76 Quiet Story Part 18-3 - Unexpected Ripples -





The stalls in the courtyard will be open every day during Advent, except on the Lord's Day. In addition, to ensure that the entourage would not get bored, the stalls were changed every day. As expected, Mrs. Magnom, who had taken over the position of the head of the women's court because of her ability, was in splendid charge.

Shayla was invited by Ridhir and Nasha to take a stroll in the courtyard, which changed daily. She didn't need to shop as much as she had on the first day, but just looking around was enjoyable enough.
--On the last day of the first half of the year, when tomorrow was the Lord's Day, more than twenty ladies gathered in the courtyard, and their colorful dresses were flying everywhere, creating a scene that was pleasing to the eye.

The number of guests has increased considerably, hasn't it?
The number of guests has increased considerably. It's true that holding a descent party in the palace would be boring because the people who gather there are always the same.

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The number of customers has increased, of course, but isn't the store also becoming more and more gorgeous every day?
"Oh, Miss Shayla. If you keep doing the same thing day after day, your customers will quickly grow tired of you. I'm sure that the stores that are allowed to open their stores in the palace encourage each other.
Retailers have their own hardships and innovations. ......
In addition to displaying the best-selling products in an easy-to-understand manner, you must also make sure to show off the products you are confident in. When you're competing with other stores like this, you need to make sure that the roof is decorated and the name of the store stands out so that customers are interested.

Shayla's father was a wholesaler specializing in importing and exporting, brokering domestic goods from domestic vendors to foreign vendors and foreign goods from foreign vendors to domestic vendors. When they purchased very high quality goods, they sold them directly to rich people, but their basic business was with traders. He was not familiar with the technology of dealing with the consumers who would ultimately receive the goods.
I don't know much about Nasha's family, but from the way she talks about them, I'm guessing they have a few retail stores. Maybe she helped them before she came to the palace.

By the way, Master Shayla, Master Nasha, have you noticed? It's almost lunchtime, you know.

Shayla and Nasha were discussing the business strategy of the retail store when Riddil stopped them with a dumbfounded smile. The two puzzled people looked at each other and blew lightly.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand.
I almost forgot.
I almost forgot." "I hope you two don't forget your lunch with such an off-color topic. You're ruining the flower girl's day.
Isn't it a problem for a maiden to eat more than she cares for, Master Riddile?
Oh. You're right, Nasha.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this. It is not possible to sell outside food in the palace, so during the Advent Festival, the palace kitchens distribute snacks in a kind of stall-like atmosphere.

Welcome!
"Hello. What's for lunch today?
"Mr. Riddile, you've become a regular here, haven't you? Don't forget to come down to the courtyard until tomorrow. We're closed tomorrow, as are all the other stores.
Excuse me, but I don't forget the Lord's Day.

Ridhir, who speaks easily to everyone, knows many of the maids. He also knew the maidservant who was working today, and they didn't stop talking until the meal was ready.

'Here you go, sir. Today we have crepe sandwiches and soup.
"Crepe sandwich ......?
Crepe is a thin dough with meat and vegetables wrapped around it. I heard it was invented by the head chef and approved by Madame Magnum so that people wouldn't get their hands dirty.
Wow, that's amazing.

The meals served in the courtyard, including today's crepe sandwiches, were designed in such a way that they could be eaten while walking without getting your hands dirty, reminiscent of the food sold at common people's stalls. It was not a coincidence, but the result of the kitchen's care.

Thank you, I'll take it.
There's a sweet shop over there. If you want.

Even though they didn't receive any money (because it would be treated as lunch for the servants), Shayla and the others were sent off by the business-minded words, and moved to a corner with round tables.

It's like a town stall at last, even the sweetmeats are available.
I've heard that this 'Courtyard Festival' was started as a trial event after gathering ideas from the maids and ladies. I'm sure you'll be glad to know that we're open to suggestions, even if they're in the middle of being implemented.
"Madame Magnum may seem calm and collected. She may seem calm and collected, but in reality, she's quite playful.

She giggled and was about to sip her crepe sandwich when...

"Oh my. I'm sure you're not the only one. ...... You know where you come from.

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

I'm sure you've heard of it, but I'm not sure if you have.
And Shayla, who had actually bitten into her sandwich before realizing the meaning of her words, prioritized gobbling it up, resulting in her silence and arrogance.

After swallowing the food in her mouth, Shayla finally turned to the direction of the voice.
I'm not sure what to make of that.

(...... If you hate it so much, you shouldn't have come.)

( If you don't like it that much, you shouldn't have come.) Shayla felt the disgust that leaked from these women, and inwardly thought such a thing. I'm not sure what to make of this.

It's not enough to let commoners from all walks of life into the palace, you have to let them do business as well. Where has the noble palace gone?
"It can't be helped. It's no wonder that the people who are supposed to stop the chief consort from running amok are enjoying themselves among the common people like this.
If they had any sense of propriety at all, they would know that it is a disgrace to go to such an event.
After all, they don't know the responsibility and pride of being a nobleman. Isn't it a mistake to think of them as nobles?


Yeah. Look how shabby this dress is. I wonder if this is the best they can do to dress themselves up.

The girls began to talk without making eye contact with Shayla and the others, pretending that they were talking among themselves. Shayla didn't know their faces, but judging from the atmosphere and the content of their conversation, they were probably members of the Peony Faction.
In addition to Shayla and the others, there were other ladies who were having lunch at one of the tables in the corner. At the sudden arrival of the Peony Faction, those who were in the middle of eating and those who were just chatting were all equally frozen.

I can't stop crying just thinking about being in the same position as these people.
"Don't be sad. These are just a few insignificant women from lowly families who were sent to collect numbers. They exist only to liven up His Majesty's palace so that it will not be lonely.
Then I hope you'll learn to mind your place and keep a low profile, won't you?
Yes, indeed.

This is a conversation that makes me sick just listening to it. I would like to leave this place or tell them to shut up, but all the ladies who were eating here now are below the rank of viscount. On the other hand, most of the ladies belonging to the "Peony Faction" have family members of the rank of count or higher as their backers. As long as their status is lower than that of the other side, Shayla and her friends are not allowed to ignore them and walk away, no matter how unreasonable they are, nor are they allowed to talk to them.

I feel sick just breathing the same air.
"Really, if you had any sense, you wouldn't be so embarrassed to walk around the palace like you own it.
I'm sure she's more than happy to appear in such a shallow setting. What about the way you eat? You don't use a knife and fork, you just open your mouth and eat. Not even the most vulgar savage would do such a thing.

Shayla's mind, as well as the minds of the other ladies present, replayed the pre-summer palace.
--Yes, it used to be a common thing to be challenged in this way.
There were even times when I was asked to die in a roundabout way.
It was painful, frustrating, and all I could do was huddle and endure.

The Red Rose, which is in a good mood with people like this in its service, has a very low opinion of itself.

--It was she who changed it.

"Would you please shut your rude mouth?

I'm not sure if you've ever heard of it or not, but I'm sure you've heard of it. The ladies, who had been throwing vituperation in the guise of chit-chat, turned to Shayla, stunned.

The Red Rose is the highest-ranking person in the current palace. She is so trusted by His Majesty that she was chosen to be the Acting Queen for this Advent Festival. You have no right to insult the Red Rose.

Of course I was angry at them for disrespecting me and my friends.
But we, of low rank, have no right to even defend our own dignity with our own hands.
This frustration was taken care of by that person who always had the strength to stand up with dignity. He reached out to us, telling us that there was no need to endure.
--Then... I'm not sure what to do.
I will not allow myself to defile that person who is kinder than anyone else, who shines a light on us shivering in the darkness of the night, who is as pure as the moon.

If you have realized your mistake, why don't you go back to the place where you deserve to be? As you have said before, this is not the right place for you.
"How ...... rude ......!

The most flamboyantly dressed young lady, apparently the leader of the group, took a high-pitched step forward. Her lips were quivering and her face was slightly flushed. Her lips were quivering and her face was slightly flushed.

"Know your place, Shayla Callerd! Do you think you are in a position to tell us what to do?
"Of course not, sir. It's only a suggestion, you near-peony.
How dare you! "Suggestion"? Who do you think you are?
I don't think it's good for your health to stay here. I don't mean to be presumptuous, but I overheard you say that you don't feel well just being in our presence.

Shayla was surprised at how quickly the words came out. I never thought I would be able to speak so calmly to the Peony Faction.
It seems that she is now unexpectedly angry because she was insulted by the Red Rose. The world is so well made that anger can overpower fear.
Shayla's deceptive words naturally made her opponent furious.

"You! Do you know your place in this world?
I understand, of course, that I am a chamberlain of a lower rank than you.
I understand that I am of lower rank than you.
By all means, as you wish. --But please be prepared to be scolded.

I have no intention of defending myself in this situation. If she wanted to save her own life, she could just endure their abuse until they were satisfied.
--But Shayla had made up her mind. But Shayla has decided that no matter what anyone else thinks, she is the only one in this palace who is truly on Diana's side.
So I won't run away. I can't run away.

With a determination to not take a step back, Shayla confronted the furious Peony Faction ladies.

I am aware that my attitude is out of line with my position. However, it would be disloyal to overlook the disrespect being shown to the Red Rose, the first in line to her side, right in front of my eyes. Therefore, I will choose loyalty to the Red Rose over my own position.
"How foolish can you be? How could you be so foolish as to risk your own life for a woman like her?
Don't worry about me. ...... At least the Red Rose is not one to tolerate insults to those she protects.



In a roundabout way, he tells them that if Deanna hears about today, they will not be safe.
The color of the ladies' faces changed from red to blue, but they were still noblemen.

This is why I hate people of lowly birth who lack brains. This is why I hate people of low rank who lack brains. When have we ever insulted you to your face? If you heard us, you're the ones to blame for eavesdropping.
Even the Red Rose can't control something that hasn't directly harmed her.
If anyone is to be punished here, it will be Shayla Callerd, who was foolish enough to disrespect her superiors. Only you.

"Cowardly," muttered a voice. Sheila held Riddil and Nasha back with a look and a hand as they tried to stand up. A hint of surprise comes back from both of them.
--They must not stand up here. Shayla must be the one to take the blame.

Even if you were eavesdropping, I have no choice but to remain silent after hearing your insult to the Red Rose. --If that's a crime, then so be it.
"Master Shayla.

She smiled at the stern look in Riddile's eyes.
It's okay. --This is no longer the palace before summer.

But if you have the right to punish me...

But if you have the right to punish me," Shayla said, and the Peony Faction fell silent as if they had been caught off guard.
Raising her head firmly, Shayla continued.

It is usually the role of the Queen to judge the crimes of her consort. In the absence of the High Priestess, wouldn't the Chief Concubine confirm the facts, and then the Outer Palace would discuss the matter and decide on a penalty commensurate with the crime? For you to judge me here and now would be acting outside the rules.

Deanna gave it to Shayla and the others.
By uniting the Red Rose faction, replacing the head of the court, and making the rules of the court known to the public, she would give them the power to win, but not to lose.
What she has given me, why not use it for her?

If you are willing to sanction me privately and get in trouble for it, you are welcome to do so.

I can't let her go back to that kind of twisted palace where everything is allowed just because of her status.
I will never do such a foolish thing as to let Deanna's efforts go to waste.

The standoff between Shayla and the Peony Faction was settled when the ladies, who seemed to have realized that the flag was gradually worsening, suddenly averted their gaze.
As if to spit out, a lady in the side room who seemed to be the leader said.

This is why I have trouble with the 'Red Roses' who don't see reason in things. Your behavior, taking advantage of her authority, will end up strangling the Red Rose.
"Don't worry, my dear. I'm not a member of the 'Red Rose Faction'. I'm really just a concubine who was kicked out of the salon by the Red Rose herself. It doesn't hurt the Red Rose in the slightest to have a feud between me and those of you who are close to the Peony.

So... --The ladies who were eating in the courtyard were all in the Red Rose camp.
Except for one, Shayla.

If the Red Roses were to interfere with the Peony Faction's chit-chat here. If the Red Roses were to challenge the Peony Faction's chatter here, it would be a perfect opportunity to attack the Red Roses for not being in control, for doing as they please without asking the top leadership's will. If they were to do poorly, they might even be criticized from outside the palace for taking advantage of being protected by the Red Rose and not respecting their status.
That's why it should be Shayla who stands up here and confronts the Peony Faction. Shayla is not a member of the Red Rose Faction, but rather a person who is ostracized by Diana. It's not that I'm not a good person, it's just that I'm not a good person.

So, what kind of punishment do you have in store for me?

--Smile at her. Like the Rose of Ice and Fire.
Even if your status is low, at least your heart is as proud and beautiful as hers.

Strong!

"My Master. Master Shayla!
"...... Huh?

I didn't know when the girls from the Peony Faction left.
The next thing I knew, Nasha was shaking Shayla and calling her name with a tearful look on her face.

"Master Shayla, you, you, you are ......!
"You're out of your mind! I'm sure that neither we nor the Red Rose would want you to be the one to take the brunt of this.

The stout Lidil's eyes were moist with anger. Shayla smiled softly at her two friends.

It's all right.
What?
I'm sure you'll be happy with the results.

I'm sure the gentleman doesn't want the conflict between the Peony Faction and the Red Rose Faction to intensify, leading to an all-out war in the palace.
If you can protect the peace of the entire palace by tightening the blame on yourself alone, it's a small price to pay.

I'm not sure if I've helped ...... in any way.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's had it.