DDSWTB 41

Chapter 41

We arrived at the Quincel Count’s estate.

“I’m so glad my first tea party is with you, Sister.”

If I’d come alone, I probably would’ve been too nervous to do anything.

“I’m glad I could come with you too, Tia.”

When we entered the garden, we saw that two seats were open — looks like we were the last to arrive.

Including us, there were six people in total.

“Thank you very much for inviting us to today’s tea party.”

My sister and I spoke the formal greeting together.

“Thank you for coming. Lady Tiana, this is our first time meeting, isn’t it? Allow me to formally welcome you all. My name is Ivy Quincel.”

Ivy’s silky purple hair swayed gently in the breeze.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Tiana Aster. Thank you very much for inviting me today.”

Right — since her title is lower than mine, I don’t have to use overly formal language. Polite speech is enough, right?

After introductions, everyone took their seats. Mariana and Dino stood behind me.

At that moment, tea and sweets were served.

“My name is Rika.”
“I’m Anna.”

“This must be your first time meeting Lady Tiana and Lady Ellie. I’m Michelle Agrion — please, just call me Michelle.”

Huh… Agrion?

The Agrion family — they’re known as the brains of the Empire. They should be a ducal family, like mine.
So why is she attending a count’s tea party?

If I remember correctly, Michelle is the second daughter of House Agrion… and the same age as me.

“Nice to meet you, Michelle.”

My sister seemed to understand the situation right away.
She must have some reason for being here. I should stay alert.

“This tea is delicious. Where is it from?”

Anna showed interest in the tea.

Indeed — it was sweet, yet light and refreshing.

“It’s a tea that’s recently become popular in a neighboring country. Its mild taste is what makes it so pleasant.”

“It really is delicious.”

Since the tea was so good, I decided to try one of the sweets as well.
Hmm… I guess this is the trend among nobles right now — overly sugary.
Not bad, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to eat it. I miss modern sweets.

After a while, we talked about what was currently popular among the nobility — trends, preferences, new items.
It was surprisingly fun, and I learned things I could never have picked up just from books.

“Lady Tiana, that dress you’re wearing — it’s from a brand favored by members of the royal family, isn’t it?”

Michelle spoke to me.
So it is a well-known dress.

“Yes, I recently bought it.”

“It’s impressive that you managed to get one — they’re nearly impossible to reserve. As expected of a duke’s daughter.”

Anna said with a tone of envy.

“N-no, it’s really nothing like that.”

She could tell where my dress was from just by looking at it?

“By the way, how far along is everyone with their studies? I struggle a bit with history.”

“It is hard to memorize all the dates. I’ve been studying social theory — I’m on the lower volume now, but it’s quite difficult.”

Rika said.

“…”

Michelle simply sipped her tea, not joining the conversation.
Well, she doesn’t seem like someone who would struggle with her studies anyway.

“Oh, I’ve heard Lady Tiana isn’t quite as good at her studies as Lady Ellie.”

While the other young ladies were complimenting me, Ivy slipped in a remark to put me down.

So that’s how it is — I should take that as a provocation.