The guest room to which I was escorted was remarkably luxurious.
"…Where is Father?"
I looked up at Mio from the sofa.
She, who had just chased Father out of the room and handed him over to the other servants, replied nonchalantly,
"Sir is having a meeting. He has a lot to discuss with him."
"Ah… I’m really sorry for barging in like this."
"You were just brought here, weren’t you?"
"No, I am equally at fault. I have no words to apologize to the Earl…"
Even if I apologize, I don’t think it will be forgiven, but I have nothing to offer in compensation since I am penniless. I would even welcome punishment.
At my wish, Mio blinked.
"What are you apologizing for?"
"For… lacking manners. Not only for barging in, but also for deliberately causing confusion and forcing my way into the castle with a shallow plan. Taking advantage of the Earl’s grief and insulting the late Anastasia. …I knew it was wrong, but I couldn’t stop myself. I am truly, truly sorry."
Mio didn’t respond. I raised my head.
…Huh? Mio is gone.
I turned my head and saw Mio at the door, pulling a cart into the room.
"Miss Marie, would you like some sweets?"
"Huh?"
"The meeting will take some time. Let’s have tea until it’s over."
"Eh? Um—…Yes. Thank you. I’ll have some…"
I followed Mio to the table. I don’t think the matter of my apology has been resolved, but it wouldn’t be proper to refuse her guidance and continue to grovel. The punishment will surely come from her master, the Earl.
First, I gratefully accepted what was prepared. That’s the least I can do as a guest.
I sat down in the chair. The aroma that wafted up made me exclaim.
"Wow, it smells so good!"
I accidentally spoke loudly and quickly covered my mouth. I blushed and glanced sideways to see Mio smiling for some reason.
Oh, how embarrassing… I’m such a fool.
But they really do look delicious. The freshly baked cookies have a wonderful buttery aroma. Three types, two each.
I’ll try one of the simple ones first.
Wow… so delicious!
It’s soft and moist with a milky flavor. The aroma of butter and grains spreads in my mouth. It’s not flashy, but I can tell the ingredients and preparation are meticulously crafted.
Next, I tried one with green nuts… This is also delicious! The slightly salty smoked nuts complement the sweet cookie.
The last one is crunchy and very sweet. This is also incredibly delicious.
Amazing, as expected of the Earl’s household. Even the cookies for snacks are different.
I can’t stop eating. I didn’t think I was such a glutton, but I’m about to finish them all in no time.
"I’m glad you like them."
Mio poured the tea for me.
While waiting for the tea leaves to steep, I looked around the room.
…Upon closer inspection, it’s really an amazing room…
White walls, red carpet, a wooden cabinet polished so smooth it reflects faces. It’s much larger than the Shadelan family’s guest room. The sofa is dreamily comfortable, and the writing desk and vanity are made of white and gold, luxurious and elegant.
If the room for a visiting baron is this impressive, how grand must the main guest room be? I can’t even imagine the master’s private room.
Wow, it’s really a different world…
While I was thinking about this, the tea was served. I took a sip with nervous etiquette and gasped.
"Is this from Ipsandros?"
"You’re correct. You know it well, don’t you? I don’t think it’s available in the market."
"I’m drinking it for the first time. But I read about it in a book. In the Eastern Republic, medicine and spices are closely related, and in Ipsandros, they often drink it as tea for health. The unique aroma… I wonder what’s in it…"
"It’s ginger and cinnamon. The tea leaves are from the kingdom, but they blend well together."
"…It’s delicious… Ipsandros is amazing. To be able to create such delicious tea…"
A strange sound, “Kufu,” came from behind. I turned to see Mio shaking with laughter. What’s wrong? Did I say something strange?
"Hehe. Miss Marie, you are really studious, and yet, so adorable."
"…Adorable…?"
Adorable—does that mean something other than my face?
Even so, what about me is adorable?
I haven’t even properly apologized, and I’m shamelessly enjoying the tea. What about such an embarrassing person could be adorable.
As soon as I realized this, I felt my blood drain.
I quickly stood up and straightened my back near the door. If the Earl comes, I want to be standing to apologize immediately.
I need to maintain my posture and not lose my composure.
Mio tapped my shoulder.
"Miss Marie, the meeting between Sir and your father will take some time."
"I’m fine. I can stand for hours."
"Huh? Why?"
She asked straightforwardly. I was at a loss for words, but Mio was still nonchalant.
"Even so, just drinking tea here would be boring, wouldn’t it? Is there somewhere Miss Marie would enjoy…?"
Just as Mio was speaking, there was a knock on the door. Mio rushed over and opened it.
Sure enough, there stood the tall man, Earl Cyrus Granado.