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“Ah, no… this can’t be… it just can’t…!”
Despite all the evidence pointing undeniably to the truth, and everything having been revealed, Lady Whisette murmured as if she couldn’t believe it. Standing there, clutching the hem of her dress, her face drained of color, she looked fragile—but no one approached her.
Angelica, who had been observing her condition, quietly stepped forward and spoke.
“…All documents related to this matter, along with evidence of the corruption the Whisette family has committed over the years, have been submitted to the Imperial Palace’s Department of Noble Affairs and the Administration. We have officially filed a lawsuit against the Whisette family in the name of the Werner family, so the trial should begin soon.”
“…!”
“I suppose we’ll see each other in court next, Lady Whisette. Whether you will still be called a ‘Countess’ even after the trial… is another matter entirely.”
That was all she said. After hearing those words, Lady Whisette, completely losing all will, stood dazed for a moment before stumbling and quickly leaving the garden. Watching her departure, Angelica signaled to the servants, who then led Hans back into the mansion.
In the suddenly quiet garden, the onlookers exchanged wary glances. With a deep sigh, Angelica smiled warmly and spoke.
“Thank you all for listening to such a long story. Now, I would like to present the new products of the Werner family. Please enjoy them along with fragrant floral tea and sweet desserts.”
The servants, who had quietly filled the garden, stepped inside, and the other maids and butlers came out to place cups and dishes on each table. The ladies and noblewomen, still dazed, sat back down at their tables. Their attention was drawn to the fragrant tea and desserts now distributed before them.
“Oh, the pattern on this teacup is so unique.”
“And these dishes, too! The colors are so beautiful.”
“The floral tea smells wonderful. Maybe because the cups are deeper than usual, the aroma is even stronger.”
“The desserts are delicious. Served on such lovely dishes, they’re a treat for the eyes as well.”
Among the initially bewildered guests, word about the new products spread quickly. Fortunately, the reaction was far better than expected. Seeing the previously tense atmosphere gradually lighten, I exchanged a smile with Alexandra.
Angelica, who had been watching the ladies and noblewomen, cautiously sat beside me. Seeing my relaxed expression, she spoke.
“You did well, Lady Werner.”
“…Thank you, Your Grace.”
She studied my face for a moment before finally smiling, looking genuinely relieved.
The Werner family’s tea party concluded successfully, and the troubles that had been harassing Angelica and the Werner family were resolved.
A few days after the tea party, the evidence submitted to the Department of Noble Affairs and the Administration was accepted, and a trial was held at the Imperial Palace Court. The official noble trial proceeded surprisingly swiftly, and without complication, the Werner family won.
The evidence gathered by the Werner family was clear and undeniable. It revealed not only the Whisette family’s numerous corrupt activities, but also that they had been producing materials harmful to humans and using them in products sold to both commoners and nobles.
“Considering all these circumstances, the crimes of the Whisette family are evident. Therefore, I hereby revoke Count Whisette’s title and demote him to Viscount.”
“Furthermore, the Whisette family is ordered to pay appropriate compensation to the Werner family and retain only the rights and estates associated with the viscountcy. Their previous privileges and lands must be returned.”
With their demotion, the return of estates, and hefty compensation, the Whisette family was effectively ruined. They left the capital for their viscountcy in disgrace, while the victorious Werner family regained their former status, finally reclaiming the respect and authority that had long been denied them.
Word of the tea party and the trial’s outcome spread quickly, and demand for the new products skyrocketed. Orders poured in, and the family’s reputation and fortune steadily recovered.
Angelica, too, had more work to do but was cheerful, happy that everything had turned out well.
A few days later, she returned to the palace with a catalog of the new products. Since Lucius was with me, we welcomed her together.
“Congratulations on winning the trial. The new products are selling well, I hear? I’m glad everything worked out.”
“Thank you. It’s all thanks to both of you.”
Smiling brightly, she continued, a shy look on her face.
“Especially without Your Grace’s help, nothing would have gone so smoothly. I’m truly grateful that you listened to my request.”
“It wasn’t anything. Lady Werner worked hard as well, and the Werner family prepared meticulously. In the end, it worked out because none of you gave up and took the opportunities that came.”
“My father and I had suffered so much, but now that things are going well, I can finally rest easy.”
“That’s good. From now on, stretch your legs and sleep peacefully.”
Her complexion had improved, and her expression was bright—relieving to see.
“Oh, here’s the catalog for the new products.”
“Thank you for bringing it personally. It would have been fine to send it separately.”
“I wanted to personally thank both of you, and I especially wanted to give the catalog to Your Grace myself.”
Taking the catalog she offered with both hands, I noticed the hopeful gleam in her sky-blue eyes and smiled slightly as I flipped through it.
“You’ve added more products?”
“Yes. We added new colors to the items that received the best response. The demand was higher than expected, which surprised me but also made me happy.”
“That’s wonderful. In a little while, everything will stabilize, so keep up the good work.”
“Yes, thank you. Also, word about the floral tea from the tea party has spread, and we’ve been receiving inquiries about it as well. We’ve been naturally explaining that it’s the floral tea from Baron Ebit’s Café Roland.”
“Oh, really? That should generate a positive response when the capital branch opens. Thank you.”
The impression left by the floral tea had evidently been strong. Indeed, recalling the reactions that day, it made perfect sense. Half of the attention that focused on the new products was thanks to the tea.
It was clear that the Werner family’s new products and Baron Ebit’s floral tea complemented each other perfectly.
Time passed quickly as we continued chatting, and eventually I went to see her off.
“…Your Grace.”
“Yes?”
Angelica hesitated before boarding the carriage, then stepped closer and spoke softly.
“If it’s alright… could you call me by my name?”
My heart skipped at such a heartfelt request. I barely managed to calm it down. She had struck with all the force of a confession—I was almost floored.
Seeing her unable to meet my eyes due to nervousness, I finally relaxed, smiled warmly, and said,
“…Alright. I’ll call you by your name, Angelica.”
“…! Yes…! Thank you, Tiana!”
She smiled brightly at my permission and clasped my hands. Feeling the warmth of her hands in mine, I couldn’t help but smile.
After Angelica left, Lucius and I enjoyed dinner before taking a leisurely stroll through the garden. Gazing at the stars scattered across the sky, he draped an arm around my shoulders.
“Are you tired, Tiana?”
“I’m fine. I enjoy being here with you, Lucius.”
“I do as well.”
He smiled softly and gently kissed my forehead. I returned his smile, and he tidied the strands of hair disturbed by the breeze as we walked slowly.
“I’m glad the Werner family’s issues have been resolved. As planned, everyone’s attention has shifted to the new products. The rumors about Angelica and Your Grace should finally settle.”
“…Indeed.”
Hearing my words, his expression shifted slightly.
“Why? Does something trouble you?”
“Though it’s fortunate that the rumors about Lady Werner and Your Grace, and the Werner family’s issues, have been resolved… it all went too smoothly. Everything seems… almost too perfectly aligned.”
“Aligned…? Indeed. I’ve felt the same.”
I understood what he meant—the unease I’d felt recently.
“The way Your Grace disappeared when the rumors were spreading, the whereabouts of the letters I sent to the Werner family, the sudden appearance of that witness—there were many questionable points. Everything was resolved in the end, but it feels a little unsettling.”
“I also have doubts about the evidence submitted by the Werner family.”
“Really?”
“Yes. From what I know, the Count had been gathering evidence for some time, but there were gaps. We didn’t know the whereabouts of that witness at all. Yet, within a short time, they prepared such comprehensive materials and even found the witness. The timing was perfect. This couldn’t have been done without someone’s help.”
He took a short breath, cleared his throat, and continued.
“The letters Tiana sent could also have been intercepted by someone along the way.”
“Intercepted deliberately? To delay my visit to the Werner family?”
“Yes.”
“But… who would do such a thing…”
Someone who could manipulate timing to suppress rumors, use the Werner family’s situation, intercept letters, and provide evidence and witnesses. A certain person came to mind.
“There’s only one person who knows everything and could coordinate all this.”
Our eyes met as we stopped walking. Slowly turning his head to look at the sky, he spoke.
“The only person who could do all of this is… His Majesty.”
