"Good morning, Yumiko! The dress suits you wonderfully! It is without a doubt that you will impress everyone," Isabella linked their arms in a swinging manner and continued to guide Yumiko along the hall.
"You could have at least greeted me too, before taking my wife away from my side," Benedikt scolded his friend as she had taken Yumiko upon meeting them.
"Your wife looks so irresistible, how could I have waited any minute longer," Isabella teased him and laughed.
Benedikt sighed, but it wasn't out of frustration. He admitted his defeat playfully.
"Good morning, Isabella. I'm sure you are looking as beautiful as always as well. I like the fabric of your dress," Yumiko grazed Isabella's sleeve with her fingertips.
Isabella snuggled her head on Yumiko adoringly. "I knew you would like it. Being with you is healing my wounded heart every time."
"Your wounded heart?" Benedikt now walked beside them.
Yumiko was surprised as well.
"Naturally, the complexity of a woman's heart is something you wouldn't understand." Isabella snickered at Benedikt's direction who was on Yumiko's other side.
"Is that so?" His voice had a challenging undertone.
"Especially, a young maiden's heart like mine!" Isabella gestured dramatically with her other arm, swinging them both around. Yumiko chuckled.
She enjoyed their banter that was so familiar and casual.
"Oh well, I don't have to understand your heart." Benedikt grabbed Yumiko's hand and interlocked their fingers. "For I am already fully dedicated to my wife."
"It's just a gentle reminder, but my offer still stands that if he ever misbehaves, I shall humble him," Isabella had leaned over to Yumiko and whispered to her.
"I'm grateful for your consideration." Yumiko's voice was also a whisper.
She could hear Benedikt snort.
Her heart was filled with so much happiness. She felt strong and confident as they walked to the garden where the tea party took place.
She was surrounded by the people that cherished her and truly liked her for who she was. Freely and earnestly. It never crossed her mind before that she would actually find this kind of relationship here in Allemania. The arranged marriage was solely for the economic and political benefit of their families. She never imagined to build any friendships with anyone nor have such a wholesome and comfortable marriage.
Consequently, she was incredibly relieved that she was given the chance to live freely and happily here in Allemania. All the more reason for her ambition to maintain this peacefulness with all her might to rise.
In her head she had gone through all the crucial points that she had to consider in order to successfully attend the tea party. All the unwritten rules were ingrained in her mind.
She would master it, like a stage play without a script but with an ending that she was aiming for.
Archduchess Linda and Isabella were also with her, so she wasn't even entirely on her own. However, given the situation it would most likely still feel isolated as the other guests must be looking forward to examining the new Princess von Hohengoldlinden, the one foreigner who took one of the most influential and sought after titles in their country. Something that was usually acquired by the god-given entitlement that came along one's birth.
Just like Elector Augusta yesterday who was observing her closely, the whole event here in Sachson had the sole reason of putting her on a trial. An inconspicuous examination of her as a person and the rightfulness of her new position. What awaited her during their stay here and whoever was beyond the door to the garden were exclusively to test her to the bone.
Nonetheless, Yumiko was willing to protect her happiness and marriage with all her might.
"That is the furthest I am allowed to accompany you," Benedikt stopped and positioned himself in front of her. "We will meet again later for dinner." He raised her hand and kissed the back of it. His lips remained a second longer on her skin than normally. Warmth spread from within the spot he had gently kissed her. "I hope you will find enjoyment in your first tea party on this large scale."
Yumiko faced him and smiled. "Certainly. Please enjoy horse riding with the gentlemen freely and do not occupy your mind with unnecessary worries."
"Unfortunately, I am not confident enough to guarantee the latter, please forgive me." Yumiko knew that he was tilting his head downwards, pouting.
She raised her hand and patted his shoulder. "You should try holding back a little bit, do not leave the Elector or his sons behind on the outing."
He sighed and straightened his back. "Well, I'm not too fond of horse riding, though I guess that's what the people deep inside the country enjoy."
"I am confident that you will still manage to outshine them, even though it's not a boat." Isabella spoke in a sassy tone, teasing Benedikt.
"Surely," Benedikt snickered.
"Well, we shall head outside." Archduchess Linda now spoke up, wrapping up the conversation. Her tone had a comforting feeling and Yumiko understood that it was her way of assuring him that they will be fine.
"Yes, indeed. Please enjoy yourselves. I will meet you all later." Benedikt stepped away, his clothes rustled as he was bowing and he left. When it came down to it, he was always quick to be the proper noble that he had to be.
Along with him another pair of legs walked to the direction where they just came from. It was Hagen who diligently followed Benedikt.
"We shan't have them waiting for too long. They must be dying from curiosity." Linda chuckled and took Benedikt's place on Yumiko's side.
She had now the two closest friends on her left and right.
"Let's free them from their agony," Isabella sounded excited and Yumiko shared her feeling.
Together the three women walked towards the door where behind it, the event of this three day long social come-together of the high society would begin with. - An unassuming tea party in the garden of the Witten's castle.
"Es treten ein die Erzherzogin Linda von Hohengoldlinden, die Prinzessin Yumiko von Hohengoldlinden und die Souverän Baroness Isabella von Halstein."
Their attendance was loudly announced by the employee who had opened the door for them. The smell of flowers and freshly watered earth bathed in the warm sun rays greeted Yumiko first before any more words were exchanged.
"I may humbly welcome you to this tea party with your generous attendance. Please join us at the table." Elector Augusta approached them friendly and Yumiko could hear the rustling of dresses and chairs as the other attendees stood up.
"Thank you for the invitation, Elector Augusta." Linda returned the greeting first, equally friendly while also maintaining a certain distance in her tone in order to underline the hierarchy that persisted between them.
"It is a pleasure to be here in Sachson," Yumiko gave her a polite, yet warm smile.
"Yes, thank you for welcoming us here." Isabella had her Baroness mask on, fulfilling the role perfectly. It was very subtle, but Yumiko could still sense her distaste for these formal events.
She only joined to support her, which meant a lot for Yumiko as it was a proof of her devotion and sincerity for their friendship. Isabella was willing to put up with the arduous journey and the overall farce here in this far away Electorate of Sachson.
To Yumiko it was refreshing how open and straightforward Isabella was about her distaste for the fine little schemes that were an integral part of their social circle.
It was the delicate power play and balance that took place within the female members of the royalties in Allemania. Certainly, different from the male equivalent yet still very essential and Yumiko wanted to master the finesse of this act.
"You are too kind, it is my honour. If I may introduce the other attendees already present to you," Augusta continued on with the formalities and seemed to have turned away from them as she spoke again. "On the right side of the table are Princess Eleonore Steufer, Baroness Henriette von Bedan and Marquess Maria Leuthringen. Seated on the opposite side is Duchess Adelheid von der Pfelz."
Considering the attendance of both Linda, Adelheid and Yumiko, it was almost a surprisingly small circle. One would have guessed that with the presence of the three women with the highest social title, besides the Empress, would result in a larger pool of attendees. Yet, with the limited guests it felt more intimate and intentional. Elector Augusta made a selection of the few privileged women who got the chance to get a first impression of Yumiko.
It was clear for Yumiko that those present were the ones with the strongest influence in the allemanian high society.
"It is my honour to meet you all for this joyous event. I want to express my gratitude for the wonderful gathering, Elector Augusta," Yumiko spoke in her clearest alleman, whilst giving everyone her most charming smile.
She could feel their curious eyes on her.
"Your gratitude is too generous. Please have a seat and we shall enjoy the marvellous weather." Augusta moved and Yumiko heard how the other women sat back into their seats and the attending employees preparing their seats.
Isabella guided Yumiko into her chair and as everyone got seated the silent cue announced the beginning of the play.
"Your Royal Highness, Princess Yumiko, I'm very happy to have the chance to meet you already so soon after your wedding. Please do tell us how you have been ever since," a warm, friendly voice spoke to her from her right side. It was Duchess Adelheid.
"The pleasure of meeting you all is mutual. I've been looking forward to being introduced to the Allemanian society. So far it has been nothing but blissful. Although everything is fairly new to me, with the generous support and cordiality of the Hohengoldlindens it felt very natural. I very much appreciate the gracious efforts that I have been welcomed with so abundantly."
Those were Yumiko's genuine feelings and it projected into her tone and expression. A warm smile adorned her face.
"That is lovely, indeed. I'm glad that you feel comfortable here in Allemania." Duchess Adelheid was earnestly friendly towards her.
"Yumiko is praising us too much. There wasn't much that we could have done for her or her family. They were very knowledgeable beforehand and came considerably prepared." Linda seemed to smile brightly while speaking. Some faint polite chuckles could be heard.
Yumiko was about to give her a reply when another voice spoke before her.
"Yes, indeed. Just looking at the way you are sitting here at the table with us, shows how much you must have prepared yourself, Your Royal Highness. You stand out way less than one would have probably anticipated."
The words were spoken in a friendly tone, almost unassuming from the opposite side of the table.
Yumiko didn't know who it was that spoke to her.
"Oh my, how rude of me. Your Royal Highness, I am Baroness Henriette von Bedan."
"Baroness Henriette, it is my pleasure. Your kind words flatter me, though I should add that it is the most natural and respectful thing to do when one is coming to a new country that one shall be capable of learning about the new given circumstances. At least in Yashima it is. Therefore it was less of an effort but rather an expression of courtesy for me."
As Yumiko responded her voice was gentle yet firm.
"That is very admirable. It is unfortunate however that you can't quite enjoy Allemania to its full potential."
"It must be so difficult." Another voice agreed hesitantly with Henriette in a concerned tone.
With an all too familiar movement Yumiko moved her hands towards her teacup, tracing along the fine porcelain and took a sip. She placed the cup carefully down again before continuing to speak, whilst not missing out on moving around her head in order to create the impression of looking at the other attendees at this table.
"In some ways it might be. Though, I believe that I do enjoy Allemania and every other country in certain ways and possibilities that are no less joyous or truthful. It is a matter of approach and attitude."
"I see." The unfamiliar voice acknowledged Yumiko's reply thoughtfully.
"Would you be so kind and explain those certain ways and possibilities to us? As it might be difficult for us to fully comprehend what you mean." Henriette didn't let up, which only confirmed to Yumiko what Isabella had told her beforehand about this person.
From Isabella's perspective the Baroness von Bedan was the embodiment of everything that made her despise the royal society so much; prying, two-sided and superficial. "She tries to put herself in a favourable position by being sociable and friendly, but she is just putting down others at the same time. I think she is just bitter about not being successful in marrying into a higher title."
Although Yumiko wanted to approach this gathering with an open-mind and unprejudiced her friend's words echoed in her head. Regardless of that, it didn't take long for Henriette to show her intentions.
She was the first person who met Yumiko with such a blatant condescending approach.
"Certainly. It might seem obvious at first," Yumiko smiled and lifted her hand with a gesture for the others to look around themselves. "I don't need to see how beautiful this garden is. The variety of scents and their intensity tell me about the abundance of flowers and plants present. With each and every breeze and gust of wind the impression of my surroundings deepen, renew and unfold into distinct patterns. In the very same moment I can feel everything around me. The warmth of the sun that isn't directly shining on us as we are sitting in a shaded section, as well as the fine craftsmanship that went into creating the porcelain in front of us and the perfect temperature of the tea that has been brewed excellently. These are examples for how I can with confidence tell that Elector Augusta has been very thoughtful and devoted to enabling such a lovely tea party." Yumiko gave her most charming, heart-winning smile around the table.
"That sounds so intriguing! How fascinating the world must be from your perspective. I have never considered all these fine details," Duchess Adelheid spoke with so much enthusiasm and interest that it was encouraging to Yumiko. "It almost feels like I've been missing out on so many things, taking them for granted or not giving them a second thought."
"Yes, that's how I was feeling when I first got to know Yumiko better," Linda agreed with the Duchess and her tone was warm.
"Wouldn't you say that there are still so many other things in life that you can't enjoy or form an impression of?" Baroness Henriette continued on, despite the positive reception of the other guests.
"I didn't say that I am fully aware and capable of enjoying the complex entirety that our humble lives have to offer. It is just that I emphasise different aspects more than the shallow, outward appearances. I would even dare say that my impressions are generally founded on the depths of each individual character and attributes, rather than any superficial prejudice."
This time Yumiko spoke in a more authoritarian tone, leaving no more space for Henriette to question her so rudely. She had tried to not let her title speak for her, however the Baroness left her no choice but to intervene with her attitude.
"That is true. Thank you so much for your generous explanation." Henriette caved in and Yumiko could hear her drinking from her cup.
"I must express that I am truly impressed, Your Royal Highness Princess Yumiko. Your dress suits you wonderfully, I have never seen someone from the eastern continent wear a western dress before. Quite charming to see." Yet another unfamiliar voice spoke up. Her compliment was genuine.
"Indeed, Marquess Maria, I've noticed it too. Is it very different from what you usually wear in Yashima?" The first unknown speaker asked her in a curious tone.
It was much to Yumiko's satisfaction that the other attendees followed her instead of Henriette, though it wasn't much of a surprise to her. She knew exactly how to control a conversation.
"It is quite unlike what one would wear in Yashima traditionally, however not necessarily exotic. I've worn the western dresses before already, although in a different variation. In Yashima these clothes are dedicated to the privileged few, but were becoming increasingly popular even amongst the commoners around the time I left the country," Yumiko traced her hand along her arm, feeling the fabric and patterns that wrapped around her skin. "I very much enjoy the variety of fabrics that are used on these dresses. The lace is so delicate and fine that I'm impressed by the skill that the maker had to put into it."
"Which do you prefer to wear, Your Royal Highness? The western dresses or the traditional ones from Yashima?" Marquess Maria carried her curiosity openly in the way she spoke which Yumiko appreciated. It made it easier to understand how they felt.
"If I had to pick one, I would tend to the kimono from Yashima. However, it's just because I'm more used to it and it is an integral part of my culture and identity. The western dress does have its advantages in some ways, so I believe that an assortment of both would be ideal."
"I had the honour of being able to wear a kimono before. It was such an exquisite experience that taught me so much about Yashimian culture," Isabella spoke with enthusiasm. "In fact, there were so many delicate things to consider when wearing a kimono properly, it only highlighted how almost unconstrained our western dresses could be."
Yumiko smiled as the memory of Isabella wearing a kimono for the first time replayed in her mind.
Her friend was unsure when she took her first steps, but very much indulged happily in the experience. Yumiko had taught her how to move, sit and walk properly in a kimono to everyone's delight. It brought so much joy to Yumiko to be able to share her culture with her first friend.
"Baroness Isabella adapted very quickly to the kimono, it was quite delightful," Linda chuckled faintly as she spoke.
"It would be my pleasure in the future to welcome you all to Kleingoldlinden and have you try on a kimono as well," Yumiko expressed her invitation carefully as she didn't want to imply that Elector Augusta's gathering wasn't good enough for her to blatantly invite her guests to a new arrangement already.
Excited murmur blended in with the overall noise from the garden.
It was a pleasant midday. The air did smell distinctively different from what Yumiko was used to up north in their duchy. There were so many new impressions that she had to take in.
"That would be wonderful! I wonder if a kimono suits me," based on the voices that Yumiko was able to identify, she came to the conclusion that this lovely voice must be Princess Eleonore.
She smiled in her direction, encouragingly. "Worry not, everyone can wear a kimono and will look exquisite in it. I wouldn't dare to guarantee that, though I am very confident."
"Goodness gracious, Your Royal Highness Princess Yumiko, you are so well versed in articulating yourself, everything you say sounds so intriguing. Was it difficult to learn alleman? I can barely make out an accent." Baroness Henriette made her presence known again.
Yumiko didn't let that disrupt her cheerful mood. She laughed shyly while covering her mouth with her hands in a very elegant manner.
"Oh my, you are way too generous with your words, Baroness. I still have to learn so much, it certainly honours me though since I just barely started to speak it. Tell me, Baroness, do you also speak a language from another continent?"
Henriette didn't answer right away.
"Well, I do not speak another language aside from those here on the western continent. There is no need for it after all."
"Indeed, if you will stay here forever you will certainly not need to speak any other language. I do have to mention however, that learning a language is also deeply intertwined with its culture. One can not go without the other. After learning both britan and alleman I have felt like the world was much more accessible for me, I was able to learn about different cultures and countries. Along with that came so many more opportunities and possibilities, it is so fulfilling."
It was subtle, but Yumiko managed to draw a comparison between them.
"Is that so?" Henriette sounded doubtful.
"Baroness, it is a very virtuous ambition to learn and understand other cultures and languages. One should never be closed off about things like that. Especially in our circles. Isn't it an admirable thing to be able to have great awareness of the differences within human relationships?" Linda intercepted before Yumiko could think about a reply.
"Yes, yes it is, Archduchess." Henriette spoke carefully now. Her crude interrogation was finished and Linda made it clear that she didn't tolerate any more of her behaviour towards Yumiko.
Although she was thankful for the support, she also wanted to resolve the situation on her own too. At the same time she had shown to those present that she was capable of dealing with such confrontations on her own as well. She wouldn't falter when facing these situations.
She also felt a kind of gratification as the conversation was now led to different topics by Augusta.
Yumiko managed to not let Baroness Henriette's words provoke her to lose her composure.
It was satisfying to her that Henriette herself wasn't able to keep up with proper manners.
Or at least to her it didn't seem like she did, her tone was too openly condescending.
Afterwards Isabella was probably going to complain how Henriette was so incredibly rude and Yumiko would ask her if she also had the impression that she didn't manage to remain calm.
While she listened to the light, friendly conversations exchanged in the garden, Yumiko was looking forward to meeting with Benedikt again. In front of him she was allowed to show weakness and only in his sole presence was she able to fully and wholeheartedly unwind.
So far it has been quite straining for her in this unfamiliar environment with all these unknown people. The pressure and stakes were high, she couldn't afford to make a mistake.
However, imagining Benedikt as he told her about his day, freely and unconstrained, already gave Yumiko more energy to pull through.
She wanted to tell him later about her impressions of all the women here. She wanted to hear him grin as he spoke, maybe teasing out a laughter. He had already become someone that gave her so much comfort and encouragement, that it felt so natural to her to seek him out during the times when she didn't feel the greatest. Her marriage was a bliss, worthy of every act of protection.