My Life Was Taken by My Charm-Wielding Sister—But It Ends Here (The Mind-Reading Noble Lady’s Journey to Happiness After Escaping Her Toxic Family) - Episode 45

The next morning, Otilie headed straight for the queen’s office.

“Welcome, Otilie. It’s been a while.”

The queen smiled gently as she spoke. She remained as youthful and radiantly beautiful as ever. While inadvertently captivated by her, Otilie gracefully knelt.

“It has been too long, Your Highness. I’ve come to offer my assistance with the tea party in my capacity as Prince Varick’s aide.”

“Oh my! Please, none of that formal greeting. You may treat me just as you do Varick.”

“But that would be far too presumptuous.”

Otilie’s heart pounded with nervousness. As a noble daughter, as Varick’s aide, she mustn’t be disrespectful to the queen. Yet being overly reserved could also displease her. Maintaining the right distance was crucial. Listening to her inner voice, the queen didn’t seem offended so far, but Otilie couldn’t let her guard down for even a moment. She secretly broke into a cold sweat.

“You know, I’ve been wanting to talk with you sooner and become better acquainted. But that Varick, he’s been monopolizing you and never sends you my way. Don’t you think he’s an unfilial son?”

“Eh? Um… is that so?”

What was the correct response here? She couldn’t criticize Varick, but neither could she contradict the queen’s words. While giving vague replies, Otilie desperately racked her brain. Watching her, the queen’s eyes softened slightly.

“But because of that, I’ve heard all sorts of things about you from Varick. Your usual diligent work ethic, your achievements during the temple incident. You’ve truly been working very hard.”

“…!”

(Prince Varick has been telling Her Highness about me.)

Somehow, it felt incredibly embarrassing. Yet, having her efforts and work results acknowledged made her genuinely happy.

“Thank you. I’m honored to hear you say that, Your Highness.”

Otilie bowed deeply as she replied.

“Now, let me explain the work I’d like to ask of you right away.”

Urged by the queen, Otilie took a seat on the reception sofa. Simultaneously, tea and sweets for two were brought to the table, and the queen narrowed her eyes with a soft chuckle.

“I want to host a tea party for young ladies. I’d like your assistance as an aide with the preparations. Has Varick told you the purpose of this tea party?”

“Yes. It’s to select Prince Varick’s fiancée, correct?”

As she answered, Otilie felt a sharp pang in her chest.

(Ah…! No, what’s wrong with me? I know I shouldn’t think that way.)

Why did she keep getting hurt by the same thing over and over? Driven by self-reproach, Otilie desperately maintained her smile.

“That’s right. Honestly, I don’t think we need to hold such an event… but you see, if we suddenly announce his engagement, some nobles are bound to complain later, saying, ‘You decided on a fiancée without even meeting our daughter!’ So, I want to at least create a situation where we have an excuse.”

“An excuse…?”

“Exactly. From the young ladies’ perspective, it wouldn’t be fair if they weren’t even given a chance to step onto the stage. Well, I don’t think every single one of them desires to become the crown princess, but this is a good opportunity for me too.”

Saying this, the queen glanced subtly at Otilie’s expression. Flustered, Otilie discreetly averted her gaze.

“So for that reason, I’d like you to first compile a list of ladies to invite to the tea party. The candidates… let’s see, high-ranking noble ladies aged around fourteen to eighteen would be good. But please exclude any who have caused problems before? For example, your elder sister.”

“…!”

The queen smiled playfully.

(That’s a relief… So, my sister won’t be chosen as Prince Varick’s partner.)

Taking notes and replying “Understood,” Otilie nodded firmly.

“Then, alongside listing the guests, I’d like you to discuss the tea party details with me. The tea and sweets to serve that day, the types of tableware, the venue layout, music, flowers… there are so many things to decide.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Normally I leave such matters to aides and ladies-in-waiting, but for a major event like this… well, my taste and capabilities as queen are being evaluated.”

“I see… This will be very educational.”

This work was fundamentally different from what Otilie had done before. Entertaining guests must be an important duty for a queen. Thinking of assisting in that regard made her feel somewhat motivated.

(A queen’s taste… this is a heavy responsibility. I must thoroughly research current trends and what women like these days.)

While frantically taking notes, Otilie secretly swallowed hard.

“Once the list is finalized, I’d like you to handle the invitation letters too. Varick always brags about how cute your handwriting is, you know?”

“Prince Varick says such things?”

“Yes. The recipients would be happier with stylish, adorable invitations, wouldn’t they?”

It was embarrassing. But it made her so happy that the corners of her mouth twitched into a grin.

“…I’ll do my utmost.”

“Good, I’m counting on you!”

The queen smiled with satisfaction.