“…The blue roses of Nova were quite beautiful this year. It was far different from what I had expected.” (Empress)
“Oh, it is unusual for you to be paying so much attention to that young lady.” (Emperor)
Emperor Constantine said cheerfully, while waving to the people along the road, as he had done on the way.
Empress Magdalena, who was also smiling and waving, replied in an amused manner.
“What’s wrong with liking her. You were also very chatty, weren’t you?” (Empress)
“Yes, I was, indeed.” (Emperor)
The empress smiled and then chuckled.
“Oh, that girl…! I’ve never seen a young lady so wide-eyed with interest and so eager to listen about customs duties and even shipping policies. Her understanding is so deep and wide after just a little explanation. As expected of Alexei’s sister.”
The Empress then excitedly explained that when the girl noticed the patterns on the dress, she was more interested in what country it came from and what culture developed it and also if it would look good on her, and she was also full of admiration for their skills and dexterity.
“If you want to impress the ambassador of that country, you should take Ekaterina to dinner with them. She listens happily and without prejudice to the stories of other cultures, and she has attained such insight at such a young age. I’m sure she will impress the ambassador greatly.” (Empress)
If Ekaterina hears about this assessment, she will bow deeply and say, “I’m sorry, I’m not young at all inside.”
“Hmm. She’s only been out in the world for less than a year, but she’s made amazing progress.” (Emperor)
Normally, Ekaterina’s status could have allowed her to be in and out of the Imperial Castle since she was a child. Even her mother, Anastasia, should have been in a position to make a name for herself in the social circles of the Imperial City.
And yet, she died without being seen for more than ten years. Her husband, Alexander, had spent most of his time in the imperial capital since taking over the dukedom, but nobody believed Anastasia when she claimed that she was being treated with ill will.
It was not hard to imagine that Anastasia and Ekaterina were living an unhappy life, unworthy of their status. The social circles had also cooked up horrible rumours that they had been locked up in a stone prison.
But Ekaterina, whom she met for the first time today, is a bright and intelligent girl, full of spirit to assist her brother and make the duchy a better place for everyone. Her strength of spirit is admirable. It was also funny to see Alexei, who was usually so stoic, show his soft expression to his sister.
“Alexei and Ekaterina, I can look forward to visiting Nova again in the future.” (Emperor)
“Oh, you’ve been enjoying yourself more now compared to last year, haven’t you?” (Empress)
The Empress smiled.
As Ekaterina had imagined, Alexandra was not the kind of person who would bow down to her nephew’s wife.
Even before that, Magdalena and Alexandra were incompatible to begin with. There is Magdalena’s coquettish way of speaking, her big smile, her connections to other countries, her manly skill with a rapier, her commitment to the economy, and her husband’s stature.
Alexandra denied every single one of them, spewing bile words such as “You have no dignity or ladylike qualities. You have no dignity, you have no elegance, you are the most unworthy person in the royal family. I’m sure Peter the Great would pity my misfortune to have to educate such an unworthy member of the Imperial Family” despite Magdalena being the Crown Princess, and while sighing behind her fan covering her face.
Although Magdalena also countered back with her own retorts, “When did you become a tutor? You’ve never realized the importance of working and earning your living, haven’t you?”
