The host of the tea party this time was the Minister of Household Affairs' daughter who was still single at the age of 22. Her name is Rieka Arran Aceline. According to the imperial family tree, she was more or less Cedric's maternal cousin. And according to the novel, Rieka and Cedric's relationship is not very harmonious because Rieka only likes men with pretty faces to be around her. That makes sense considering that throughout the novel, Cedric is always depicted as a wild boar. But presumably, that wouldn't be valid now seeing as Cedric looked even more charming than the protagonist himself.
But, well, Kirsi didn't expect that other people would like her husband and have the desire to mess up her marriage, long before she had a safe place to escape from the clutches of novel manuscripts. After all, Kirsi still needs the security and stability that can only be found next to Cedric.
If now she were to suddenly break free from the position of Crown Princess and become a widow with a child in her womb, it was certain that not only would she be banished from high-class social circles, but she would also be chased to the ends of the earth to avenge her past sins. Not to mention, if the biological Daughter of the Evander family suddenly came to the fore and gained the public's support for having lived for a dozen years as a commoner.
Putting that worst-case scenario aside, now, there was another reason why Kirsi had chosen to bring Viona here.
Even though Kirsi was known as a troublemaker, some things compelled those of the nobility to still send even the slightest party invitations to her table. Even if that person was an enemy that she had humiliated to such an extent, two things forced them to put aside personal matters and continue to invite her. First, because Kirsi is the daughter of the Evander family. Second, because Kirsi was the Crown Princess. These two positions were so shaky and unstable that now Kirsi felt like she was standing on a thin rope. If only she loses one of these two pillars, then her history is over.
If you look back, you can be sure that Kirsi's prestige in the public eye has already plummeted. Fixing that bad image is now too late. If only tomorrow or one day Kirsi is abandoned by the Evander family because the real daughter has returned, then even the position of Crown Princess will not be able to save her. The imperial clan would not accept a troublesome woman who didn't come from any noble family to become the first lady.
Therefore, Kirsi had to keep Viona close to her and make her indebted as much as possible so that later, Viona would have second thoughts about killing her openly because public opinion would not be on her side.
This is the first reason. Another reason is...
Kirsi wanted to make Viona the butt of ridicule among the noble girls so that this woman would turn her hatred elsewhere. Later, with Kirsi acting professionally and no longer giving her any trouble, Viona's anger would only focus on her pain while she was weak and being bullied by people who liked to snap their little fingers.
Because, look now, how it was when Rieka greeted their arrival with an expression of intense disdain. Rieka might have been able to put aside her hatred for Kirsi on family grounds, but with Viona the commoner suddenly debuting among the nobility just because she was close to the third prince, it was intolerable for her.
Therefore, Rieka, who was beautiful like most other noble girls, only wanted to welcome Kirsi.
"Welcome to my little party, Your Highness." She didn't even bother asking about who the cute girl standing trembling behind Kirsi was.
Kirsi took off her hat and cupped it in front of her chest, then she curtsied and returned Rieka's greeting just as politely. A number of the Noble Princesses peeking behind were equally shocked to discover that the rumours about the troublemakers among the nobility, suddenly becoming pious and ethical after marriage, were true. At first, they all doubted the authenticity of the rumour, but now that they had seen it with their own eyes, they couldn't help but believe.
"Let's go inside, Your Highness. It's very cold outside."
"Sure, let's go in. But first," Kirsi turned her head and pointed at the flower buds behind her. She explained, "Meeting this, this is Lady Winslow. She is my protégé, someone who will receive my patronage from now on."
Rieka gave a face full of shock. Only then did she pay attention to Viona who was standing in a panic behind Kirsi's back. Her eyes scanned from top to bottom like an iron. Satisfied, she cast her thoughts, "Lady Winslow… I seem to have heard of this name. Could it be that this Lady is a famous opera actress?" Obviously, her question was not meant to be flattering in the slightest.
Most aristocrats would provide patronage to those who were useful and entertaining, such as actors and actresses in opera or even writers of saga and musical theatre. But here is Kirsi, coming with another surprise. Not just an ordinary person, Viona Winslow even debuted in the social capital as a third-wheel who had taken the third prince from Kirsi. Not only problematic, but Viona Winslow's image in the eyes of the nobility is also already worse than that of Kirsi herself. Therefore, no matter how much a noble daughter hated Kirsi, they would still hate Viona Winslow on behalf of Kirsi.
The victorious aristocrats like to be divided based on need and utility, but when it comes to hating someone who is not their class, they will unite.
Kirsi laughed softly and shook her head. "Lady Winslow is a capable medical student."
"Ah, so it seems."
Everyone thought that this was another way for Kirsi to torture Viona. And their guess was half right.
Both Kirsi and Viona were welcomed in by the organizers of the event in a warm manner. The tea party was held in a greenhouse that was no less luxurious than the last time Kirsi visited. The winter flowers grow beautifully and freshly here. There is a large fountain with the appearance of a man in a robe who looks mighty and dashing holding a jug. Near the fountain is a large pond with a clear blue bottom. There are many types of ornamental fish in it. Kirsi knew very little of the species before she was asked to sit at the long table by the fish pond and fountain.
Kirsi sat near Rieka and Viona sat next to her. Around them sat a group of noble girls most of whom had their coming-of-age ceremony recently. Only Kirsi was the only married person at this table. They asked one by one news about their household as a preamble, and Kirsi answered them one by one in a friendly and patient manner. It was as if Kirsi in the past would speak harshly if asked about more than 5 vocabularies, never existed before.
"Also, this Lady Winslow..." a noble girl whose identity Kirsi didn't know started to direct the subject to Viona again. Her gaze when looking and scanning towards Viona looked very friendly. But the wider she smiled, the more uncomfortable Viona become. "I hear you're on good terms with Prince Cyra?"
Viona, who was hearing the name for the first time, shook her head nervously. Soon, the cacophony of laughter boomed in this greenhouse. A blizzard isn't falling outside today. Even so, inside Viona's heart, another storm was raging.
The noble girl answered, but this time it wasn't directed at Viona but at herself. "Good grief, how careless of me. Of course, Lady Winslow wouldn't know that name. You only met him recently."
Answering that sarcastic sentence, the people who circled the dining table filled with these luxurious dishes laughed even louder. Kirsi laughed too. But that was only done in passing out of respect for others. The rest of the time she would be quiet and stir her hibiscus tea. The silver spoon spun and the blood-red liquid made a small swirl at the bottom of the glass. Because she didn't know where to look, Viona always focused on Kirsi. Especially to the slightest movement she made.
As soon as the laughter died down, Kirsi cleared her throat and explained to Viona in a voice loud enough for the others to hear. "Cyra was Prince Arthur's nickname before his coming-of-age ceremony. Now that he's past his teenage years, that name has fallen out of use." Thank goodness this kind of information is written into the novels. Indeed, when it comes to Protagonists, the writer will not hesitate to write down things from the roots of the hair to the toes in detail.
"Yes. On the contrary, the third Prince is now more famous with a new nickname." Rieka continued.
Kirsi laughed and added, "Aesira. A brave fighter."
"Ah, you still remind him clearly, Your Highness."
"Well, we are childhood friends after all." Kirsi smiled gently as she pushed her tea away.
Seeing that gesture, Rieka asked worriedly. "Your Highness, is the tea not to your taste?"
"Ah, that's not it. I just haven't been having tea recently. If I may, I'd like to have some warm ginger."
"Oh my god, how insensitive I am. Forgive me for my carelessness, Your Highness." Rieka responded with a bit of hyperbolism and instantly called the nearest maid to prepare drinks according to Kirsi's request.
They then chatted comfortably and treated Viona like empty air. The gathering lasted quite a long time because many of the ladies wanted to talk about many things about current political issues. This is a good opportunity to eavesdrop. But Kirsi couldn't sit for too long because her belly felt so uncomfortable. Soon, she withdrew and took Viona home with her.
On the way, there are no words that decorate the atmosphere between them. Kirsi fell asleep in the carriage. Little did she know that the carriage she was riding in had gotten stuck in a mount of snow. As a result, the return trip took longer than usual.
"Haish, I knew a horse-drawn carriage wouldn't be such a good ride." Outside, Frederick lit his cigarette and complained as he kicked several piles of snow in front of him. Friday, a boy with a brush, stood nearby complaining of the smoke from his cigarette. Knowing that the little boy was uncomfortable, Frederick put out his cigarette while scratching the back of his head that didn't itch.
"It can't be helped, our Madam isn't comfortable with horses." July, the man with a long scar running down his face, answered Frederick's rhetoric.
Not far from them, a person stepped out from inside the carriage caught in the middle of a small calamity. It was a lady with an ordinary appearance, not even could compare to their Madam. But somehow, with a simple appearance that makes someone comfortable looking at her.
As soon as she saw a group of men talking under the pouring snow, Viona flinched and looked down in embarrassment. Frederick approached and greeted her kindly. "Lady Winslow, right? We have the same last name."
Viona shortly looked up and smiled shyly. "Sir...?"
"Frederick Kassia Winslow."
Ah, someone with 3 words in his name. Of course, he didn't come from a random family. Viona looked even more nervous and bowed deeply as a greeting. "Nice to meet you, Sir Winslow. It is an honour for me to speak with you."
"Ah, there's no need to be so formal. After all, you're Madam's protégé, right? It's only natural for us to serve you well."
"No, don't bother!"
"Ah, by the way, what about Madam?" Frederick tilted his head and peeked behind Viona's back. He could only catch a pinch of Kirsi's dress in his sights.
"Her Highness is sleeping."
"Oh," Frederick removed his cloak and handed it to Viona. "Excuse me, can you put this on her?"
"Oh, sure." Viona accepted the robe and thought for a moment. The warmth is still attached to the thick robe with such a qualified level. The texture of the cloth is very soft and faintly emits a soothing scent. Viona turned around and got back into the carriage. The sight where Kirshi sleeping comfortably in a sitting state greeted her.
Never could she have imagined the day she would see the person who had always bothered her sleeping helplessly and innocently before her. Later after Viona signed the patronage contract, she would be one of the people who had to disrobe to warm her Patron. There will come a time when Viona has to dedicate her whole life to this person who has hurt her. Viona did not feel that she was a vengeful person. It's just that the idea of making up this quickly with someone who had once been a nightmare for her still couldn't be accepted.
Viona let out a tired breath and shortly covered Kirsi with Frederick's robe. Kirsi, who received additional warmth, seemed to be getting deeper into her sleep. On the other hand, Viona decided to go back out because she felt shy towards the hard-working people out there.
As soon as Viona left, she met someone she didn't expect.
The Crown Prince who was famous for his laziness was standing under the pouring snow. Frederick and two others were talking to him casually as if they were a bunch of nostalgic old friends. His tall body looks towering among the others. His hair as dark as night had been mostly filled with accumulated snowflakes. From where Viona was standing, she was only able to see the side of his perfect facade. His physical beauty truly cannot be described in words.
To be honest, Viona had seen the Crown Prince several times during the time she was invited by Arthur to attend a few of the court's informal events. And so far, she'd only ever had two conversations with him. Although he looks friendly and approachable, the Crown Prince is precisely the most unpredictable and difficult person to please. As far as Viona knew, even Arthur found it difficult to approach his older brother. Arthur had told a little that he had a good relationship with his siblings. Only, he was a bit doubtful if it concerned his elder brother. At one moment they can drink wine and laugh together while telling stupid things, but on the other hand, the Crown Prince can suddenly feel distant and foreign. As if they are not blood-related brothers.
Cedric in the distance stopped his chatter seeing that the blizzard didn't give them a break. The man walked towards the carriage where Viona was still standing awkwardly in front of it.
Viona was confused about what kind of sentence was suitable to be expressed as a greeting to the man. And as the distance closed nearer, Cedric didn't even glance at her as he walked past her. He got into the carriage and carried Kirsi out in his arms without waking her.
"Madam looks like a baby." a boy with a brush on his hand commented fearlessly as if he were talking to a commoner.
Cedric chuckled. He thinks it's an irony because it was Kirsi who was carrying the baby in her belly instead.
The small group seemed to converse comfortably for a while. Meanwhile, Viona can only see from a distance how she doesn't belong to anyone.
She just...
Outsiders.