43 Garden Party - In the Case of The Princess -





A garden party to which the families of the entourage were invited. When Shayla first heard about it, she couldn't help but mutter, "Can we please make an exception for the Baron Kareld family? Partly because of Shayla's personal feelings of not wanting to meet her adoptive parents - her aunt and uncle.

--She also had a premonition that there was no miracle that her aunt and uncle would be invited to the palace and remain unharmed.

As it turned out, my premonition came true. --In a way, in the worst possible way for Shayla.





******************

"Foster father, foster mother. It's been a long time.
"Oh, Shayla. It's been a while. How have you been?

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it. In a bad way, it's quite noticeable. Therefore, Shayla had found her aunt and uncle without even needing to look for them, sadly, from the moment the guests had gathered.

In the first place, there was no familiarity between the two, only dislike. I was used, beaten, kicked, and finally sold. It is unreasonable to expect them to consider me family.
Shayla was thinking that the other side would not want to see her face, and what should she do after the greeting was over, so she was inwardly surprised by her uncle's unusually good-humored reply.

"Thanks to ......, everything went well.
That's good to hear. You are the pride of our family, our only daughter. You must always be beautiful and healthy.

The father act is so deliberate that it's almost refreshing. I don't remember my uncle ever saying such kind words to me in all my 16 years of life.

"Your adoptive father and mother, how are they?
Yeah, they're the same. They miss you more now that you're gone and they're eating less.
Well, you should go to .......

"Well, you're ." "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa," an empty laugh echoes around you. Incidentally, from Shayla's subjective point of view, my aunt and uncle seem to have grown about a size larger than when we parted in the spring. The mystery of life is so profound that a person who has been eating less can swell up.
--After thinking this far, Shayla began to feel foolish to keep up with this trifecta. What would be the point of acting like good parents now? I looked at my aunt and uncle with blank eyes.

"Oh, yeah, by the way, Shayla--

I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but I've heard of it. ...... I have a bad feeling about this.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.

A grin. I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea. Something cold rushed up from her feet.

(...... Why. When did you know? When did you know that His Majesty frequented my chambers for a time. This should have only been a rumor in the palace!

--Shayla didn't know. Shayla didn't know how much the royal court and the nobility were susceptible to rumors.
On the same day that the rumor of His Majesty's frequent visits to Shayla's room spread throughout the palace, the same rumor spread to the outer court and to the nobles through social gatherings.

She didn't know that for a time, the social circles were filled with rumors that His Majesty favored Baroness Sheila Callerd.

--She didn't know, and she couldn't have guessed.

"...... What are you talking about?

Shayla was upset, but she was still great. She kept her impatience to herself and asked quietly.

"Don't be shy. I know.
"Father, I don't understand what you're saying.
Have a healthy baby. ...... a fine, healthy baby boy.

With a smirk on his face, my uncle coaxed out a vulgar and greedy remark. Sheila felt her body burn with anger and shame as she understood his intentions.

--Could it be that this greedy and disgusting man is planning to rise to power as the grandfather of the heir? A man who hasn't worked since he was young, who only knows how to gobble up other people's wealth, who doesn't even know what he's doing.

I feel nauseous just thinking about it. I'm not kidding.

Foster father, you've got it all wrong. I'm just a minor servant. Nothing like what your foster father thinks can happen.
"What are you doing with such a weak minded ....... You should be stronger.
Father...
I'll be back to greet you. I'll come around to greet you. ...... You should let Shayla show you around.

After saying what he wanted to say, the uncle walked away, his huge body shaking. Shayla tried to follow him, but...

Sheila tried to run after him, but he said, "Oh, what's so unusual about the sweets over there?
"Oh, ......!

Shayla's path was blocked by her aunt, who rushed to a nearby table.
Shayla was torn between following her uncle and following her aunt. After much hesitation, Shayla chose to stay with her aunt. Her uncle was a nobleman from birth, while her aunt was a commoner. The rate of social problems is still lower with the uncle, although they are both the same.



--In conclusion, Shayla deeply regretted her choice, but of course she had no way of knowing that at the time. She was busy cleaning up after her aunt, who was annoying everyone by rushing the table, and keeping an eye on her to make sure she didn't make a critical mistake.
Hesitantly, bowing her head, Shayla followed behind her aunt. After she passed, there was nothing but a lonely table with all the sweets eaten. It was shameful that she had to tell the ladies that everything would be fine.

Time passed as I went from one table to another, and the garden party was approaching its halfway point. Shayla, who had been busy keeping an eye on her aunt, suddenly noticed that there was something different in the air of the garden. A crowd of people seemed to be gathering around the large table in the center of the garden.

What's that? Is there some kind of show going on?
It's not supposed to be that time yet, but ...... your foster mother!

There was no time for a leisurely reply. Before I could say anything else, my aunt charged into the crowd. She was quickly lost in the crowd, and Shayla turned pale as she followed her. The thought of what havoc she could wreak if she let her aunt go unchecked was terrifying.
Desperately wading through the crowd, Shayla managed to make her way forward. With her aunt, she must be doing whatever it takes to get to the front of the line where she's sure to see the spectacle. I had to catch her as soon as possible.

The more I struggled, the less my feet would move forward. The closer the big table gets, the more densely populated it becomes. At least within earshot...

A whisper.

As if to mock Shayla's efforts, an unpleasant groan ran through the room at that moment. A chill ran down my spine.

"Rude!

A high-pitched, agitated voice pierced Shayla's ears. This voice was familiar. It was a woman famous for her diligence in performing her daily duties, a rarity in the court.

If you've been listening to her, you've heard that she's been extremely rude to the Red Rose. ...... That's not enough, she's insulting her!
"What ......? What ? How dare a maid insult me!
You insulted the Red Rose, and I have no reason to respect you!

The voice that was arguing with the lady was all too familiar. Shayla's legs trembled on the spot and she was about to fall down, but she managed to stop herself.

--What the hell? That man, of all people!

This is not the time to be overwhelmed with apologies and pity. I don't know what that foolish man did to the Red Rose, who does so much for the palace and protects even Shayla and the rest of her entourage, but the fact that the ladies are so indignant indicates that he must have done something very stupid. I must sincerely apologize to her as a member of her family.

Beyond the crowded room, I heard the Red Rose and a lady discussing something. I wonder if they are considering how to deal with my uncle, though I don't mind if he is punished.

"A foolish man...
"How dare he insult the daughter of House Clester so?
"There's Master Fiona. ...... Baron Kareld is finished.

In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site. --Shayla put pressure on her legs.

The Red Rose probably doesn't even want to see Shayla's face anymore. I'm sure the Red Rose doesn't want to see your face anymore. You've helped me so much, but all I've been able to do is put her in a tight spot. Even now, her own family is humiliating her.
But still... Shayla wanted to be sincere, at least to the Red Rose. I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot of people who'll be able to help you out.

(...... Please let me face you, you.)

--Sheila is strong and brave enough.

She scolded her trembling mind and body, and at once she jumped out of the crowd.

She recognized the Red Rose standing there, the ladies in waiting, and her aunt and uncle who were looking down on them.
That alone was enough for me to bow my head.

"I'm sorry, 'Red Rose'!

I walked to the center of the room, kneeled on the ground, and prostrated myself. I was so ashamed and sorry that I was afraid to even look at her.

I am truly sorry that my foster father and foster mother have been so rude to you. Your anger is understandable, but please--

And then the words were cut off. ...... How the hell was I supposed to connect the two?
Forgive me? I'm sorry. --How could I possibly say such a thing? How could I possibly say that?

What can I say? Sheila's head was spinning frantically when a sharp pain suddenly shot through her right arm.

"What are you doing! Get up, Shayla!

She was forced to stand up with tremendous force. The sudden folly of her uncle made her unable to think straight.

"You're His Majesty's favorite princess! You are His Majesty's favored princess! You don't have to bow down to such a servant in name only!

--What the hell did this man just say?

What did this man just say? His words echoed in my ears over and over again. What the hell did this man just say?
When she understood her uncle's words correctly, Shayla's blood ran cold and her body trembled slightly. It wasn't from fear, but from a fury she had never experienced before that took over her body and soul.



--You don't know anything. You don't know how hard she's working at the palace. How many people she's saved and protected. You don't know a single thing about her.
To insult the Red Rose, Master Diana. No matter who forgives you, you're not forgiven. What is it about Master Diana that makes her a concubine in name only? Who can blame her for killing herself for the sake of someone else!

This was the first emotion that overcame Shayla, who was naturally calm and had never really been angry. She had never felt anger before.

"Suppose Shayla-sama is your favorite princess...

If Shayla, who had nothing to do with this, was this angry, the person who was told would be even more so. "Master Red Rose" - Diana's voice was the most chillingly agitated Shayla had ever heard. Her eyes, fixed on her uncle's, spoke more eloquently than her face, telling of her raging insides.

"That doesn't excuse your arrogant behavior, does it?

No matter how raging she was, Deanna remained calm. She just said the right thing and condemned her uncle's actions with logic, not emotion.

I hope you will not make the foolish mistake of thinking that all is forgiven in the family of a concubine. Even if I am only a lady-in-waiting, I am still the highest-ranking person in the court. --Are you prepared to suffer the punishment for insulting the current Red Rose so often?

Yes, Diana is the Red Rose. It's not surprising that she should be crowned the Red Rose. To maliciously humiliate such a person would be a crime that would go beyond imprisonment.

My aunt and uncle fell on their asses together. I wonder if they finally understood what they had done, or if they were simply overwhelmed by Diana's power. Probably the latter.

...... I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Deanna-sama.
I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've. It's no wonder she hates me. What is there about me that makes her like me so much? I don't even deserve to be treated with mercy.

"Red Rose"!

When I came to my senses, the strength had left my legs. The only thing I can do is repeat my apologies like a fool, along with the tears that have been flowing before I know it.
...... If only I could be connected to a prison. I'm not sure what to make of it.

...... We cannot allow the first royal garden party in the history of the kingdom to become a disgraceful history. Fortunately, Baron Callerd's insolence was not against you, but against me. --For once, let it go unanswered.

--Why are you so kind?

How can you not be hurt by being scorned and humiliated? How can you not be angry? Running around day after day preparing for the garden party, and then having your guests hurl unkind words at you. It is impossible not to feel unreasonable, yet she puts her position first and swallows it all with her body.
How noble, how gentle, how lonely is this act?

Before she knew it, the crowd had broken down. People were passing by Shayla's side. ...... Is something about to start?

"Master Shayla, come here.

The voice fell on Shayla, who had been in a daze. She was led through the crowds, and before she knew it, she was being led through the gardens to a small room nearby.

"Are you all right? Are you hurt?

I looked back at the person who had brought me here with vacant eyes. I recognized the lustrous auburn hair. The Commander of the Kingsguard who always follows behind His Majesty, I believe his name is...

Soo-woong, Lord Commander, ......?
I'm... I'm sorry it took me so long to help you. Can I get you something to drink now?
...... Why aren't you in jail?
What about ......?

The Commander of the Order, or His Majesty's entourage, took him out in person. The moment you recognize this fact, your ability to think comes back surprisingly quickly. She is a lady whose family has insulted the Red Rose to such an extent that the Commander of the Order has sent her to be imprisoned immediately, hasn't he?

I'm ready. Please take me to my cell.
"...... Calm down for a moment, Master Shayla. The Baron and Baroness Callerd will be interrogated by the Kingsguard without being told. We'll need to hear what you have to say as well.

Were they taken out of the garden for the interrogation? That would make sense.
As soon as I sat down in the chair that was offered to me, tea was brought to me.

"Here you are, Miss Shayla.
Thank you. ...... Um...
"I know, about earlier, right?

The Knight Commander breathed bitterly.

It's a good idea to take a look at the website to see if there's anything you can do to help. I apologize for causing such a situation.
"No need to apologize to me. Rather, to the Red Rose.


'That is, of course, but ......, um, Master Shayla?'

He tilts his head slightly and throws me a look.

"Yes, sir?
"Well, I hope you didn't mind that I called you my favorite princess in public.
"What?

For a moment, I really didn't know what she was asking me.

Did he call me his favorite princess in public? Was I being called a darling in public? Did I get ......?

"...... Oh, by the way.

I think my shameless uncle was saying. "You're His Majesty's favorite princess," or something.

"Well, uh, Master Shayla?
"My uncle was shouting. He was too busy insulting the Red Rose.
"You?

The Commander's voice trailed off and there was a banging sound from the door. I'm not surprised you're so surprised.

"Wouldn't you normally be angry? If you insulted the one who protects us so well. Calling Master Deanna a token concubine. Such an insult to the one who protects the peace of the court.
"Well, Master Shayla... You're right about that, though, aren't you? Is that common knowledge among the ladies of the court?
All the ladies from lowly families think so!
"Wow. ......

The Commander looks up to the sky for some reason. I don't understand why you're grieving there.

"...... Um, Master Commander?
"Miss Shayla. May I be so rude as to ask you a few questions?

After a moment's pause, he - Alford's mood changed drastically. His eyes lit up with a powerful light, and his straight back and voice gave off an overwhelming sense of presence. I had the impression that he was always standing quietly by Juke's side, but as expected, he was chosen to be a member of the king's entourage, and was not just an elegant "Knight Commander".
--He was going to talk about something important. Instinctively sensing this, Shayla naturally straightened her posture.

"Please feel free to ask anything.
Thank you. At .......

After a short pause, he spoke up.

"It's about 'The Red Rose'. What is the reaction of the members of the inner court to her actions?
"I don't know how everyone in the palace feels. I'm sure the Peony Faction is bitterly disappointed, and I'm sure the courtesans who were tormented by the Peony Faction are grateful. ...... as I do.
"...... What are her intentions, etc.?

I'm not sure what to make of that.

I'm sure the Red Rose has her own thoughts on the matter. But I think you're a little blind.
What do you mean by that?
I don't think that the Red Rose, Diana-sama, is as bad as people say she is. Of course, there are rumors that Diana-sama has formed a faction in the palace and is trying to become the queen. I don't think so.
"What is your reasoning?

His gaze was deep. At the very least, it shows that he is taking Shayla's words very seriously.

If you're going for the title of queen, you'll try to kick out anyone who gets in your way, right? In fact, that's what happened to Master Peony. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out the best way to get the most out of this. I'm not sure what to make of that.
I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.
No. If that were the case, wouldn't they be asking you to join the Red Rose Faction in return for your help? Not only did they not say anything like that, but I was kicked out of the Red Roses group.

That was also a unique situation, but... If Deanna is seriously planning to expand her power, it is still unnatural that she did not take Shayla in at that moment.

If you look at Deanna's actions calmly, you would know that she wants peace rather than conflict. I've heard rumors about you, but I don't think you're the kind of person who likes to cause conflict.
"I understand what you are saying.

The Commander nodded slowly. I'm sure you'll be able to understand what I mean.

"...... Master Commander?
"Master Shayla. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make this work for you. Please do not let rumors deceive you, and do not lose the wisdom to see the true nature of things.

These were very meaningful words. The expression on his face and the look in his eyes were colored as if he was seeing something that Shayla did not know. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on. I'm going to take a look and see how things are going, so please take your time, Shayla.



The Commander was the first to break the strange silence that resembled a standoff. He stood up, softened the air, and turned his back on Shayla.
--He turned his back to Shayla and said, "If you continue like this, you'll be ignored.
Shayla kicked her chair as quickly as she could. She immediately kicks the chair and stops the Commander who is about to leave.

"Sir, sir!
"What is it?
"What do you know about it, sir?

As I asked the question, I was sure of it. The Commander knows something. Something about Diana, perhaps.

"Tell me. What am I looking at?
"...... That is not for me to say.

It's not my place to tell you." The Commander looked back at him and, despite his stern tone, smiled softly.

"It's about the Red Rose. If you want to know, Shayla, why don't you ask the Red Rose herself?

For a moment, I couldn't understand what he was saying. I hadn't even thought about it, because it was an unworkable option to begin with.
I was stunned, and before I could think, the words spilled out.

"I can't .......
"Why not?
I've caused you so much trouble and suffering. After all the trouble and suffering I've caused you, you should be ashamed to go before me!
Don't be so defensive. I'm sure you'll be fine, Miss Shayla.

I'd like to see you lay out all the evidence for "fine" from scratch.
No matter what anyone said, Shayla was not going to stand in front of Diana again. Though secretly, secretly, she wanted to do something about it.

If Shayla wants to talk to Diana, I'm always here to help. Please don't hesitate to ask.

I wanted to say that such a day would never come, but before Shayla could say anything back, the Commander left the room.
Shayla was left alone in the room, ruminating on the Commander's words, and then .

I can't do this, not after how much she hates me. ......!

I'm not sure if it's irritation or sorrow that I'm muttering to myself.