Chapter 42

This story is essentially peaceful. I would be grateful if you could proceed without too much worry.

"Then, you teased a woman you met for the first time, asking her to become a concubine based solely on prior information without even looking at her?"

"......Yes"

"Have some shame!"

I sit in a red velvet chair and scold my unworthy son who kneels before me.

I had sent him abroad to study until a year ago, and I thought he had done well in diplomacy since his return, showing the fruits of his studies. I thought he had grown up and returned as a mature adult.

Of course, I did not allow him to tarnish our country's reputation just because he was abroad. I had him accompanied by a familiar prime minister's son and a guard knight, and I had a nursemaid and maids who would not let him get away with anything, to keep an eye on him. I regret not continuing this supervision after his return.

Mimosa is a woman of great talent. However, hearing about her background and upbringing, it is clear that she is still a small fish, not yet ready to swim alone in the sea of society. She is like a bud that has not yet fully bloomed.

The concubine system was established long ago and is now a mere formality. The situation where a man cannot have children has not occurred since the law was established. Fortunately, that is the case. In earlier times, when the survival of a noble family was in doubt, there were cases where they would receive aid from the royal family by taking a concubine in name only, but this was a system for mutual support between the royal family and the noble society.

However, it is something that every noble, especially women, learns at home. If Mimosa, who had just entered society, did not know about the crown prince, she would have wondered if there was a queen, and if she knew there was none, she must have been terrified by such a proposal from the royal family.

I want to abolish such a law that treats women as objects, but as long as only women can bear children, and there is a risk that the royal bloodline could be cut off at any time, it is a necessary system, however distasteful.

"I understand the complicated feelings you have towards Sir Percival... but why did you tease his wife?"

I glare at him, and Frey averts his eyes uncomfortably.

"......I thought that Sir Percival's wife would be a strong woman... someone like Mother."

"Fool"

This is the second time, and there is no other way to say it.

It took me various experiences and circumstances to gain the strength I have now. Even if not as a concubine, there are many nobles who aim for the privilege of sending women to the king's bed. My husband dislikes it, but if I ignore the nobles who can send their daughters to his bed, it will cause more trouble. Being the king's mistress is also a selling point, so the monarchy is not a good system, but my husband told me about this as soon as I became queen.

To support my husband, who is my comrade in battle, the role of the queen is not to be overbearing. I assist where my husband's eyes cannot reach. For this purpose, I actively engage in social activities, and the same is true for the capable women who have gathered and agreed with me.

I only have one child, but Frey is a child of both my and my husband's blood, intelligent, wise, and healthy. I am relieved, but the problem is that his mental age drops by about ten years when it comes to matters involving Sir Percival.

Frey opens his mouth as if to say something, then closes it several times, perhaps because of the immaturity of his words.

"Very well. Speak honestly."

"Yes... Honestly, I cannot accept it. When we were young, I was superior, and as we grew up... I consider us equals. If I can say it, we are rivals... I want to be a king who is not ashamed to be protected when Sir Percival becomes the head of the royal guard. In that sense, I have been competing with him in my heart... I was aware that I was somewhat shocked when I learned that Percival had married while I was busy after returning. And today, when I learned that his wife was invited to Mother's tea party and went to see her... I wondered what Percival saw in her, a daughter of a problematic viscount's family..."

"You are truly a fool. Very well, I do not want to hear any more, and you must deal with your Percival complex on your own. Ah, but... probably..."

I did not think I was being too lenient with my son, but perhaps I was. However, Mimosa may seem like a small flower that can be easily broken, but she is a woman who can do such embroidery. She is not unintelligent.

Most importantly, my foolish son does not know that a woman with a special skill and loved by her husband is strong. Well, that is understandable, as it is something one must experience to understand. My husband might have understood better if he had scolded him, but since I said I would raise him, I will not let my husband interfere.

"Probably, what?"

"You probably only know Mimosa's appearance. Just what you heard about her. Reflect on it and be shocked. I am on Mimosa's and Sir Percival's side, so do not come crying to me. That is all, you may leave. --Toadrenia."

"Yes, Your Highness."

I call for Toadrenia Banks, the son of the prime minister who is my son's attendant. The young man with long, green hair that exudes intelligence said that he had let his guard down for a moment, but he must have known this would happen and let it happen. He probably listened to my scolding to accompany my foolish son, but he is not that kind.

"If Frey teases Mimosa again and you are not there, I will take action against your family with my authority. I cannot remove your position, but... what will happen to Mrs. Banks?"

"......I will remember that."

"Very well."

I understand that my son Frey is sulking over Sir Percival, but Toadrenia seems to treat Frey like a toy.

Young man, I see through you, and I must warn you. Troublesome young people.

After they leave, I unfold the handkerchief I received from Mimosa. To make it easy to use, there is a modest embroidery of the same color as the fabric in the center. The edges are embroidered with two colors, depicting beautiful shoes and the castle garden with vine patterns.

Usually, it is impossible to do such embroidery without a design. There have been women skilled in knitting and lace before, but this is the first time I have seen such embroidery.

They cannot contribute to the common people in the form of a business like Countess Chaltry, but this beauty, sensitivity, and skill should be spread among the common people.

"Well, what should I do..."

The next tea party is Alex Cheryl's, which I also attend. After that... I will look forward to how Mimosa will counterattack.

She will surely do something interesting. Otherwise, Countess Chaltry would not dote on her daughter so much, and she would not do so for her daughter.

For now, I will wait for a letter from Countess Chaltry.