STE 12

Chapter 12

Andos Palace was relatively small among the many palaces within the Imperial Palace, and it was located on the outskirts as well.

But that was precisely what made it even more beautiful.

The artificial lake within the Imperial Palace, the lush rows of trees surrounding it, and the seasonal flowers planted in elegant arrangements…

Andos Palace was the only place within the Imperial Palace where one could take in all of this beautiful scenery at a glance.

Moreover, the road leading to Andos Palace was concealed among dense trees, allowing its owner to receive guests without any disturbance.

That was also why Penelope particularly liked this place.

There was, however, one drawback to Andos Palace.

Because it was so far out on the outskirts of the Imperial Palace, anyone coming from the Central Palace had to walk for more than thirty minutes to reach it.

Especially now, in late spring when the weather was gradually becoming hotter, traveling to and from Andos Palace during the day was quite exhausting.

“You must have had a hard time getting here, Marta.”

That was why Penelope looked pityingly at Baroness Aegis, who had arrived at Andos Palace drenched in sweat, and offered her some cold tea.

“It must be hot. Drink some.”

“No, Countess. I’m fine.”

Baroness Aegis declined even as she took out a handkerchief and repeatedly wiped away her sweat.

Penelope’s eyebrows rose.

“You’re sweating quite a bit. Why? Surely you aren’t worried that I might have poisoned it?”

“…Pardon?”

At the sight of Baroness Aegis’s stiffening face, Penelope finally broke into a radiant smile.

“Pfft. I’m only joking, so don’t worry. I make my people loyal to me through affection, not coercion, after all.”

“Ah, yes. Of course.”

However, unable to refuse the tea after hearing that, Baroness Aegis put away her handkerchief and drank the cold tea.

“By the way, what brings you here today? Did something happen there?”

“Not exactly…”

The Baroness placed her teacup down on the tea table before cautiously speaking.

“Actually, Her Majesty the Empress discovered that I had turned away guests on my own authority, so I came to consult with you about the matter.”

“Hmm, really?”

The “request” to refuse all guests visiting the Empress’s Palace had been nothing more than a little act of spite against Tethys, who had stolen everyone’s attention at the banquet.

Penelope had never expected it to remain undiscovered for long, since it was bound to be noticed eventually.

If anything, she was surprised that Tethys had only realized it now.

“You’re a little late.”

“Pardon?”

“Ah, no. I meant to leave it alone. If you continue blocking them, wouldn’t your position become precarious?”

Penelope smiled warmly as she spoke in an affectionate tone.

“You know this too, Marta, but I don’t like seeing my people get hurt. And by now, the Empress must have learned her place, so she won’t do anything rash.”

“I-I’m sure she won’t. As you advised, Countess, I made certain she was thoroughly tamed.”

“That was all thanks to your abilities, Marta. That’s why I trust you even more.”

All it took was a few flattering words, and women like this would go to great lengths to prove themselves.

Penelope understood the feelings of those beneath her better than anyone because she had experienced that position herself.

However, Baroness Aegis seemed quite skilled at controlling her expression, as there was little visible agitation on her face.

“Hmm.”

Penelope stared at Baroness Aegis, narrowing her eyes as she pondered.

She had served her well until now, so she did need to give her an appropriate reward.

At Penelope’s nod, Eurydice, the maid waiting beside her, brought over her jewelry box.

When the large jewelry box was opened, precious jewels with brilliant colors and sizable stones were piled inside haphazardly.

Romain sometimes frowned when Penelope indulged in excessive extravagance, but he found her desire for beautiful things within reasonable limits rather endearing.

No, in truth, he was quite a generous lover.

Perhaps if all the jewels inside were sold, she could even buy a respectable castle near the capital.

Penelope picked up the large gemstones one by one before swallowing a sigh.

‘It would be a little wasteful to give something like this.’

Maintaining loyalty required rewards from time to time, but people should possess things appropriate to their station.

Jewelry for Baroness Aegis?

…Absolutely not.

“Eurydice.”

“Yes, Countess.”

“Baroness Aegis has to leave soon, so give her the fine tea I received as a gift from the envoy who came from the Kingdom of Voldo the day before yesterday.”

Penelope snapped the jewelry box shut and gave the order sweetly.

Baroness Aegis waved her hands in refusal.

“Oh, no. A gift given to you should be used by you, Countess. How could I possibly…”

“What a hurtful thing to say. Marta, I believe that when you have something precious, you should share it. I tried the tea myself, and it was excellent, so I hope you enjoy it.”

In truth, it was a bizarre tea that was so bitter she could not bring herself to like it no matter how much sugar she added.

But it would be almost impossible for Baroness Aegis to obtain tea like this herself, making it perfect to dispose of now while earning some goodwill.

“Th-thank you.”

“Think nothing of it. Well then… it is almost time for His Majesty to come looking for me.”

She had said everything that needed to be said and given the woman her gift. In other words, she was telling her to leave.

Baroness Aegis, however, cared little about that. At the thought of having to carry the heavy tea leaves home, her complexion darkened as she forced a smile.

“I seem to have come at an inconvenient time. Then I’ll be going now, Countess.”

“Yes. You may come visit me whenever you’re free. I’m always happy to welcome you.”

As soon as Baroness Aegis stepped outside Penelope’s bedroom, Eurydice called out to her with a concerned expression.

“Um, Baroness. Actually, the amount of tea leaves the Countess is giving you seems rather large… Will you be all right?”

“Large…? How much?”

“About fifty baros—around thirty kilograms.”

“F-fifty baros?”

Faced with a weight that would nearly fill two large laundry baskets, Baroness Aegis was left dumbfounded.

Eurydice asked with an apologetic expression,

“Would you like me to help you?”

“Haa…”

Baroness Aegis let out a deep sigh and shook her head.

“Thank you, but I’ll be fine.”

“Yes, then… I’ll prepare them for you.”

Eurydice spoke politely before going to fetch the tea leaves.

The moment she was gone, Baroness Aegis stopped bothering to control her expression and twisted her face in frustration.

Making her carry fifty baros of tea leaves all the way home in this heat.

It was a gift capable of driving away even the loyalty she had left.

What irritated her even more was that even Penelope’s maid was looking at her with pity.

‘No. Pull yourself together.’

She had come here to deceive Penelope and divert her attention.

She had accomplished that purpose, so that was enough.

As for the tea leaves she had received, she could simply throw them into the deep forest somewhere along the way home.

While waiting, Baroness Aegis repeatedly fanned herself with her hand, hoping the heat outside would lessen even a little.

“Eurydice, did that woman leave?”

“Yes. I saw her off.”

“You’re such a good girl. You didn’t have to go out of your way to do that.”

Their conversation was far too affectionate for one between a mistress and an ordinary maid.

That was because Eurydice, despite being a maid, was actually Penelope’s distant younger cousin.

“I thought the small kindness I showed her might reflect well on your reputation, Sister.”

“You’re foolish. Instead of improving your reputation with things like kindness, it’s much easier and faster to dress yourself beautifully and appear before people to improve your reputation.”

Tsk.

Penelope clicked her tongue as though she felt sorry for her, then added quietly,

“You probably don’t know much about these things.”

“…I-I suppose not. I’m not as beautiful as you, Sister.”

“That’s not true. You still have a kind heart, don’t you? And Eurydice, how many times have I told you to speak comfortably when no one else is around?”

“Yes, Sister. I’m sorry. Since I’m always serving you by your side, calling you ‘Countess’ has become a habit…”

Eurydice forced a smile as she spoke, and Penelope shook her head.

“When you smile, don’t show your teeth with such a servile expression. Yes, that smile is much better.”

She was a clever cousin who spoke well and was quick-witted, but unfortunately, Eurydice’s beauty was nothing remarkable.

Her ordinary appearance looked even more painfully plain whenever she stood beside the dazzling beauty that was Penelope.

Penelope particularly liked that aspect of her, which was why she kept Eurydice even closer while habitually pointing out her unattractive features.

‘Still, if she has experience working in the Imperial Palace, she should be able to earn a decent score in the marriage market despite her looks.’

Thinking of what she could do for Eurydice, Penelope mentally offset the nasty things she had said.

“But, Sister, is His Majesty coming soon? If so, I should go make preparations…”

“His Majesty should be attending to state affairs right now. No matter how much he wants me, he won’t come looking for me at this hour.”

“Pardon?”

“Other than the matter concerning the Empress, there’s nothing more I need to hear from that woman. I hate spending my time being bored.”

Penelope knew that the Baroness had come a long way, but that was not something she needed to take into consideration.

Besides, from the moment she opened her eyes that morning, Penelope had known that the guest she had been waiting for would be arriving soon, and she wanted to send the Baroness away as quickly as possible.

“The person coming later isn’t His Majesty. It’s a merchant who deals in imported goods.”

“Really? What is he coming all the way to Andos Palace for?”

“Hmm, there’s something I asked him to obtain for me. I really hope he managed to find it…”

The corners of Penelope’s lips curled upward.

“I hope his abilities are truly exceptional. It’s something I absolutely need, after all.”