Weeks and months and years they passed like flowing water.
After many seasons, winter where ones breath forms a fleeting misty cloud has returned.
It may have been cold but the atmosphere around was warm.
It was because the Empress and the Empress dowager were having tea ti in the greenhouse.
Thank you for inviting .
Youre welco. Its frustrating to be alone in the palace all the ti.
The Empress responded with a bright smile at the Empress dowagers appreciation.
I quietly listened as they conversed and sipped tea.
As they continued, I slowly raised my head.
The lilacs were in full bloom and contrasted with the snowy backdrop. They were easy on the eyes.
Looking at these lilacs
Damian cos to mind.
The night I last saw Damian face to face.
I rembered Damian smiling tearfully at the handkerchief I gave him. Those lilacs really were poorly embroidered.
.
Ill definitely co back. To see you again, Ill make sure of it.
.right, thats what he promised.
But despite that promise, I still have yet to et Damian.
Its hard to believe its been eight years since Damians left.
At the Empress dowagers stirring words, I smiled bitterly.
Wow, its been eight years already?
What will Damian look like now?
Has he gotten taller?
Co to think of it, before he left, his gaze was above mine.
If we ever see each other again, I might need to look up just to look at him properly.
I was imrsed in my thoughts for quite so ti.
But the Empresss soft voice pulled back to reality.
I know, ti flies.
The Empress said so as she glanced back at with a look that was graceful as always.
My Charlize has already grown up so much, the crown prince will have grown up a lot more.
Right. Still, when will I get to see Damian
After sighing deeply, the Empress dowager beckoned to .
Charlize, you dont have to stand like that. Co sit with us.
No, Im fine.
Oh, refusing Her Majestys orders now are you?
With a teasing remark, the Empress dowager smiled with an impish expression.
HoweverI dont think its polite of to do so.
I glanced over to the Empress for any glimr of hope. Surely, she would back up.
The Empress did nothing but smile and nod her head.
Yes, co here and sit down.
To add further, they offered a seat.
Ugh, okay.
In the end, I gave a curtsy and sat down.
Actually, this isnt the first ti Ive had tea ti with the two of them
But I feel a bit nervous.
Even the Empress casually pushed a basket of scones towards .
Would you like so clotted cream to go with that? What about jam? Do you want apricot or orange marmalade?
Oh, thank you. I dont mind, either one is good.
At the sa ti, a hand out of nowhere poured tea into my cup.
It was the Empress dowager.
You must be thirsty, have so tea while you eat.
Um, thank you.
.gee, this is a bit much.
With pleased looks coming from two directions at , I didnt know what to do.
They sure do like watching eat, dont they?
Theyre like a mother happily watching their child eat.
The Empress took it a step further.
Are you short on snacks? Shall I ask for more cake?
No, this is enough!
I shook my head hastily.
Of course, Im happy that they like but.
When Im together with the two of them, they end up taking care of .
Really, I dont know if its okay to do this.
Feeling embarrassed, I spread jam and cream onto my scones.
As I did so, her Majesty, the Empress dowager spoke in a playful tone.
Our Charlize gets prettier and prettier as she grows up.
No, youre exaggerating, your Majesty.
Perhaps. Even when she was a kid, I thought she was remarkably cute, but she becos more and more so with each passing day. Beautiful would be the more apt word now.
The Empress dowager who comnted that stealthily leaned her head closer to .
I hear youre very popular with servants and knights, arent you?
Ahaha.
I let out an awkward laugh.
How should I respond in such a situation?
Fortunately, the Empress answered on my behalf.
Well, Im not going to give Charlize to anyone I dont like.
In the eyes of the Empress who said so, she saw soone too young for that.
Her Majesty, the Empress dowager shrugged her shoulders.
Yes, thats true.
Of course, shes my maid.
The Empress nodded with a determined face.
What if a wolf-like man drags away a lone Charlize?
.I dont think thats what the person who took in when I was five would say.
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