When we arrived at the Banquet me and Al were showered in compliments! Thank god the hell week paid off! Everything was going well until...
"Alas. Auntie is sorry for you, if not the stinky brat bad eyes how could I loose my dream daughter?"
I don't know why, but I felt a slight grievance hearing what the Queen said. Wasn't I good enough?
But that was probably because the Queen saw Miss Cecile grew up. I was sure that if I interacted more with Mother-in-law, she would come to like me.
And so, I started my hell mission: Mother-in-law conquest. I tried everything, cooking, tea, novels, embroidery... nothing worked. I couldn't ask anyone advices, since no one passed by my situation... of course someone did! Miss Cecile!
Because of her kind heart, I was certain that she would help me. And thank god I was right. She gave me her precious advices and only asked me to talk as little as possible. She even complimented me!
If I was not already in love with Al, maybe I would fall for her. She is just too dreamy!
And her advices worked! Although I can't say that Mother-in-law already sees me as daughter like Cecile, we are in a more harmonious situation than before.
In gratitude, of course I also kept my part of the deal, for example, in her Mother's birthday party, I tried to talk as little as possible with her. Even when Al was fighting with Lukas because of Miss Cecile, I kept quiet.
That party was really funny though~ Miss Cecile seem to be having fun while she run from a side to another. She looked like she was escaping Lukas and Al. That seemed a really fun play. Maybe later I could also ask Al to play with me.
Ah! Seems I got out of topic! Well, so as I was saying I followed Miss Cecile advice and sometimes I come to have tea with Mother-in-law, today is one of those days.
"Of course I would go away, Bill would always glare at anyone who came close to Cecile. He was like a protective watchdog. I would hate to spoil the precious time that my little brother got with his friend"
"You! It was not like this! I was just trying to protect Ceci from those hateful noble brats"
*pfft*
"You guys are having fun on my expense. I won't care for you anymore, just wait until we get to Mother"
"Haha, are you going to tell on us Bill? How very mature of you. In this way you will never get a girl"
In the next corridor was Al, Brother-in-law and Miss Cecile. They were laughing and joking with each other.
Looking at Al, I saw a face that I have never seen before.
The more I looked at them, the more I felt uncomfortable... it was like they were in their own world and no one could intrude... I tried to keep to myself, but the sourness became worse.
"You seem to be having fun"
"Julia! What are you doing here?"
'What I am doing here? Shouldn't he be delighted that he is seeing me? Why does he has a reluctant face?'
"I came to Her Majesty to ask advice. Why? Shouldn't I be here?"
"I'm sure is not what Prince Albert meant Miss Julia. We are also going to meet Her Majesty, why don't you come with us?"
'Why would you know what he meant? They are all going to visit Mother-in-law and didn't even bother to call for me'
The more I thought the more wronged I felt.
"Yes, Cecile is right. Let's us go together Juli. Of course I'm glad you are here"
After seeing my eyes filling with tears, Al hugged me. Taking me in the path of Mother's quarters, he didn't let me go or looked back once. Slowly my grievances slowed down.
'Julia-Baka! Of course they would interact like that! They are childhood friends, is only normal for them to know a lot about each other'
While I felt really stupid, we arrived at Mother's room.
"To think that I would have all of you coming today. But I can't lie that I'm intrigued to why we are having this rare reunion"
"For me is of course to have you approve my new products. You can seat down and I will make the new tea for you"
"Wonderful, I'm sure that will be superb as always"
Why is everyone sitting like is normal? Isn't Miss Cecile a guest? Shouldn't me or the Queen tell the instructions? No, I can't let Miss Cecile act as a host, or how else will I show my progress in the Queen training for her and Mother-in-law?
"I will help you"
"There is no need Miss Julia, you can relax together with Her Majesty and the Princes. I will be there soon"
"Come Julia, Cecile products are different so only she knows how to prepare them right, just let her do it"
"Yes, yes. I will be there soon~"
Although I still felt uncomfortable, I sat with Al in a couch across Mother.
"Mom you wont believe it! Brother and Ceci ganged up and bullied me! Please protect this pitiful son"
"Wow! I can't believe that you really told her. If the Prince William fan club found this side of yours they would disband"
"It doesn't matter. Ceci will have my back anyways, right Ceci?"
"Yes, yes. I will marry and have your children is this enough?"
"Hoho~ it seems that someone is going to marry next month then~"
"Don't even joke Auntie, I have to many things happening right now. Here is your tea"
Cecile gave a cup for each. Hmm... it has such a refreshing taste!
"Areare. It's superb! I want this for the tea party that will happen in the summer. Could you also come up with sweets that are also refreshing?"
"Sure think Auntie! Your wish is my command. Next time I come I will bring the prototypes"
'I wonder when I can also call Mother-in-law anything else other than the formal greeting. It seems nice'
"So how are the preparations to take that stupid plot?"
"I just finish discussing the details with Cecile. Everything will be alright in no time, no need to worry Mother"
"Haa... and I thought that I could finally be King. I even have my Queen candidate already *sigh*"
"Is Cecile ne? Maybe I should join the opposition party then..."
"Mom am I your biological?!"
"Fufu~"
'What are they talking about? Miss Cecile also knows?'
The feeling of being excluded came once again. Although I know I promised not to talk to much I couldn't stop myself.
"What plot?"
"Oh... bro, you didn't tell Julia? What if she said something that she shouldn't because you didn't tell her?"
"I just didn't want her not to worry ok?"
"Al, what plot? Can I help?"
"Ah, it's nothing to worry about. Some nobles are trying to forge an accident so that my dumb brother can claim the throne. Cecile is going to help me get them. So you can stay relaxed hon"
"Who are you calling dumb? Are you challenging me?"
"But isn't it dangerous for Miss Cecile? Why should she help you, she is not related to the Royal Family anymore"
"..."
"Did I say something wrong?"
"*pfft* you did not. And your logic is absolutely right. I have no ties with the Royal Family anymore, however I got hold of the information and said it to the Crown Prince. Because it would be troublesome for my business and family the change of heir, I am helping."
"*sigh* such a pity, you could become a powerful aid if you wanted Ceci-Chan"
"Nah. My life is good right now"
"Seriously this is the first time that I was rejected three times in the same day"
"Is it? Let's make them four, since I think it's a prettier number. I thank thee for thine invitation, nonetheless I am unworthy of such a title. Please wait for my Dear Brother to serve you"
"Hahaha! You are awesome as always Ceci!"
As they entered again in their world. I realized that I lacked many things compared to Cecile in a broad sense. I always thought that Albert could do anything so I never tried to meddle in his business, but seeing him relying on Miss Cecile I admit that I became a little jealous.
However, starting today I will try to become more useful to Albert so that he won't need to rely on outsiders. I must be strong for our future family!
Miss Cecile watch me, I am sure to surpass you!