, she simply nodded along to what was being said, not fully understanding it. Fortunately, her behavior was not considered rude.
“O-our family’s flower tea…”
“Young lady, what did you just say?”
“Oh, nothing.”
But Natalie’s expectation—that the Empress would marvel at her garden—was not met. She gritted her teeth as she watched the Empress sip the now completely cooled flower tea.
“Annoying foreign woman!”
The fragrance had completely dissipated. What good was flower tea now? Natalie regretted not serving a tea that was flavorful even without its aroma. Though she said a few words in disappointment, she was not foolish enough to mention anything about supplying the imperial household with her tea.
“Please take your time, Your Majesty Empress Mirielle. It was truly an honor to have you visit today…”
Once she left the Baiha estate and mounted her carriage, Empress Mirielle collapsed almost fainting.
The young ladies of the nobility, unaware of the Empress’s predicament, were frustrated when their hospitality failed to impress her. Natalie, in particular, was harsh. She hinted that the Empress was extremely arrogant.
“I went to great lengths to arrange the garden, but it seems Her Majesty Empress Mirielle was not impressed.”
“Don’t take it too hard. Being from the north, perhaps she prefers jewels to the beauty of flowers.”
“Even our garden has received praise from previous Empresses, but as expected, a northern person sees things differently than the citizens of the Empire.”
Despite deliberately aiming to impress the Empress from the north, the young ladies were brazen. They spoke ill of her without outright insulting her.
“They say no one will be first, but which family will be chosen for the Wings of Harimines? Well, someone will be chosen, anyway.”
“Yes, there aren’t many families left now…”
Their idle chatter gradually revealed their true feelings.
“Well… the Clotilde family hasn’t stood out in events like this recently, have they?”
The Duchess of Clotilde had died early, and her daughter, Melanie, had little aptitude for court etiquette. The young ladies subtly disparaged the Clotilde family to comfort themselves.
“Oh my, aren’t you killing the Clotilde family twice?”
“Even renowned ladies of the social circle struggle, so for Clotilde’s daughter, this is really serious.”
Although Josephine had disappeared, her former associates in the social circle did not favor Clotilde.
“So, who will receive the Wings of Harimines this time?”
Previously, Josephine had led, but the social circle was still dominated by her clique. With her gone, the others were now vying to become the new flower of society.
“From what I hear, the Baiha family hosted her for the longest period,” one said.
Among the group, Natalie was clearly taking the lead. When she spoke, the other young ladies grew quiet, exchanging glances.
“Miss, the Ventor flowers placed on the table this time probably didn’t appeal to Her Majesty. You said the purple ones weren’t popular in the north, didn’t you forget?”
The young lady being scolded blushed, but Natalie chuckled. The others nearby, noticing, also smiled.
This was not due to Natalie being oblivious.
‘I need to establish order here.’
Even the Empress could not completely ignore public opinion when choosing the Wings of Harimines. If no family stood out, it was better to assert influence early and secure a good reputation.
‘Hmph, Her Majesty’s reactions are all more or less the same anyway.’
Wouldn’t that make her look favorable in the social circle? Natalie grinned as she sipped her tea.
Even if she missed the chance to promote her flower tea, she had no intention of losing the Wings of Harimines position.
