Published: September 6, 2025
Since the consultation with Eglantine wasn’t something to be done in the archive, I was invited to a tea party at the detached palace. It seemed to be quite an urgent matter, and if possible, tomorrow morning was preferred. I had no other plans besides the underground archive, and since it was an invitation from Eglantine, I didn’t mind the timing.
“What exactly does Eglantine want to consult with Rosemine about?”
“That’s… once I finish speaking with Lady Rosemine, I will also talk to Prince Anastasius.”
“Eglantine, what do you mean by that? It sounds like you’re refusing my presence.”
Anastasius asked in a low voice filled with anger, but Eglantine showed no intention of changing her mind and stared right back at him.
“I want to speak with Lady Rosemine. For tomorrow’s tea party, Prince Anastasius, please refrain from attending.”
“I refuse. Whenever Rosemine is involved, things tend to become out of control. It’s essential to understand the situation. Therefore, I will not yield.”
The standoff between Eglantine and Anastasius had been ongoing for a while. Whether Anastasius attended or not didn’t bother me. I just didn’t want to deal with his glare, so I hoped they would settle it in a way that satisfied both of them.
…Honestly, I was more concerned about how Eglantine looked unwell.
Since such an important lady looked pale, I thought Prince Anastasius should be more worried about her health than argue like this. But apparently, he was adamant about attending the tea party. If I intervened, it would only prolong the matter, so I decided to focus on my literature in the archive until the issue was resolved.
…Prince Anastasius is annoyingly jealous, after all.
“Lady Rosemine, what will your schedule be like tomorrow? Royal invitations aren’t part of the agenda during the lords’ council, so I need to report and prepare for Aub accordingly.”
Though I had quickly decided not to get involved in their lovers’ quarrel, Otilier, who wasn’t used to dealing with royalty, couldn’t switch gears that easily and asked worriedly.
Visiting royalty required various preparations—attire, gifts, and so forth. Without knowing how tomorrow would pan out due to their dispute, the attendants couldn’t properly do their job. Especially since I was told to avoid being seen during the lords’ council, there was no expectation of a royal invitation. Otilier must have been quite confused.
“I wonder what will happen? It all depends on whether the two of them can agree.”
I sighed, placing my hand on my cheek as I looked at the two of them. Magdalena, who was drinking tea, set her cup down and stood up. She then stepped between them and let out an exaggerated sigh.
“Prince Anastasius, Lady Eglantine, both of you are behaving rather embarrassingly.”
“Lady Magdalena…”
I truly respected Magdalena’s ability to bluntly put Anastasius and Eglantine in their place. Neither I nor Hannelore, who was quietly keeping her distance, could have done that.
“Prince Anastasius, do you not understand why Gedrurihi sought help from those around her and why Avelibe tried to distance herself? Perhaps you should return to being a student and study the myths again?”
Anastasius flinched at Magdalena’s scolding voice. Surely, the goddess of life rejected by the goddess of earth must have had such an expression.
“There are things women want to discuss among themselves. Usually, the tolerant Eglantine accepts Prince Anastasius’ opinions, so there must be a reason why she refuses this time. Shouldn’t a husband understand such feelings?”
Magdalena silenced Anastasius with a warning that being too controlling like Avelibe would cause dislike, then turned her red eyes toward Eglantine.
“Lady Eglantine, if you exclude Prince Anastasius and insist on talking alone, it’s predictable he will lose control. You should finish that discussion first before calling Lady Rosemine. Otherwise, his dissatisfaction will be directed at Lady Rosemine.”