… I wonder if Lady Helene doesn't love the King.

Just a little, I thought so.

Because, I want to wear dresses I'm told are to Freed's tastes, and while the night clothes are embarra.s.sing, I endure since Freed is delighted.

Wouldn't you usually accept such things if your beloved could be delighted?

It may be a difference in our way of thinking. Still, while I was surprised, Lady Helene asked.

"Lady Lidiana, is it different for you?"

"I… Yes, let's see. I want to obediently wear what I hear will make His Highness delighted, and I feel happy that I'm taught that."

When I conveyed my feelings, Lady Helene gently narrowed her eyes.

"Fufu… You really love His Highness. But, you are His Highness's only princess consort, and I'm His Majesty's concubine, the situation between us is different."

"…"

While I was at a loss for a reply to those words, Lady Helene laughed that I shouldn't misunderstand.

"I don't mean to make snide remarks. There was no hidden implication in what I said. I'm satisfied with how I am now, I don't feel unhappy. But, at least I want to be free when I'm in this building. That's why, Emma being the only court lady is enough… Ah, we've arrived."

Lady Helene smiled as she opened the door to the southernmost room.

"Feel free. It's my room. If we exclude Emma… You are the second person to enter this room."

"Excuse me…"

With my heart pounding I stepped inside the room.

I'm the second person. Naturally the first is the King… so there's hardly anybody who's come here aside from me.

Considering it's the royalty quarter, it might be natural.

I looked around the room that not even Mother-in-law has entered.

The tidy s.p.a.cious south-facing room is bright and very open.

The veranda is wide open, in the garden various herbs grow abundantly.

The room is simple and only has the bare minimum of furniture.

The furniture isn't particularly high-cla.s.s, it could be obtained by any regular n.o.ble.

The main room isn't carpeted, instead it's floored, to me it seems to have wooden flooring. It seems there isn't a separate bedroom, rather, there's a bed in the corner of the s.p.a.cious room.

"Come, sit down. How about we have tea for now?"

"Yes."

Prompted by Lady Helene, I sat on the sofa. Before my eyes was a worn low table.

There was a vase on top of it, and inside splendid white lilies were arranged.

"Those are beautiful lilies."

I didn't expect summer flowers arranged here.

I unintentionally said it out of surprise, but Lady Helene turned her gaze to them and softly smiled.

Her expression was so naturally gentle that I became captivated for a moment.

"I like these flowers. That's why, I'm at least this selfish, and have them replaced before they wither. They bloom in the royalty quarter courtyard regardless of the season, right?"

"Come to think of it you're right."

The royalty quarter courtyard seems to have its temperature controlled via magical art, all sorts of flowers bloom regardless of the season.

The other day, I saw roses blooming.

When I became convinced she procures them from there, Emma, who seemed to have been preparing tea in another room, entered while smiling.

"Lady Helene truly likes these flowers."

"What, Emma. If you have something to say, out with it."

"No, no, I know nothing… Fufu."

Emma again smiled at the angry Lady Helene, and saying "Excuse me" to me, she skillfully began preparing for tea.

While pouring black tea into my cup, she spoke to me.

"I've just finished baking scones. From what I've heard, Princess Consort cooks. If you please, I'd like to learn some tricks."

I understood she blatantly changed the topic, but I happily responded.

"When it comes to scones, the castle head chef is more skilled than me. Besides, people have different tastes. It wouldn't be interesting if all were the same, right?"

"That's true too. Do you need sugar for your tea?"

"I do not. I wonder if I could have it black."

"Certainly."

The scent of the freshly brewed tea is wonderful.

The freshly baked scones were served on a large plate, there are three varieties, with jam, with honey and b.u.t.ter, and then with clotted cream.

"Then, please feel at home. I will wait in the next room, so if you need anything please call me freely."

Emma finished preparing tea and saying that, withdrew. Only Lady Helene and I were left in the room.

Lady Helene pecked at a scone in a good mood.

Since they were specially prepared, I also decided to partake. First of all, I placed a clotted cream scone on my plate and took a bite.

"Ah… Delicious."

The scone with a moist texture was to my liking.

When I unconsciously spilled the words, Lady Helene smiled happily.

"Right? Emma's scones are the best. Certainly, scones made in the Royal Castle kitchen are delicious, but I like scones Emma makes the most."

"Yeah, truly. The faint sweetness is very delicious."

I think it's an exaggeration to say they're better than Head Chef's, but to each their own. However, they're truly delicious. Tea leaves are kneaded into it, and the taste is exquisite.

The bergamot flavor is irresistible. Before I noticed, I reached my hand for another.

While I delightedly stuffed my cheeks with the scone, Lady Helene spoke to me.

"It's just a trivial thought, but Lady Lidiana, you were very friendly with the court lady. I didn't expect you'd talk to Emma like that."

"Eh? Did I do something strange?"

I think I was my usual self, but I wonder if there was something weird.

When I tilted my head, while reaching for another scone Lady Helene said.

"I believe there are many young ladies who don't like to be intimately addressed by court ladies. I think they're mostly children who think court ladies should focus on work, not talk unnecessarily."

"Is that so? My acquaintances aren't like that…"

"Surely birds of a feather flock together. But unfortunately, that's how it is."

Lady Helene said that and finished the scone she was eating.

"Enna was also my wet nurse. That's why she's like this, but it seems to make her incompatible with the Royal Castle court ladies. Many times I was advised that such a relaxed att.i.tude isn't allowed towards the King's concubine and that I should return her to my parent's home."

… I see.

That may also be a reason why Lady Helene drove away court ladies.

While I was thinking that concubines also have a lot on their plate, Lady Helene leaned forward.

"Rather than that, Lady Lidiana. Please let me hear your story. I want to hear the true story by all means!"

"Eh? Story? Huh? Excuse me. What story?"

When I asked back truly confused, Lady Helene drew closer without hesitation.

"Isn't it obvious. His Highness's story! His Highness Friedrich's story!"

"Haa… His Highness's?"

Is there something fun about Freed's story.

Not knowing what Lady Helene wants to hear from me, I prompted her to talk.

I slowly picked up my teacup. While enjoying the taste, I listened to Lady Helene, who got a little excited.

"That's right! His Highness Friedrich's story! What else could it be? Because, recently rumors about you and His Highness are the hot topic in the Royal Castle. I've heard you're very close and flirt all the time, but is that true?"

"… Ah."

I want somebody to praise me for not spurting out the tea I was drinking.

What's with that? Why is such a thing spreading around?

As I stared at Lady Helene in shock while still holding the teacup, Lady Helene continued talking, unaware of my gaze.

"I've heard you always stick close together, and when you're together you emit a pink aura that makes it hard to approach. I've even heard you kiss…"

"We, we do not!"

I put the cup back on the table, and in a fl.u.s.ter denied it.

As one would expect, we don't do that.

We may to the extent of a forehead smooch, but kissing on the lips should be restricted to the room.

When I firmly denied, with her eyes sparkling Helene asked again, Truly?

"It's true!"

"I was actually on the chivalric order practice ground before you came. You and His Highness were hugging each other inside the practice ground, and it looked like you were about to kiss at any moment…"

"Ueh!?"

Editor: Valeria