Awkward

"I came here because I wanted to see if you are doing just fine, it seems to me that you are." He said while looking at my eyes straightly, "You even had a visitor."

I don't know if he's happy or not, but I flashed a smile.

"It's all thanks to your generosity that I am living comfortably, Your Majesty." I said and bowed.

"You do not need to be so formal一"

"Greetings to the Emperor, sun of the Empire. I apologize for coming and greeting you late, Your Highness." Lady Marika suddenly made her appearance with an elegant smile, "It is stuffy and uncomfortable here, I'm sure that Lady Lucia would also rather that you stay in my place than to hers一?"

"Lady Marika, is it?" He cut her off and stared at her intently.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I am very delighted that Your Majesty remembers a lady such as myself--"

"How are you a noble lady when you do not even know the basic etiquette to not speak unless someone has finished talking? You dare to cut me off and talk ill of Lady Lucia not just in front of me, but also in front of her?" The emperor's voice was terrifying enough for Lady Marika to shiver and tremble. I was shocked by his reaction. Why is he so angry? Has he always been like this?

She immediately kneeled and bowed down, "My sincere apologies for my impudence, Your Majesty! I did not mean to anger you--"

"I don't want your apologies. If there is someone you should apologize to, it's to the Lady Lucia." His authoritative voice echoed to the whole estate.

Lady Marika started to look pale and scared, that's when I decided to butt in. "Your Majesty, it's alright. I fully understand what Lady Marika was meaning. It is indeed true that it's stuffy here, Lady Marika only wants to make you feel comfortable. An apology is not needed," I humbly said. This could be a chance to make up with Lady Marika... or not.

The emperor faced Lady Marika, "You should be grateful to Lady Lucia's generosity and kindness. If it weren't for her, you'd be now kneeling under the sun."

Lady Marika kneeled before me, "My sincere apologies for what I've said, Lady Lucia. Thank you for your kindness and generosity, I shall never display my impudence to you again." She said and bowed down.

"It's alright, you should stand now." I said and helped her stand. Lady Marika faced me apologetically, but hatred was still evident on her eyes. She's obviously blaming me for this.

"Leave at once," The emperor ordered which Lady Marika obeyed to. He sighed, "Seriously, how did they become a noble with that mannerism?"

I smiled at him, "Your Majesty, the brunch has been prepared. I would be truly honored if Your Majesty will dig in with me," I said.

I don't know if it was just my imagination, but I think I saw him blush before looking away. "Then, shall we go inside?"

I smiled and nodded before we started walking. I thought his royal guard would come with us inside, but I was mistaken! It's only the two of us here facing the foods and anyone who'd enter the room would definitely feel how awkward the atmosphere is!

Someone, please tell me how to still talk casually with the person who ghosted you.

"Y-Your Majesty, is the food to your liking?" I asked, trying to strike a conversation.

"Yes, it's good. Who made this?"

"My lady in waiting named Yeanne did, she really is great! If you'd like, we could pack one for you to bring to the palace, Your Majesty." I smiled.

"Your lady in waiting is quite skilled. I'll accept your offer wholeheartedly. I am honored to receive something from you, Lady Lucia." He said which caused me to stop.

"Your Majesty, I should be the one to feel honored! I am so glad that Your Majesty appreciate something so little for Your Majesty's worth."

He only gave me a nod before speaking, "I saw some papers in the table when you were with Sun. May I know what is it?"

His sudden question halted me for a moment, I smiled and said, "It's nothing, Your Majesty. It was a novel."

"A novel? Did Sun give it to you? Aside from his law firm, his family also owns a publishing company."

"I see that Lord Sun is quite the business man."

He did not answer and after eating, he continued to look at the books. When will he leave? Is he planning to spend the night here? Is he planning to do "it" with me? My eyes widened because of my thought, he's probably not thinking about that... right?

"Your face is red, are you feeling alright?" He asked and before his hand could reach my cheeks, someone suddenly barged in which caused him to stop.

"Your Majesty, there has been an immediate meeting. Your presence is needed. I think we should head back to the palace now, Your Majesty." It was Divien. I silently thanked him and I sighed in relief. Thank goodness.

The emperor looked at me, "Are you not sick?"

"Ah! I'm feeling just fine, Your Majesty. I turned red because of the hotness of the atmosphere since my place is still not fully arranged. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.

He didn't look like he believed me, but in the end, he just sighed and gave me a nod. "I should leave now. Thank you for keeping me a company, Lady Lucia."

What a relief. His presence somehow suffocates me; makes me feel uncomfortable.

"May you arrive at the palace safe and sound, Your Majesty." I politely said and bowed down.

The atmosphere is back to its usual aura, but there's still something that bothers me. "Why are you still here?" I asked the knights.

"His Majesty ordered us to help you arrange and organize your things so Your Ladyship would be comfortable and free from any risk of sickness." One of the knights answered.

He did what? I can't believe him! Why is he being nice to me now? It's creepy!

Yeanne almost jumped in happiness. "I'm overjoyed not only because His Majesty seems so fond of my lady, but also because of how ridiculous Lady Marika's face was when His Majesty reprimanded her." Her smile grew even wider when Mayka agreed with her for the first time.

"She dared to embarrass our lady in front of the emperor, but she was the one who got embarrassed in the end."

"Don't say that," I said and sighed. Sure, it was clear that she really wanted to embarrass me. But as a reader who read and understood Mayka's point of view, I can't get myself to get angry at her for I know what she's going through. Deep inside, I know she's kind.

Cay remained quiet the whole time. She's really the silent one, huh.

The sun set, Cay, Mayka, Yeanne, the knights and I finally finished organizing my place. In the middle of eating dinner, Lady Marika suddenly appeared and she looks fuming mad. "You will pay for everything you did and for the embarrassment you've caused me!"

Huh? Sometimes, I can't really understand this woman. I didn't even do anything to her! "I don't know what you are talking about, if that's only what you want to say, you may leave. I am tired and I want to rest." Is she pertaining about what happened this afternoon?

She glared at me before turning her back and walking away.

"Crazy," Yeanne whispered.

"I almost forgot, Lady Lucia." Cay spoke, "My lady, I received an invitation letter from the Noble Consort Irine. She invites you to a tea party with the other noble ladies."

I sighed. They are probably going to make fun of me. However, if I decline, words will spread and there will be misunderstandings. It would only cause trouble, especially because this is the first time they invited me as a noble lady. I don't have any choice but to go.

"Please prepare for tomorrow," I stated.

Before deciding to take an evening bath, I gave the knights the permission to leave. They thanked me before going. They are good people.

Still, what a day it has been.