Chapter 89: End of Summer

Three days have passed since returning from the territorial capital. The ‘territorial capital lag’ (?) has worn off, and life is returning to normal. In other words, going to the castle, summoning stores, and providing air conditioning to the big shots every day.

“My, Sakuraile’s store is truly comfortable. I can no longer live without this during summer.”

Declaring such things, His Majesty the Emperor, having spread documents on a table inside the summoned ‘Horakuen’, is gulping down cold water—goku goku. The lingering summer heat is still severe.

“Well, it’s fine but… You will pay the business trip fee properly, right?” “I know, I know. I’ll pay properly.”

Because selling ramen at ‘Horakuen’ doesn’t become my earnings. Following Father’s suggestion, we decided to receive money as a store rental fee. This store is summoned by my magic power. I’m receiving compensation for that. Originally, I’m doing the work that ice magic users employed at the castle would do, so I want proper compensation. I thought I might have stolen the magicians’ jobs, but in this season, they are in high demand everywhere, so I was relieved they didn’t seem troubled. Well, I left negotiations to Father, so I don’t know how much I’m being paid by His Majesty. Father seems to be managing it properly as my money, so I leave it to him. No, actually, a Duke’s daughter doesn’t spend money herself… Necessary things are prepared, and money is paid by the Ducal House. Scary that my sense of money might become dull. Including tables and counters in ‘Horakuen’, the Prime Minister and several civil officials are struggling with documents. Just in case, guard knights are also standing at the store entrance, but it’s heaven and hell inside and outside the automatic door. They seem to rotate by time, but hope they don’t get air-conditioning sickness. Taking Kohaku-san who finished eating fried rice, I left ‘Horakuen’ and entered the patisserie ‘La Vie en Rose’ summoned next door.

“My, welcome, Sakura-chan.” “No, this is my store.”

If anything, the ones visiting are Mother and the others. I head to Mother’s table where she was chatting with Grandmother and the Empress, and sit in an empty seat. Here too, a girls’ gathering (?) was having a lively tea party while cooling off. By the way, I don’t receive a rental fee for this summon. This store is strictly provided for ‘My Mother’. No way I’d take money. Well, they pay for the Western sweets though.

“Shortcake and Earl Grey.” “I will have a fruit tart.”

When I order, Kohaku-san follows. Eh, still eating…? Well, fine. Kohaku-san bites into the fruit tart that appeared in an instant—kaburi—in a good mood. Face covered in fruit juice. The Empress directs a beaming smile at me. Did something good happen?

“Thanks to Sakuraile, the upcoming Autumn Cooling Party (Shuuryoukai) seems likely to be wonderful.” “Shuuryoukai?”

I tilt my head at the Empress’s words. Hate? Ending Party (Shuuryoukai)? What is that?

“In this country, large tea parties hosted by the Empress are held in spring and autumn. Events to admire seasonal flowers and enjoy tea and sweets. All women who are nobles are eligible to participate, and noble ladies from all over the country gather at this party.”

Mother explained with a wry smile to me who had a face saying I didn’t understand. Wow. Such a tea party exists. Like a garden party? Seems women-only though.

“Spring Sun Party (Shunyoukai) in spring, Autumn Cooling Party (Shuuryoukai) in autumn. It’s tough because we have to devise something new every time, but with tea and sweets from Sakuraile’s store, they will undoubtedly be pleased.”

The Empress, who is presumably the host of the Autumn Cooling Party, wears a beaming smile while eating Gateau Chocolat. Ah, my store is already incorporated into the schedule program… Huh? But ‘all noble women’… does that mean Estelle and I are also eligible?

“Of course. Participating or not is free, but in Sakuraile’s case, being a noble with Imperial blood, you are closer to the host side, so it’s almost mandatory though.” “Uee…”

When I made a face like crushing a bitter bug at Grandmother’s explanation, the three laughed. Because it looks troublesome… Better than having dancing though…

“Autumn Cooling Party and Spring Sun Party are major social events. Information gained here, connections between nobles, groundwork, etc., lead to the prosperity of one’s house. Whether Sakuraile marries somewhere or becomes a female lord, you should learn that level of ‘Haragei’ (implicit negotiation/belly art), you know?”

‘Haragei’, huh… Being an Empress, such skills would be necessary, but I’m somehow bad at probing each other’s intentions. I feel Estelle is better than me in that area. Watching her attitude toward Elliott and such. Feeling like embedding thorns in the shadow of words… Has a bit of black-heartedness. Strange, that child is the protagonist heroine though…?

“We invite guests from abroad too, you know? Princess Luca of Prelude Kingdom and Princess Tifa of Minuet Queendom, and even from Gospel (Fukuin) Kingdom across the sea.”

Gospel Kingdom…? Ah, the island country north across the sea from our country? If I recall, the headquarters of the ‘Church’ is there… Learned in Elder Strum’s class about a cathedral with statues of the Nine Goddesses of Genesis or something. It appeared in the game too, but didn’t know such detailed settings. Because it didn’t get involved deeply in the main story. Basically, the ‘Academy’ we will attend in the future is under the protection of Gospel Kingdom, but since Gods are backing it, the story is they can’t do arbitrary things. Therefore, there is no corruption in Gospel Kingdom. Rather than none, if done, it’s exposed immediately. Divine punishment falls. Naturally, doing such things at the Gods’ knee would result in that.

“Of course, we plan to invite Princess Lucariera of Prelude Kingdom and Princess Tifania of Minuet Queendom whom Sakuraile became friends with.” “Ooh!”

That is simply happy. I’ve been sending sweets and letters to the two occasionally since then. The worry is whether the capture target Prince, Luca‘s brother, will accompany and come here… Since it’s a women-only tea party, I think he won’t come… last time Luca was alone too, so it’s okay, right?

“Ah.” “What’s wrong? Sakura-chan?” “Umm, would it be possible to invite the elves to that party?”

At my words, the hands of the three eating cake stopped abruptly. D-Did I say something weird…? That place is domestic but like an independent autonomous region, so I thought inviting people involved there wouldn’t be strange.

“That’s it! Why didn’t I think of it! Right, if we can invite the elves, it will become even more wonderful!” “Yes, yes! Until now, relations with elves were tenuous, neither close nor distant, but thanks to Sakuraile, it improved greatly. To deepen friendship further, we must invite them by all means!”

The Empress and Grandmother’s tension skyrocketed. Personally, I just wanted to see Mutilia-san, the Shrine Maiden of the Spirit Tree, and her sister Eltiria-chan again.

“Can we ask the le Philharmonie family’s bird-san for transportation?” “Bird-san…? …Ah, yes. If it’s Oboro, he can bring the elves safely to the Royal Capital.”

Elves are a people who create excellent magic-imbued items and magic potions with their unique technology. However, aiming for that, many greedy humans have attacked trying to capture elves until now. Furthermore, since elves are beautiful, they have value as slaves too. Slavery is abolished in this country, but in surrounding countries like Allegretto Empire and Tifa‘s Minuet Queendom, slavery still remains. Though remaining, the treatment of slaves in these two countries is as different as heaven and earth. In Minuet Queendom, it’s like employment based on contract; the master guarantees food, clothing, and shelter, and wages are paid properly. If a determined amount is paid, one can buy oneself back, and liberation from slavery is possible. On the other hand, in Allegretto Empire, slaves are property. Once bought, what to do with that slave is the master’s freedom, and slaves have no human rights. There are also bad-taste events in the Colosseum where slaves fight each other or against magic beasts for enjoyment. Apparently, there is a movement among some Imperial nobles to make this slavery system like the Queendom’s employment form but… probably difficult. This country and the Empire are originally on bad terms, but due to such things, I somehow can’t like the Empire. There were students from the Empire in the game too but… only characters with bad personalities… Especially male characters.

“Incidentally, I wish Elliott‘s bride could be found at the Autumn Cooling Party…”

Fuu, the Empress sighs a small sigh. Ah, Autumn Cooling Party has such an aim too.

“Still not decided?” “There are several candidates but… Family status doesn’t match, faction problems, age or personality doesn’t match… It’s not like there are no young ladies satisfying everything though…”

There, the Empress glances at me—chira. I smiled and softly crossed my arms in front of my chest, making an X mark. The Empress sips her tea again with a wry smile. Please spare me from this only. No, even if the Elliott route is gone, being the future Empress looks tough and I don’t want it. Looking at the Empress in front of me, I think maybe it’s quite easy if you manipulate the husband well, though. Besides… adding my real age before reincarnation, I’m almost the same age as the Empress… How is it to become the bride of a son the same age? Smells like a crime somewhat. And I want to inherit the le Philharmonie Ducal House after all. This trip strengthened that feeling. To develop the territory, must study various things. …Parallel to that, must break ruin flags too. That is the Villainess’s way of life. Just kidding. Apparently, it will gradually become cooler from now on. Summer is ending soon. When summer ends, the social season arrives. Not much relation to us who aren’t adults yet, but still, there are some events we must attend. First is the Autumn Cooling Party. Looking forward to meeting Luca and Tifa.