It was the early summer.

While the garden provided shade from the sun, you could still feel the summer heat from occasional breezes.

Since theyve been drinking hot tea from the start, I thought I quench their thirst with cool drinks at least once.

Maid, you may be young but youre very smart!

My hunch was correct.

The guests were ecstatic and didnt hesitate to grab their glasses of juice.

I had wanted something cool to drink but didnt want to be rude, thank god you noticed in advance and decided to make juice, young lady, responded a noble.

Youre very thoughtful! remarked another noble.

While I did accept their compliments, what I thought about the most was.

Can the Empress dowager drink the juice comfortably?

When I glanced up, the Empress dowager was looking at me with an indescribable look.

I gave a big smile to the Empress dowager.

By the way-

..with whose permission, did you juice this precious fruit?

A voice rang out among the guests.

Sure enough, it was the Emperor.

You are the maid of the Empress, the mother of the empire.

The Emperor shot at me with a sharp voice.

It is your responsibility as a maid to not be wasteful and behave properly.

The friendly atmosphere had melted away in a short period like ice cubes.

The nobles who were about to happily drink away stiffened their shoulders and directed their attention to the Emperor.

But instead of that, you decide to waste these precious fruits by having us consume them like this..

The Emperor pointed to a glass of juice with a sullen hand gesture.

You a mere maid, have acted presumptuously, overstepping your boundaries. Have you no shame? the Emperor added as he raised his voice.

Oh, dear.

I narrowed my shoulders and bowed my head.

I-Im sorry, Your Majesty.

Im sorry? The nerve- Do you think saying sorry can offset your arrogance?! roared the Emperor.

The Emperor was furious, suddenly standing up from his seat, towering over me.

I fell to my knees, fairly frightened.

Im very sorry, please forgive me just this once!

Of course, I expected the Emperors lashing out to be unpleasant to some extent.

I didnt expect him to be this angry.

Avoiding the Emperors gaze, I gulped my saliva.

To be honest, it wasnt against etiquette to have fruits that were given as a gift juiced and then serve them.

Whether it was served regularly or juiced, everyone would still enjoy it. So whats the problem?

This just means that the Emperor is trying to cause a stir or nitpicking at this point, getting angry over one minor thing.

Its an issue I or really anyone can have no say in.

On the other hand, the Empress was now staring at the Emperor with a piercing glare.

I was nervous about that on the inside.

Dont fight! The Empress cant fight the Emperor because of me?!

I was still shaking when I heard a voice.

Your Majesty, the Emperor.

The Empress dowager opened her mouth.

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Her voice was like cold water dousing the flames.

Please let go of your anger.

I dont know what you mean. Was this maid not displaying her arrogance? In front of all these distinguished guests no less? the Emperor retorted.

The Emperor had jerked his head to address the Empress dowager.

However, the Empress dowager didnt bat an eye and continued.

Miss Charlize made this juice out of consideration for me.

Your Majesty, Empress dowager! Please dont

I bit my lips.

The Emperors eyebrows furrowed greatly.

..She did this because she was concerned for you?

Thats right.

Her Majesty nodded with a composed demeanor.

Its true that I really like lecitan but that was 5 years ago, time flies so fast.

What are you

My teeth are weak now, I cant enjoy lecitan like I use to.

The Empress dowager had spoken up about her condition but everyone else didnt quite catch what she said, they perhaps thought she meant something different.

After leaving my mother unattended for 5 years, I had no idea that she had weak teeth.

And just like that, it ended.

The Emperor returned to his seat.

A stern expression remained on the Emperors face though.

The Duke, who was silent until now, spoke up in a gentle tone.

Well, Im very glad she made the juice.

Duke of Rochester, acknowledged the Emperor.

Otherwise, Her Majesty, the Empress dowager wouldnt be able to once again taste the fruit she enjoys.

Having said that, the Duke smiled brightly.

The Emperor bit his lip and looked around, watching everyones expression.

He did not utter a word.

The nobles only looked at each other, not daring to speak.

The atmosphere of the venue wasnt favorable for what the Emperor had in mind.

I guess its hard to win over people when he treats his mother so harshly.

And I

I feel a little weird.

I clenched my fists tightly.

I wanted to protect the pride of the Empress dowager as much as possible but instead-

Her Majesty laid down her pride to save me from the trouble I got myself into.

In the end, I was of no help to Her Majesty.

After a brief moment, the Emperor sighed and turned to face me.

Very well, if the Duke of Rochester says so.

As the Emperor glanced down at me, he gave me an order.

Get up.

I quickly stood up and looked at the Emperor with his gray eyes.

The Emperor cast a cold look at me.

Since it was an act done for my mother, Ill let it slide this time.

Yes, Im sorry, Your Majesty.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep