Chapter 109
The next morning, I moved about busily. Today’s dress was a white gown with pale purple stripes. I picked up the matching white parasol and finished getting ready to head into the city.
Yesterday, Eveharun had suggested we go out together.
Unfortunately, since it was Monday, the others who had gathered at our house had either gone to the royal palace or returned home.
Still, it was nice just to go out with Eveharun after so long.
“So,” I said, once I climbed into the carriage and adjusted my dress, turning to her, “how’s the social scene these days?”
“It’s pretty much the same as always,” she replied.
“Really?”
I was relieved to hear that nothing had drastically changed. Rumors and trends in high society shifted so quickly that missing even a little could leave someone completely out of touch.
“Of course, there are some differences…”
Eveharun trailed off. When I looked straight into her pale purple eyes, she slowly began to speak. It was about Alteo and Lupe.
“Prince Alteo has started appearing in social circles again not long after you left. He can’t exactly go to war, but apparently, being sick doesn’t give him an excuse to stop social activities entirely. He’s been handling diplomacy with a delegation from a neighboring kingdom and leading national projects in the spring.”
“And… the results?” I asked anxiously.
“Unfortunately… a great victory.”
I lowered my gaze.
Hearing that he was succeeding was not good news for me.
“And Lupe?”
“She’s quieter than expected. I thought she’d flaunt herself and cause a scene in society, but she seems to understand her position. Being part of the royal family isn’t just about privileges—there are heavier responsibilities.”
“I see…”
“But there’s good news too.”
Good news? My eyes widened as Eveharun smiled gently.
“You know how Prince Tearoha got such a positive response from the people after his victory in the war?”
“Yes, so?”
“Well… listen carefully.”
Eveharun whispered to me. Since no one else was around, it had to be important. I leaned closer, listening intently, and was genuinely surprised.
“Th-the Emperor… for Prince Tearoha…?”
“Yes. This upcoming victory parade is supposed to be spectacular. Luke told me himself.”
According to Eveharun, there are currently four princes in the Ulysses Empire. Yet, the Emperor openly favored Alteo over the others. No matter what the others achieved, they only received superficial praise; Alteo was the Emperor’s favorite from a young age, and everyone just accepted it.
But this time, things were different.
The Emperor was said to be delighted by Tearoha’s victory and had ordered a grand reception and parade. The cost would be astronomical, but there would be no problem since the indemnity from the Eden Kingdom would cover it.
It was unexpected.
“A victory parade for Tearoha…”
Perhaps the Emperor had started seeing Tearoha in a new light. Seeing me so pleased, Eveharun smiled softly.
“Isn’t that great?”
“Yes!”
“Plus, the support of our nobles is strong. If you join in, the results will be even better.”
“The parade will be key too!”
“Of course.”
I was thrilled beyond words. Good things are always welcome. If the Emperor was starting to notice Tearoha again, that was all to our advantage.
Tearoha would return next week, and I would also begin working at the court around the same time, giving me many opportunities to leave a good impression on the Emperor. It was going to be a busy period. I clasped my hands together and braced myself. Go, me!
After boosting my own spirits, I turned to Eveharun.
“All right, but today, let’s not think about anything else and just have fun!”
“Of course.”
Eveharun snapped her fingers together.
“Several new shops have opened in the capital. And we can’t forget about spring dress trends and accessories.”
“Yes, and… oh! I want to buy some maternity supplies for my new sister-in-law too. I hope they have something good.”
“Then let’s stop by a salon for ladies while we’re at it!”
Excitedly, we began reciting our shopping list.
By the end of the day, we had wandered all over the capital. I’m sure our spending had boosted the city’s sales considerably.
The latest dress trends were light lilac and pink, with hats adorned with luxurious ribbons. We enjoyed shopping for these new fashions, discovering fun items along the way, and buying little treasures.
“Excuse me…”
“Yes?”
I was a little surprised—quite a few people recognized me as we walked. More often, it wasn’t my face but my name they knew. When someone used my embarrassing nickname, “Saint Laila,” I blushed so hard I nearly died.
A spring epidemic, the Lugimi illness, had spread across the Ulysses Empire, but thanks to the medicine I developed, there were almost no patients left.
The streets were full of people dressed in cheerful spring outfits, smiling as they walked. I was glad.
Ah, the epidemic had also sparked a new trend—a small scented pendant worn for hygiene and mental comfort. Since everyone loved them, I bought one too.
After hours of wandering, we stopped at a dessert shop Eveharun strongly recommended. She said it was newly opened in the capital.
We ordered fresh fruit parfaits, chocolate parfaits, tea, and plenty of chocolate. The desserts looked almost too beautiful to eat. Hesitant, I watched as Eveharun boldly scooped a generous spoon of chocolate parfait.
Encouraged, I took a hearty bite of the fruit parfait. The taste was…
“This is amazing!”
I couldn’t help exclaiming.
“Right?” Eveharun smiled proudly.
‘I need to ask the chef to research parfaits when we get back,’ I thought, devouring my dessert.
After our long shopping trip, we returned home to find the family gathered. My father spotted me first.
“Welcome home, Laila.”
“Back so soon?” It was my brother, Eit, peeking around.
“I’ll just unpack quickly.”
I greeted them and went upstairs to my room. I had just placed the items I bought down when the head maid came in.
“Lady Laila.”
She spoke in her usual formal tone, straight-backed and firm.
“Is something the matter?”
“I’ve brought invitations addressed to you.”
“Invitations already?”
I had only been home for a day. I tilted my head but reached out to take them, only for the head maid to shake her head.
“……?”
She gestured to another servant, who hurriedly brought in a trolley.
“……??”
A large silver tray, the kind used for formal dinners, was covered with a silver lid. When the head maid lifted it, I saw a mountain of invitations stacked high.
I gaped.
“That… many? These are all mine, right? Not mixed up with someone else’s?”
I checked each one; every envelope was indeed addressed to me.
“To Lady Laila Rosahill.”
The handwriting varied, but each was in a luxurious envelope with elegant script.
“Of course,” the head maid said warmly, unusually for her stern demeanor.
“Your reputation extends across the empire and the continent. Anyone would naturally want to speak with you, even once.”
Emma piped up beside me. The head maid frowned, but Emma just giggled.
“Of course… I suppose. Hahaha…”
I laughed awkwardly, feeling shy.
“If any of these invitations appeal to you, let me know, and I’ll send replies immediately.”
“Well, I’ll think about it after dinner…”
I couldn’t imagine dealing with all these invitations at once, so I left them behind and ran downstairs.
The family was waiting in the hall, and Eveharun had joined us for dinner.
Even after all the parfaits and snacks, I wondered if I could eat dinner. But, before long, I found myself asking for seconds. Our chef’s skill was simply unmatched.
“I missed this food even in the Kingdom of Siwin!” I exclaimed.
The family, almost in a frenzy, piled steak, vegetables, and salads onto my plate.
“Go on, eat plenty.”
“Kup… Lala…”
‘I wasn’t that hungry…’ I thought, but smiled awkwardly at their over-the-top reactions.
Still, I didn’t refuse, happily devouring the food.
After dinner, we gathered in the sitting room. Eveharun gave me advice on the invitations I had received.
“This one’s no good. I’ve heard rumors about his affairs with officials. And this one? He’s in deep debt from gambling.”
“Hmm…”
I had once been called a social scene insider myself, but I couldn’t compare to Eveharun.
She systematically sorted the invitations for me. Following her advice, we narrowed the list down to those with clean reputations, whom I could socialize with safely, and those who could be beneficial relationships. Only a few invitations remained.
I looked at the remaining invitations from Eveharun and pondered.
