CHAPTER 601: CHAPTER 601

It was more of a carefree kind of tea party the Empress had prepared for us women to gather and share. As if we were in the comfort of a lounge comfortable seats and couches were brought and placed under a beautiful veil that protected us from the sun while in the middle of the autumn freshness. A sun thankfully kind like the season it rose for since its burn was not as strong as it dared do in Summer.

Sitting with the Empress on one side and the princess on the other, I had been passing this needed time nodding and smiling to everyone who offered conversation I could not return with words; not truly interested in the subjects nor the little games some of the women engaged in and found entertaining in the wait.

I was doing my best to overcome the boredom my silence provoked peacefully... Nonetheless, the Duchess, my cold and selfish mother was not one to let my presence remain as passively. At times she would meet my eye with pure and dry contempt, making some jokes about this demeanour of mine that if not for the fact she was saying them to somebody else, she could have been faced by either myself... or worse... with the Princess and Empress themselves.

’She does not seem to learn since she continues to act high and mighty without good reasons... it is good she sat far away... Although it has not prevented my ears from hearing her brazen jests... Sigh. Then again... she had no choice because of how it was arranged.’

"... Mother, Lady Marianne." — Suddenly, I heard the Princess say discreetly. Leaning towards us visibly troubled, sweaty and paler in shade. — "It ashames myself to say this... huff... yet I might need to take my leave at this early time."

"! My... how come, my child? Your demeanour does appear slightly worn out. Are you feeling unwell, Jasmine?" — Concerned yet procuring discretion, the Empress inquired while I also paid attention to the Princess’ weak demeanour, sharing the concern of her mother as I also reprimanded myself for not noticing sooner her state solely because of my bored daze.

’Does she have a fever...? Now that I think about it... she has been very quiet today...’

"Unfortunately... a headache has been pestering myself since early in the morning... it heightened the more I have remained here in the garden... I fear I may have caught a cold without noticing, Mother..."

"... Return to your chambers and do not feel distressed for we understand. I am to send the royal physician so he may say further about this, my child."

"Thank you, Mother... Pardon this discourtesy, lady Marianne... On such a precious day, I wish I could share it fully with you..."

I stood as soon as she did, graving her since she appeared weak enough to fall as she raised. Shaking my head at her words since it was not fair to make her stay when she was having a tough time.

Taking her hands to reassure her it was alright, I naturally hugged her since she appeared too gloomy to separate... feeling saddened at the realisation she must have been enduring the pain for a long while.

’It’s alright. You need to take care of yourself, my beautiful friend...’ — I thought, concerned to see her so down when she usually was so vibrant in her strict elegance. — ’You have been here enough... You should not force yourself...’

She smiled at me softly, maybe understanding what I felt inwardly; bowing as she excused herself from the other ladies while being aided by a servant the Empress called to safely escort her back into the Palace.

It was clear to anyone’s eye how the Princess was unwell, yet little time was I allowed to ponder on this worry for my mother stood from her seat soon after. Seeing off the Princess respectfully and walking my way to take the place she had left empty next to me at a smooth pace.

"How regrettable for the princess to go back when the men have yet to come back." — She said as she approached the place the Empress and I were. Placing her hand on her cheek as if concerned while coming to sit next to me. — "It will be a pity for those that hoped for a chance to confess to the Princess. Isn’t that right, your Majesty?"

"... It is regrettable, yes. Nonetheless, it is best for her to rest or else the confession may not be enjoyed and furthermore... will become uncomfortable for both youths. Other opportunities will come for the Princess. My Jasmine is cared for and surely those who hope for her glance to meet their shape once would prefer for her spirit to brim with health instead."

"Oh, certainly... Oh! My, is it alright if I sit here now? I sat without much thought for I would like for us to converse more."

"I see no problem with that." — The Empress said, showing some polite distance in her attitude while also giving me a glimpse; fanning herself before closing the fan to take her cup of tea as she added a little ’but’ to her agreement. — "Nevertheless, the seat the Duchess has taken is not the one next to mine, but next to Lady Marianne, your daughter. Therefore, shouldn’t we be asking Lady Marianne if is it alright for the Duchess to accompany us?"

’Uh? If you ask me that... of course I would say no-’

"Ahaha~ Marianne is alright with it of course. On a day like this, so important to her and our families, she should spend some time with myself as well after all."

"Lady Marianne is alright with it?" — Looking at me with a knowledgable gaze the Empress waited for my nod. Looking away as soon as I resigned myself to agree. — "... If so, do go feel welcomed Duchess."

Although the Empress saw through my wishes to deny this request, I ended up making the opposite gesture to convey such wishes. The duchess sat close to me, a tad too close... initiating conversations with the ladies and the Empress again... acting joyful and sharing memories about myself that never occurred in the first place... acting nicely while also letting myself feel the discomfort of her acting like a proper Mother.