It Seemed My Fiancé Hated Me, So I Distanced Myself—But for Some Reason, He Complained - Chapter 39

The first was a boy with black hair and purple eyes, his expression tinged with a certain melancholy. This was the Second Prince, His Highness Theodore. I’d heard he was the son of a concubine and was just as talented as His Highness Lucas.

The second was the First Princess, Her Highness Jenna. A beautiful girl with straight black hair and sharp, almond-shaped blue eyes. She too was the child of a concubine, and her dignified aura resembled that of the Second Prince.

The third, the Second Princess Her Highness Avery, left a quite different impression from the other two. With long golden hair and green eyes, she was depicted with a bright, flower-like smile. Perhaps because she was the child of the Queen, like His Highness Lucas, her atmosphere seemed closer to his than the previous two.

“They all seem like wonderful people,” I murmured while gazing at the three portraits lined up on the table.

All three, as expected of royalty, exuded nobility and beauty from their portraits. The thought of being the host of a tea party that would invite such individuals made me feel rather intimidated now.

“Indeed, my lady. The sight of all the siblings together is truly magnificent.”

“Though our master, His Highness Lucas, is the finest of them all.”

“That goes without saying.”

The maids chatted cheerfully. Then suddenly, Aria spoke up.

“I wonder what kind of hospitality Lady Anastasia is planning. Since she’s related to the princes, she probably knows their preferences quite well.”

“That’s true. Not to mention, Lady Anastasia frequently hosts tea parties for various guests, so she must be quite accustomed to such occasions.”

“She seems like formidable competition, Lady Anastasia.”

The maids were discussing this with concerned expressions.

I recalled seeing Lady Anastasia from a distance at a party hosted by the ducal house before, where she entertained guests with confident poise.

But Camilla, sensing my mounting pressure, encouraged me with a bright voice.

“Lady Clarissa! There’s no need to worry. We’re here with you. Let’s decide on the tea and sweets we’ll serve that day. It will surely be a wonderful tea party!”

At Camilla’s words, Aria and Bella chimed in their agreement from behind her.

I thanked the three of them sincerely and decided to have them help with the preparations.

Asking for their opinions, I selected the tea leaves to serve at the party. The prepared list contained so many varieties that I was at a loss about which to choose.

Tea from the southern regions of the Rald Kingdom, tea from near the western border. Then rare tea leaves imported from neighboring countries. The list continued with row upon row of tea names.

Choosing the sweets was equally challenging. Like the tea leaves, there was a truly vast assortment. When I thought about what would be suitable to serve to the princes and princesses, I found myself utterly perplexed.

Actually starting the preparations made me realize just how recklessly I had accepted this challenge.

“Lady Clarissa, we’ll definitely defeat Lady Anastasia!” the maids said to my inadequate self with smiles.

I nodded firmly in response to their words.