“Ultimately, it’s a women’s tea party. I’m not invited, either. Thus, this situation is less about expectations and more about being considerate.”
Typically, few noblemen would offer gifts or make appearances in these situations. However, when their wives or fiancées were hosting or attending tea parties with close friends, presenting a considerate gift or making a brief appearance—particularly if the event took place in their own home—was seen as a mark of respect. It communicated to other guests that these women were valued by their fiancés or husbands, representing a meaningful gesture.
Especially for women marrying into powerful families like royalty, how much they were respected by their male counterparts could greatly influence their own standing. These clear demonstrations of care could be surprisingly effective.
“But I might be a nuisance…”
“Doesn’t Miss June tell you about the tea parties? Like when or where they’re held?”
“She does talk about them, yes…”
“Then maybe she’s hoping you’d ask if you could drop by?”
Of course, there’s also a chance she simply enjoys the gatherings with Bertia and wants to share her excitement.
“There’s no certainty that you wouldn’t be intruding, but if that’s a concern, why not just ask her directly?”
Silent, Prince Izlarich stared downward, his intoxicated mind likely contemplating something.
“But I don’t wish to impose on Princess Bertia… or perhaps she doesn’t genuinely want to attend but feels obligated to…”
After reflecting for a while, he ultimately expressed his concerns, though with diminished conviction compared to his previous complaints. It appeared that the effects of the alcohol were fading and he was starting to regain his sobriety.
“While Tia can be impulsive, she would never compel a friend to do something they don’t like.”
Certainly. She may test the boundaries a bit, but I don’t believe she would force anyone. Even in her role as the temporary villainess, if she noticed true discomfort, she would probably withdraw instinctively and might even extend her help—she truly is that kind and empathetic person.
“If Miss June feels obligated to attend the tea party for Tia or Princess Lysonna, despite her true feelings, that’s when you step in, right? You could heroically show up at the tea gathering and whisk Miss June away, saying you have urgent business.”
The hero saving the heroine from the villainess during a tea party, exclaiming, I played my role as the hero flawlessly!
“But I’m not sure how June feels…”
“That’s precisely why a conversation is necessary. It appears you have significant concerns about Miss June, and since you’re engaged, this is an ideal moment to discuss and better understand each other.”
If you find yourself with time to drunkenly interact with me, it would be wiser to heed your fiancée and prioritize what benefits both of you. Also, to clarify, please avoid going to Miss June’s house at this late hour, as it would truly be an inconvenience.
You know those romantic scenes in novels that young ladies enjoy, where someone creeps to the house at night, tossing pebbles at the window as a signal? Trying that in real life would probably be annoying, don’t you think? There’s a risk of breaking the window, or she might not wake up. Even if she does awaken, the sound of taps at the window could be quite frightening.
Even if you successfully navigate these challenges to meet her, noblewomen typically hesitate to encounter men in their sleepwear. In certain situations, they may even rouse their servants to prepare… Making impulsive decisions while intoxicated is very unlikely to yield favorable results.
“But in situations like this, shouldn’t the woman speak up to honor the man’s position?”
“Does it really matter who speaks up first? That’s hardly a significant issue.”
A slight headache began to form as I noticed Prince Izlarich’s ongoing reluctance.
It wasn’t the alcohol but my frustration with his indecision that was causing it.
“But as a man, my position…”
“Actually, as a man, shouldn’t you be forthright and just ask directly? That seems far more manly to me. Besides, you might feel lonely with less time spent together, but the same might not be true for her. If you wait for her to bring it up, things might never change. You wouldn’t like that, would you?”
“Well, I wouldn’t like that, but…”
Prince Izlarich took a sip of his drink, his lips tight. It appeared he understood the best course of action, yet pride or some subtle emotion restrained him from acting.
Maybe it’s better to just be blunt with him.
“Prince Izlarich, it seems like in love, the one who falls first loses.”
“What?! F-Fallen for her?! I— I mean, sure, June and I are close childhood friends, and I don’t dislike her. And yes, she’s my fiancée… but fallen for her, that’s not…”
The color of Prince Izlarich’s cheeks turned a noticeably different shade of red than the alcohol in response to my words.
Huh? Although he clearly wants to monopolize Miss June’s attention, has he not recognized his own feelings for her? I think I can be quite slow to pick up on others’ emotions, but he appears to be operating on an entirely different level.
“If you didn’t care for her, you wouldn’t come complaining to me, a member of another country’s royalty, just because you can’t see her as often, right?”
“No, that’s not…”
“In this country, it seems expected that women support men, and for a man to be concerned about a woman’s feelings is considered shameful. However, since both are human, failing to moderate such attitudes in private could lead to being forsaken.”
“Forsaken?!”
Prince Izlarich flinched as if hit by lightning. While Alphasta usually elevated men above women, this didn’t imply that women were overlooked. In public settings, men might assume leadership roles, yet many families demonstrated mutual respect at home. This dynamic was evident in my own parents’ relationship as well as that of the Noches couple. Behind closed doors, my father showed considerable respect for my mother, and the Marquess of Noches frequently yielded to his wife’s desires.
Their actions stemmed from a deep love for their wives rather than cultural influence; it was driven by shared emotions.
Of course, I hope to be the same with Bertia.
“That would be troubling.”
“But even if you were to break off the engagement, there are other young ladies, aren’t there?”
“What?! Breaking off an engagement is out of the question! I’ve already decided to spend my life with June.”
“That’s what love is, isn’t it? If it were merely a political marriage, there’d be no need to be so adamant.”
My words seemed to resonate with Prince Izlarich, pulling him out of his inebriated state into serious contemplation. He likely found himself grappling with reconciling his beliefs against a reality that questioned his norms.
At this point, it might be best for him to reflect on his own. Yes, better done without me around.
So, it should be okay to leave now, right?
“I’ll be taking my leave now.”
“Eh? But I still have more to talk about…”
“You should think about it on your own from here,” I suggested, hoping he wouldn’t bother me any further.
As I got up, Courtgain and the guards started to leave, relief visible on their faces; they also looked worn out from the one-sided talk with a drunkard.
“Prince Cecil…”
Remaining in his seat, Prince Izlarich called my name with an expression as sad as that of a deserted puppy.
Part of me almost felt sorry for him—almost, but not quite.
I had indulged him more than required, partaking in a love advice session with someone I hardly knew.
I believe I’ve shown considerable patience, given the circumstances. In the past, I would have swiftly ended this seemingly pointless waste of time. It was my wife who helped me understand that what appears futile may have significance and that relationships merit the effort… although I question whether this specific interaction has any value.
“Oh, that reminds me. Whether you choose to attend Miss June’s tea party or not, it might be worth checking out yourself sometime… They really enjoy their conversations.”
With that last piece of advice, I took my leave, aware of how late it had become.
It’s time for a bath to wash away the lingering smell of alcohol before heading to bed, where I can be with my beloved wife a bit earlier. Bertia is likely deep in slumber by now, but just seeing her peaceful face will surely soothe this unusual fatigue I feel.
“I’m thankful for my nearly unwavering sobriety,” I reflected. My ability to drink without becoming excessively drunk allowed me to swiftly get ready for bed and be with my cherished wife. I faintly remembered seeing Prince Ramtak being taken to his room earlier, having passed out. If I found myself in that situation, I wouldn’t be able to share a bedroom with Bertia, causing her unnecessary trouble… Just a passing thought as I got ready for the night.