--The sunny autumn light shining through the skylight made the room glow with beauty.
　The tea party began quietly in a room (salon) on the top floor of the palace, in the area reserved for the queen where Diana and her entourage had never set foot before.

"Thank you for coming today, Exiga-dono.
It's a great honor to have you here as well. Your Majesty Juke, the Red Rose, have a nice day.

　There are only a few people in the room. Of those, only four were seated at the table, making it the smallest tea party in terms of scale alone. Outwardly, Juke and the prince exchange friendly greetings, and their gazes casually turn to Diana, who is sitting at the same round table.
　Accepting Juke's gesture, Deanna smiled and opened her mouth, but only externally.

"Welcome, Your Highness. Today is a beautiful day for a tea ceremony. As one who has been given a room in the Imperial Palace, it is my sincere hope that this tea ceremony will be an occasion of goodwill between our two countries.

　Diana's greeting was full of "tatemae," which anyone with half a brain could immediately sense. Of course, this was all on purpose, and was done after careful consultation with Juke. Deanna is just a pretext for this tea party, so she only has to play the minimum role. The "Red Rose" and "Diana" are useless in this case.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and what you're not looking for.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and how you can get it.
"It's no big deal, Your Highness. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. If that's the case, the palace should make the arrangements. If you would like to offer words of appreciation, please direct them to the head mistress, the maidservants and the maids of honor, rather than to me.
"Indeed, you are right. --Madame Magnum. I would like to thank you for arranging such a beautiful room on such short notice.
Allow me to express my gratitude as well. You all did a great job.
"...... is too good to be true. Your Majesty and the Prime Minister's words will be an encouragement to us all.

　Mrs. Magnum, sitting diagonally behind Diana, replied in a quiet, intonationless voice. At the same time, Mia, Yuri and Rita, who were standing by the wall, bowed together. The number of people in the room was kept as small as possible because it was impossible to know what would happen at this tea party. Normally, it would have been better to have only the palace maids, but Master Magnum thought that having a familiar maid would ease Diana's tension, so Rita joined the indoor group.
　The atmosphere in the inner court is casually cold. To the newcomers, they are passed off as "loyal to their duties, aren't they? to those who have never met them before, but to Jukes and Woltz, who know them well, it is conveyed firmly and with just the right amount of coldness. As for this tea party, not only Madame Magnum and the members of the Red Rose Room, but all the members of the inner palace who know the situation are against it, which is natural in a sense. The fact that he can put so much pressure on her without saying a word is quite impressive.

(I don't know if I'm feeling the pressure, but I think it's coming to me. ......)

　...... In contrast to the light autumn sunlight, the air in the room was somehow heavy.
　In the midst of this, an elegant voice called out from behind the door, "Excuse me," and the two remaining maids of the Red Rose Room, Aina and Rosalie, came in pushing a cart. On the cart were four pots of exquisitely steamed tea, which they placed one by one, clockwise from Juke to Exiga, Volz, and Diana.
　As they rolled the cart out of the room, Alford, a man who looked like Exiga's valet, Keith, and Mrs. Magnum, who were standing behind them, moved to pour tea into the cups on the table. Incidentally, the reason why Keith was hurriedly playing the role of Woltz's attendant was because Keith was the only person other than the Marquis of Stresia who knew the details of how this tea party was to be held and was fluent in stanza. The Marquis of Stresia was indeed too high ranking to serve the tea party as a squire, so Keith was chosen.
　In a formal tea ceremony, it is absolutely customary to take a sip of tea before starting a conversation. Deanna, the lowest person in the room, brought the cup to her mouth first, and then each person drank the tea. Today's tea is a special blend of tea leaves from Leticia's family, the Count of Kiel, and some herbs blended by Deanna.
　--Exiga, who seems to have savored the tea slowly, quietly puts the cup back on the plate and smiles lazily.

It's wonderful. I've heard that your country has a developed tea culture, but today's tea has an even deeper flavor. Yet, the aftertaste is clean.
...... Indeed, it's a taste I haven't had often. Red Rose, is this for you?
Yes, Your Majesty. Yes, Your Majesty. Since we're having a tea party for His Imperial Highness the Prince of Stanza, I've presumptuously prepared a herbal blend.
What?

　　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's had a bit of fun.

I'm sure you're not mistaken about the scent of Maali in the tea, are you?
In the stanzas, I have heard that it is a flower that is widely loved by both the common people and the royal family, so I use a little ...... to add fragrance.
"How thoughtful of you .......

　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

"Is Maali the name of a plant?
"Yes, Your Majesty. Yes, Your Majesty. It's a drought-tolerant plant that grows strong even in a land with little rainfall like the Stanza Empire. Once a year, during the rainy season, it blooms with bright purple-blue flowers. ......
So you know a lot about it.
I like plants and flowers.
"But...

　I thought I'd let it slide, but the prince was more interested.

"Maali flowers lose their fragrance when heated. However, this warm tea has a gorgeous and refreshing fragrance that is unique to Maali. What kind of magic did you use?
"...... magic.

　I would like to end the conversation, but judging from the way the prince is acting, I don't think a vague answer will convince him. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it.

I didn't do anything too serious, sir. I just candied the mari flowers, poured hot water over the tea leaves, and dropped a few pieces into the pot to finish.
"Candied ......
"Yes. As your Highness said, the Maali flower retains very little fragrance when it is heated or dried. By candling them fresh and letting them sit for a while, we can enjoy their fragrance even when they are heated.


It's ...... you were able to find?
It's just an adaptation of a recipe for a flower with similar properties to the ...... mari. There's nothing special about it.

　There's nothing special about it." To be precise, "Maali taught me," as usual, but it would be foolish to tell the prince that here. Salting or candling is one of the most popular ways to "take advantage" of heat-sensitive ingredients, so this answer is not wrong.
　As I sipped my tea once more, the prince in front of me leaned toward me, seemingly overcome with emotion.

...... You are truly a wonderful person. I'm not sure what to say, but I do regret my stupidity the first time I met you. Not only did I mean no disrespect to Her Royal Highness, the next Queen of the Kingdom of Elgrand, but I was too rude that day to a brilliant, compassionate, and respected woman like you. I don't expect you to forgive me, but please allow me to apologize once again.
I have already told you that you do not need to apologize to me for that. I've heard that it was an unfortunate coincidence caused by differences in customs between the two countries, and I don't mind.
However, ...... you are upset that our words and actions were disrespectful to the Kingdom of Ergeland.
"You should rather discuss this with His Majesty, not with me. I am only a concubine, I am not in a position to get involved in politics.
Please be humble. I've been told that it's almost a given that you'll eventually be crowned queen.
...... Even if that were the case, there is no difference in the fact that I am now a concubine.

　...... There is something wrong with the flow of the story. It's a good idea to take a look at the actual information on the web to make sure you're getting the most effective results. He doesn't even look at Juke, he just seems to want to continue his conversation with Diana.
　No, it's the right thing to do. It's not strange that the main topic of conversation is with Diana, because today's tea party was held under the theme of "the prince of Stanza wants to apologize to the Red Rose in public".
　It is not strange that the main topic of conversation is with Diana. ...... It is not strange, but...

I'm not sure what to make of this.

　If you can win over the Red Rose, the first in line to your side, it may indeed be a great achievement. But that's only if you can't connect with the rest of the royal family. The Jukes, the pinnacle of the kingdom, and the Duke of Mondria, the head of the Second Royal Family, are all here. I'm not sure what the intention is for these people to dare to attack Diana.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's had it. It's not something that can be forgiven with just one apology, but it was all caused by our shallowness in thinking that the Kingdom of Ergeland would simply fall under the Empire's umbrella without even trying to learn more about it. When I return to my country, I will advise the Emperor not to annex the Kingdom of Ergeland. I hope we can build a long-lasting friendship with your country. I sincerely hope so.
As a citizen of the kingdom, I hope that your words will become a reality.
Yes. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to speak with the princess more closely. ......
I appreciate the sentiment, but ......

　......Seriously, things are not looking good. I'm not sure what to make of this. If so, what is their purpose?
　Juke seemed to have thought the same thing, and casually placed his cup on the plate, stopping the prince's words for a moment.

"Exiga-dono. What do you mean by that?
"What do you mean?
"The Red Rose is my consort. Isn't it a bit rash to be 'friendly' with King Elgrand's wife?
I'm sorry, my lady. I only hope to deepen the friendship between the royal families with the Red Rose, the next queen of the Kingdom of Ergeland. ......
I'm grateful for your kindness. --When my country eventually has a full-fledged queen, I would like you to celebrate the birth of our new royal family.
"Yes, of course.

　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work. The amount of enthusiasm he puts into the conversation is clearly different from when he is talking to ...... Diana.

"So, Your Majesty. I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm here.　I would like to congratulate you on behalf of the empire when that happens.
I haven't decided yet, but I will let you know when the ...... time comes, of course.
But then, you, Red Rose, will be restless. It will be difficult for you to take control of the palace if your position is still that of a concubine.
That's .......
I have heard that the Red Rose is an excellent person who has no flaws whatsoever in her position as a regular queen. In fact, from my point of view, the Princess is not only compassionate to her people and determined to protect her country, but she has also deepened her studies in all fields, and I feel that she is truly capable of being a full-fledged princess. Wouldn't it be more disruptive to the country to keep such a person in a side room forever?

(Wow, ......, I can just see Kai's face saying, "See, I told you so.")

　The salon she's using now seems to be a place where the queen holds tea parties for a few guests, and it's almost the first time for Diana to see it (she's only been there a few times, including preparations). Kai (and probably Sirius) are watching the whole thing. Although Kai has been in a bad mood to this day, he is still a professional secret agent, able to hide his bad mood and his presence when the time comes.
　And what Kai has been saying repeatedly is that the situation in which Dee is said to be the favorite princess but no queen has been chosen is itself unnatural, and it would be impossible if the king's power was not weakened. Therefore, there is no point in listening to Prince Stanza's request. You can't complain if someone says, "You see what I did there?

"...... presumptuous.

　Jukes was at a loss for words, and Volz offered a helping hand. Incidentally, the flow of this conversation was one of the things I had simulated beforehand. Kai kept repeating that it was unnatural for Dee not to be the queen, so I told Juke my opinion as a precaution, and asked him to think about how he would respond if he was confronted.

"Your Highness is right to ask questions, but it would be difficult for His Majesty and the Red Rose to explain this story from their own mouths, since they are the ones involved. I hope you'll forgive me for speaking out of turn.
"Of course, of course.
Thank you for your generosity. ...... Actually, I am truly ashamed to say that there are not that many noblemen in our country who think that the Red Rose is suitable to be the rightful princess, as you do.
"...... Hmm?
Of course, most of the reasons for this are completely unfounded, but if you'll pardon me, your highness's attendant, .......


"What is it, Samba?
You say, "Mister Samba. I believe today is the first time you've seen the Red Rose.
...... Samba, answer me this.

　At the prince's request, the attendant, who had been standing in the shadows behind the prince, stepped forward.

What?
This is the first time you have seen the Red Rose's face, is it not?
Yes, my lord.
Let me ask you straightforwardly, what impression did you have of the Red Rose?
That's .......
What is it? Answer me.
What? With all due respect, I found you to be a very intelligent princess.
What do you think of the Red Rose's face?
...... She's very, very beautiful.

　I'm not sure what to make of that. Deanna couldn't help but chuckle.

"Don't worry about it. I've been told I'm beautiful, but I look bad, so I'm used to it.
......!
Samba. Did you really think of such a rude thing?
"Your Highness, please don't blame Mister Samba. It's a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find anything that might help you. It is a physical characteristic that ...... she was born with, but because of her appearance, the Red Rose has been subjected to unwarranted prejudice. There are few people like Your Highness who realize the true nature of the Red Rose, and many of our country's nobles believe that the Red Rose is a cold-blooded and heartless evil woman. For this reason, there are many more people who oppose the appointment of Her Highness as the rightful Queen than Your Highness might think.
Your Majesty should be able to silence such opposition with a single word.
That's the kindness of the Red Rose, Your Highness. The King's marriage is a joyous occasion that should be celebrated by all of his subjects, so he wishes to gain the understanding of as many nobles as possible, even if it is difficult for all of them. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, please contact us at .......
"Truly ......, how pure of heart are you ......?

　The prince seemed to be satisfied with Volz's exquisite phrasing. It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this. Regardless of how the Elgrand Kingdom's retaining of Diana as their queen turns out, there's always a chance that Stanza will say, "You tricked me! Stanza will not be able to take advantage of this. He is indeed a "magician of negotiation," and there is no one better than Volz when it comes to manipulating the tip of the tongue.
　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

"...... King Elgrand is happy, isn't he?

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

It's hard to find a woman who is so intelligent, so compassionate, so caring for her country and her people, and so deeply in love with her king, even if you wanted to. --A country that is loved by a wise queen will prosper and the king will be truly happy. That is how it has been said in our country for a long time. I'm sure the Red Rose is the greatest treasure for the Kingdom of Elgrand and His Majesty the Juke.
"......, no way.

　It was almost unconscious. In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

I'm not sure what you mean by that.　I'm sure you don't really mean that, do you?
"Princess ......?
"I don't know the concept of a stanza empire, but the treasure of our country has always been our people. I don't know the concept of a stanzaic empire, but the treasure of our country has always been its people, and each and every one of them is a precious treasure to the kingdom. The queen is the one who bears the kingdom together with the king, not the one who is there to be lifted up as the treasure of the kingdom.

　The prince and his attendant both rolled their eyes. The prince and his attendant both rolled their eyes, and my calm self objectively analyzed the words that poured out of them like a dam. --It seems that I've been under a lot of stress because I don't know what the prince's intentions are for this tea party.

What exactly do the people of the Stanza Empire consider to be the prosperity of a country?　Is it the size of the territory?　Is it the power of the royal family and the privileged class?　--Or is it the advancement of military technology?
"The Red Rose ......!
Our country does not seek such prosperity. Since the beginning of time, the royal family of Elgrand has wished for only one thing. --I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work.

　...... Oh, I see. Deanna has probably been here for a long time now. Since the first time she met the prince of Stanza.
　They're the same person, they can even speak the same language. But she felt an itchy despair at the fact that the "world" they both wanted was so different.
　It is not a bad thing to be different. But if we don't accept each other's differences, we will never be able to come to terms or find a compromise.
　The Stanza Empire is a virtual enemy at the moment. But that doesn't mean it will stay that way forever.
　In the past, when the peninsula was in the age of rivalry, the Elgrande Kingdom, which had been defending itself, achieved a miraculous unification of the peninsula because it made an effort to come to terms with its virtual enemy. It is not that they wanted to unify the peninsula, but they wished for the happiness of their own people and the people of the other country, and searched and searched for the most peaceful compromise possible, and in the end, a miraculous era without war was waiting for them.
　Deanna simply cannot forgive the Stanza Empire for trying to take away such a miracle. But that's Diana's justice, her belief. Stanza has his own justice, his own beliefs.
　If you could just tell us what they are, we could still try to understand. Because even after all this time, I still feel firsthand that Stanza's "friendship" is a slippery slope. And yet, for some reason, I can't help but think that he means what he says when he praises Diana.



　--If I had the eyes and heart to see the truth, I would be able to see the world differently.

"All the people are happy today, and they go to sleep believing without a doubt that their happiness will continue tomorrow. And tomorrow will come just as they believed it would. ...... His Majesty the King has never given up in his pursuit of that "world" which was only a dream, and His Majesty the Juke is still striving to pursue it as if it were not enough. The happiness of the people is the prosperity of the Kingdom of Elgrand. I'm sure you'll agree with me.
"Princess ......, we are .......
"Suppose the Stanza Empire were to annex our country. "If the Stanza Empire were to annex my country, would you protect and nurture the well-being of all the people living here?　Will you protect and nurture the well-being of all the people in this land, and give them the right to live freely without discrimination as citizens of the same stanza?　...... I can only imagine the plight of the people when they say that the officials who entertained them were treated like slaves and that this was the "norm" for the people of the annexed country.
"Hime: ......
I don't want to be a treasure. I don't want to be a treasure. I don't want to be worshipped and admired as a treasure, so that I can't even see what is important to protect. --If that is the honor of the Stanza Empire, and that is why you care for me, I will make it clear here that it is unnecessary.

　The expression on the prince's face was frozen in a look of horrified astonishment. ...... After saying all this, Deanna thought to herself, "I could never be a doll.

I'm sorry, ......, Your Majesty. I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I was way out of line.
I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I've chosen to have a small tea party, ...... in the hope that we can have this kind of frank discussion. However, your words are indeed too direct.
I've never been good with circumlocution. ......
That's right. I realized once again how you are usually wearing a huge monster skin for the aristocracy.
You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their life.
...... Your Majesty, the Red Rose. I'm sure you'll agree.

　"Your Majesty, Red Rose. I'm not sure what to do about it," he said, "but I'm really sorry.

I'm very sorry, Prime Minister. It is unbecoming of a lady to interrupt a conversation between two gentlemen.
Yes. I would have asked you to refrain, but it was too much for the Red Rose to ask. --Now that we're here, let's get down to practical business. Your Highness, may I have your permission?
...... Practical, you say?
Yes. As His Majesty said, the Red Rose's words are too direct, but they are certainly the basic stance of our country. Based on that logic, no matter how much the members of the delegation devote themselves to goodwill diplomacy, as long as the opinions of the home country have not changed in any way, I think you can understand that we cannot trust or accept you.

　Woltz, a model of an effective politician, moved the conversation along quickly and flexibly according to the situation.

If you want to make your "goodwill diplomacy" a reality, you need to at least go back to your home country and bring proof that the Kingdom of Ergeland will not invade in the future. Without that, you are merely scouts for the invaders. Please accept that your freedom of movement will be restricted to some extent.
"...... I see. We have not been accepted, we have been allowed to swim.
However, from the movements of the Stanza delegation up until now, it seemed that you were only hoping to intercede for the Red Rose. It seems from the way His Highness is acting today that he really wants to make a formal apology to the Red Rose. ...... Why don't you accept that feeling?

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

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure you'll be fine. If you really feel sorry for yourself, then you should be able to take care of yourself. If you are truly sorry, then you should not apologize to me, but show your sincerity to the kingdom.
"......, you've completely lost your cover.
You've completely taken off your skin. - I'm sorry, I can't seem to get through to you in a roundabout way, so I thought I'd have to be direct.
"Give it up, Prince Exiga. I don't know how you see the Red Rose, but the Red Rose will never bend like this. I will never trust your heart or accept your gratitude unless you show me by your actions.
"I see you have a very strict side, Princess .......

　I'm not sure what to make of that.

It's an idea we'll never get to. --The happiness of the people is the prosperity of the nation.
I'm sure you're right. I've heard it said from time to time that in the world, Elgrand is probably more heretical.
The Empire of Stanza promises the same treatment to the privileged people of the land it surrenders. There is no country on the continent larger than Stanza, and therefore no country poorer than Stanza. The other countries are poorer than the stanzas. I've been cutting down the country from the inside out by preaching that. ...... Using the same argument, you'd have to promise the people of all of Ergeland the same or better treatment than before.
Oh. I will surrender the throne any time if the Stanza family can make the people happier than the royal family of Elgrand. I'd like to be the cornerstone of my people's happiness, and I'm not attached to the throne itself. I'm sure there will be regret and remorse for my inability to ...... do so, but such feelings on my part are trivial before the happiness of my people.
And if the stanzas do not keep their promise, or if they are forced by force to invade our territory...
"Naturally, we will fight to the death to protect the well-being of our people. The Kingdom of Elgrande is traditionally a culture that hates war and respects peace, but we will do everything in our power to resist any entity that destroys it. From royalty and nobility to the people, we will unite as one.
...... I don't understand.
"...... What?

　The prince's words sounded more sincere than ever. Perhaps it was because Juke, who was responding to him, could hear it too, but his voice had depth and weight to it.
　With all eyes on him, the prince continued to speak.

I do not know what peace is. I have never known peace. I believe that a country that fights is a normal country, and that the expansion of its territory is a sign of its power and prosperity. It is natural for people to work hard for the prosperity of the country, and it is honorable for men to work, pay taxes, perform military service, and support their wives and children, and for women to marry strong men and bear strong children. I was born and raised with such values. ......


"...... Oh. I've heard that the Stanza Empire is one of those countries.
"So I don't understand the peace-loving Kingdom of Elgrand. I don't understand the desire for a world without war. Land will not increase without war. Labor does not increase. Is it happiness to live in peace?　How can it be prosperous?
"What constitutes happiness and prosperity? ...... It is indeed a difficult question. Human beings are tricky creatures. Even if you have happiness, if it becomes a matter of course, you will not be satisfied with it and will seek for greater happiness. However, if one person pursues only his own happiness as he desires, he may make the people around him unhappy without even realizing it. I do not deny that it is too vague to be used as an indicator, and that it is dangerous.
"And yet, the royal family of Elgrand continues to seek it out. Why?
Well, ...... probably because they simply love it.

　Juke took off his royal mask for a moment, put on his 'Juke' face, and smiled.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a bit of a jerk. ...... I like that kind of scene. If they are laughing, you want to protect their smiles, and if they are crying, you want to remove the reason for their tears. If even one more person can spend their days laughing, I'm simply happy.

　This is the free love for the people that ...... Juke and the Elgrande kings who follow him have always held.
　You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their life.

I don't know. I don't know. ......
"You don't have to understand. You just need to know that there is such a world out there, and that there are some odd kings out there who respect peace, and don't deny that reality.

　Juke's smile was soft. Diana nodded slowly at his words.

It's a good thing that I can hear your sincere words. The fact that you tried to learn about the Kingdom of Elgrand and the Stanza Empire is enough for me. It's much, much more meaningful than a superficial 'friendship'.
"Your Majesty Juke, the Red Rose ......

　The prince gazed at Juke and Diana alternately with a radiant look on his face, as if he had just lost his possessions.

I've never really thought about the differences in values between countries. Even though I am a student of another country, I am still in my infancy. Please let me not waste this opportunity to learn more and more about the philosophy of the Kingdom of Elgrand.
"Yes, of course. I'm sure I can learn a lot from the ideas of the Stanza Empire. We can learn from each other through this exchange.

　The prince nodded his head in response to Juke's reply and gave Diana a sparkling look.
　I remember this look. It's the eyes of a seeker who knows the fun and excitement of learning and wants to grab "more".

You of the Red Rose. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

　...... The Wise Men are very susceptible to this kind of gaze that seeks pure learning and knowledge. He glanced at Juke and nodded, somewhat annoyed.

It is necessary for the friendship between the two countries to learn about the differences in culture and thought. It is difficult for the Red Rose to meet often, as she is a busy woman, but I will let her know that requests for visits will be routed to the inner palace.
"Thank you, Your Majesty.

In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. Indeed, "True friendship starts here! It's not good for all sides to frustrate the Prince's desire to learn in a situation like this. If we had enough manpower, we could have assigned a teacher to the prince, but both the Marquis of Stresia and Keith, who could play the role of teacher, are overworked, always carrying more than one person's workload. In this case, Diana is probably the most qualified.

In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, please do not hesitate to contact us.

　In the event that you're looking for the best way to get the most out of your business, then you'll want to look at the best way to get the most out of your business.