On the way back, I bumped into Keith. Sweat glistened on his brow, reflecting the late afternoon sun. A faint metallic tang of the training yard hung in the air. He looked awkward, shifting his weight and avoiding my gaze, the clink of his sword still echoing. I hoped he hadn't heard about Xerta's visit, "Keith, are you done with training?"
"Leyla! Hi... um, yeah, I was training with Rajir," he said, sounding shy. Rajir was very close to Keith.
Most likely, the news about my outburst in Father's room had already reached Rajir. I was a bit afraid he'd tell Keith. I'd rather Keith hear it from me than from someone else.
'Ah… should I just tell him about the tea party? At least it'll keep him busy.'
"Keith, guess what—I'm planning a tea party today. Would you help me with it?"
"A tea party?" Keith asked, puzzled.
"Yes, I'm planning on hosting one, and I'll invite Remy and the others."
"Is that why you were busy and didn't say hi to me this morning?" he asked.The truth was, I was just too awkward to greet him. Plus, with Xerta's sudden arrival, my mind had been all over the place.
I opened my mouth and gave him a vague answer to avoid being caught in a lie."I made quite a scene at Remy's coming-of-age party, so... I thought this might be a way to make up for it," I said.
He went quiet. Did he see through my lie? I hoped not."I also invited Cynthia," I added.
Keith still looked deep in thought—maybe he couldn't believe I was bold enough to invite her.
"Well then, I'll go get ready. You can help keep an eye on things later, Keith."
After I finished dressing up, I saw Keith setting up tables and chairs. He had even asked the cooks to prepare snacks.'Keith really is so competent.'I felt guilty for lying to him. He had even dressed neatly. He glanced at me and seemed amazed.
"How do I look? Pretty, right?" I asked quickly.
"Ah… yes. It suits you very well," he replied, his face turning red. And to think, I had only dressed rather simply today.
Soon after, the other carriages arrived—Remy first, then her friends Charlotta, Aries, and Krova.
"A tea party in the garden was the right call. Yours is beautiful, Leyla," said Remy.If she knew I had pictures of her at various places with multiple men, she might've turned pale.
"I agree. Please come in, Remy."
Lastly, I saw Cynthia's carriage arrive. She stepped down, someone stepped out and offered his hand to help Cynthia down, he is magician by her side—if I remembered right, his name was Lord Epsilon.
"I see you've made a wise decision, Leyla. A sign of maturity, hosting a tea party. Truly unpredictable." Cynthia spoke with that signature mocking tone of hers.She'd never know that this entire idea came from the very man she claims as her fiancé.
"I just want to get to know people my age better. It's good to deepen our bonds. I'm glad you decided to come, Duchess." I chose words I knew would please her.I could tell even she didn't expect me to use flattery.
I then guided them to their seats, and from the corner of my eye, I saw Keith watching me.I hoped he wouldn't get caught in the mess I was planning.But I also knew Cynthia would be scheming something to humiliate me as the host.
I asked the maids to serve sweets and tea. The guests seemed satisfied.I noticed many of the sweets were my favorites—Keith must've been overly enthusiastic.
I saw the mage pull out a chair for Cynthia and caught him glancing at Keith."Shouldn't you socialize with men your age too, Epsilon?" Cynthia said softly.
As I suspected, this woman was trying to create a situation to separate Keith from me. And humiliate me, of course. I hated how clearly I could read her intentions.
'If that's the game you want to play, I'll play too, Cynthia.'
"That's a great idea, Keith." I waved at him and gestured with my mouth, mouthing, "Take him for a walk."From afar, Keith clearly shook his head and even crossed his arms in refusal.
Then Epsilon spoke up, "No need, I must remain close to Lady Cynthia at all times."
"It's fine, Epsilon. Do as I say." Then she whispered something to him.Their relationship seemed unusually close.
After that, Epsilon nodded reluctantly and walked toward Keith. Keith looked far from thrilled.
Soon they walked away together, and I noticed how natural their banter was. Have they met before? I thought their first meeting was at Remy's party.
"Isn't this the perfect time for you to begin whatever you planned, Lady Leyla?" Cynthia's snide remark snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Ah, right… Please, enjoy the tea and sweets." I said.
"Wouldn't it be better if you properly apologized to Lady Remy first?"
This woman always knew how to make me feel guilty. But I wasn't going to follow her commands.
"About that, I think it's better if we just forgive each other. Isn't that right, Remy?"I smiled at Remy and whispered, "You did talk rather crudely about me and my knight. Let's just call it even."
Remy looked offended. She sipped her tea, then loudly said to everyone,"Let's just relax and enjoy the sweets Lady Leyla has prepared."
"You're right," Aries added shortly.
Cynthia also sipped her tea and eyed the sweets. Then she frowned."Aren't there a lot of almond-based treats?"
"Ah… I do like those. I guess the kitchen made a bit too much."
It was probably Keith who told the cooks to make extra of my favorites.
"Did you do this on purpose?"
"What?" Cynthia's face was full of displeasure.
"Don't you know I'm allergic to nuts? Or are you trying to poison me?" With those words, all eyes turned to me.
"Can I hear your explanation, Leyla?"
"I-I…" It was hard to speak. I hated being stared at like this.
"I feel like you never intended to host us properly."
"Kyaa…!" Suddenly I felt hot tea spill on my clothes and skin. I jumped up in shock.
"There's even a bug in the tea!" Charlotta screamed.
"Really? Ugh… I just drank it," Remy said in disgust.
What was going on? How could this be happening? Had they all conspired before coming?Was this another of Cynthia's schemes to embarrass me?
"Leyla… you should've been more careful."
Cynthia put her hand to her mouth and walked over to me."Why are you acting like such a disgraceful woman?" Then she ripped the accessory from my neck. Only then did I notice she was wearing the same one.
What? I didn't even know she'd be wearing the same today…
Shame overwhelmed me. I stood there, my clothes soaked and messy.Meanwhile, Cynthia calmly sipped her tea again. Even after the insect incident.
I saw her throw my necklace to the ground and stomp on it.
Shortly after Remy rose and began shouting, demanding answers about the contaminated tea, my head throbbed. I had profoundly underestimated Cynthia, never imagining she would go to such lengths, especially in my own place. Could it be because she is the duchess? Unable to move a muscle, a fiery burn erupted on my skin, mimicking the sting of scalded tea. Remy's voice, clear and sharp, echoed in my ears.
"At least I'm not a frequent visitor to brothels."Remy stopped mid-rant and stared at me.
"What did you just say?!"
I looked up, my eyes full of tears.
"You sleep with random men even though you're engaged. If your fiancé hears about it, you're done for!"
Remy's face was a mask of fury, her hand a poised weapon. I tensed, expecting the sting of a slap, but instead, a steadying arm wrapped around me.
"Leyla!" Keith's voice, distant and muffled, reached my ears. My heart hammered against my ribs as I wondered whose grip held me firm.
I slowly opened my eyes and saw Xerta gripping Remy's wrist, his expression icy.
"What exactly were you planning to do to my future wife?"