Chapter 53

We arrived at the Duke of Laforet’s mansion before Princess Margaret’s stomach could start growling. Honestly, the place was massive. It was so far from the estate gate to the actual house that I almost laughed as the carriage kept rolling.

“We are honored by your presence.”

Ah, I knew it—the parent who stood out so much at the new song recital was indeed the Duke of Laforet.

Wow, look at all these servants! It’s just like those British period dramas—a whole line of them standing at attention to welcome us.

The members of the Laforet family greeted the Queen one by one. I see Albert has an older brother; the heir, Charles, had short hair and a very brisk, business-like manner. They are brothers of a completely different type. Albert also greeted the Queen with perfect politeness.

After that, they paid their respects to Prince Richard, Princess Margaret, and Prince Keith. Oh? Is His Majesty staying behind to watch the house? That makes me feel a bit more relaxed. Just like before, Princess Jane and Prince Marcus, being ten and under, were quickly whisked away into the mansion by their tutors and nannies. I wish I could eat in the nursery too.

“This is Patience Granger. She is my lady-in-waiting.”

Introduced by Princess Margaret, I gave a refined greeting.

“I am Patience Granger,” I said, but the Duke of Laforet tilted his head curiously. “I feel I’ve seen you somewhere before… Where was it?”

“Duke Laforet, will you not escort me?” the Queen interjected.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty.” The Duke promptly escorted the Queen into the mansion.

Prince Richard and Prince Keith entered while chatting with Charles. That left Albert to look after Princess Margaret and me. I suppose it’s because we’re in the same Music Club.

“I intend to have Patience learn the lute,” the Princess announced.

“Learning the lute is a fine idea. It will broaden her range as a composer,” Albert agreed. The two of them were getting along famously.

I wondered if the escort knights would eat with us, but it seems they take turns eating while guarding the carriages. Their meals were prepared in a separate room. Hosting the royals must be an ordeal for the Laforet household—knights, court ladies, maids, tutors, nannies… I wonder how many people there are in total.

We each took a short break in our assigned rooms before having lunch. Mmm, it was delicious. I was quite satisfied with the luxurious meal, but as expected, the dessert was that “crunchy with sugar” kind. A shame! True to the music-loving Duke, there was live music playing during the meal. It was at a perfect volume that didn’t interfere with conversation.

“That was delicious. And the performance was wonderful,” the Queen remarked as she thanked them and rose from her seat. We all followed suit. Just as we were about to board the carriage, Albert said something unnecessary.

“Patience, make sure you compose plenty of new songs during the summer break!”

The Duke of Laforet suddenly exclaimed, “That’s the student from back then!” but we made it out just in the nick of time. The carriage departed.

“Albert and his big mouth… Patience, you really must be careful.”

I thought the Princess was just exaggerating to tease me.

“Surely not. He lives in such a grand estate and employs so many servants. He even hires musicians.”

“Patience, you truly are naive. You still have much to learn.”

While it’s true that Patience is sheltered and I’m a stranger to this world, it sounded like Princess Margaret meant more than just that. It felt like she was being coy.

“Someone who should have been there today wasn’t, right?”

She gave me a hint.

“Was it that His Majesty stayed behind?”

That was apparently a nonsensical answer. Princess Margaret burst out laughing.

“Father will be joining us a week later. I’m not talking about him; I mean at the Duke of Laforet’s house.”

“Oh? Was the Duchess away from home?”

Princess Margaret looked at me with exasperation.

“It is inconceivable for a Duchess to be alive and not welcome the Queen to her home. Even if she were ill, she would crawl out to do her duty. That is why you must be careful.”

For a moment, I honestly didn’t understand what she was implying.

“Ehh?! Wait, are you saying I might become the Duke of Laforet’s second wife? He looks older than my father… That’s impossible!”

I am not into older men! Besides, I’m still ten. What’s the age gap? Like, over twenty years? I like younger-looking guys, so absolutely not!

“If you don’t want to become Albert’s stepmother, you must never go near the Duke of Laforet.”

That is truly, physically impossible, so I nodded with total sincerity. Patience’s soul inside me was also screaming, “No way!”

“And keep an eye on Albert too. The Duke might think of making you his daughter-in-law instead. Though, of course, I won’t allow that.”

The Princess smiled, looking as if she couldn’t touch the Duke but could easily crush someone like Albert.

How terrifying. I really felt then that Princess Margaret is indeed Queen Victoria’s daughter—oversleeping and music obsession notwithstanding.