Adelaide's POV
Is there a reason why my maids seems overly excessive today? I thought this banquet is for the consorts and not for the empress,
"What is happening?" I asked Sarah.
"It seems the maids are in a heated argument with the maids of the consorts. It's normal since it's like our little entertainment to see which lady is more sophisticated than the other. Don't mind them."
So it's a battle between servants on which lady is the best? Isn't it obvious? Of course it's me since I'm the empress. After I got ready, I decided to seek more information regarding my father's banquet. But from what the knights had told me, my father didn't go through with his original plan,
"Your majesty, it's time."
I sighed before standing up from my seat and walk towards the ballroom, I made sure that Victor and his consorts are there before I did. It's wouldn't be a banquet if I have to wait for them, yes?
"Announcing the arrival of her majesty, empress Adelaide Tagetes Tempest."
The herald bow as I walked into the ballroom, The guests immediately stops whatever they were doing previously and gave me a bow to show their respect to the true ruler of Tempest. The consorts bow as they saw me while Victor remained seated on his seat.
When I took a seat next to the emepror, everyone continue with their usual routine and converse with one another. I watched as the consorts started introducing themselves to the guests.
"You've manage to pull it off, I am impressed. Now, when will I be able to accept my own lover?"
Victor flinched at my question,
"You may do as you wish. But about the official affairs-the consorts need-"
I raised my hand.
"I'll teach them myself. You just do whatever you do best-be lazy."
Victor laughed. This man- doesn't he know Inwas mocking him? I sighed, How did I even married to such a useless man, I mean, he was not as stupid as he is now. He used to be quite a talented swordsman who lead our empire to victory. So how did he became this-
"Who is that woman?"
Here we go again. Did he suddenly fancy another noble lady?
"That is Astoria Aspen, your majesty."
Wait-the rumour flower of Aspen?!
"That woman may be wearing a dress adorned with beautiful jewels and gold but I can see how muscular she is. Expected from someone who came from the Aspen territory."
What does Victor meant by that?
"Your majesty, please refrain from saying such words. Without the Aspen family, the capital would have engulfed in war with the monsters, Although the current head is a woman, she is quite a talented sword master."
Victor hummed. Since the knights commander says so, lady Aspen must be quite talented.
"Like like her forefathers, last aspen is said to be the user of aura. It's rare even in this empire, your majesty"
An aura user?! Huh-did Lady Aspen just made eye contact with me? I was rude for staring but Victor is right. Although she wore a dress, her muscular body frame is quite-
"Adelaide, focus."
I clear my throat as Lady Aspen bow to us. She introduced as herself like a noble she is before excuse herself to enjoy the banquet. One thing for sure- that woman is not normal. The way she look at me and the way he greets Victor is different, Victor may not notice it but I did,
"Such vulgar- just look at how she eats. She lacks the proper etiquette, Didn't she know she has to wait for the royal member to eat first?"
I raised my hand when Sarah commented on her behaviour,
"It's fine. She must be hungry. After all, the Northern Territory is far from the capital. And with the snowy conditions. It's hard for the Northerners to find good food. The lack of traders doesn't help much either."
That is something I need to fix. Even if the Northern Territory is far from the capital, they are still the citizen of our empire. A trader route should be build and I heard in winter there is a lot of casualty because of lack of food, warmth and water.
"Victor, one of your consorts from a land that is near to the Northern Territory, yes? Tell her to meet me tomorrow, I would like to have a word."
Victor nodded.
"Sure. But what for?"
I face Victor.
"Isn't it time for us to take care of the Northerners? The former emperor neglected them but do we have to do the same? After all, they are the reason why the monsters didn't get to invade our land. And since the head of Aspen is here, should we make haste?"
Victor think for a moment before nodding his head.
"Alright, I'll do my part."
Eh-that was easy, Well, that settled it. I smiled as I watched Lady Aspen eats the food like hungry vulture. I find it cute for such a muscular woman eating like a child.
"It seems a group of ladies are approaching her. And here comes he benefactor, Who is that person,"
I asked Sarah.
"That is count Lowenstein's daugther, Lady Jennifer Lowenstein."
I wonder if there will be bloodbath from the two esteemed ladies. But I guess lady Lowenstein knows how to conduct herself as a noble. But I was wrong. I raised my hands at the knights when they were about to stop the fight between ladies.
"Aren't you curious to see how noblewomen brawl?"
The knights looks at me in disbelief. I find it funny to see those sheltered women fight each other while Lady Aspen continues to eat as if her life is depend on it. I turned to Victor who laughed at the sight.
"Look at Lady Aspen, Lady Lowenstein is protecting her while she eats!"
I smiled at Victor, " tell your consorts to handle this. I want to see their performance".