My eyes shined with determination.

Does he think Ill stand by and watch Her Majestys self-esteem be shattered just like that?

Hell see! Im going to treat the distinguished guests well no matter what!

***

Tea time should do the trick, after all its the most comfortable way to entertain guests, right?

Yes. Lets go check the warehouse first. Something might come up.

The handmaiden spoke resolutely like a general as if the enemy was in front of her.

Following those words, we set out for the warehouse.

Along the way, I twiddled my thumbs and thought to myself for a moment.

Emperor, how can you be a person whos so ignorant?

I was spewing out lots of insults towards the Emperor, saying, May you become bald and step on a banana peel while walking. I pray you get hangnails everyday.

When we eventually reached the warehouse, we began looking around and split up to cover different sections.

My hands rummaged through the dust-filled warehouse, scouring for anything of value.

Achoo!

Dust tickled the tip of my nose, causing me to end up sneezing loudly.

No, what the hell! All this because of one man, the Emperor?!

I gritted my teeth, unable to do anything about the situation right now.

When the handmaiden heard my sneeze, she called me from afar.

Charlize, are you alright?

Yes, Im fine. What about you, handmaid?

After responding, I grabbed all the stuff I found, holding them closely as I walked out.

Carried with me were luxurious teacups that were once in vogue a long time ago but now no longer popular, along with pretty teaspoons and forks that need to be thoroughly rinsed.

I later found a seat and waited for the handmaiden.

When she returned, her appearance was not much different from mine.

Covered in dust, she smiled bitterly at me.

..God, we both look like mice trapped in a dust pit, she said as she sighed.

Ill be a moment longer, I want to see if theres anything else we can take with us.

Okay, Ill be here.

But then.

A noble woman whose hair was as bright red as darcey roses, stuck her head inside the warehouse.

Is anyone there?

Surprised, I bounced up from my seat.

I know this voice! Could it really be

Your Majesty?

Ch-oh my God, Charlize! Why do you have dust all over you?

The Empress stood before her with eyes wide open.

Shocked, she immediately took out her handkerchief and began wiping the dust off my cheeks.

What brings you here? I asked abruptly.

Hey! I missed you. Arent I the person you wanted to see the most?

The Empress replied jokingly.

Ha, really.

Im so glad that the Empress wasnt born as a man.

There you go, Charlize, your faces now dust-free, the Empress said with a beautiful smile.

If the Empress was a man, I would have suffered from unrequited love.

Would it stop there? Id maybe even have a duel with the Emperor over the Empress.

Just when I was having silly thoughts about the Empress.

What! Y-Your Majesty, the Empress!

A voice so startled rang out as if about to faint.

The handmaiden who reappeared suddenly, scrambled to give courtesy to the Empress.

G-Greetings, Your Majesty. My apologies for the sudden outburst, you took me by surprise.

Its okay. Im sorry I came in without warning.

The Empress waved her hand to dismiss any perceived ill will.

Are you here to see Her Majesty, the Empress dowager? If so, Ill take you to her.

No, no. Im here to see you and Charlize.

What? Us?

At the completely unexpected reply, the handmaiden was baffled, blinking her eyes blankly.

Yes. Just some time ago, His Majesty, the Emperor said hes going to visit the Empress dowagers palace as soon as the state council meeting ends.

.You heard the news too.

Well, I had no choice but to. He asked me to attend as well.

The Empress, who spoke somewhat harshly, glanced behind her and pointed with a squint.

So I brought tea leaves, tea utensils, and refreshments for this urgent matter.

Behind the Empress was a familiar face and someone who I hadnt seen in a while.

Senior maid Weber!

Senior maid Weber, who was carrying a large bag, smiled affectionately at me.

Hello, Charlize, Weber said with a gentle gaze.

Give me that bag, Ill carry it!

I ran to the senior maid Weber with outstretched arms.

She however shook her head.

Its okay, Ill get it to the kitchen myself.

What? But its heavy, I replied.

Okay, its just that those tea utensils could break if you place them down too quickly or incorrectly, I added.

Still carrying the bag in her arms, Weber grinned at me.

Charlize. If its a heavy burden for me as an adult, how heavy do you think itll be for you as a child?

If you continue like that, youll do more harm than good.

Is that so?

Yes. It becomes a problem when you try to take care of everything on your own.

Although the tone of the voice was serious, I smiled softly without realizing it.

It was because I was touched by how she cared for me.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep