Invitation to Dinner

By the time Mia got back to the Lampron residence, it was getting dark. Soon after she went into her room, Esmeralda and Ludwig came to see her.

My, where did the time go? Mia said, I must have talked with Rafina-sama for a long time.

Ludwigs eyes got very big. Lady Rafina? Is she here?

Yes. To go to the coming ball, it seems. Abel is also with her.

I see Hm Well, with Lady Rafina A flash of light from his glasses showed a sharp look behind them. Mia took a small step back. She didnt like how sharp it was.

Uh-oh. I havent thought about Esmeraldas request to get married or Sions death. I ate and talked with Miss Rafina all day long. Alright, I need a reason. Mia, think, think

She thought about it for a while and then came up with one.

And, before you ask, yes, I did learn some things.

She had heard a description of Count Lamprons personality. That had to be worth something. Also, she had learned how to use traditional pottery to steam food in a pot. That was a way to cook that no one in Tearmoon had ever heard of.

Those mushrooms that were steamed in a pot were really something! Im so happy I figured out how to make them!

If she told the head chef how it was done and had him do more study on the method, she could make a real contribution to Tearmoons food culture. That would be a good use of time.

I didnt just eat and come back! I had to do a job, and I did it!

She looked at Ludwig after she had convinced herself that she hadnt just wasted a whole day.

Ugh She sighed. Looking at him was a bad idea.

I see. Always one step ahead. Your Highness is always amazing. The way he looked at her with pure respect hurt her feelings, so she had to look away.

I fully agree with your approach, he said next. We need more information if we want to get back in charge of this situation. In order to do this, I have set up a dinner with King Abram for this evening. Im sorry for the short notice.

Huh? Mia was shocked by this quick turn of events. She didnt feel ready to meet the king.

But Ludwig spoke again before she could even say anything to object. I think its very important to ask the Sunkland king what he thinks about this marriage proposal.

It was indeed very important! She couldnt say anything to argue against that.

Oh, okay. So, you went ahead and made plans for this dinner?

Yes. Keithwood put me in touch with Prince Sion. Lady Esmeralda, who could be Prince Echards future wife, is also invited. As Prince Sions peer, Miss Tiona will also be able to come.

Oh, Tiona as well? Hm Mia gave Esmeralda a quick look.

Uh-oh, moons Mia-sama, what should I do? My heart isnt ready for this

Mia couldnt get comfort from her friend, who looked even more upset than she did.

Id feel a lot better if Ludwig and Anne came with me to dinner with the king, but I doubt that servants will be allowed. That means that, at worst, Esmeralda might be the only person who can help me fight him.

It wasnt the most comforting thought. She was a strong believer that strength in numbers was the best way to deal with any problem, so she wanted as many people as possible on her side.

Still, they were the ones who came up with this idea in the first place. Also, I can bring Tiona, which Im happy to do. In light of

I-I didnt think Id see him so soon. Oh, my heart, stammered Esmeralda.

Mia looked at her friend, who was getting more and more nervous, and was surprised by how strongly she was reacting. Esmeralda was used to getting what she wanted, regardless of the rules. At least, thats how Mia saw her.

The Esmeralda of today, on the other hand, seemed to have lost all of her edge.

I bet its because the man shes seeing might become her father-in-law. Oh, Esmeralda, just calm down!

With a firm hmph, Mia gave her friend a pep talk.

Okay, Esmeralda, listen up. Who are you? You are a proud Etoile and the daughter of one of Tearmoons famous Four Dukes, Lord Greenmoon. You should act like a proud Etoile. People should be scared just by being near you, like Like the Emerald Star! Isnt that yacht a sight to behold? Be like the Emerald Star says!

Emerald Star?

Mia nodded and was very proud of her comparison.

Lets just forget the fact that Mia wasnt very impressed by the ship when she first saw it.

Ill do it, Mia-sama. Ill be like the Emerald Star!

It did seem to work, though, because Esmeralda was moved to tears by it.

I wish someone would encourage me right now

After saying goodbye to Esmeralda, Mia changed quickly with Annes help. Then she gave a sigh. This is all easier to say than to do

The doorbell rang at that moment.

Excuse us, Mia-sama.

Your Highness, were back.

When the door opened, Bel and Citrina were there.

My, both of you went out too?

Mia acknowledged them and then quickly went back to her own thoughts.

Im curious about what kind of person Sions father is I mean, hes Sions dad, so it looks like I have my work cut out for me. I really hope I can find out something useful from him

The king wasnt the worst thing she had to deal with.

Prince Echard is the real problem, isnt he? she murmured.

Citrinas eyes opened wide in surprise.

Then youalready know. Wow, she said, clearly amazed. What should I do next?

Mia made a face. She didnt know what Citrina was talking about, but she was thinking so much about herself that she might have missed something she said. She didnt want to look like she wasnt paying attention, so she said

Lets say Ill leave it up to you.

She thought it probably had something to do with taking Bel to that market thing or something.

She then whispered, Honestly, our dear friend has been looking a little bored lately, so go ahead and do your thing together if you want. I dont particularly mind.

Citrinas skills were very useful, but they werent needed until later, and even then, it was more of a safety measure than anything else. In the meantime, she thought it would be best to keep Bel busy. Citrina, on the other hand, gave a serious nod.

Okay, I get it. It will be done, or Ill die trying

Uh Alright. Thats a bit intense, but okay.

Mia looked at her awkwardly and wondered what it was about Bel that made this girl fall so hard for her. She was either going to have fun with Bel or die trying? Weird.

Authors Note:

Sorry. We will be closed for Obon next week.

Im going to take a break while saying that, Im going to withdraw and clean up the backlogged work.