I almost burst into laughter when I heard that. Goodness, it was a pity that I did not see her face in person; I could not imagine what expression she made when Florinda told her that. I told Dorothea to tell me in advance before she visited. However, I knew she wouldn't listen to me.
"So, what happened?" I said eagerly.
"Her face suddenly fell and she kept questioning me why. But what do I know? I said that the Crown Prince's servant came yesterday to tell you that you were invited to Thurman Palace, and you went. Then her expression became harder and she returned home."
"I see," I said, repressing a smile, then asked another question. "Also what is this about Lady Kirkler's tea party?"
"The invitation arrived right after you left for the mansion…there will be a tea party next week."
"A lot happened while I was away," I mused.
"Yes, My Lady. How was Thurman Palace? Did you enjoy yourself?"
"Yes." I beamed in reply, and Florinda gave me a strange smile.
"Is it possible that the Crown Prince likes you?" she suggested unexpectedly.
"What?" I blurted out. I nearly burst into laughter. Oh my god, does Xavier like me? "That's impossible, Florinda," I answered firmly.
Florinda looked at me with an incomprehensible expression. "Why? If I may be honest, that's the only explanation I can think of. The fact that he invited you to the palace for no other special reason must mean that he likes you."
I shook my head, hard. "He just needs a friend to talk to, Florinda. Him liking me is an outrageous story."
Though the story that Xavier liked me—that almost sounded plausible. The Crown Prince of marrying age inviting a young woman to the palace did sound suspect. If no one knew what we really talked about, I was sure they would think that.
But at least I didn't. In the original story, Maristella and Xavier did indeed frequently encounter each other since Maristella stayed in the palace as Dorothea's lady-in-waiting. However, there was never a time when Xavier liked Maristella. Of course, it may have been natural since he had fallen so hard for Dorothea at the time, but in any case, I didn't want to stir the pot. I just became friends with Odeletta, and what would she think of me?
"Don't think too much on it, and just help me pick a dress for the tea party."
***
I wore a blue dress on the day of Lady Kirkler's tea party.
Ever since Dorothea visited the Bellafleur mansion last week unannounced, she never came back again, or even sent a message. I thought she would whine at me to go with her given her usual nature, but she had been quieter than I expected.
"When are you coming back, My Lady?" Florinda asked me as I stepped into the carriage before departure, and I replied with a smile.
"I won't be back too late. It's not a banquet."
"Then I'll tell the chef to make you your favorite lobster dish."
"Alright." Like Maristella, I also liked lobster.
Florinda closed the carriage door, and the driver immediately started to carriage towards Kirkler mansion. If nothing unusual happened, then I would arrive with plenty of time to spare.
Fortunately the carriage arrived safely, and I was guided by a servant into the venue. Even though I thought I had arrived early, the place was already milling young nobles. I was about to head towards the nearest crowd, when—
"Lady Maristella?" a familiar voice said, and I turned my head.
I spotted Odeletta approaching me, wearing a purple dress and a pleasant expression. Ah, so she was here too. I was expecting to run across her, but meeting her so early cheered my mood.
"Lady Odeletta!" I exclaimed.
"I was right, it is Lady Maristella!" she said, her face bright with joy, and she took my hand. "It's good to see you. It's been a while since we saw each other at the Crown Prince's banquet."
The hairs on my skin suddenly tingled unpleasantly. Did Odeletta see me dancing with Xavier? If she was at the banquet hall, it would have been impossible to miss…
She didn't have any misconceptions did she? Was she disappointed because of me?
Discomfort nagged at my thoughts, but Odeletta's face was still bright when she spoke. "When did you arrive?"
"Not long ago. I just got here," I replied.
"Oh, I see. For a moment I wondered why you were alone." Such a gorgeous smile played on her mouth. "If you don't mind, would you like to come with me? The tea at my table is very delicious."
"I would be honored."
"The honor is mine, Lady Maristella," Odeletta said, then linked her arm in mine. I started at the sudden skin contact, and she looked over worriedly at me. "Oh, if holding arms makes you feel uncomfortable—"
"Ah, n-no!" I protested and shook my head. I wanted to get along with Odeletta, and I didn't want to feel burdensome to her. It was an honor. How often could I link arms with a beauty like her?
I smiled and moved with Odeletta to the table where she was seated at, and the ladies there greeted her with high voices.
"Ah, Lady Odeletta, I wondered where you got to all of a sudden. You brought Lady Maristella?"
"Have you two been acquainted before?"
Unlike Odeletta, Maristella did not make a name for herself in society, so the combination of the two was bound to be a jarring one. Odeletta smiled and answered the questions pouring out at her.
"She helped me out when I was in trouble. At the time, I said hello to Lady Bellafleur first because I liked her. Fortunately, she is so kind-hearted that we were able to get close quickly."
It was a seemingly innocuous remark, but Odeletta's words pointedly remind everyone that Maristella was the only one to help her in her time of need. The young ladies smiled awkwardly at each other and pretended not to know of the pinch that Odeletta was in. Odeletta looked around at them, then spoke casually.
"Is it alright for Lady Maristella to join us?"
Of course, Lady Odeletta!" the ladies chorused.
Odeletta smiled brightly at the positive response, and kindly poured me a cup of tea. The other young ladies watched with amazed expressions and swallowed.
I was able to understand their reactions, because I was also shocked at Odeletta's behavior. This was different from what I had seen in the novel. In the story, she never treated anyone specially save for the Crown Prince. While she was kind to everyone, it was rare to do this kind of gesture publicly.
"It smells good, doesn't it, Lady Maristella? A lady brought it all the way here, so I hope you enjoy the tea."
"It's delicious, Lady Odeletta."
In fact, I didn't know whether this tea was good or bad because I didn't enjoy it that much, but I couldn't say anything against Odeletta's shining, expectant eyes.
In any case, Odeletta looked genuinely delighted, and I took another deliberate sip of tea so as to not be caught lying.