The tea party went on for an unexpectedly long time, mostly because it took a long time to bid the young ladies farewell. Even as they said their good-byes, no one took the initiative to leave. Everyone wanted to stay with Rosaline for a little more.
There were several who agreed with that particular noble about idolizing her, and it somehow evolved into a competition of who knew about and liked her more.
Rosaline, openly admired by a crowd for the first time, felt a headache coming on.
“You should host another tea party,” Mrs. Becky advised her as she happily watched the scene.
They were usually busily gossiping about others in gatherings. It wasn’t that their young hearts were malicious, but… it did seem immature, especially to those who had grown older.
However, today’s tea party didn’t have any of that. It was all praise toward Rosaline. Occasionally, when those who knew more told stories about her, the conversation would even touch upon the politics relevant to the story.
There was a shadow on her face.
“The first criteria for empress is that she should have a strong enough family to support her.”
Rosaline’s scattered focus went back to the discussion at hand. Family.
“No.” She raised her hand, calling their attention.
She had met most of the eligible young ladies at the tea party. Looking at family status alone, it was highly likely that they would choose Lady Rose of the Dukedom of Floria.
“Hmmm…” Rosaline chuckled.
Lady Rose had a beautiful appearance and an elegant character that would be desirable in an empress. However, she was easily swept away by others. She was indecisive while choosing refreshments, picking one when recommended and setting it down when recommended something else.
What if she treated politics the same way?
Rosaline shook her head firmly.
“Secretary Rosaline, did you get any advice from His Majesty?” asked the Duke of Pasita.
She had tried to broach the subject, but he had always responded that he was in a hurry.
“Not quite.”
The duke sighed. As expected, the emperor was uninterested.
“Then what does Secretary Rosaline think? You have to give your opinion too, not just disagree,” said Hamburg. He wasn’t really a good participant in these meetings, but the Duke of Pasita invited him anyway since it was unlikely that he would have any ulterior motives.
“I have yet to think about what the criteria should be, but the judges in charge of choosing the future empress should be fair. That’s why I want the neutral state of Berlos to participate.”
The hall buzzed. The family heads who wanted to produce the next empress were particularly heated.
“Stop.” Duke Pasita shushed the room. “Has the priest from Berlos agreed?”
“I haven’t asked yet. Besides, while intentions are important, the most important thing is the will of those who will lead the Aetheus Empire, right?”
“What do you all think?” Taking advantage of the silence, Duke Pasita directed the question to the aristocrats.
They bit their tongues and looked away in avoidance, knowing that what Rosaline said was correct. However, as she said, Berlos wouldn’t be the deciding factor in appointing the new empress, they would be more of a deterrent against bribing the judges in the first place.
Some who were already planning to do just that couldn’t keep the disapproval off their faces.
“…Sounds good,” said Hamburg, and very small noises of grumbled agreement followed.
The atmosphere was now vastly improved.
“Secretary Rosaline, will you handle the new building?”
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“Yes, I’d be happy to do that. His Majesty… will surely be pleased with the fair decision-making of the people here.” She smiled.
Among the nobles, Count Shimura, who secretly sponsored Ella, had the darkest expression.