CH 374

The Tea Party of the Moon and the Stars

Members of the Four Houses and Princess Mia were the only guests at the Clair de Lune, an elite tea gathering. The event, which Esmeralda had originally conceived, had already been held at Saint-Noel Academy a number of times, but never had all of its prospective members been there.

Citrina, the daughter of Duke Yellowmoon, was unable to attend until she had enrolled in the school, which was partially to blame, but the scions of the other Houses were frequently preoccupied with their own hectic schedules, which was more to blame. Esmeralda was the only one with a flawless attendance record. Ruby and Sapphias both consistently denied requests, claiming issues with their schedules. But on this day…

The three Etoilines and one Etoilin had at last gathered, sitting at a wide round table in the midst of a lush, spacious room of the Greenmoon home. There was a relaxed chatter in the air.

“However, I must admit that I never imagined that the Clair de Lune would truly bring all of its members together, especially at this particular time. I initially assumed you may have finally lost it when I first got the letter because of how busy we are all at the moment.”

Sapphias’s remark caused Esmeralda to frown at him.

“My, Sapphias, how impolite. Are you saying I’m a simpleton?”

Ruby responded in her usual nonchalant way, “Actually, I have to agree with Bluemoon this time. Yes, yes, I can’t believe I just said that either, but calling a session on Her Highness’ birthday festival’s second day is definitely up there on the list of early signs of insanity.”

She drank some tea.

“This tea is actually rather good. Some sort of black from Perujin?”

“I think so,” Esmeralda replied. “Mia-sama gave them to me. She was gracious enough to give me some. Apparently, Princess Rania gave them to me— hmm? What does that expression mean, exactly?”

“Oh, nothing much,” Ruby said. “It’s only… You’ve undergone some transformation. So to speak, lost some thorns.”

“My, what a peculiar remark.” Esmeralda asked in a feign surprised tone, “When have I ever had thorns? I suppose in a sense, I am indeed trying to change… into someone who can live up to the title of Mia-sama’s best friend.”

Ruby made a squeak that seemed to indicate she nearly choked on her tea. Esmeralda had been sincerely sincere, which was perplexing.

“I see, I see,” Ruby remarked as she collected herself. “It seems to me that Her Highness has affected each of our lives in some way. Gives “Clair de Lune” a completely new meaning, doesn’t it? The same applies to you, O Lady of Yellowmoon, right?”

She turned to face the final tea party guest, who was silently taking her place. The young girl looked up with a charming grin as her hair floated softly like a flower in the breeze.

“Yes, Rina experiences the same things,” answered Citrina. “Perhaps even more so.”

Esmeralda became enraged and exclaimed, “Well excuse me, but are you suggesting that my experiences are somehow less important than yours?”

Even Ruby, who also added her two cents, gave a rare pout in response to the comment.

“I agree with that. If we’re talking about showing gratitude to Her Highness, I have nobody to fear.”

Each of the two girls had, in their own way, benefited from a favour from Mia that had profoundly affected them, whether it had been for friendship or romance.

“All right ladies, calm down. It is not a contest. Additionally, Her Highness will arrive soon. Let’s all be civil to one another.”

After shaking his head, Sapphias tried to appease the irate Etoilines. He thought that putting himself in the middle of arguing ladies was vulgar and unnecessary masochistic, but…

Circumstances are circumstances. This is probably what they mean by “life experiences.” It makes sense that having more is better. Maybe my ability to break up catfights would be useful in the future. In addition, if they fight endlessly, that will be an issue. It seems like the subject today is going to be rather serious. Something about those Chaos Serpents…

Although the phrase had come up frequently in the student council, he was still unsure of its veracity.

Rafina-sama hasn’t voiced any scepticism. The two princes appear to agree that it is accurate as well. Which, I suppose, means that, at the very least, this group does in fact exist.

Up until recently, the student council dealt with the organisation on their own. They were about to disclose the specifics of the threat to the Four Houses and forge an alliance against their foe. At least, that’s what Sapphias believed Mia meant to accomplish that at this encounter.

Then we can’t afford any internal strife. The key is to maintain unity. The empire may fall if we are unable to maintain a united front.

He had been under pressure to act maturely since he believed he was one of a small group of people with access to important and private information.

“Sure, that. You’re right.” Esmeralda complied when Sapphias warned her and nodded humbly.

“Right. I also became too agitated. Ruby appeared to be attempting to calm herself as she sat back and sipped her tea.”

“I apologise. Rina also contributed to this. I should not have used such crude language.” Tension dissipated as Citrina bowed her head and apologised as well.

Regarding the end result of his labour, Sapphias nodded happily.

Hey, I think I’m doing pretty well here! Professional dispute mediator Sapphias Bluemoon. Hah. I suppose that being bullied in the student council is beginning to pay off. I’ve progressed on the road to adulthood by one more step!

Although Sapphias was enjoying his self-confidence, he had little to do with the girls’ dispute’s quick resolution. The actual cause was quite straightforward. Everyone else had figured out that Mia was going to discuss some really significant topics; Sapphias wasn’t the only one to figure out so.

Esmeralda was aware. She had been present on the barren island when they had learned the shocking secret of the empire.

Ruby was aware. She had helped transform the Princess Guard into a force capable of effectively combating the impending widespread years-long famine that Mia had foreseen.

Finally, Citrina also understood. It was Mia who cut the bonds that had bound her and her family together for so long.

As if on cue, the door to the room opened.

“Good day, everyone. I appreciate you coming today. Let’s get the tea party going.”

Mia entered with a smile.