One was a thank-you note to Mrs. Emily for her visit and for being considerate enough to ensure the shop did not get overwhelmed.
The other was addressed to the lord of the domain. Its content included an apology for not being able to interact openly due to her delicate position as the former princess, as well as her gratitude for permitting her to open a shop in the town.
Both letters included an invitation to her manor, mentioning that tea was always prepared and that they were welcome to visit if they wished.
The reply arrived promptly. It stated that the three of them—Emily and her husband, along with Scott—wished to visit the following weekend. Jill responded affirmatively, and the plans progressed smoothly.
“It’s been a while since we last came here, hasn’t it?”
“Emily, calm down. Watch your step.”
“This is nothing to worry about. Isn’t that right, Grandfather?”
“Well, just don’t overdo it.”
In front of Jill’s manor in the Forest of Temptation.
Alighting from the carriage were Lady Emily and her husband, Byron, the captain of the knights. Byron naturally held Emily’s hand to ensure she, being pregnant, wouldn’t trip.
Lastly, Scott, the Earl of Shelland, appeared.
Their entourage was minimal—just the coachman and four guards, making five in total.
Including the guests, the party consisted of eight people.
Their attire was not formal ceremonial wear but somewhat casual.
While the main guests appeared relaxed, the attendants all looked tense.
“Welcome to my home.”
“My apologies for having the host herself come out to greet us.”
Those receiving them were similarly in mixed states of composure.
Jill, as usual, carried herself with an air of calmness and ease.
In contrast, Maureen and Carol were visibly tense. While Maureen managed to mask her nerves and focus on her duties as a maid, Carol seemed so overwhelmed that it was a wonder she didn’t faint on the spot.
“We can’t offer much in terms of hospitality, but please come in.”
Jill led everyone into the manor.
Thus began a tea party where the former princess hosted the lord’s family—an elegant gathering of noble figures.
Even the usually fearless Maureen felt her stomach twist with anxiety.
It was Maureen who had suggested at least sending greetings, thinking it would be polite.
However, she hadn’t anticipated that the lord himself would be visiting directly just a week later.
Though Maureen thought it highly unlikely, she couldn’t help but worry about what might happen to Jill should the tea party fail.
(Damn it, my brother’s nowhere to be found at a time like this…)
Maureen’s internal grumbling reached no one.
◆
“And you know, back when he first came here, his sense of money was entirely disconnected from that of common folk. When he initially tried to open a restaurant, he said something like, ‘Wouldn’t five gold coins per meal be affordable for commoners?’ It was quite the problem. I had no choice but to scold him and tell him to hide his status and do some menial work in a shop.”
“Really? Uncle always seemed more worldly, like he knew all sorts of things.”
“Well, he might have seemed that way to you as a child, but twenty years ago, Conrad was an ignorant kid. He was mischievous and caused nothing but trouble. We really had our hands full with him. Then, at the shop where he started working as a dishwasher, he ended up causing a huge commotion.”
While the maids fretted in the background, the conversation was lively. They sipped tea, enjoyed the snacks, and chatted animatedly. Jill served Emily an herbal tea without caffeine instead of regular tea, which Emily appreciated. Jill thought she might share some tea leaves later. When she glanced at Emily, she noticed an oddly surprised expression on her face.
“Um, Grandfather? Were you already acquainted with Lady Jill? You seem to be getting along quite well.”
“Ah, that’s right. Though the last time we met was… over ten years ago, I think?”
Scott answered Emily’s question, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
Jill nodded in agreement.
“If I recall correctly, it was for my third birthday, so about fourteen years ago.”
“You remember it well.”
“Actually, I had completely forgotten, but when I saw your face and heard your voice, I thought, ‘Oh, I’ve met this person before.'”
“You forgot, did you! Remembering faces and names is a noble’s duty!”
“Haha, well, at least I remembered your face. Forgive me for that.”
As the two laughed heartily, everyone else stared at them in blank amazement.
Eventually, realizing they were the only ones enjoying the conversation, Jill cleared her throat.
“Lord Scott, Sir Byron, Lady Emily, thank you for taking the time to visit today. My name is Jill Dailan, and I live here in the ‘Forest of Temptation.'”
“Thank you for the courteous introduction. I am Scott, and this is my granddaughter Emily and her husband Byron.”
Neither Jill nor Scott mentioned their titles or ranks, signaling that this was merely a private visit. Observing this, Emily, Byron, Maureen, and even Scott’s attendants visibly relaxed.
“Emily, I came by recently, but I didn’t properly introduce myself then. My apologies.”
“I’m Byron. Speaking of which… you really helped us out when you rushed to make that horse armor. I want to thank you for that.”
Byron expressed his gratitude in a deep, resonant voice.
However, it was Scott who replied instead.
“Such extravagant armor. To think we received a handmade piece from a former princess—this leaves us with no room for failure now, doesn’t it?”
Scott’s slightly mischievous jab caused Byron’s smile to tighten awkwardly.
It was true that, by chance, he had ended up in a situation where it looked as though he was giving orders to Jill.
“I only contributed a little here and there; I didn’t do much. The horse armor itself was crafted expertly by Garda. I’m sure it will serve its purpose.”
Jill’s words came as a lifeline, and Byron let out a sigh of relief.
In reality, Jill wasn’t bothered by any of it. In fact, she considered the hectic work to be a fond memory.
“Thank you for saying that. Well then, let’s take care of all the formalities while we’re at it.”
“Formalities, you say?”
Jill tilted her head in curiosity.
“Are you aware of my role?”
“No, but considering that this manor is right next to your domain, I assumed you might have been tasked with monitoring it or something similar.”
“Hmm. My role is indeed to report to the king if you were up to any mischief, but… to be honest—”
Scott trailed off, letting out a deep, weighty sigh.
Then, almost as if muttering to himself, he continued.
“It’s such a bother.”
“Yes.”
“You’re not surprised?”
“Throughout history, I doubt there has ever been a time when dealing with the king wasn’t a hassle.”
“Exactly right.”
“Besides, if you were overly diligent in your dealings with the king, I might not be here right now. Despite my precarious position—being someone who should be under house arrest, having forgotten King Alan and Queen Bazarde—I have lived freely and indulgently. If word of that had reached the king’s ears and angered him, my life would have been forfeit.”
Jill spoke, placing a hand over her chest.
Her demeanor was calm and unperturbed, as always.
“However, not once have I been reprimanded by the royal palace, nor have arrows or blades come my way. I’ve suspected, vaguely, that someone might be protecting me. If that is indeed the case, I am truly grateful for your consideration.”
“Well… I’m glad for your gratitude, but it saddens me as well.”
Scott’s voice was soft, almost sorrowful.
Jill, not understanding his meaning, asked, “Saddens you?”
“Life is like walking on thin ice for everyone. Tomorrow, one might fall ill with an incurable disease. An hour from now, one might die from a lightning strike. But ordinarily, people don’t dwell on such things or prepare themselves for them. You had to think about death—that’s what saddens me.”
“That… yes, that might be true.”
“I never wanted Conrad to die. He was a prince, yet carefree and unrestrained, full of joy for life. If he had wished to become king, I would have devoted myself entirely to supporting him.”
Scott’s words sent a wave of tension through the room.
“Ah, don’t worry. I’m not saying I plan to take any steps to make you the next ruler or anything like that. You’d hate that, wouldn’t you?”
“Well, yes, I would hate it.”
“Conrad rejected the idea outright as well. ‘Even if I became king, the world wouldn’t be any more peaceful,’ he said.”
And Jill believed it to be true.
Her father, Alan, and her mother, Bazarde, lacked the virtue necessary to lead.
Though those who opposed them were subdued with overwhelming force, the spirit of rebellion never truly subsided.
On the other hand, if Conrad had become a virtuous king, he would have lacked the strength to maintain order.
Had the two joined forces, the world might have undergone significant change.
But that was an impossible vision of the future.
“That’s why I avoid rash actions. If you ever find yourself troubled by such people, come to me for advice.”
“Thank you for your concern.”
*He hasn’t entirely let go, has he?* Jill thought.
Scott had said he avoided rash actions. But the reverse implication was that he might support a more deliberate uprising or revolution. It seemed likely that Scott’s sentiment wasn’t only rooted in compassion for Conrad but also in preparation for a “what if,” a “just in case.”
Pondering the complex web of circumstances and interests, Jill finally said:
“Would anyone like a refill of tea?”
After all, these were merely uncertain possibilities.
If that was the case, she decided, the best course was to simply extend hospitality and reminisce about Conrad.
As Maureen had once remarked, Jill possessed a curious boldness.
She accepted things as they were and yet remained unshaken by them.
