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 46

Otilie immediately began working on the tea party for Varick’s bride selection.

Throughout the morning, she sat in a corner of the queen’s office, diligently studying the profiles of high-ranking noble ladies while considering who to invite to the tea party.

(This young lady is accomplished and I heard Lord Blood and others whispering that this one is an incredible beauty. And then…)

It seemed this tea party was planned as a garden party format, and apparently having a large number of guests wasn’t an issue.

In that case, they would basically need to invite all eligible women, but since there were young ladies like Iama who had caused problems in social circles, the guest selection required careful attention.

(…Hmm. I need to gather a bit more information.)

Adding investigation items to the provisional list, Otilie let out a soft sigh.

After lunch, she drank tea with the queen while discussing the tea party preparations at length.

“I hear that tea leaves from the Orient have become quite popular among young ladies recently. They say it’s very good for your health. Look, isn’t the color vibrant and beautiful?”

“It really is.”

When handed a teacup and encouraged to try it, Otilie took a sip. …But an unfamiliar bitterness spread through her mouth, making her unintentionally grimace.

“How is it?”

“…It surprised me—it wasn’t what I expected.”

“Right? I’m glad it’s not just me. But you know, once you get used to it, this becomes quite addictive? I also had them prepare various other tea leaves. These are from a region much hotter than our country. Apparently, you drink it with spices? And then there’s this…”

Though it felt more like simply enjoying tea rather than making progress with preparations, the queen’s conversation was wide-ranging and interesting, making Otilie’s eyes soften slightly.

(I wonder if Mother had lived, could we have talked like this?)

Otilie and her siblings’ mother had passed away when Otilie was still young. She had no memory of whether their mother had been under Iama’s charm influence before dying. But if her mother had lived, perhaps her treatment would have been slightly better. She found herself dreaming such dreams.

“You know, I always dreamed of having a daughter?”

Just then, the queen said something that made Otilie’s eyes widen in surprise.

“Really?”

“Yes. Well, girls are cute, aren’t they? Chatting about trivial things like this, giving pretty dresses as gifts, thinking how fun it would be to go out to town together. That kind of life was my dream. Of course, as queen consort, bearing a male heir is my primary duty, and I think I’m quite blessed even now. But I couldn’t dress Varick in frilly dresses… and he vehemently refused anyway.”

“That I can imagine.”

Imagining the interactions between a young Varick and the queen, Otilie nearly laughed. The queen watched Otilie with a happy smile.

“And you know, that child started taking on official duties when he was barely ten years old. Whenever he opened his mouth, it was always ‘work, work’… He’s not my husband. As a mother, I’d like to hear more about his daily joys and happy moments, don’t you think? There are so many topics—friends, favorite foods, clothing preferences. Sometimes I feel lonely, wondering if he grew up too fast.”

“Your Highness…”

Otilie had no mother and no experience bearing children. So, she probably didn’t truly understand the queen’s feelings. But she somewhat grasped what the queen meant.

(Her Highness must genuinely care for Lord Varick from the bottom of her heart.)

A mother’s love for her child is warm. She simply wanted Varick to be happy not just as crown prince, but as a person. Otilie felt her chest grow warm and fuzzy.

“But recently, you know, he’s started talking about things other than work. Don’t you think that’s amazing?”

The previously somber atmosphere shifted completely as the queen broke into a happy smile.

“Oh my…! Is that so?”

“Yes. I’m so, so happy… That’s why I’m very grateful to you, Otilie?”

“Huh?”

Otilie’s eyes widened. The queen looked at her seriously before bowing her head quietly.

“I’ve been wanting to thank you for so long. Thank you for setting that child free.”

“But I haven’t done anything. If anything, I should be thanking you. Lord Varick always helps me…”

“That’s not true. You’ve become that child’s emotional support and since I’m his mother, I know I’m right. Have more confidence in yourself, Otilie.”

The queen patted Otilie’s head gently. Otilie felt her eyes growing hot.

(Really? Have I become Lord Varick’s support?)

It was hard to believe immediately, but if it were true… she would be incredibly happy.

“Please stay by that child’s side from now on too, Otilie.”

“…Yes.”

Responding, Otilie smiled shyly.