Chapter 11
The Flower of the Royal Palace (Miranda’s Perspective)
To reach the Queen’s salon, one must first pass through the western garden.
That garden had been built at an enormous cost by the Queen’s family, the Count’s household. Passing through the arched hedges, one suddenly finds a small stream appearing before one’s eyes.
If you look closely, you can see that the stream flows underground right at your feet, but anyone visiting for the first time would surely be surprised, thinking that the water is flowing toward them.
But what is even more astonishing is that the stream is topped by a path made of crystal.
As you proceed along the crystal path, light pours forth from statues of the gods on either side, forming a rainbow arch above you.
Walking under that dreamlike beauty, one finally arrives at the Queen’s salon.
Those who visit in such an enchanted daze are then further overwhelmed by the sight of Her Majesty the Queen, adorned in her magnificent gown.
When I first came here, I too was astonished that such a wondrous place could exist in this world.
“Welcome, Miranda. I’ve been waiting for you.”
I bowed deeply to Her Majesty, who greeted me with an elegant smile.
Looking at her—so young and beautiful that one could hardly believe she was a mother—I couldn’t help but think that marrying the man one loves must make a woman even more radiant.
“It’s been some time, Your Majesty.”
“Today’s tea is just for the two of us. Please, relax.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
At her maid’s invitation, I took my seat.
From the corner of the room, the string musicians began to play a soft, leisurely melody.
It happened to be my favorite song, and I couldn’t help but smile, feeling the Queen’s affection for me in her choice of music.
“Miranda, how have you been lately?”
“I am currently in charge of the wardrobe, Your Majesty.”
“Oh? I thought you were serving as the young lady’s personal maid.”
At the Queen’s mildly puzzled words, I stiffened.
That incident the other day had been a terrible mistake.
Even if that infant was eerie, I shouldn’t have let my emotions get the better of me and tried to harm her.
Through Her Majesty’s kindness, I had been given the honor of serving as the Duke’s daughter’s personal maid—and I ruined that precious chance with my own recklessness.
“Yes, Your Majesty. But working in the wardrobe has allowed me to meet His Grace the Duke more often, so I am hopeful for the future.”
“I see. I hope things go well for you. I won’t hesitate to lend my help.”
“Your Majesty’s generosity leaves me truly grateful.”
“I have great expectations for you, Miranda.”
Her warm smile filled me with a sense of security, as if I were aboard a great ship on calm seas.
Though I am merely the daughter of a minor viscount, I have been cherished as one of Her Majesty’s relatives.
When I confessed that I wished to marry Duke Ernst Rosenberg—whose noble figure had stolen my heart at first sight during my debut ball—Her Majesty did not laugh. Instead, she listened earnestly and even promised to help me.
Of course, as a viscount’s daughter, my status was far too low to become the Duke’s wife. But I couldn’t give up, and with the Queen’s help, I entered the Rosenberg household as a maid so I could serve by his side.
I had hoped—at least—for a single night of affection. But the sincere Duke never even noticed my clumsy attempts at seduction.
Still, that hateful woman died after giving birth to a daughter.
Her Majesty advised me that if I could win the child’s favor, the Duke might wish to take me as his second wife. She even persuaded the head maid to assign me as the girl’s personal attendant.
My own impulsiveness cost me that chance, but all is not lost.
Thanks to the Queen’s loyal head maid, I was transferred to the wardrobe department, which allows me more opportunities to encounter the Duke. In the end, perhaps that was for the best.
If I can just turn the Duke’s heart toward me, everything will fall into place.
That, of course, is the hardest part.
“How unfortunate… I’ve heard that children with an excess of magic power rarely survive long, haven’t you?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Then you must be worried about the young lady. And if something were to happen, the ducal house would have only one child left to inherit the title. That would be most precarious.”
In this kingdom, if there are no direct male heirs, daughters are granted inheritance rights as well.
At present, the Rosenberg family has two heirs—Serios Rosenberg and Leticia Rosenberg. But if that girl were to die, only Serios would remain.
In that case, Duke Ernst would no longer be able to refuse remarriage as he does now.
“If such a thing were to happen, I would need to introduce a proper lady to be his second wife.”
Her Majesty gave me a meaningful look, and I couldn’t stop the smile that spread across my face.
Because if that time comes, I know perfectly well who she intends to recommend—me.
I will become the wife of that beautiful Duke.
A mere viscount’s daughter like me, rising to become the second most powerful woman in society—outranked only by the Queen herself—permitted every luxury imaginable.
How glorious that would be.
“When that time comes, please do recommend me, Your Majesty.”
Perhaps that was a bit forward of me. But since I know she’s referring to me anyway, it’s not really a problem.
Father recently told me he’d acquired a very good medicine. Perhaps I should try using it.
Surely it’s time for Duke Ernst to stop being so shy and accept my feelings.
“By the way,” Her Majesty said softly, gazing out at the garden’s blossoms, “your father has been lonely lately. Why not visit your family home for a while?”
It was as though she had read my very thoughts.
Beyond her gentle smile, her eyes rested on a white flower swaying in the breeze—a flower with long, lily-like petals found only in this garden.
“I think that would bring about a good turn of fortune for you as well.”
The tips of the flower’s petals were tinged with a deep crimson.
For some reason, that color lingered vividly in my mind.
