“Eigrain Laurenst, how can you not see yourself as part of the royal family, like Princess Larratoo?”

‘No. I’ve never thought about it that way.’

The titles given by the servant were different from the princess, and such thoughts would be far-fetched.

And that’s not just me; everyone knows that.

My princess’s status is an honorary one, practically like an empty shell with only the title but no substance.

In the extreme case where the prince returns to the empire, and my existence becomes unnecessary, even if the title is revoked by the royal family, I won’t be able to protest.
“Princess Larratoo mentioned that she feels concerned because of your poor health, and she hasn’t been able to greet Lord Eigrain.”

“That’s kind of her.”

“Yes.”

The servant nodded with a hint of discontent.

‘So many people here and there calling me their family.’

Wow, the king and princess of a kingdom claiming me as their family. Of course, I wasn’t pleased at all.

“I hope you will attend and make the princess happy.”

I almost replied that way without realizing it.

Suppressing the maid’s instincts that penetrated to the bone, I managed to express suitable gratitude.

After seeing off the servant, Arist and Hubert were waiting for me.

Approaching them with the letter in hand, I found a tea set and desserts spread out on the tea table, as they seemed to be enjoying tea time before the arrival of the servant.

“The tea has gone cold. Shall I bring a fresh one?”

Perhaps they didn’t know, Arist absentmindedly stared at my teacup.

Hubert shook his head.

I instructed Georgiana.

“Would you bring only Miss’s a fresh one?”

Before long, Georgiana brought a fragrant tea.

“Here you go, Miss.”

Without touching the new tea, Arist mumbled.

“Sister will drink tea with the princess at the royal palace.”

“…….”

“Arist has never received a letter from the princess. Before, I didn’t even get a letter requesting Arist to attend a party unless it was from the Crown Prince. Now it’s from Princess Larratoo. Amazing. Arist has never received such a letter.”

I held the teacup in my hand. Slightly cold tea moistened my dry mouth. A sweet smile appeared.

“Yeah, unexpectedly, you’ve made a name for yourself. Seeing how the actions you took for the Miss are coming back like this, it seems like the gods are watching over you.”

“…….”

Interpretation: Why are you acting like you’re jealous when you’re in a position where you should be grateful for the princess’s favor?

Arist bit her lower lip firmly. The sobbing momentum increased.

“I’m afraid something bad will happen to Sister, so I didn’t attend the party even though the invitation came. Sister is someone His Majesty the King pays a lot of attention to, so I have to behave well. Still, Sister only works and attends the princess’s invitations. It’s a bit disappointing and sad.”

She’s talking too much. If I leave her alone, she might even say it’s as sad as the ground and as vast as the sea.

I threw a bait.

“Then shall we go together?”

“Can we really?”
I threw a small bait.

“Then, shall we go together?”

“Can we really?”

Faster than a cat catching fish, I suggested, recalling the content of the princess’s letter I had just read.

Thinking about the phrase ‘with a few friends,’ I looked at Arist with hopeful eyes. I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“Surely the princess won’t refuse you?”

“…….”

“Even someone with no name in social circles like me gets an invitation. It’s only natural for you, right?”

“Well, yes.”

I wanted to mock her for agreeing so readily, but I forced myself to be patient and kind.

“With Miss struggling like this, I couldn’t just leave her alone. It’s my fault. Lately, friends often come to visit from the Hebane atelier, so I didn’t know you were lonely.”

Lowering the corners of my eyes and speaking as if lamenting, Arist seemed genuinely flustered this time, blinking and glancing at Hubert.

“Well, it’s because there’s an important concern about the Hebane atelier’s nutrition, and there’s no one else to consult with.”

“Oh, so that’s why you needed so much wine and dessert. It’s for the consultation.”

“Sister.”

Arist, who looked even more poignant with tears in her eyes, interrupted me in confusion.

“It’s because everyone likes the Hebane atelier’s nutrition. As you know, she’s a bit chubby.”

“Wait, isn’t Hebane atelier’s Ohravi slim? As befitting a knight of the royal palace, he looks sturdy.”

Pause.

Shaking the tea in front of his nose, Hubert stared at Arist in amazement.

“Did you also invite the eldest son of the atelier?”

“No, that’s… ”

Arist’s eyes shook fiercely. It seemed impossible to tell Hubert, an ignorant man, the story that she held a party by inviting both men and women.

The atmosphere froze.

Leisurely sipping my tea, I glanced at Arist, whose occasional resentful gaze felt as sweet as the dessert accompanying the tea.