Within a few minutes, ten teapots had been brought out. Not only was the table covered, leaving no space for anything more, the courtyard suffered traffic jam of carts loaded with teapots.

Avril had never seen anything like that before.

By the way, beyond the congestion, she could see an overwhelming number of freshly remade tea sweets being carried over. The kitchen must’ve been sent buzzing like a beehive in an instant.

N-now that they have gone to the trouble of preparing it, I’ll have to drink every last drop…!

Faced with the towering stack of teapots and the chaotic scene before her, Avril steeled herself. She couldn’t afford to waver.  She had come for the sake of diplomacy, and for Dylan. If she couldn’t handle a minor mishap like accidentally ordering too much tea, how could she consider herself capable?

Besides, when else would she have the opportunity to savor such an incredible variety of foreign tea? Thinking of it like that, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.  Her resolve was set.

Oblivious to Avril’s misguided determination, Emilia proudly spread her arms.

“My apologies for not being more considerate! Please, have whichever you like.”

“Yes, I shall drink them all.”

“A-All of them?!” Emilia’s eyes widened from surprise as a shrill exclamation escaped her lips.

Dylan, who seemed to understand Avril’s predicament, stepped in to help.

“I shall have 3 from this selection as well.  Of course, I don’t mind sharing from the pots she has already tasted from. Also, please place some brandy on the side.”

For some reason, Listeard followed suit.

“…Pour me a cup from that teapot at the end. And I’ll have some brandy as well.”

They were two men who knew how to read the room. Avril thought it was a coincidence, nevertheless, she had undeniably been saved and was grateful for their help.

Though by chance, is His Majesty Listeard unexpectedly a good person?

With that thought, she brought the first teacup to her lips.

 “! Such a mysterious floral aroma! How refreshing and delicious!”

“The tea leaves are infused with the fragrance of flowers that only bloom at the foot of the Griney Mountains, a symbol of our kingdom. It’s a special tea for our people.”

“Griney Mountains…! Could it be the Railflower?! The beautiful flower with blue and green petals?”

“My! Lady Avril is familiar with the Railflower! Our kingdom isn’t very well-known to the outside world, I am quite moved.”

“So, this is the Railflower! I remember seeing it once in a book. It was so breathtakingly beautiful! I’m sure the flowers themselves are as beautiful and fragrant as this tea. Its meaning as a flower is ‘sincere love’—fitting for the Kingdom of Claughton!”

“If you’re interested, I can gift you an aroma oil extracted purely from its scent.  This refreshing fragrance is another source of great pride for our kingdom. It also has a unique property, one that prevents it from mixing with other scents.”

“Oh my!”

Even a villainess would get excited when learning something new! Emilia, seeing Avril’s eyes sparkle with enthusiasm, was delighted as well.

“I’ll have some brought to you straight away. And, if you visit the library, you’ll find plenty of literature on Railflowers.”

While Avril and Emilia engaged in their lively discussion, Dylan and Listeard exchanged glances over their glasses of brandy, something neither had originally planned to be drinking at a midday tea party.

For some reason, the tea ceremony began in a much more peaceful way than anyone had expected.

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