"Today, a new Lady is with us..."
The Queen’s gaze gently brightened as it fell upon Morrigan. While many of the other ladies looked at Morrigan with mixed feelings, Morrigan unknowingly straightened her back.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, it is an honor," Morrigan said with a smile on her lips. The Queen smiled at her appreciatively.
As the Queen took a sip of her tea, the other ladies followed suit, taking small sips. Then, Lady Juliet’s gaze turned to Morrigan, a hint of mockery in her eyes. "If you ever need any advice, you can consult me, Lady Morrigan."
"Thank you, but I don’t think I will need it," Morrigan replied with a stern look. "I have received the necessary training."
Lady Juliet’s eyes sparkled with a bit of sarcasm. "Yes, I can see that already."
The Queen, after a brief look at Lady Juliet, turned her gaze to Lady Seraphina. "Lady Seraphina, you seem to be wearing less jewelry today?"
Seeing the Queen’s gentle gaze, Seraphina nodded her head. "I’ve decided to adopt a savings policy due to the upcoming Economic Crisis, Your Majesty."
The Queen nodded in approval, a hint of appreciation in her eyes. "Everyone should be as thoughtful as you."
As she said this, the Queen gave Lady Juliet a meaningful look. "After all, we are going through difficult times..."
Many of the ladies, including Vivienne, nodded vigorously. "No offense, but the taxes imposed on the Nobles are really tough on the people..."
"The people can’t bear it."
Juliet and Arabella exchanged looks of disdain. Juliet said, "How long have you been thinking this way? They’re doing just fine."
Playing with the hair that had fallen on her shoulder, Juliet continued, "After all, they are obliged to obey us..."
Morrigan raised an eyebrow. The tax system of the Holy Mary Kingdom allowed Nobles to set their own tax rates for their subjects.
For example, Ashford City, ruled by Vivienne, only imposed a 5% tax, while the Orkney Duchy imposed a 50% tax on its subjects.
And that wasn’t all; if you were a farmer, you had to give 2/3 of your grain to the Orkney Duchy.
This policy was leading to a grain shortage crisis in the winter months, and while the Duke and Duchess of Orkney didn’t care, the Queen and the Reformists were trying to pass a kingdom-wide equal tax law.
But this was nearly impossible because the Holy Mary Kingdom had two Houses: the People’s House and the Nobles’ House.
Any law passed and voted on in the People’s House had to be approved by the Nobles’ House, which was an almost impossible task.
Even the Queen and the Reformists were working together on this, but the Royal Party’s constant pressure on the King was preventing it from happening.
Upon hearing Juliet’s words, Vivienne could only bite her lip.
"Still, I’ve heard that the Mercenary has been seen roaming the Kingdom recently." Arabella’s cheerful voice caught everyone’s attention, including the Queen’s.
Sensing that Morrigan hadn’t heard about the Mercenary, Catriona whispered in her ear, "A former mercenary who hunts Nobles because his dog was killed..."
Morrigan’s eyes gleamed with understanding. Lady Elowen’s eyes narrowed at Arabella’s words. "Has that man finally arrived?"
Morrigan’s eyebrows rose in curiosity as she felt the hatred in Elowen’s voice. Not fully understanding what was going on, Morrigan listened to the other ladies with interest.
"The Mercenary is overrated," Lady Juliet said. "He’s just an old man."
"After all, this is my first social event..."
Upon hearing this, Seraphina’s eyes briefly showed regret, pain, and sorrow, but she quickly masked it with a stoic expression. "Is that so? I hope you get accustomed to it soon, Lady Morrigan."
Morrigan smiled. "Thank you."
"Lady Morrigan, it seems you’ve quickly become friends with Countess Seraphina," Catriona said with a gentle smile. "The Countess is an excellent administrator. Learn well from her."
Seraphina smiled at the compliment. "Thank you, feel free to consult with me anytime."
Morrigan nodded. "I’d like to visit Valmont sometime."
"You’re welcome to visit anytime."
After the ladies chatted for about half an hour, the Queen offered desserts, and the ladies politely enjoyed the sweets.
As Morrigan ate the desserts, her eyes lit up, causing Catriona to chuckle. "I loved the desserts when I first came here too."
Aside from Morrigan, Lady Seraphina’s expression while eating the desserts made Arabella giggle. "It seems Lady Morrigan and Sera have a lot in common."
Even the Queen nodded in agreement as both Morrigan and Seraphina’s eyes sparkled while they ate the sweets. Seraphina coughed and set her desserts aside.
Morrigan continued eating unbothered, prompting Juliet to look at her mockingly. "Is this your first time having desserts?"
Morrigan shook her head. "It’s the first time I’ve had something this delicious."
Hearing this, a small hint of sadness appeared in the Queen’s eyes.
Arabella giggled. "Lady Morrigan, these desserts are something we eat every day."
As Morrigan shamefully put the dessert back on her plate, Seraphina narrowed her eyes at Arabella. Arabella noticed but said nothing.
Catriona looked at Morrigan with kind eyes. "Blackwood’s desserts are famous. I’ll show them to you sometime."
Morrigan nodded, the thought of new desserts making her mouth water.
As time passed quickly during the tea party, an hour soon went by. When the Queen stood, everyone else did the same.
"That’s all for today," the Queen said. "The servants will see you out."
As many of the ladies left, Catriona approached Morrigan. "Take care, Lady Morrigan."
Morrigan nodded and headed to where a young servant was waiting by the carriage. However, when the servant led her to a different destination, Morrigan frowned.
"Where are we going?"
"The Queen requests your presence," the servant replied professionally. "Forgive me for not informing you earlier, my Lady."
"But this is the Queen’s wish."
Though Morrigan didn’t know why the Queen had summoned her, she was pleased at the prospect of meeting with the Queen privately.
Following the servant, Morrigan soon arrived at the Queen’s chambers. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and stepped inside.