Chapter 24: The Baroness Valerie’s Tea Party
The day of Baroness Valerie’s tea party had finally arrived.
Originally, she had sent a letter apologizing profusely from start to finish, explaining that the event would be postponed by a week. It seemed my unexpected decision to attend had prompted her to put more effort into the preparations and ambiance.
Sensing her anxiety that I might take offense at the delay, I quickly penned a reply assuring her not to worry and that I completely understood.
The week passed faster than expected.
To make time for the tea party, I had adjusted my schedule and worked late into the night, sacrificing sleep just to stay on track.
Throughout the week, Reyna and Haldeir remained unusually quiet—actually, they looked rather downcast. At mealtimes, their eyes and noses were red, and they picked at their food listlessly. Clearly, they still needed more time.
So, I sent a letter to Viscountess Marsen explaining the situation. Countess Cassandra had stepped down from her teaching position, and the children, having grown unexpectedly attached to her, needed time to sort through their emotions. I asked if the visit from the Duke Dylan’s family could be postponed a little longer.
While it was a bit rude to delay after requesting her to become their new tutor, I felt it was the wiser choice. Given the children’s fragile state, any forced interaction could lead to resistance.
Two days later, I received a gracious reply from Viscountess Marsen, saying she’d wait until the children had emotionally recovered before scheduling the visit. It was just the kind of considerate response I expected from her.
“My lady, the carriage is ready,” came the butler’s voice.
“I’ll be out in a moment,” I replied.
I carefully packed the scented candles and premium tea leaves I had specially ordered for Baroness Valerie into a beautiful gift box. Lifting the hem of my pale yellow gown just enough to walk, I descended the stairs.
Outside the open door, the Dylan family carriage awaited, flanked by several knights. The staff and knights standing at attention turned slightly wide-eyed as they caught sight of me. Understandable—I rarely wore such bright colors.
Normally, I wore subdued, darker tones—blacks, navy, deep purples. I believed these made me appear more dignified, more untouchable. Most of my wardrobe reflected that mindset.
But today was different. Today’s change was inspired by none other than Baroness Valerie.
When we had grown close enough to share deeper thoughts, she had once told me earnestly:
“You look wonderful now, but I think brighter colors would suit you just as well.
You don’t need to look so solemn all the time. No matter what you wear, you’re still the Duchess.
And you’re still full of life, my lady.
I hope you don’t find me impertinent.”
She had taken my hand and spoken with such sincerity, alone on a quiet terrace. It had left quite an impression on me, though at the time I didn’t give it much thought.
So today, I wore a light yellow off-the-shoulder dress. Soft white frills adorned the sleeves and neckline, while the hem sparkled with beads that shimmered with each movement. My wavy dark-brown hair was styled with care, accented by pearl earrings and a matching necklace.
“You look radiant today, my lady,” said the butler with a bright smile.
“Do I? Thank you,” I replied with a small laugh.
His warm reaction lifted my spirits, making my steps feel lighter.
“Safe travels, my lady!”
“Safe travels, my lady!”
The staff chimed in cheerfully as I approached the carriage. I was slightly taken aback by the loud chorus, but I smiled in return and stepped forward.
Three knights were assigned to escort me, a compromise between the butler’s insistence on five and my insistence on no more than three. As I surveyed them, I recognized a familiar face—Sir Roim.
“Oh, Sir Roim. You’re accompanying me again today?”
“Yes, my lady. When I heard you needed an escort, how could I not volunteer?”
“Ha ha. I’m counting on you again today—and the rest of you as well.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Of course, my lady.”
Among the knights, one stood out for his obvious displeasure. He looked to be in his late twenties, with short, dark brown hair and freckles across his cheeks and nose. His body language screamed reluctance.
“And you are…?” I asked, pointing at him.
He gave a curt nod, barely meeting my gaze. “Jason.”
He avoided eye contact, glancing around restlessly.
I lingered a moment before boarding the carriage. The butler, sensing something was off, approached me.
“My lady, is something wrong?”
“Hmm—well, nothing major. But this Sir Jason…” I said, glancing between them, “remove him from today’s escort.”
“What?”
All heads turned toward me in surprise—Jason’s most of all.
“Why…?”
Jason stammered, clearly caught off guard. But I turned away from him and addressed the butler.
“There’s no point bringing along a knight who has no intention of doing his duty. Do you really think he’ll take this job seriously?”
“My lady!”
Jason’s face flushed red with either embarrassment or anger—I couldn’t tell.
“If needed, replace him. Otherwise, two knights will suffice.”
Reluctantly, the butler replaced Jason with another knight—a green-haired man who introduced himself with a friendly smile as Chester.
He greeted me politely, and I gave him a nod of approval before finally boarding the carriage.
There would be more like Jason, I was sure. While I got along well enough with the regular staff, the knights were a different story.
Sir Roim was a rare exception—he didn’t judge me harshly and even volunteered to escort me. That kind of loyalty was hard to find.
Jason’s attitude didn’t bother me in itself. But making it so obvious? That, I wouldn’t tolerate.
After a bumpy ride, the carriage gradually slowed and came to a stop.
“My lady, we’ve arrived at Oréant Bakery,” Sir Roim said as he opened the door and offered his hand.
As I stepped down, all eyes on the street turned to us—understandably, given the grand carriage and our entourage.
Uncomfortable with the attention, I opened my fan to shield my face. Roim subtly positioned himself to block the stares.
“I’ll only need you inside, Roim. The others can stay and guard the carriage.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Shall we go?”
“Of course, my lady.”
Ding-a-ling—
“Welcome to Oréant Bakery!”
The moment the door opened, a wave of warm, sweet air greeted us. The rich aroma of bread, fresh cream, and fruit enveloped the shop.
“I’m here to pick up an order placed under the Duke Dylan’s name three days ago.”
“Ah, yes! We’ve been expecting you! Ten pieces each of lemon madeleines, raspberry tarts, blueberry puddings, walnut pies, cream cakes, and caramel cookies, correct?”
I nodded, and the cheerful employee disappeared to fetch the items.
“They’re all packed and ready! Here you go!”
As he returned with the boxes, I gestured to Sir Roim to carry them.
While he handled the load, I browsed the shelves again.
“Let’s add four croissants, four meat sandwiches, and four bottles of milk to the order,” I said.
That’s when I spotted it—a single, remaining two-tier cake in the display. Light blue with a rainbow arching over it. The bottom tier had white cream clouds; the top was decorated with a sun, a bell, and an angel.
I hesitated. Should I buy it for the children?
At first, I decided not to. But then I remembered Reyna and Haldeir, still quietly weeping each night.
If I wanted them to be in better spirits when Viscountess Marsen arrived, maybe this little gesture would help.
“Sorry, Roim. Should we call Chester for help?”
“No need, my lady. I’ve got it.”
“All right, but don’t overdo it.”
“Of course not!”
He was completely buried behind boxes now, so I carried the final cake box myself.
Ding-a-ling—
Just as we were about to leave, the door opened.
“Do you have any Otrang cakes left?” a young man asked, breathless.
He was handsome but clearly in a panic.
“I’m sorry, sir. The last one just sold.”
“Can’t you make just one more? Please—it’s urgent.”
“We only make five per day, and they require time to rest. The soonest would be tomorrow afternoon.”
“I’m doomed…”
I looked down at the box in my hands, then at the empty display.
“Excuse me.”
The man turned to me, crestfallen.
“What?”
“If it’s urgent, you can have this cake.”
“What?”
“I’m the customer who bought the last one.”
“Oh!”
“It’s not essential for me. You look like you need it more.”
His twisted expression instantly changed to one of hope and disbelief.
“Truly? Thank you! Thank you so much, my lady!”
“Just cover the cost, and it’s yours.”
“Yes! I’ll pay right away… wait—huh?”
He started patting himself down. Jacket, shirt, pants… nothing.
“Where did I put it…”
No money.
As he fumbled helplessly, I considered waiting—but I couldn’t afford to be late. So I offered an alternative.
“You don’t seem to have the money right now.”
“N-no! I just rushed out too quickly—”
“It’s fine. Stop looking.”
“Huh…? Then…”
His face crumpled as though the sky had fallen.
“You can still take the cake. Just send the payment later.”
“R-really?”
“Yes. I have somewhere to be.”
“Thank you! Truly! May I ask which house you’re from? Your name?”
He kept calling me “my lady,” which made me chuckle despite myself. His face flushed at the sound.
“Send it to the Duke Dylan estate.”
“Understood. To the Dylan—wait, what?”
“And for the record, I’m not a young lady. I’m the Duchess.”
“…”
Speechless, he took the cake as I handed it to him and turned to leave.
Ding-a-ling—
As I exited with Roim, the knights and carriage came back into view.
I handed Roim one of the boxes and turned to the others.
“These sandwiches, croissants, and milk are for you. Keep them for later—you’ll get hungry during the tea party. Be sure to give some to the coachman as well.”
“My lady…”
“Thank you, my lady.”
Smiling at their surprised, grateful faces, I let Chester escort me into the carriage, while Roim carefully placed the boxes inside and closed the door.
Just before the door shut, I caught a glimpse of the knights opening the box I’d given them, beaming like children.
I couldn’t help but laugh quietly to myself inside the carriage.
