Youngest 087
by Cristae87
“All right, everyone, sit!”
“Yes, ma’am.”
With a flourish, the Zevert family moved in unison to the girl’s small, rounded gesture—like soldiers falling into line.
Order restored.
A sigh, laden with torment, slipped from the young lady as she shook her head.
As Rubian straightened again to sit properly, a sudden thought flickered through her mind. With care, she glanced over her shoulder.
“……!”
Her eyes met those of the Marchioness Eibreich, who’d been watching in a daze.
“Hello. Um, my name is Rubian; I—I was seated here in the front row. I’m sorry, my family’s not used to places like this, it’s our first time, so they got a little excited…”
“N-no, it’s quite all right, milady…”
The Marchioness stammered, startled.
“Thank you…for being so understanding…”
With a deep bow, Rubian turned away.
“Oh, I’m so embarrassed…”
How humiliating, no matter where we go—my family.
Sniffling, Rubian buried her face in her hands once more.
“It… almost seems like she’s the one who’s embarrassed, not them, doesn’t it?”
Someone whispered from behind.
“She…she’s ordering the ducal family around with a wave of her finger…”
Murmurs began to fill the hall again.
“C-come to think of it, I heard she’s receiving intense training from the Zevert Knights…”
“What? Among those terrifying northern knights?!”
“She’s tiny as a cotton puff—could she be absurdly strong?”
“Gasp. Could that be the real reason she hides her face? Perhaps keeping her identity secret is the proof of her true might?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised. Goodness, look how the knights treat her with such deference.”
“Sir Leon Schjerk is handing something to her now… what a solemn face. Is it a new northern weapon? How frightening…”
Rumor and conjecture, increasingly blown out of proportion, swelled through the crowd—even as far as the rear, near the doorman.
“Sniff.”
The doorman drew in a sad breath.
“I’ve been calling out again and again, but no one… no one hears me.”
Still, he bravely wiped away his tears.
I am a doorman—my voice is my one strength; I’ll fulfill my duty once more.
“H-his Imperial Majesty…!”
…has arrived!
You lunatics! Stop babbling and listen to me just once!
The Emperor chuckled as he watched the doorman spiral, then gave his shoulder a soothing pat.
“Enough, enough. Clearly all the attention’s focused in that direction now.”
Oh, your majesty, my humble thanks.
Turning from his prostrate servant, the Emperor cast a sidelong glance at a silver-haired head shining in the seats ahead.
“So, that’s where the true power of the North sits.”
A pleased smile curved his lips.
The prayer service ended without incident.
People kept throwing glances our way—it must have been a rare spectacle to see the entire Zevert Ducal House attend the Festival of Greenery.
To be honest, I was a little bored.
There wasn’t much to do except sit still. Prayer, I found, was dreadfully dull.
On top of that, Licht only showed his face for a moment before vanishing; neither Olivia nor Titi was around, so there was no one for me to talk to.
I probably yawned a hundred and twenty times.
Luckily, my mask kept me from being found out. Lucky me!
“The Emperor wants to see you.”
“What…? Did he catch me yawning…?”
“What are you talking about? Look.”
Dad snorted and gestured to the side.
A smiling attendant greeted us with a deep bow.
‘An invitation from His Imperial Majesty!’
In the end, instead of returning to the ducal residence, I found myself headed for the Emperor’s villa.
My brothers vanished on their various errands. Grandpa and Rosetta—Mom—were busy socializing with the nobles, so only Dad and I remained.
“Wow. So shiny…”
Though called a villa, it was practically a miniature version of the Imperial Palace. I’d thought we’d be led to an audience chamber, but the Emperor awaited us in a relaxed tea room.
“Welcome, young lady.”
“Y-your Imperial Majesty, it is an honor to—”
With a clumsy curtsy, I fumbled with my skirts.
The Emperor laughed heartily. He was incredibly handsome, just like Licht, though his manner was more boisterous.
“No need for that, no need! This isn’t the actual palace. Make yourself at ease.”
Gosh… Is that really allowed?
I stole nervous glances around.
Dad let out a soft chuckle and reached over to smooth the folds in my dress.
“That’s right, Ruby. Stand up straight or you’ll wrinkle your dress. You’re in something so pretty today.”
That attitude—like manners were entirely optional.
I muttered, “Is the dress really important? What if not learning etiquette makes me turn out hopeless?”
“Hm. If you can say that, I’m not worried.”
Dad gave my nose a gentle squeeze.
“What a picture.”
The Emperor, quietly watching us, smiled with warmth. At the attendant’s direction, we sat.
“So, what brings us here? Please get to the point.”
“Hmm.”
Dad’s oddly bristly tone had his daughter’s back all but folding in embarrassment.
“Ah… No reason, really?”
His Majesty’s tone was similarly light, so casual it was disorienting. Maybe this place just had a flat hierarchy?
“I’ve always been weak to those in power.”
Kind teal-green eyes swept over me fondly.
“Hearing there’s a rising force in the North, I thought I’d make a good impression.”
He even winked.
‘Well, it’s true—Dad is the North’s real power.’
I nodded vaguely, half-paying attention.
Just then, maids brought in refreshments. The Emperor gestured for me to eat first, and I bowed my thanks.
“Wow. Thank you for the food!”
A macaron stuffed full of strawberries—unimaginably appetizing.
I grabbed one and made for my mouth.
“Mmff.”
Oh, right—I was still wearing my mask.
Blocked by the mask, the macaron was reduced to crumbs, never reaching my lips.
“You really do the most,” Dad said, half-laughing, brushing my dress clean.
The delicate macaron broke apart, scattering sugary debris to the floor…
“Oh no…”
“It’s fine. Take off your mask and eat.”
I shyly revealed my face.
Once I’d fully removed the mask, Dad held out a new macaron for me. One bite, and sweetness raced to my very scalp. Delicious!
“Having a daughter…is truly wonderful.”
The Emperor watched, chin in hand, openly enjoying the scene.
Dad quietly positioned himself to block his view.
“Don’t look at her with such greedy eyes. She’s not for sale.”
“Unbelievable.”
The Emperor wrinkled his mouth, though with an air of familiarity. His gaze drifted to the piece of sky-blue cloth neatly folded on the table.
“By the way, young lady—are you still unwell? It’s unfortunate you were caught up in such a regrettable event…”
“Oh, no! It wasn’t Your Majesty’s fault.”
I grabbed another macaron, pausing to look around.
“By the way, Licht—His Highness the Fourth Prince—where is he?”
“Good question. I told him you were invited and he rushed out, but… ah, here he comes.”
The heavy door swung open, a bit hastily.
Licht entered, his lemon-blond hair slightly tousled, his usually pristine collar now a touch untidy.
“Rubian, hello.”
His eyes lit up as he spotted me.
“Hi! …Hello!”
About to greet him as usual, I glanced at His Majesty and switched to formal speech. Licht’s eyes crinkled as he laughed.
“Just speak comfortably. It’s fine.”
Licht hurried over, while the attendant following him set something on the table.
“Gasp. That cake…”
“You really seemed to like it last time. I brought it for you.”
It was a limited edition from Jake Tea Salon!
Of course, our own villa receives regular deliveries, but we’d finished the strawberry cream flavor already—and I would’ve had to wait days for more!
“Thank you!”
Giddy, I reached eagerly for a fork. Licht took a seat across from me, letting out a delighted laugh.
“What do you think? He’s my son, but isn’t he wonderful?”
The Emperor slid the plate of cake toward me.
“Young lady, always keep your outlook narrow.”
“Pardon?”
Did I mishear?
“Fate always lies close at hand…”
Clack! Beside me, a teacup landed with a force that threatened to shatter it.