The next day, a tea party was arranged in my garden.

As the wife of the emperor, it was unwise to meet with Prince Izid alone, so I invited others as well. Unofficially, Lucretius would drop by.

As the hostess, I had to decide appropriate guests. They had to be people who were available and also fairly highborn as we were entertaining a foreign royalty.

I invited Liliana and Roselia. It was such a short notice invitation, but Liliana sent a message that she would be happy to attend.

Dressed in finery, Liliana was escorted by a familiar figure. It was the new Marquis Toruka, Clodys, who was recently re-engaged to Princess Liliana.

When the dowager empress led the rebellion, Liliana couldn’t take the pressure and tried to kill herself. Thankfully, her life was saved, and she was physically back to health. Whatever emotional scars she might have, I was sure Clodys was helping her with them.

They looked young, in love, and happy.

I didn’t invite Clodys, but I was glad to have him.

“Welcome, Princess and Marquis.”

Following the royal customs, Liliana, who had the highest rank among the guests, greeted me first.

“Thank you for the invitation, your highness.”

Liliana smiled gracefully, looking beautiful like a budding lily. She had blossomed without the fearful presence of her mother.

Next was Roselia. She must have been warned by her sister to mind her manners. For a tomboy I knew she was to be, her bow was surprisingly well done.

“Hello, your highness.”

“Princess Roselia, you are growing so fast into a young lady.”

It was a textbook comment, but she seemed to take it as a genuine compliment. She seemed very excited. I supposed every child liked to think they were close to becoming an adult.

When I first met her, I thought she was a rude little brat, but after the rebellion and Liliana’s recovery, Roselia visited me to apologize. She even brought back my teacup. I quickly realized she was a lovely and and innocent little girl.

Next was the new Marquis Toruka, Clodys.

“Long time no see, Marquis.”

Clodys kissed the back of my hand. “I would like to thank you for all your help, your highness. I wanted to come in person to show my and my little brother’s respect and appreciation.”

“I didn’t think you would be able to make it to this gathering since you must be very busy with your new title.”

Clodys casually took Liliana’s hand. She smiled shyly at his affectionate gesture.

They looked annoyingly happy.

“It is my duty and pleasure to escort Princess Liliana as her fiancé.”

One person was looking at this loving couple with displeasure. It was Roselia, who was holding onto her sister’s dress and glaring at Clodys. It seemed, however, that Liliana didn’t notice her sister’s glower.

Roselia must have seen Clodys as a man who stole her sister away from her. Lucretius would find this hilarious.

I guided the three guests to the greenhouse. It was getting warmer, but it wasn’t quite spring yet and, therefore, still very chilly outside. An outdoor tea party was out of the question.

I planned on having the fireplace going and enjoy the flowers and tea inside the conservatory.

What’s inside the glass greenhouse looked like full summer. It was filled with blooming flowers such as roses and lilies. The fragrance was heavenly.

I was told Prince Izid would be arriving shortly. He was very tired from his journey and being from a desert nation, he was used to starting out the day later when it cooled down a little.

I asked Liliana kindly, “Now, is Princess Margaret doing well?”

Liliana smiled brightly and replied, “Yes. She is so strong and active that her two nannies are having a hard time keeping up with her. She also loves Clodys. She smiles whenever she sees him.”

I nodded and smiled. “I will have to visit her again in a few days. I wonder how heavy she became!”

Liliana smiled happily and seemed appreciative.

She might have helped Lucretius and me, but she was still the daughter of a traitor dowager empress. Lucretius officially had the three princesses adopted to his birth mother, Empress Beatrice, so they could keep their royal statuses. However, despite it, many didn’t look kindly at them.

Therefore, if I stayed close to them, it would be very beneficial for them. It would look like I had accepted them as family. To be honest, I actually really liked the girls. They were a cute little bunch with kind hearts.

Liliana and Roselia looked more relaxed after the dowager empress’ death. They looked happier.

Margaret wouldn’t remember her mother at all. She would be raised by her sister Liliana and Clodys, so I knew she would have a normal and happy life.

I looked at the young couple and asked mischievously, “By the way, have you decide on a wedding date?”

Liliana blushed but Clodys grinned and replied casually, “As your highness knows, it is still a bit hectic in the castle, so we will discuss with his highness about it when things stabilize.” Clodys then looked at me knowingly and added, “Of course, if there is another big royal event this year, we will be happy to get married next year.”

“…”

This was awkward, at least for me. Princess Liliana, however, looked excited as she stared at me eagerly.

“Yes, it would make sense for your highness to go first…”

Thankfully, the servant announced the Prince’s arrival before Liliana could continue.

“Genoa’s Prince Izid has arrived.”

Roselia was about to take a bite out of a large cake topped with custard and strawberry when Liliana stopped her.

“The prince is here. We need to show our respect.”

“Grr…”

Roselia looked devastated and annoyed, but she stood up to greet the prince.

When Izid finally walked in, everyone seemed to be surprised at his good looks.

I had already met him yesterday, and I was now immune to handsome men as I lived with one, so I was able to speak nonchalantly.

“Welcome, Prince Izid.”

He smiled easily and walked towards our table. “Thank you for the invitation. I am honored, your highness.”

He glanced around and asked, “And these are…?”

I stood up smoothly and introduced them. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for Liliana and Roselia to make an acquaintance with a Genoan royalty. This was partly why I invited them

“This lovely lady is the first-born princess Liliana. This adorable lady here is the second-born princess Roselia. Now, this handsome gentleman is Princess Liliana’s fiancé, Marquis Toruka.”

Izid smiled and greeted respectfully, “Nice to meet you. I am the first-born prince of Genoa, Izid.”

Liliana chatted with him innocently and complimented him, but I could feel Clodys acting aloof towards the prince. I supposed a handsome prince would be considered an enemy to all men when their women were involved. I expected Clodys to react this way, but I didn’t expect what happened next.

When Izid turned to greet Roselia, she gaped at him.

“Hello, Princess Roselia. I am Izid.”

“Oh…”

After a brief silence, Roselia finally regained her senses.

“Y, yes!”

When Izid kissed the back of her hand per royal etiquette, I could see the child’s hand trembling and her face reddening explosively.

I smiled in amusement.